Inclusive Digital Health through Human Factors and Assistive Technology

The convergence of digital health and assistive technology is opening new possibilities for enhancing communication, learning, and daily living for individuals across a spectrum of abilities. Recent advances in human-computer interaction, such as eye gaze–controlled interfaces, adaptive virtual keyboards, and multimodal communication aids, demonstrate significant progress toward inclusivity. However, major challenges remain in scaling these innovations to diverse populations, addressing linguistic and cultural contexts, and ensuring equitable access for users with severe speech and motor impairment (SSMI), students with learning disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

This Research Topic seeks to highlight novel developments, evaluation studies, and implementation frameworks for assistive technologies that empower users with varying cognitive, motor, and speech capabilities. The aim is to address barriers in communication, learning, and healthcare access while fostering interdisciplinary contributions from computer science, rehabilitation, design, and human factors.

We invite submissions addressing, but not limited to the following sub-themes:

• Adaptive Communication Systems: Eye gaze-controlled interfaces, adaptive virtual keyboards, and multimodal Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solutions for individuals with severe speech and motor impairments.
• AI-Enhanced Personalization: Machine learning approaches for predictive typing, adaptive dwell time, cognitive load monitoring, and tailored rehabilitation strategies.
• Inclusive Learning Technologies: Digital platforms, VR/AR environments, and intelligent tutoring systems supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities.
• Human Factors and Usability: Design, ergonomics, and evaluation methods that ensure accessibility, comfort, and efficiency for users with varied abilities.
• Wearables and Robotics in Daily Living: Assistive exoskeletons, smart wearables, and service robots for enhancing independence and participation.
• Healthcare Integration of Assistive Technology: Incorporation of AAC devices and digital assistive systems into clinical, telehealth, and rehabilitation settings.
• Co-Design and User-Centered Approaches: Participatory design and long-term engagement with end-users, caregivers, and educators in technology development.

Keywords: Assistive Technology, Digital Health, Human Factors, Inclusive Design, Accessibility, Learning Disabilities, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.