Enhancing electronic assistive technology prescription

• Main Author: O'Neill, Peter R.
• Other Authors: Roast, Chris ; Siddiqi, Jawed ; Hawley, Mark
• Published: Sheffield Hallam University 2006
• Subjects: 617.033
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.437418

With the inherent functional flexibility of the computer it seemed inevitable that these machines would be put to use in assisting individuals with less functional ability such as the severely physically disabled. These functions would include Speaking, Writing, Controlling their surroundings and moving within those environments. The software applications which provide these functions have collectively become known as Integrated Electronic Assistive Technology (IEAT). This research investigation focused on the prescription of an IEAT prescribed for a particular individual using the Barnsley Wheelchair Interface (BWI) to enable the individual's function of mobility. The BWI controlled an electric wheelchair via a single switch pressed by the user, using her head and was prescribed using the "Multi-Disciplinary Service Model" process created and described by Hawley (1995).The subsequent enhancement of this prescription, from the model-based analysis of the automatically generated usage data logs, that were introduced by the PhD Research student and are one of the novel features of this work. The chosen method, using the analysis of data logs came about as a result of the PhD Research student's own severe physical disability rendering conventional techniques difficult and in some cases impossible. It is the model-based analysis processes that have been developed during this research and which inform the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) with general information on the prescription, along with comprehensive information on 'Whole System Information', 'Functional Level Information' and 'Interface Level Information', which in all instances had previously been unavailable from assistive technology stakeholders. It is speculated that with the use of these analysis processes (tools) in addition to a software application called "Switch Environment Assessment Tool" (SEAT), in conjunction with the iterative process within the service model, the prescription should be enhanced, resulting in an increase in the user's quality of life.