SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project to be conducted at Words+, Inc. focuses on enabling physically-disadvantaged students to conduct laboratory experiments in the physical sciences. It is designed to test the feasibility of developing efficient computer simulations of laboratory experiments based on first principle mathematical models that can be run by disabled students on personal computers with an absolute minimum of motor input. It combines: (1) state-of-the-art personal computer technology; (2) existing knowledge about dynamic simulations of a variety of mechanical, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and optical processes; and (3) existing technologies developed by Words+, Inc., that enable persons with severe disabilities to operate sophisticated computer software with very little motion--as little as the blink of an eye. The ability to experience firsthand the results of simulated experiments and to control the setup and operation of those experiments will change the perspective of the physically-disabled person in the laboratory from that of a spectator to an active participant. This new capability can serve to motivate more disabled students to seek careers in the sciences or careers requiring scientific background, thus empowering those whose brains function well but whose bodies prevent them from working in more physical forms of employment in their efforts to realize their potential. The famous theoretical astrophysicist Professor Stephen Hawking of the University of Cambridge in England (a Words+ user) is a clear example of a severely physically-disabled person who is making major contributions to science. Software that can be run by the physically-disabled can also be run by the able-bodied, so the results of this project have the potential to lead to software with strong commercial potential. The final commercial products from this effort will be CD-ROM's or other similar media with softwape simulations covering a wide range of scienc e and technical disciplines and distributed through mass market channels to high school and university students around the world. Accurate, first principle simulation is currently used in some industries. Its use in education is both inevitable and can be expected to evolve continuously for the foreseeable future as the knowledge base on which mathematical models are derived improves and as affordable computer resources continue to increase

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from Simulations Plus (parent company of Words Plus) addresses the need for students with a variety of disabilities to be able to conduct laboratory experiments in the physical sciences. The project builds on work carried out during the Phase I effort, as well as on work supported by Words Plus after the completion of Phase I, to develop efficient computer simulations of laboratory experiments that can be run by severely physically disabled students with minimal motor input. The ability to experience firsthand the results of simulated experiments and to control the setup and operation of those experiments will enable students to assume the role of active participants as opposed to being limited to their current role as spectators. This new opportunity should motivate more such students to take a lively interest in the sciences. Being a scientist can be an ideal occupation for those whose brains function well, but whose bodies prevent them from participating in activities requiring more physical proficiency. Professor Stephen Hawking, world famous theoretical physicist of the University of Cambridge in England (a Words Plus user since 1985), is a clear example of a severely physically-disabled person who is making major contributions to science through a single switch interface. Software that can be run by the physically-disabled can also be run by able-bodied students. Whereas the ability of many disabled students to participate actively in the sciences would seem to require the use of simulation software, the use of such software in the education of all students is also projected to be of growing importance. It will enable all students to augment their experiences via personal computer, providing expanded learning opportunities by allowing simulations of situations that are infeasible to present to students because of cost, safety, or other complexities in a traditional laboratory environment.