ASPREX International Working Group
ASPREX (Assistive Product Explorer)
Partners: EASTIN (The Global Assistive Technology Information Network)
Abstract: The ASPREX project (Assistive Product Explorer) investigated the feasibility of a machine-reasoning system to help identify the assistive products that can best meet the individual needs by considering each person’s goals, circumstances, type of difficulties, level of ability, and life environment. The project was conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020-2021 under its Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) initiative. The assumption was that such a system - if well designed and driven by reliable data - could greatly favor informed and responsible choices of assistive products, and could potentially be used by both service providers and end users to support product selection. The project led to the development of an AI-based prototype called "Assistive Product Explorer" (ASPREX). Within the ASPREX project, an innovative model was developed to represent knowledge about assistive products. Based on this model, a knowledge base was generated for the ASPREX system, including over 2400 knowledge rules related to 65 product categories belonging to WHO’s Priority Assistive Product List (APL). The knowledge base was developed by 6 consultants with expertise in the provision of assistive products who were engaged by WHO for this task. A template was first created and then populated by one or two consultants with expertise in the product area. The knowledge base did not undergo any further review or validation process. The knowledge base can be also read as a set of fact-sheets that can be useful in clinical practice and for educational purposes. Each product fact-sheet is composed of 14 chapters (each related to a knowledge-rule cluster as established by the model): 1)product identification data and overall description; 2)possible configuration variants; 3) optional components; 4) product goals; 5) indicated and 6) contraindicated impairments; 7) indicated and 8) contraindicated environments; 9) other indicated and 10) contraindicated factors; points to consider in 11) selection, 12) fitting, 13) use and 14) maintenance/follow-up. All the fact sheets are available for download from the SIVA and the EASTIN Web Portals. This document includes all Fact Sheets produced within the project.
Year of publication: 2025
Type of document: Projects
Last update: October 2025
Project state: Ended

Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi - Centro "Santa Maria delle Grazie"
Handling Aids - Choice guide for home patients
Editorial data: Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi
Abstract: The introduction of an aid into a person's life disrupts a pre-existing balance - sometimes fragile - in favor of a new balance, which is intended to be positive, solid and as long-lasting as possible. Aids include a variety of products and technologies designed to promote the patient's residual autonomy, to facilitate their movements and the performance of daily functions: - going to the bathroom, - washing, - getting dressed, - helping out at home. The choice of a new aid is a step that often has a profound impact on a person's life: it can impose different ways of carrying out certain daily activities and may require a reorganization of the home environment, family life and care support. The person cannot be left alone in choosing the aid, whatever type it belongs to: personalizing it and learning its correct use is the task of specialized personnel.
Year of publication: 2025
Type of document: Tools
Last update: February 2025

ASPREX Fact Sheets
ASPREX Fact Sheet: Mobile Commode Shower Chair
Editorial data: Portale Siva Fondazione Don Gnocchi
Abstract: Fact Sheet describing the main features of this type of product, including details of its main configuration and possible variants, indications/contraindications for proper adoption and use, points to consider in product selection, fitting, use and maintenance, and a link to find information on products available in the market.
Year of publication: 2025
Type of document: Fact sheets
Last update: December 2025

ASPREX Fact Sheets
ASPREX Fact Sheet: Static Commode Chair
Editorial data: Portale Siva Fondazione Don Gnocchi
Abstract: Fact Sheet describing the main features of this type of product, including details of its main configuration and possible variants, indications/contraindications for proper adoption and use, points to consider in product selection, fitting, use and maintenance, and a link to find information on products available in the market.
Year of publication: 2025
Type of document: Fact sheets
Last update: December 2025

ASPREX Fact Sheets
ASPREX Fact Sheet: Static Over Toilet Seat
Editorial data: Portale Siva Fondazione Don Gnocchi
Abstract: Fact Sheet describing the main features of this type of product, including details of its main configuration and possible variants, indications/contraindications for proper adoption and use, points to consider in product selection, fitting, use and maintenance, and a link to find information on products available in the market.
Year of publication: 2025
Type of document: Fact sheets
Last update: December 2025

Steffan I
Survey of the Italian legislation on accessibility
Editorial data: Dispense Corso di Alta Formazione "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: The lecture illustrates the current legislative and normative framework at national and regional level on accessibility of public and private spaces, structures and services. After an in-depth analysis of the concepts of architectural barriers and accessibility and the related glossary (Barrier-free design, Inclusive Design, Universal Design, Design for All, etc.), the lecture explains the issues and the implications on the design process of the accessibility legislation: in particular, DPR 503/1996 (related to public buildings, spaces and services); DM 236/1989 (connected to accessibility, visitability and adaptability of private buildings and public housing, that has become the technical normative reference at national level, for all interventions); law 6/1989 of Region Lombardia and finally those articles of DPR 380/2001 (the main law in the construction field) that have an influence on accessibility.
Year of publication: 2018
Type of document: Lectures
Last update: February 2018

Waaijer E, Guthknecht T, Muir M, Hallström K
Arjountleigh Guidebook for Architects and Planners
Editorial data: Arjohuntleigh, Malmoe 2014
Abstract: For over 60 years ArjoHuntleigh has been assisting architects, nursing staff and experts in patients safe handling to develop guidelines for the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities. In 1996 the company gathered its knowledge and experience in the first ArjoHuntleigh guide for architects and designers. Here you can download the IV edition of the guide, which is divided into four sections: Introduction, Planning strategies, Applying concepts, Delivering effective care.
Year of publication: 2014
Type of document: Manuals or books
Last update: May 2017

Fileni G.
Re-discovering quality of life: Salvatore
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 2010-2011
Year of publication: 2011
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: December 2011

Lategana M.
The strength to start again: Davide
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 2010-2011
Year of publication: 2011
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: December 2011

Pirri F.
The prevention of falls of the elderly at home
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 2010-2011
Year of publication: 2011
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: December 2011

Colantoni M F
Bruna, 60 years old. Autonomy in daily life for a person with mental retardation
Editorial data: Portale SIVA FondazioneDon Carlo Gnocchi
Abstract: It was 1959 when Bruna, at that time only 10 years old, the eldest daughter of a family of humble origins, was admitted to a charity with a diagnosis of "severe oligophrenia." Bruna spent 30 years at the Institute. At the age of 55 a Herpes zoster appeared, which tended to become chronic and evolved in algoneurodistrofia of the left lower limb. The continuous and unbearable pain forced her in a short time on a wheelchair and to continuous hospital treatments and rehabilitation programs. This papers explains the reorganization plan of care to ensure a good quality of life for Bruna at the Institute. Research and implementation regarded both structural solutions (access ramps, bathroom adaptations, etc..) and aids provision(wheelchairs, orthopedic shoes).
Year of publication: 2008
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: July 2011

Russolo F
Gabriella, 51 years old. Autonomy in daily life for a person with an outcome of cerebral aneurysm
Editorial data: Portale SIVA FondazioneDon Carlo Gnocchi
Abstract: Gabriella is a woman of 50 years. In October 2007 she was stricken by a cerebral haemorrhage due to rupture of aneurysm. This event led to very serious motor and cognitive damages: Gabriella remains paretic in all 4 limbs, with significant psychomotor slowing, at first carried a PEG.
Year of publication: 2008
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: July 2011

Diozzi L
Mario, 63 years old. Autonomy in daily life for a person with ALS
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: In March 2004, Mario was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. From the moment the diagnosis was announced, Mario and his wife took initiative using the facilities of the National Law abatement barrier 13/89, thus installing a platform lift, and changing and partially renovating their apartment . Mario used both aids provided by the National Health System and creative and smart devices. Thanks to these solutions, Mario succeeded in fulfilling his desire of living comfortably at home and in the neighbourhood, until his death, occurred in July 2006.
Year of publication: 2006
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: July 2011

Tonussi E
Clemy, age 52, motor disability: improving independence at home
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: Clemy is a 52 year old woman affected by spastic-dystonic tetraplegia as a consequence of perinatal suffering. She is completely independent in personal care, transfers and eating. Since her childhood she has tried to be independent in movements, in her personal choices and most of all in communication. Because of a sudden motor impairment, now Clemy can't use her electronic wheelchair any more and she has difficulties in maintaining the seated posture, which causes pain to her. She also finds it tiring to use the PC that she controls with a metal point fixed to her left foot and a standard keyboards with shield. Clemy would like to be independent in calling for help any time she needs to do it. She also would like to take a weight off her mother, who looks after her during transfers and in the bathroom.
Year of publication: 2005
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: February 2005

Betto A
Francesco, age 9, motor disability: improving independence at home and school integration
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) Francesco is a child like many, its one family like many. I have chosen like protagonist of this work because in spite of the heavy diagnosis that accompanies it and that it could make to think next to the uselessness of whichever objective, he demonstrates as it is important in its comparisons that all the been involved persons continue to think next to the realization of participations that help the family in the daily fatigues and that they favor in he emerging of the residual abilities to interact with the surrounding environment and the others. Through the reconstruction of the which trod route ***dalla the family and you give many operating ones been involved, through the directory of the solutions that have been adopted, catches a glimpse itself as it is possible to influence positively on the personal lived ones and the motivations that help to search with stubborness of the result that for how many small can change the own vision of the future life. A postural wheelchair that beyond to ***offrirgli a comfortable position allow it to explore with the look and to observe the surrounding space, a walker that facilitates it in the exploration of the environment, a studied project in order to eliminate the architectural barriers of the room, a chair from shower that renders to the mother the treatment of its person less hard, a chair and a table that allows it to be seated to school like the other companions are assistive devices of simple ***reperibilità tu that are found important in order to catch up common objectives of life to all we.
Year of publication: 2005
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: May 2013

D'Amato C
Filomena, age 102, motor disability: improving independence at home
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) Filomena has exceeded the 102 years. After a working life (she has been collaborating domestic servant in a family of which he has known five generations) during which he does not have the accused never serious problems of health, widow and without sons, to the age 98 years old, he has left the house in which he had withdrawn itself from retired in order moving itself in in young of the family which had always worked. This work regards the put project of life to point for Filomena, from shared she, which considered in relation to expectable the progressive degradation of the motor functions in the biological process of ***senescenza and to manifesting themselves, in the time, also of cognitive deficits you. ***Sensibilizzata the family that had meant to have treatment of the old to the problems which meeting would have gone, has been necessary to adopt of the practical sagacities us on the ***sistemazione of the new habitat and to supply some essential assistive devices. The indicated assistive devices have been: the height-adjustable orthopedic bed to two hinges, the antidecubitus mattress to compressed air, the wheelchair to ***autospinta, then equipped with antidecubitus pillow, the chair to comfortable and, subsequently, the stool for the shower cabinet and the support in order to raise ***dal the bed
Year of publication: 2005
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: December 2005

Sponza R
Matteo, age 55, motor disability: improving independence at home
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) Matteo is married, has a son 15 years old, is sport, loves the mountain, the long walks and the climbs. In the 2000 it comes to it diagnosed the Amyothrophic lateral sclerosis. ***Sin dal our first Matteo meeting has expressed the necessity of wanting to participate in first person on every thing that the cares, it wants to know all in the particular minimums also on the choice of the assistive devices. With Matteo and its family much sincere open has been established endured a dialog and, and of full collaboration. The first assistive devices of which Matteo it has had need have been sticks and springs of ***Codivilla; in according to time they have joined of the minimal modifications acclimatizes them (shackles to the walls of the bath, slide for the access to ***terrazzo) and the supply of one chair bathtub and a rise ***wc. With passing of the months, the motor deficits of Matteo are such to force it in wheelchair, and for the outputs it also comes supplied a stairclimber to crawler tracks. In 2004 Matteo by now passes great part of the day to bed: it comes before supplied therefore a bed electrical worker with a mattress in fiber silicon quarry and then to air, an hoist for the transfers and one personalized wheelchair, and on its explicit demand one comfortable chair. In January 2005, Matteo dies to house its assisted ***dalla the wife and ***dal the ***com'era son its will, having he refused the ***terapuetico fury and the hospital admission in hospital.
Year of publication: 2005
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: May 2016

Sangiani L
Progetto per un Centro Informazione Ausili nell’AULSS 12 Veneziana, Distretto 1 Centro Storico
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica Milano e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 2003-2004
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) The project to institute a Center Information Assistive devices in the Historical Center of Venice is born ***dall' the analysis of the particularitity of its territory, that it opposes to the inhabitants with disability additional barriers, regarding those of whichever city of mainland. The more frequent problems for the persons with reduced motor and/or sensory abilities are the mobility, accessibility to the room and the services and the independence in the activities of the daily life. In the territory the only informative service existing is the ***Informahandicap shop of the Common one that he pursues the objective to favor integration of the persons persons with disability through the information, the guideline and the assessment for the best one I use of the services publics and private-social the presents in the Common one of Venice, with particular attention to the overcoming of the architectural barriers. The Center Information Assistive devices would relatively enrich such activity to the assessment on the technical and computer based assistive devices, in tune with foretold integration of the social services and of those sanitary ones.
Year of publication: 2004
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: December 2004

Caracciolo A
Assistive products for the restroom
Editorial data: Milano: Portale Siva Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi
Abstract: A room you frequently use is the bathroom. This is also an environment full of obstacles for people with disability or motor difficulties. This article focuses on special equipment and useful tecniques for a better use of the elements lying in the bathroom, included those little objects that can make the everyday activities easier.
Year of publication: 2003
Type of document: Not published
Last update: May 2013

Menezello T; Andrich R
Giuseppe, age 68, motor disability: improving independence at home
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: Adaptation of a small bathroom (180x165 cm) through building work on the house structure and choice of two assistive devices (a wheeled shower chair and a hoist) to maintain independence and make the assistance easier.
Year of publication: 2003
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: April 2003

De Lauso L
Alberto, age 72, motor disability: improving independence at home
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: Evaluation of suitable assistive devices for home reintegration with a good level of independence in daily activities and in social relations.
Year of publication: 2003
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: May 2003

Guerri M
Francesca, age 12, motor disability: improving independence at home and school integration
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: Importance of an aid evaluation in order to facilitate the assistance and to allow a correct positioning during the daily activities.
Year of publication: 2003
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: May 2003

Martinelli M
Paola, age 38, motor disability: improving independence in mobility and communication
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: After a severe car accident that caused a severe brain concussion, aids for seated posture and for communication were chosen to facilitate the patient's home reintegration.
Year of publication: 2003
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: May 2003

Opezzo P
Gina, age 71, motor disability: improving independence at home
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: Because of a hemiplegia, caused by a cerebral ischemia, a reorganization of the domestic environment was effected both with building work and with the adoption of some assistive devices. All this allowed reintegration and recovery to the everyday life activities.
Year of publication: 2003
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: June 2003

Vannini R
Nicoletta, age 20, motor disability: improving independence at home
Editorial data: Portale SIVA Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
Abstract: A car accident caused a tetraplegia and required lower limbs amputation. A global rehabilitation program that allows home reintegration and a good level of autonomy in everyday life activities is required. The evaluation of suitable aids and prostheses is fundamental for home reintegration with a reasonably demanding level of assistance.
Year of publication: 2003
Type of document: Case studies/experiences
Last update: July 2003

Vannini R
Una nuova vita a vent’anni: va tutto bene!!! Il caso di Nicoletta
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica Milano e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 2000-2002
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) Nicoletta is 19 years old, from six months ago the ***assicuratrice, lives in family, she is fiancèe from three years and it has a life activates and flood of friends and interests. The 03/10/01, as a result of a street incident, becomes ***tetraplegica and later on the lower limbs come to them amputate both to you. He reaches in our center of rehabilitation after five months of resuscitation. The rehabilitative participation has like objectives the stabilization of the clinical conditions, the resumption of the position seated, the search of the greater possible independence and social integration through: 1) supply of a manual wheelchair with posture system and adaptations necessary in order to allow the ***autospinta; 2) ***tutorizzazione for the upper limbs in order to correct the retraction in bending of the elbows and the attitude in ***dorsiflessione of the wrists; 3) ***protesizzazione for the lower limbs; 4) search of strategies in order to allow the activities of the daily life (***a.d.l.); 5) search of strategies in order to allow the use of the computer and the writing; 6) adaptation of the room; 7) search of strategies for the control of the sphincters.
Year of publication: 2002
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: May 2003

Guerri M
Eppur si cresce...: il caso di Francesca
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica Milano e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 2000-2001
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) The case described in the work regards a girl 12 years old with spastic tetraparesis and cognitive delay of medium degree, that it needs of attendance. The proposed project has like objective the identification of the problematic ones emerged in their ***evolutività and the attempt of answer that holds account of the solutions proposed and experienced in the past, adapted in the present and projected in the future. To such purpose it ambles it to you characterized regard the problematic ones of external accessibility to the room with the proposal of the installation of an elevator platform, the which bonded personal treatment in particular at the moment of the bath for whose solution has been believed I use it of an hoist for bathtub and for I use it of the WC to a chair from WC, the posture, or more better the choice of the more suitable position seated for this girl that is not in a position to maintaining it neither to change it independently, through I use it of a system of posture highly personalized (***siège), the external mobility through the location of one wheelchair that beyond receiving it arranges of chosen posture, is manageable for the familiar ones. The arguments list to you come dealt following the requirements of the interested subject and those of the relatives who carry out the daily attendance. The characterized solutions are partially manageable from a single individual
Year of publication: 2001
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: May 2003

De Lauso L
Single ad ogni costo! Il caso di Alberto
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica Milano e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 1999-2000
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) Alberto, engineer 72 years old, lives on the second floor of one alone mansion without elevator. Retired from some years, he still maintains an activity of support to the preparation of young engineers and external collaboration with foreigner companies; he cultivates moreover cultural interests which classic music and exhibitions of art that carry it abroad also. As a result of the hip prosthesis operation arrives in the rehabilitative structure in reduced functional condition a lot. The rehabilitative participation is addressed to the restoration of the greater independence and possible emergency of the patient in the domestic within, in the activities of the daily life, in the deambulation, the transfers in external environment, the overcoming of architectural barriers, the interaction with the external world, in the transports
Year of publication: 2000
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: May 2003

Martinelli M
C’è futuro nella vita di Paola
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica Milano e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 1999-2000
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) A street incident has changed definitively the life of ***Paola. The head injury has provoked one hemiparesis right and a moderated cognitive deficit. The oral expression is limited to little words. Familiar desire of an effective communication with and friends has been the reason that has carried to estimate uses it of a personal computer. Moreover the difficulties in the familiar management of the customer have carried to modify the bath, with an adapted plate-shower, and to propose I use it of one balancing wheelchair from transport.
Year of publication: 2000
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: May 2003

Opezzo P
Progetto di sostegno al rientro al domicilio di un soggetto con emiplegia: il caso di Gina
Editorial data: Tesi Corso di Perfezionamento "Tecnologie per l'Autonomia". Università Cattolica Milano e Fondazione Don Gnocchi, a.a. 1999-2000
Abstract: (text automatically translated from Italian) I re-enter to the address, after a period of hospitalization for a pathology that has given to outcome to an important disability (the hemiplegia), is a moment many delicate for the patient and its relatives. Beyond to the problematic ones of psychological nature wired to the acceptance of the new condition, the patient finds itself to having to face problems in the within of the activities of daily life and many functional other asset. ***E' therefore necessary to take part with assistive devices, adaptations and solutions that allow the hemoplegic subject to inside reorganize the own life and the own spaces of the environment familiar (and social). In specific of Gina the introduction of some assistive devices it has allowed to catch up the independence in some ambles to you functional (as an example I use it of the hygienic services) and to reduce the charitable load in others (as an example makes the shower or to exceed the unevenness of the stairs). The considered activities have been the mobility inside of the apartment, assured ***dalla the deambulation with the assistive device of a tripod and peroneal ortheses and ***dalla the manual wheelchair, above all for the external mobility; the personal hygiene, with the introduction of simple assistive devices and minimums adaptations; the overcoming of the present architectural barriers in the building, the stairs, through the installation of one elevator platform
Year of publication: 2000
Type of document: Thesis
Last update: May 2003