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ANNEX 2: Physical and Complex Disabilities Client Group R&D Priorities: Priority B1: Assessing disabled people's needs for equipment

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

Priority B1: Assessing disabled people's needs for equipment

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Importance

Equipment provided to people with disabilities is often inappropriate and unused. In the worst cases the equipment can cause additional problems. If seating posture is incorrect, for example, not only does the operation of switches or other devices become extremely difficult but the possibility of pressure sores and spinal deformity may be increased. In addition to the personal cost to the user, the equipment itself is often expensive. The assessment of user's needs is, therefore, of paramount importance if resources are to be used wisely and suitable equipment provided.

Research is required to improve the assessment of disabled peoples' need for equipment. Assessment should involve appropriate testing of both cognitive and motor ability. To control a powered wheelchair, for example, requires a variety of skills including the ability to see, the ability to make decisions regarding direction and speed, and the ability to manage the control interface. In order to identify the ideal piece of equipment for a particular client, the client's own skills need to be assessed correctly.

It is possible to develop equipment to facilitate the assessment of disabled peoples' needs. For example, a special purpose device that stimulates essential aspects of driving means that people with disabilities can be assessed for driving ability without actually having to drive a car.

Examples of Research and Development Objectives

  1. To develop improved methods of assessment for communication aids, environmental controls and mobility aids.
  2. To develop equipment to facilitate the assessment of ability.
  3. To assess the expertise required to prescribe, monitor and support the provision of environmental control systems.
  4. To develop intelligent control methods that allow people with severe disabilities to experience mobility and, thus, gain confidence and motivation.
  5. To develop simulators of real world activities for assessment of those activities.
  6. To survey the equipment needs of people with disabilities and their carers.

References

Kember, P. (1991) Strength of disabled drivers and control characteristics of cars. Contractor Report 215, Transport and Road Research Laboratory.

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