This proposal describes a research plan to test, analyze, and evaluate the usefulness of an electronic orientation, mobility, and safety system for wheelchair-bound disabled persons. The research will determine the effectiveness of and identify the best uses for the device in serving two anticipated primary functions: 1) As a teaching and communications tool for professionals to train persons with singular, multiple, and/or severe disabilities; 2) As a permanent or temporary mobility aid usable by persons with these disabilities.The research proposed will involve detailed field testing, analysis, and evaluation of the newly developed and adapted device which uses laster, ultrasound, optic, auditory, tactile, mechanical, electronic, and communications technologies. The ultimate goal of this research will be to provide better mobility, independence, and access, thus improving the quality of life for a wide range of individuals confined to wheelchairs, and who have disabilities such as those resulting from stroke, cerebral palsy, congenital malformations and other birth defects, neurological disorders, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, accidents & poisonings, surgery, arthritis and rheumatism, and all disabilities resulting in blindness or visual impairment.Summary: The specific outcome of this research will be a thorough testing, analysis, evaluation of an electronic orientation, mobility and safety system for wheelchair, scooter, and walker users. The research is anticipated to validate the usefulness of the mobility device for multi_disabled individuals. The research will also identify the most effective uses of the device; the population most benefited; and will include recommendations for improvement.
Keywords: Laser, optics, ultrasound, blind, disabled, wheelchair, mobility, scanningTopic 1: Development or Adaptation of Devices, Mechanisms, or Techniques for Individuals with DisabilitiesSubtopic 1E: Technologies Related to Transportation and/or Environmental Barriers
