SBIR-STTR Award

The Adaptive Device Locator System (ADLS) from ASI and Hyper ABLE DATA from TRACE are the two national microcomputer databases still being maintained covering a full spectrum of adaptive equipment and technologies. Both systems appeared in the late 1980's, essentially in their present forms, and have been updated continually. a sophisticated but highly intuitive and easy-to-use device classification system based on human development and user goals and purposes. It evolved from a prior print-based version and is the result of 25 years of prior research. Now in its seventh update, ADLS is still in use nationally and overseas. But hardware, software, and communications technology have changed dramatically in the past decade. ADLS, originally designed for Apple II and ported to Macintosh and MS-DOS PCs, has become increasingly antiquated and difficult to maintain and update. Furthermore, only the very small portion of potential users who purchase the product can access it. This project proposes to save this unique and valuable national resource and make it universally accessible to teachers, health professionals, and consumers with disabilities by transforming the entire Locator System database content and program code into a state-of-the-art, multi-level and multi-media, world-wide web site on the Internet.Summary Of Anticipated Results And Implications:When ADLS is fully installed on the Web, the ASI home page will become one of the most visited sites for persons with disabilities on the Internet. Health professionals, teachers, human resource personnel, and consumers will be attracted to the computer access products the company provides. Vendor links will allow ADLS visitors to jump directly to other commercial sites once appropriate assistive technology devices are located. On the WWW, ADLS will be an export leader, focusing international attention on American companies specializing in adaptive technology and promoting international trade in this field. ADLS-on-the-Web will feature monthly infomercials, new product announcements, and other information of interest to consumers. This will generate substantial revenue for the company to maintain the service to the public in Phase III.

The Adaptive Device Locator System is a full spectrum national adaptive technology database. It features a sophisticated but intuitive device classification system based on human development and user goals and purposes. ADL for microcomputers appeared in the late 1980'.s. It evolved from an earlier printed version and results from 25 years of prior research. In its seventh update, it remains widely used. But hardware, software, and communications technology have changed dramatically. The ADLS-on-the-Web project saves this unique resource and makes it accessible to teachers, professionals, and consumers with disabilities by transforming the entire Locator System content and code into a state-of-the-art, multilevel and multimedia, worldwide web site on the Internet. Although all ADLS databases are pertinent to barriers facing individuals with disabilities transitioning from school to adulthood, the entire Locator could not be shifted to the Web in Phase I. To demonstrate scientific and technical feasibility, two most relevant databases (Communication and Environmental Adaptation) were implemented as web resources for anyone with Internet access. In Phase II, we will install the remaining five databases, explore innovative information presentation modes, and promote ADLS-on-the- Web as an extraordinary new resource for persons with disabilities. Anticipated Result Fully installed on the Web, ADLS will become one of the most visited sites for persons with disabilities on the Internet. It will serve the needs of health professionals, teachers, and human resource personnel. Vendor links allow visitors to jump directly to other commercial sites once appropriate assistive technology devices are located. On the WWW, ADLS will be an export leader, focusing international attention on American companies specializing in adaptive technology and promoting international trade in this field. ADLS on-the- Web will feature monthly infomercials, new product announcements, expanded vendor product listings, and other information of interest to consumers. This will generate substantial revenue for the company to maintain the service to the public in Phase III.