The appropriate prescription of assistive technology is a many faceted problem typically involving complex problem solving, accessing technical information, detailed reporting and justification for prescribed equipment. Associated with this is tracking of both time and the progress of the consumer through the system. The combination of all these factors can be very time consuming and costly. As a strategy for dealing with the large amounts of information inherent with this type of service delivery, this project proposes to develop a product which will have at its core an information management system based on a commercial computerized relational data base. A relational data base will be used because of its ability to record, relate and assimilate multiple events and to create reports related to these in a flexible manner. The purposes of the product will be as follows: i) to improve the efficiency of information handling associated with assistive technology delivery systems, ii) provide billing information, iii) provide wheelchair and other assistive technology device information, and iv) to make available data for long term research purposes associated with determining the efficacy of assistive technology interventions.This project will be undertaken by national and international leaders in the assistive technology field.Summary of anticipated results and implications of the approach for both Phase I and II and the potential commercial applications.Phase I:The initial stage of Phase I will determine the feasibility and identify the system specifications using questionnaires and other means to make contact with manufacturers, targeted user groups, computer hardware companies, and programming companies. The middle stage of Phase I will examine the various technical issues related to system specifications: information updating, distribution media and techniques. The final stage of Phase I will demonstrate the concept on a micro scale in order to elicit user feedback to confirm the potential for market acceptance. Phase II: The principle research and development effort will be take place in Phase II and will: confirm the organizational hierarchy for the project; the specific information content; identify robust, modular cross platform programming technologies; develop software modules; conduct evaluation using Beta testing sites to identify detailed features; develop data updating strategies;
