| Abstract [eng] |
61 pages, 2 charts, 2 diagrams, 3 images, 16 tables, 43 references. The main objective of this master’s thesis is to analyze how smart technologies contribute to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, based on both global trends and the specific Lithuanian context. The thesis consists of three main parts: a scientific literature review, a qualitative study and its results, and conclusions with recommendations. The research methods include systematic analysis of scientific literature and comparative analysis, semi-structured interviews with representatives of organizations working with people with disabilities, case studies, and thematic content analysis. This methodology allowed not only to identify the typology of smart technologies but also to reveal subjective factors influencing their use. The empirical part is based on eight interviews with representatives of non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and the business sector, analyzing areas of technology application such as mobility, communication, health monitoring, independence, and social inclusion. The research results showed that smart technologies (mobile applications, digital assistants, IoT solutions, voice recognition systems) significantly increase independence, reduce social exclusion, and promote participation in society. However, barriers were identified, such as financial constraints, lack of digital literacy, language localization gaps, and insufficient user involvement in the technology development process. The main conclusions indicate that the integration of smart technologies is essential to ensure equal opportunities and quality of life for people with disabilities. The study confirmed that smart technologies become an empowerment tool, but their accessibility depends on systemic solutions: financial support, training, application of universal design, and collaboration with target groups. The results of the thesis can be published in journals focused on social policy, technology accessibility, and inclusion, as well as applied in practice when creating innovative solutions for the integration of people with disabilities. |
