Stephen M. Bauer

Conceptualization and measurement of assistive technology usability

Background. The concept of product usability has been discussed in several areas of product research and development. Usability, within the realm of assistive technology (AT) devices, determines how effectively and efficiently AT users with disabilities can function in different contexts and environments. Objectives. This article conceptualizes and proposes the significance of AT usability and its measurement in entirety from a human factors perspective. Conceptual models that characterize the interaction of the AT user, the AT device, the context and the involved activity is considered to be the hallmark of measurement of AT usability. On that basis, the article highlights the methodology and the initial progress of the development of an AT outcome tool, the Usability Scale for Assistive Technology (USAT), to measure self reported degree of AT usability. Methodology. In order to identify usability indicators for measurement, a qualitative study was conducted by exploring the experiences of AT users. Ten participants who used either wheeled mobility or computer based AT devices were interviewed with questions based on the theme of a usability framework. Results. The coded interview data generated more than 800 usability indicators specific to the two categories of AT devices. These indicators were mapped to a generic usability criteria list for construction of the USAT-Wheeled Mobility and the USAT-Computer Access. Implications. The USAT, when developed, is projected to be valid and useful for AT outcomes research as well as clinical practice. The use of the USAT will enable researchers and clinicians to comprehensively identify factors that underlie effectiveness and efficiency in AT device use and establish intervention protocols to optimize user-AT interaction.

Provision of assistive technology services method (ATSM) according to evidence-based information and knowledge management.

Purpose. This article develops a standardised method for assistive technology service (ATS) provision and a logical basis for research to improve health care quality. The method is ‘interoperable’ across disabilities, disciplines, assistive technology devices and ATSs. Background. Absence of a standardised and interoperable method for ATS provision results in ineffective communication between providers, manufacturers, researchers, policy-makers and individuals with disabilities (IWD), a fragmented service delivery system, inefficient resource allocation and sub-optimal outcomes. Objectives. Synthesise a standardised, interoperable AT service method (ATSM) fully consistent with key guidelines, systems, models and Federal legislation. Express the ATSM using common and unambiguous language. Results. Guidelines, systems, models and Federal legislation relevant to ATS provision are reviewed. These include the RESNA Guidelines for Knowledge and Skills for Provision of Assistive Technology Products and Services (RESNA Guidelines), IMPACT2 model, international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) and AT device classification (ATDC). Federal legislation includes the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008 and Social Security Act. Based on these findings, the ATSM is synthesised and translated into common and accessible language. Conclusion. ATSM usage will improve communication between stakeholders, service delivery coherence, resource allocation and intervention outcomes.

Integrating medical, assistive, and universally designed products and technologies: assistive technology device classification (ATDC)

Introduction: ISO26000:2010 International Guidance Standard on Organizational Social Responsibility requires that effective organizational performance recognize social responsibility, including the rights of persons with disabilities (PWD), engage stakeholders and contribute to sustainable development. Millennium Development Goals 2010 notes that the most vulnerable people require special attention, while the World Report on Disability 2011 identifies improved data collection and removal of barriers to rehabilitation as the means to empower PWD. Background: The Assistive Technology Device Classification (ATDC), Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM) and Matching Person and Technology models provide an evidence-based, standardized, internationally comparable framework to improve data collection and rehabilitation interventions. The ATDC and ATSM encompass and support universal design (UD) principles, and use the language and concepts of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Purpose: Use ATDC and ICF concepts to differentiate medical, assistive and UD products and technology; relate technology “types” to markets and costs; and support provision of UD products and technologies as sustainable and socially responsible behavior. Conclusion: Supply-side and demand-side incentives are suggested to foster private sector development and commercialization of UD products and technologies. Health and health-related professionals should be knowledgeable of UD principles and interventions. Implications for Rehabilitation An ICF-based classification that differentiates medical, assistive and universally designed technology has important applications to rehabilitation practice and public policy. Connecting individual needs associated with diminished functioning to appropriate technology supports efficient and effective rehabilitation practice, with improved individual and societal outcomes. Connecting aggregate needs (markets) to appropriate technology provides a data collection framework to support evidence-based and socially responsible public policy.

Development of the Usability Scale for Assistive Technology-Wheeled Mobility: A preliminary psychometric evaluation

The article describes the methodology and psychometric evaluation of an assistive technology (AT) outcomes measure- ment tool, the Usability Scale for Assistive Technology-Wheeled Mobility module (USAT-WM), as a tool to capture user-centered usability of wheeled-mobility devices. The construction of the USAT-WM was driven by a qualitative inquiry focusing on the experiences of users of wheeled mobility devices. The interview content was coded and nearly 400 indicators pertaining to usability of wheeled-mobility devices were assimilated to construct a preliminary version of the USAT-WM. The content validity of the USAT-WM was evaluated by a panel of clinicians in the field of wheeled-mobility. The findings from the content validation process were utilized to revise the USAT-WM. A field-test of the USAT-WM was conducted by administering it to 70 individuals who used power wheelchairs (PWCs) for mobility. A preliminary principal component analysis of the instrument sections was performed, and based on the item loading a subsequent factor analysis was conducted to establish a 50-item version of the USAT-WM with seven subscales: home usability; workplace/school usability; community usability; outdoor usability; ease of use; seating; and safety. Internal consistency Cronbachs alpha values for the seven subscales ranged from 0.77 to 0.91 and 0.90 for the total score of the USAT-WM. The test- retest and alternate-form reliability of the USAT-WM scores correlated at 0.85 ( p< 0.01). The convergent validity correlations of the USAT-WM with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST2.0) and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) were found to be 0.55 ( p< 0.01) and 0.30 ( p< 0.01) respectively.

Demand Pull Technology Transfer Applied to the Field of Assistive Technology

Technology transfer has generally had little impact on the assistive technology industries serving small, highly fragmented “disability markets.” Persons with disabilities often require specialized, relatively sophisticated technology. Third-party payer reimbursement rates and the low levels of disposable income among disability populations often cap product pricing. Transferring technology to these industry segments therefore poses special challenges. In October 1998, the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer initiated the “Demand-Pull Project on Wheeled Mobility.” Successful transfers resulting from this project demonstrate that a systematic technology transfer process can be successfully applied to industries serving specialized and underserved niche markets.

Promoting a standard for assistive technology service delivery

BACKGROUND: The Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM) is an innovative evidence-based process standard to support the provision of person centered, evidence-based, and interdisciplinary assistive technology services. OBJECTIVE: This paper defines challenges with adoption of innovative practices and discusses strategies to diffuse the ATSM for training, education, and gathering knowledge. METHOD: Important central components for the diffusion of innovations are reviewed to include strategies for transferring the evidence into practice and other outcomes of the process. RESULTS: This paper discusses key issues and challenges to professional practice for assistive technology services, presents data on the current state of practice, and delivers strategies to promote innovative interventions and techniques. CONCLUSION: Strategies to implement the adoption of an interdisciplinary service delivery method must consider provider knowledge and awareness of need with development of tools for effective use of the innovation.

Integrating medical, assistive, and universal design products and technologies: Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM)

Introduction: ISO26000 provides guidance on effective organizational performance that recognizes social responsibility (including rights of persons with disabilities (PWD)), engages stakeholders, and contributes to sustainable development [1]. Millennium Development Goals 2010 state: while progress has been made, insufficient dedication to sustainable development, and inequalities to the most vulnerable people require attention [2]. World Report on Disability 2011 recommendations includes improved data collection and removal of barriers to rehabilitation that empower PWD [3]. Background: The Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM), Assistive Technology Device Classification (ATDC) and Matching Person and Technology (MPT) provide an evidence-based, standardized, internationally comparable framework to improve rehabilitation interventions [4, 5, 6]. The ATSM and ATDC support universal design (UD) principles and provision of universal technology. The MPT assures interventions are effective and satisfactory to end-users [7]. The ICF conceptual framework and common language are used throughout [8]. Method: Research findings on healthcare needs are translated. ATSM applications in support of these findings are presented. Results: National initiatives demonstrate the need and value of the ATSM as an evidence-based, user-centric, interdisciplinary method to improve individual and organizational performance for rehabilitation [including AT] services. Conclusion: Two Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology articles demonstrate ATSM and ATDC use to strengthen rehabilitation services and integrate Universal Design principles for socially responsible behavior. Implications for Rehabilitation An evidence-based framework for the provision of assistive technology demonstrates the translation of research to improve inter-disciplinary rehabilitation practice. A patient-centered approach moves practice from the medical toward the societal model to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation outcomes. Efficient service provision, including the promotion of universal products and technologies, supports sustainable rehabilitation healthcare.

Synaptic Growth As A Learning Model

Abstract In this paper, three S ynaptic G rowth N etwork (SGN) models are introduced. All SGNs described are sparsely connected neural architectures whose principle use is the storage and recovery of binary associated patterns. All SGN models utilize “dendritic domains” that model input interactions on localized regions of the dendritic surface. Selection of inter-neuron connections and domain formation are statistical, non-Hebbian processes modeling biological synaptic growth. Theorems are given demonstrating SGN association storage capacity with respect to the number and specificity of connections, number of active neurons per association, amount of binary noise present during recall and tolerated association error.

The Voice of the Customer—Part 2: Benchmarking Battery Chargers Against the Consumer's Ideal Product

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Evaluation and Transfer is exploring how the end users of assistive technology devices define the ideal device. This work is called the Consumer Ideal Product program. In this work, end users identify and establish the importance of a broad range of product design features, along with the related product support and service provided by manufacturers and vendors. This paper describes a method for systematically transforming end-user defined requirements into a form that is useful and accessible to product designers, manufacturers, and vendors. In particular, product requirements, importance weightings, and metrics are developed from the Consumer Ideal Product battery charger outcomes. Six battery charges are benchmarked against these product requirements using the metrics developed. The results suggest improvements for each products design, service, and support. Overall, the six chargers meet roughly 45-75% of the ideal products requirements. Many of the suggested improvements are low-cost changes that, if adopted, could provide companies a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Assistive Technology, Technology Transfer and Ergonomics:

Assistive technology for people with disabilities is an industry characterized by small companies and small markets. There are significant opportunities for professionals in human factors to contribute to the design and development of the user interfaces for assistive technology products. Technology transfer is a process for applying known technologies to new applications. The term is widely recognized but the process is not well understood. Technology transfers economic advantage is in applying existing technology to avoid the full cost of new research and development. The cost savings of successful technology transfer, offers significant value for small companies and for products with small markets. This paper presents information to facilitate links between the fields of assistive technology, technology transfer and ergonomic design. Participants will and gain essential contact information for the field of assistive technology, and acquire a reference model of technology transfer.