One of the key difficulties for students with limited upper extremity coordination is the retrieval of appropriate materials with which to study. Conventional filing systems are not appropriate for use with a mouthstick and attempts at file systems based on the "Lazy Susan" concept present a number of problems including difficulty replacing files and limited file capacity.VME Technologies has designed a unique Motorized Vertical File System (MVFS) which has a number of advantages over other file sy'stems designed for persons with disabilities. The MVFS consists of a vertical stack approximately 10, 9 inch by 12 inch trays which rises out of the work surface under user control. The user raises the unit via push button until the appropriate file is level with the desk surface where it can be easily slid out by mouthstick. During use of the materials, the file system can be lowered into the desk to allow increased desk space within the users reaching area, a prime consideration for mouthstitk users. When the user wishes to replace the materials they are easily slid into the appropriate slot which is first positioned at the same level as the desktop.
Keywords: student, work, desk, vertical, motorized, file, mouthstick, disabilitiesSummary of anticipated results and implications (of phase I and phase II) and potential commercial applications of this research: The anticipated results of the phase I effort will be the design and construction of a prototype Motorized Vertical File System (MVFS) to verify the mechanical viability of the device. The anticipated results of the Phase 11 effort will be the construction of a number of MVFS's and verification of their usefulness with a number of disabled individuals in evaluations in a number of settings. Upon successful completion of Phases I and II, VME Technologies intends to introduce the MVFS as a product for consumers with disabilities.Department of Education Solicitation Number 92-024Topic: Technologies Related to Transportation and/or Environmental Barriers
