An overview of programs and projects at the rehabilitation research and development center

ABSTRACT

The mission of the Rehabilitation Research and Development Center is to improve the independence and quality of life for disabled veterans through the creation and application of emerging technologies. In support of this mission, the Center develops concepts, devices, and techniques for in-house testing, national evaluation, and technology transfer leading to commercial production. This presentation will detail the Center's design/development process and technology transfer strategies using examples drawn from its fifteen years of operation.

REFERENCES

• 1: Burgar, Charles G., Schwandt, Douglas, and Anderson, James, Differential Pressure Walking Assist - An inflatable walking support, Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, 1994 Report, VA Medical Center, June, 1994, p51-52.
• 2: Jaffe, David L., RALPH, a fourth generation fingerspelling hand, Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, 1994 Report, VA Medical Center, June, 1994, p32-32.
• 3: Jaffe, David L., Ultrasonic Head Controlled Wheelchair and Interface, Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, 1991 Report, VA Medical Center, June, 1994, p 105-106.
• 4: Curtis, Gayle E., Jaffe, David L., McNabb, Michael and McKinley, Janice L. Sound Guides: automated wayfinding assistance for visually impaired individuals, Poster at RESNA Annual Conference, Las Vegas, June, 1993.
• 5: Sabelman, Eric E., Burgar, Charles G., Curtis, Gayle E., Goodrich, Greg, Jaffe, David L., McKinley, Jancie L., Van der Loos, Machiel and Apple, L. Gene, Persoanl Navigation and Wayfinding Assistance for individuals with a Range of Disabilities, Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, 1994 Report, VA Medical Center, June, 1994, p33-34.
• 6: Perkash, Inder, Burgar, Charles G., Van der Loos, Machiel, Hammel, Joy, LePage, Pam, Shafer, Dan, Topp, Eric, Lees, David and Teachout, Star The Vocational Training Facility - Interactive employment training for persons with physical disabilities, Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, 1994 Report, VA Medical Center, June, 1994, p30-31.
• 7: Sacks, Alvin H., LeBlanc, Maurice and Jaffe, David L. Bringing Products to Market, Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, 1994 Report, VA Medical Center, June, 1994, p62- 64.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.3 LIFE AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
      Subjects: Health

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Audio input/output
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors