I Can Do It: Exploring Voice Assistants for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Voice Assistants (VAs) are increasingly integrated into smartphones and smart home devices, offering potential support for diverse groups of users. However, limited research has examined how individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) engage with these technologies. We conducted an eight week study with 17 adults with ID and four support workers at a disability support organization, integrating screen based VAs within a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) program. Data were collected through interviews with participants and support workers before, during, and after deployment, complemented by analysis of VA interaction logs and researcher observations. Participants initiated 260 interactions with the VAs, using them for information retrieval, entertainment, and learning, with peer support playing a critical role in sustaining engagement. Some participants experienced difficulties with pronunciation and cognitive challenges, while several formed emotional connections with the devices. Based on these findings, we propose six design considerations to guide the development of more inclusive VAs.