ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131964

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Integrated devices allow users to operate multiple pieces of assistive technology items from a single input device. Through this single input device, users with severe physical limitations are able to operate several other devices such as a wheelchair, telephone, computer, and communication aid. Twenty-four integrated control users completed a telephone survey to ascertain consumer satisfaction with integrated controls. Eighteen were either satisfied or very satisfied with the evaluation for an integrated control, one was neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, two were very dissatisfied, and three did not respond to the question. Twenty were very satisfied or satisfied and four were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the training they received. Twenty-two respondents indicated they were either very satisfied or satisfied with their integrated control device, one was neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and one was very dissatisfied. In general, respondents were satisfied with their integrated control devices. Specifically, respondents were satisfied with the increase in independence and the ability to control other equipment such as television sets and computers. Simplicity, touch sensitivity, and visual/auditory feedback appeared to play important roles in satisfaction.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131965

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

The use of standing devices by spinal cord–injured subjects was investigated through a national survey of a sample of individuals who returned their manufacturer's warranty card to two companies. We obtained a 32% response rate (99/310). The majority of respondents were male (87%) with a median age between 41 and 50 years. Seventy-seven percent were paraplegic and 21% were quadriplegic. Forty percent had between 1 and 5 years experience with their device, and 84% of those responding were currently using their standing device. Forty-one percent used their standing device one to six times a week; two-thirds stood between 30 minutes and 1 hour for each use. Less than 10% of subjects experienced any side effects, such as nausea or headaches, from standing. Twenty-one percent of subjects reported being able to empty their bladder more completely. There was also a favorable response by some individuals on die effects of die standing devices on bowel regularity, reduction of urinary tract infections, leg spasticity, and number of bed sores. Finally, 79% of subjects highly recommended use of standing devices to other people with spinal cord injury. The positive responses of individuals using standing devices is a strong recommendation for die assistive technology community to make these devices more available to individuals with spinal cord injury.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131966

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Studies have shown that the use of a conventional sling backrest in a wheelchair may have a negative impact on the posture and health of users. To avoid such problems, this backrest is often replaced by a back cushion on a rigid surface. However, the use of the latter deprives many wheelchair users of the advantages provided by the sling backrest (easy folding, lightweight, low cost, unobtrusive, simplicity of design). In an effort to maintain these features while providing adequate posture, a new backrest was designed according to specific criteria. The “flexible contour backrest” has been developed so that it can be adapted to a person's back contour with stays, adjustable straps, and curved back posts. Preliminary comparisons done by some experts with commercially available backrests showed that design criteria were reached at 62.9% by the back cushion on a rigid surface, at 64% by the sling backrest, and at 67.7% by the adjustable-tension backrest. On the other hand, design criteria were reached at 80% by the new flexible contour backrest because its design brings together most of the positive features provided by these other backrests (easy to fold, light weight, unobtrusive, airy) as well as providing adequate posture and better fit to the user's morphology.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131967

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Poka-yokeis a Japanese term meaning “error proofing.” Poka-yoke techniques were developed to achieve zero defects in manufacturing and assembly processes. The application of these techniques tends to reduce both the physical and cognitive demands of tasks and thereby make them more accessible. Poka-yoke interventions create a dialogue between the worker and the process, and this dialogue provides the feedback necessary for workers to prevent errors. For individuals with cognitive impairments, weighing and counting tasks can be difficult or impossible. Interventions that provide sufficient feedback to workers without disabilities tend to be too subtle for workers with cognitive impairments; hence, the feedback must be enhanced. The Poka-Yoke Controller (PYC) was designed to assist individuals with counting and weighing tasks. The PYC interfaces to an Ohaus™ CT6000 digital scale for weighing parts and for counting parts by weight. It also interfaces to sensors and switches for object counting tasks. The PYC interfaces to a variety of programmable voice output devices so that voice feedback or prompting can be provided at specific points in the weighing or counting process. The PYC can also be interfaced to conveyor systems, indexed turntables, and other material handling systems for coordinated counting and material handling operations. In all of our applications to date, we have observed improved worker performance, improved process quality, and greater worker independence. These observed benefits have also significantly reduced the need for staff intervention. The process controller is described and three applications are presented: a weighing task and two counting applications.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131968

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

With the steady growth in numbers of older persons, the number of elders who have impairments impacting on functional performance also increases. Many assistive devices are available that have die potential to help elders with impairments to maintain or regain independence. Reachers offer a good example of an inexpensive and useful assistive device for elders. A needs assessment study of the University at Buffalo Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging (RERC-Aging) found that 22% of elder owners of reachers were dissatisfied with at least one of the reachers they owned. This study sought to explore the reasons for this dissatisfaction by, first, determining the tasks for which older persons use reachers and, second, testing performance in these tasks with three reachers selected on their potential to most satisfactorily meet the needs of older persons with disabilities. In the first study component, 16 older people were selected randomly from the RERC-Aging study sample pool for telephone interviews. In the second component, 30 elders were selected randomly for an evaluation of reachers. All study participants were 60 years old or older, lived at home, and used one or more reachers in their daily tasks. Consumer criteria for evaluating reachers included adjustable length, one-hand use, lifetime guarantee, lock system for grip, forearm support, light weight, and lever action trigger. The Winchester reacher was rated highest by consumers who actually tested three reachers that best met the consumer criteria.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131969

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

Telerehabilitation—the use of telecommunications technology to provide rehabilitation and long-term support to people with disabilities—offers exciting possibilities for the delivery and support of assistive technology services. This article describes the experiences of a specialty hospital serving persons with disabilities in exploring telerehabilitation to support assistive technology use in the home. Four case studies are presented to illustrate how telerehabilitation may be used in relation to seating evaluation, evaluation of home accessibility, setup of computer access systems, and training in use of augmentative communication devices.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131970

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

摘要:

In 1995, the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust awarded $2.4 million to support the Ability Program, a statewide initiative to improve awareness of and access to assistive technology for adult North Carolinians with disabilities. This coordinated effort resulted in 11 funded projects, each using a different approach to deliver assistive technology to persons in rural communities. An overall management, technical assistance, and evaluation program ensured coordinated use of the Trust's funds. This paper describes the development and implementation of the Ability Program in North Carolina, accomplishments of program grantees, and results of a comprehensive program evaluation system used to document process and outcome measures. After 2 years of operation, the type and extent of assistive technology services for adults with disabilities in North Carolina increased as a result of the Ability Program.

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131971

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131972

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor

ISSN:1040-0435    

DOI:10.1080/10400435.1998.10131973

出版商:Taylor & Francis Group    

年代:1998

数据来源: Taylor