Improving Quality of Life of Families Headed by Parents With Intellectual Disabilities and Their Children by Means of Assistive Social Robotics

Background: Families of parents with intellectual disabilities still face discrimination, stigma and inadequate support, placing them in vulnerable positions. Social assistive robotics offers promising support. This study investigates the possible impact of social assistive robotics on family quality of life (FQoL). Method: An inclusive, iterative and qualitative research design was used, involving a co-researcher with an intellectual disability. Four families, headed by parents with an intellectual disability and children under 12, interacted with a robot at home. Prior to and after the interaction, visually supported semi-structured interviews on FQoL were conducted. Results: The robot had a positive impact on FQoL, particularly in family relationships, work and leisure, as the robot was integrated in the families' daily routines. Other domains were impacted less. Conclusions: Social assistive robotics has the potential to enhance FQoL and support vulnerable families, complementing existing systems. Further research and development are needed.