The Internet of Things Magazine (IoTM) publishes peer-reviewed papers on end-to-end IoT solutions. IoTM papers are written by and for practitioners and researchers interested in practice and applications, such as corporate engineers working to design and deploy IoT applications every day. The technical focus of IoTM is the multi-disciplinary, systems nature of IoT solutions.

Special Issue on Empowering People with Disabilities using IoT and Human-Centered Technologies
Submission Date: 2024-12-15

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, which represents about 16% of the global population, are presently living with some form of disability. Sadly, these individuals are also at higher risk of discrimination, poverty, social exclusion, violence, and abuse. Thankfully, global initiatives are rising to this challenge. The United Nations has set a target to foster social, economic, and political inclusion for all by 2030, regardless of factors such as disability. Similarly, the European Commission’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 seeks to achieve the full participation and non-discrimination of people with disabilities in society.

To face these challenges and ensure a welcoming and accessible society for everyone, investing in human-centered technologies is paramount. The Internet of Things (IoT) offers transformative potential for empowering individuals with disabilities. Technologies designed with the active input from IoT sensors and engagement of disabled communities can lead to the creation of Human-centered solutions that are inclusive and adaptive to various needs. For instance, IoT can enhance physical environments to be more accessible through smart home systems that allow for voice-activated or remotely controlled management of appliances, doors, and lighting, reducing physical barriers. Wearable IoT devices can also aid in real-time health monitoring and emergency response, ensuring that people with disabilities receive timely medical attention when necessary. Furthermore, IoT can facilitate better communication and interaction with technology via customized interfaces that adapt to the physical and sensory capabilities of users, such as gesture recognition systems for those unable to use traditional input devices.

Through a human-centered strategy and investments in IoT devices within everyday objects and environments, we can significantly enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities, creating a more inclusive society. This approach unlocks innovative solutions for collaborative environments, empowering individuals with disabilities to promote their rights and opportunities. Ultimately, by embracing this transformative approach, we tap into the varied talents and contributions of every member, leading to increased stability, balance, and sustainability for all.

This Special Issue (SI) aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to contribute their ideas and work on the topic of empowering people with disabilities through IoT and human-centered technologies. Subtopics of interest include, but are not limited to:

    Sensor technology and computer processing algorithms, to improve safety, mobility, communication, and activities of daily living, etc.
    Tracking technologies and wearable IoT devices, to enhance data collection processes and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
    Accessible human-machine interfaces, featuring voice-controlled interfaces, alternative control devices, and adaptive user interfaces that learn and adapt to individual needs.
    Studies on the social implications of implementing IoT and human-centered technologies for individuals with disabilities.
    Real-world case studies and applications of human-centered communication technologies.
    Cloud-based technologies for telehealth, remote care, collaborative learning, and working platforms.
    Human-robot collaboration into healthcare, education, and workplaces for assistive and caregiving roles.
    Use digital twins to simulate accessibility in the design of buildings, spaces, and products.

Researchers are invited to publish their experimental and theoretical results in detail. Submissions should align with the outlined topics and seek to spark meaningful discussions on the role of technology in fostering a more inclusive society.
Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts should conform to the IEEE Internet of Things Magazine standard format as indicated in the Information for Authors section of the Article Submission Guidelines. All manuscripts to be considered for publication must be submitted by the deadline through the magazine’s IEEE Author Portal site. Select the appropriate issue date and topic from the “Please Select an Article Type” drop-down menu.

Important Dates

Manuscript Submissions Start: 1 August 2024
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 15 December 2024
First Round of Review Deadline: 31 January 2025
Authors’ Revision Deadline: 14 February 2025
Final Decision Notification: 28 February 2025
Final Manuscript Submission Deadline: 7 March 2025
Publication Date: May 2025

Guest Editors

Nagham Saeed (Lead Guest Editor)
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK

Carolina Lagartinho Oliveira
NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal

Abdellah Chehri
Royal Military College of Canada, Canada

Gwanggil Jeon
Incheon National University, South Korea