Go Mission - Supporting Independence for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities

- THE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED -  

Many citizens with developmental disabilities require pedagogical support to navigate their daily lives successfully. This support may include reminders for daily activities, guidance on tasks like doing laundry, and tools to help maintain motivation over time. Addressing these needs is the core focus of the Go Mission app.

The Go Mission App

The app has three primary functions: 

• A visual and simple calendar overview: Helps create structure and predictability.
• Guides: Provide instructions for activities using simple, visual steps.
• Missions: Break down the citizen's long-term goals into manageable tasks displayed in the calendar.

The app enables citizens to maintain focus on their long-term goals while tackling daily challenges. When tasks are completed, the citizen earns a star. Once all stars are collected, the mission is accomplished.

An App Based on Needs

Development of the app began by consulting citizens and pedagogical staff. 

As a first step, Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark conducted a needs assessment, which included visits to two residential facilities and interviews with staff and citizens with developmental disabilities. This provided insight into everyday life at a residential facility and the specific needs of individuals living with developmental disabilities. 

Key discoveries included: 

• Many individuals with developmental disabilities face challenges with reading
  Solution: In the app, users can press and hold anywhere on the text to have it read aloud. 
• People with developmental disabilities use smartphones and apps extensively, similar to the rest of the population.
  Solution: The app is designed as a standard app (available on both iOS and Android) and does not require special hardware. The app is designed with familiar navigation tools to make it user-friendly.
• Assistive devices may sometimes feel stigmatizing or embarrassing to use.
  Solution: The app is visually neutral. 
• Motivating and verbal guidance is encouraging and makes completing tasks more enjoyable.
  Solution: Staff can record audio or video clips explaining how to complete tasks like laundry, shopping, or other activities. 
• Citizens with developmental disabilities vary significantly in their abilities, requiring personalized features
  Solution: The app can be customized to the individual’s capabilities. For example, users can access only the calendar, guides, or missions according to their needs, and they can be restricted from adding new content.

Partners

• Tele Call ApS
• University of Southern Denmark
• Knagegården
• Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark

Go Mission: Part of VISE - Welfare Innovation for Healthy Business Promotion

Go Mission is one of five VISE projects that test and further develop welfare technologies and services to benefit citizens and healthcare professionals. The overall VISE program operates within a defined timeline, ending in December 2021.Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark contributes with new insights into user experiences with the product.