Wireless RERC - Papers

Three Wireless RERC Papers Win Best of CSUN 2014

mz22 — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 17:17:16 +0000

Journal on Technology & Persons with Disabilities Volume 2

Publication Type:

February 2015 – The Wireless RERC and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Universal Interface and Information Technology Access were selected among Best Papers at last year’s 29th International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, or CSUN 2014. Both NIDRR-funded RERCs, three papers from the Wireless RERC were named among the best to appear in the latest issue of the Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, with one from the RERC on Universal Interface and IT Access.

The three papers from the Wireless RERC include:

Futures of Disabilities: Is Technology Failing Us? , James White, Salimah LaForce, Braeden Benson, page 119

This paper examines possible reasons why technology may not be living up to its promise for some people with disabilities (including poor policy implementation, low accessibility, cost, disinterest, lack of awareness, prejudice) and describes preliminary results from the first round of a futures-oriented Delphi survey.

Hearing Aid Compatibility of Cellphones: Results from a National Survey , John Morris, James L. Mueller, Michael L. Jones, page 13

This paper presents findings from a national survey research project conducted in 2013 by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) to understand the current experiences of users of hearing aids and cochlear implants with regard to compatibility of their mobile wireless phones with their hearing technology. Data are analyzed for all respondents who use hearing aid or cochlear implant technology, as well as by age and type of aids (behind-ear, in-ear, bone-anchored, cochlear implant).

Wireless Technology Uses and Activities by People with Disabilities , John Morris, James L. Mueller, Michael L. Jones, page 29

This paper presents findings from the Survey of User Needs (SUN), a national survey on use and usability of mainstream wireless technology by people with disabilities. Data from the most recent SUN conducted in 2012-2013 will be presented, focusing on the wireless activities of people with disabilities. Data on the following uses will be analyzed: accessing the internet, text messaging, emailing, downloading and using mobile apps, social networking, using GPS and location based services. Results show that as a group, people with disabilities and use wireless services at rates similar to the general population. However, substantial variation exists in use of some services between disability types, mainly those with hearing, speech or vision loss.

The paper from the RERC on Universal Interface and IT Access is selected below:

Computerized Decision Support for People with Disabilities: Review and Outlook , Yao Ding, Gregg C. Vanderheiden, page 134

People with disabilities often need professional support and advice in daily life decisions such as choosing a job, a health care plan, or an access product that best fits their needs. However many people face barriers to professional support due a large part to lack of funding and lack of adequately trained providers. Recent years have seen many applications of computerized decision support, showing great potential to aid decision-making with populations as diverse as people with disabilities. In this paper, we review the state of the art technology and research on decision support systems for people with disabilities, and point out problems, potentials, and research needs.

These and all of the articles from this issue are available free. To access the full text Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, please click the link below.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist for People with Disabilities

blippincott4 — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:31:56 +0000

Recently published in the February 2013 issue of Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published by the journal for the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), this Emergency Preparedness Checklist for People with Disabilities Information and Education Page was created by Wireless RERC researcher, John Morris and Wireless RERC co-director, Mike Jones. The checklist is meant to aid people with disabilities in putting together an emergency plan and recommend essential items necessary to survive in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist for People with Disabilities

Emergency Communications and People with Disabilities

blippincott4 — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:55:08 +0000

Helena Mitchell and Frank Lucia, WEC co-project directors, visited Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2011 for a series of meetings with FEMA (Office of Disability Integration and Coordination and IPAWS) and the FCC (Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau). They presented findings and recommendations from field trials and focus groups which examined accessible Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) alerts to wireless devices. The results were submitted to the FCC public record as Ex Parte comments in the open EAS and CMAS proceedings. Also presented were preliminary findings on the use of social media by those with access and functional needs. Marcie Roth, Director of DHS/FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, will share information with working groups addressing these topics of concern. View the materials:

Briefing on the Wireless Emergency Communications project to the FCC on April 25, 2011.

Cover letter for ex parte brief filed with the FCC.

Ex parte report on the Wireless Emergency Communications (WEC) project submitted to the FCC on April 25, 2011.

Preliminary results from a survey conducted by the Wireless RERC on the use of social media during emergencies by people with di

There are over 56 million people in America with a disability. Frequently overlooked in emergencies are those with access and fu