The paper focuses on the development of relatively low-cost microcomputers, which provide a potentially powerful tool for the rehabilitation field. The paper discusses such areas of application as sensory enhancement/translation, manipulator controls, information amplification, special control interfaces to other devices, recreation and…

Analysis of accident rates for 64 visually impaired persons licensed to drive with Bioptic Telescopic Spectacles determined that they were not more likely than controls to have a first accident, but those having one accident were more likely to have additional accidents. They were at fault in 82 percent of their accidents. (Author/VW)

This study measured the light distribution patterns and the decay in light output of three mobility lights that visually impaired persons can use for night travel: the Wide-Angle Mobility Lights, the Streamlight, and the Mag-Lite. Implications are discussed in terms of selecting the most efficient visual aid for particular usage. (Author/JDD)

Some forms of assistive device technology are not available to many disabled children or adults because there is not a centralized system to link the technology with those who need it. This hearing explores ways to promote widespread availability of assistive devices. Examined are types of devices, the costs of such devices, methods of…

Insertion of a dead hearing aid in 15 otologically normal children (ages 4-6) resulted in a mean hearing loss of 25-30 dB. Results suggest that sensorineural hearing losses of 50 dB may increase to 80 dB with nonfunctioning aids in place, compounding a hearing-impaired child's existing communication and educational difficulties. (Author/VW)

Twelve legally blind men tested two night-vision devices: one wide-angle light and one with a high-intensity beam. The study concluded that no one night light is best for all individuals and in some cases a smaller angle, high-intensity light may be more useful than a wider angle one. (Author/JDD)

Signaling devices can help individuals with disabilities call for help, see and feel sound, and monitor what is happening in another room. This pamphlet describes signaling devices within the following categories: emergency, telephone, doorbell, smoke and fire, baby cry and room monitor, light and vibrating, security, wake-up, and child monitor…

The intelligibility of two voice-output communication aids ("Personal Communicator" and "SpeechPAC'") was evaluated by presenting synthesized words and sentences to 20 listeners. Analysis of listener transcriptions revealed significantly higher intelligibility scores for the "Personal Communicator" compared to the…

Word and sentence recognition scores were used to compare the effectiveness of a typical FM assistive listening device, an inexpensive hardwire unit, and the personal hearing aids of 10 moderately hearing-impaired college students. The FM unit performed significantly better. Moreover, the sheltered classroom listening experience promoted wider use…

This booklet provides questions and answers for postsecondary educational institutions concerning provision of access and accommodations to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Questions are about assistive listening devices (ALDs), C-Print technology, real-time captioning, and policy issues. Preliminary information concerns the mission…

This hearing relates to the provision of assistive technology devices and services for disabled individuals, focusing on the need for a coordinated federal effort to assist states in the provision of these services. Proposed legislation (S. 1586, the Technology to Educate Children with Handicaps Act, called TECH Act) would establish assistive…

The bibliography contains about 200 citations related to devices for deaf and severely hard-of-hearing persons and published predominantly since 1975. Selected citations focus on devices which utilize a sense other than hearing. Articles involving obsolete technology are not included unless they appear to have some historical interest. Citations…

A follow-up study of an earlier report on the Wide Angle Mobility Light (WAML) was conducted to analyze the various applications of the device and its reliability. Results indicate high client satisfaction with WAML among test subjects (26 blind male veterans with night blindness, age 32 to 68). (Author/PB)

This brochure explains what a cochlear implant is, lists the types of individuals with deafness who may be helped by a cochlear implant, describes the process of evaluating people for cochlear implants, discusses the surgical process for implanting the aid, traces the path of sound through the cochlear implant to the brain, notes the costs of…

This booklet explains in question/answer form the basic regulatory requirements established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the federal government concerning the manufacture, marketing and distribution of medical devices (including implantable devices and devices previously regulated as drugs) for persons with disabilities. Topics…