Smart Environments for All: Introduction to the Special Thematic Session

Smart Environments also called Smart Homes or Smart Houses are often topics of research projects. Some have been and some will be realised. People with disabilities in particular could benefit most from such environments as they offer basic assistive functionalities enabling an increased independence and personal freedom and hence the quality of their life improved.This paper provides a short introduction to the field of "Smart Environments" and to the Special Thematic Session "Smart Environments for All".