Reference Type: Statute Record Number: 11 Year: 1990 Name of Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Public Law Number: PL 101-336 Pages: 327-378 Sections: 42 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 42 Author: Batavia, A. I.; Hammer, G. S. Year: 1990 Title: Toward the development of consumer-based criteria for the evaluation of assistive devices Journal: Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Pages: 425-36 Keywords: Adult Blindness/rh [Rehabilitation] Cerebral Palsy/rh [Rehabilitation] *Consumer Participation Deafness/rh [Rehabilitation] Equipment Design Equipment Safety Evaluation Studies Female Human Male Middle Age Muscular Dystrophies/rh [Rehabilitation] Poliomyelitis/rh [Rehabilitation] Self-Help Devices/ec [Economics] *Self-Help Devices Sensory Aids/ec [Economics] *Sensory Aids Spinal Cord Injuries/rh [Rehabilitation] Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. *Technology Assessment, Biomedical/mt [Methods] Abstract: The most important basis for evaluating an assistive device is whether it satisfies the needs of the disabled consumer. However, the factors that consumers consider in determining whether a device meets their needs are not well understood. This preliminary study applied a small focus group process to identify and prioritize factors used by long-term users of assistive technology in assessing their devices. A modified version of the Delphi Method was applied to two groups of long-term users--a Panel of Consumer Experts with Mobility Impairments and a Panel of Consumer Experts with Sensory Impairments. In total, the panels identified and prioritized 17 general factors for 11 types of assistive technologies. This study constitutes an initial step toward the development of design, engineering, and selection criteria based on the specific concerns of consumers. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 15 Author: Coombs, N. Year: 1991 Title: Window of equal opportunity - online services and the disabled computer user Journal: Research and Education Networking Volume: 2 Issue: 9 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 14 Author: Burgstahler, S. E Year: 1992 Title: Disabled students gain independence through adaptive technology services Journal: EDUCOM Review Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Pages: 45-46 Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 19 Author: LaPlante, M.; Carlson, Dawn Year: 1992 Title: Disability in the United States; Prevalence and Causes Access Year: 2003 URL: http://dsc.ucsf.edu/UCSF/ Reference Type: Report Record Number: 21 Author: McNeil, J.M. Year: 1993 Title: Americans with Disabilities: 1991-92 (P70-33) City: Washington DC Institution: U.S. Government Printing Office Report Number: p70-33 URL: http://codi.buffalo.edu/graph_based/.demographics/.awd/AWD/AWD.html Reference Type: Book Record Number: 37 Author: Scherer, M.J. Year: 1994 Title: Matching person and technology (MPT) model and accompanying assessment instruments City: New York. Publisher: Webster Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 16 Author: Day, Hy; Jutai, Jeffrey Year: 1996 Title: the psychosocial impact of assistive devices: the PIADS Journal: Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Pages: 159-168 Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 32 Author: Nielsen, Jakob Year: 1996 Title: Disabled Users and the Web: Alertbox Column October, 1996 Access Year: 2003 URL: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9610.html Reference Type: Book Record Number: 38 Author: Scherer, M.J. Year: 1996 Title: Living in the state of stuck: How technology impacts the lives of people with disabilities, City: Cambridge, MA Publisher: Brookline Books Reference Type: Report Record Number: 39 Author: UCSF/RRTC Year: 1996 Title: Special analysis of survey data from the National Health Interview Survey City: San Francisco Institution: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics, University of California, San Francisco Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 29 Author: NSF Year: 1997 Title: National Science Foundation Workshop on Human-Centered Systems: Information, Interactivity, and Intelligence Producer: National Science Foundation Access Year: 2003 URL: http://www.ifp.uiuc.edu/nsfhcs/final_report/toc.html Reference Type: Bill Record Number: 35 Year: 1998 Title: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Code: U.S.C 794 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 48 Author: Edwards BJ, Lewis S Year: 1998 Title: The use of technology in programs for students with visual impairments in Florida Journal: JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS Volume: 92 Issue: 5 Pages: 302-312 Date: MAY 1998 Abstract: Teachers of students with visual impairments in Florida were surveyed to determine their use of various types of access technologies. Each category of device, with the exception of refreshable braille devices, was used by at least 25 percent of the teachers. The majority stated that they were not familiar with most of the devices listed and had difficulty acquiring the training needed to learn devices well enough to teach the students to use them. On the basis of these findings, recommendations for preservice and in-service training are suggested. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 12 Author: Ballabio, W; Whitehouse, D Year: 1999 Title: Ageing and disability in the information society: a European perspective on research and technological development Journal: Technology and Disability Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Pages: 3-10 Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 13 Author: Bosher, P; Brewer, J. Year: 1999 Title: Alternative Web Browsing Access Year: 2003 URL: http://www.w3.org/WAI/Refernces/Browsing Reference Type: Report Record Number: 52 Author: Fossey, M.E.; Fichten, C. S.; Fichten, C. S.; Asuncion, J.V. Year: 1999 Title: Computer technologies for postsecondary students with disabilities. City: Montreal, Quebec Institution: Dawson College, Adaptech Project Abstract: A Canadian study which asked the question, do post-secondary students with disabilities use adaptive or technological computer accommodations to increase their productivity. Researchers found prevalent ignorance about funding sources for AT and lack of funding was the primary reason cited by those that used no AT devices. Screen readers and text-to-speech software were most popular technologies for low vision and blind participants along with portable Braille notetaking devices. Technologies for hearing impaired participants included visual flash software for alert messages, vocabulary expansion software, and subtitles for multimedia presentations. Reference Type: Conference Proceedings Record Number: 17 Author: Johnson, K; Amtmann, D; Zeiler, T Year of Conference: 1999 Title: Applications Of The Internet To The Employment Process For People With Disabilities Conference Name: Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference Location: Los Angeles Date: March 15-20, 1999 URL: http://www.dinf.org/csun_99/session0077.html Reference Type: Report Record Number: 28 Author: NIDDR Year: 1999 Title: Long-Range Plan for Fiscal years 1999-2003 City: Washington, D.C. Institution: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Pages: 40 Date: December 7, 1999 URL: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/1999-4/120799d.pdf Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 31 Author: Nielsen, Jakob Year: 1999 Title: Disabled Accessibility: The Pragmatic Approach. Alertbox Column June 6, 1999 Producer: USEIT URL: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990613.html Reference Type: Report Record Number: 25 Author: NTIA Year: 1999 Title: Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide City: Washingont, D.C. Institution: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Date: 1999 Reference Type: Conference Proceedings Record Number: 34 Author: Paciello, M Year of Conference: 1999 Title: Advanced Accessible Web Page Design Conference Name: Proceedings of the Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference Conference Location: Los Angeles, California Date: March 15-20, 1999 URL: http://www.dinf.org/csun_99/session1001.html Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 58 Author: Paul, W. Year: 1999 Title: The role of computer assistive technology in rehabilitation of the visually impaired: a personal perspective Journal: American Journal of Ophthalmology Volume: 127 Issue: 1 Pages: 75-6 Keywords: Human Reading *Sensory Aids *Therapy, Computer-Assisted *Vision Disorders/rh [Rehabilitation] *Visually Impaired Persons/rh [Rehabilitation] Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 40 Author: Zagler, W.F.; Panek, P. Year: 1999 Title: Assisting the facilitators - interface design and telematic support for IT-based assistive technology Journal: Technology and Disability Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Pages: 129-136 Date: 1999 Reference Type: Report Record Number: 53 Author: Fossey, M. E; Barile, M; Robillard, C Year: 2000 Title: Access to college for all: ITAC Project – Computer and adaptive computer technologies in the cegeps for students with disabilities. City: Montreal, Quebec Institution: Dawson College, Adaptech Project Abstract: This study concerned three groups: cegep students with various disabilities, cegep professors, and individuals who provide services to these students. Their goal was to gather information that could serve as an empirical basis for making decisions regarding the application of computer, learning and adaptive technologies in post-secondary education. Three separate studies: the first was a focus group only, the second a written survey, and the third - structured telephone interviews. Separate focus groups were used for French and English speakers respectively. Participants had multiple disabilities. The cost of accommodations was prohibitive for many participants; participants were not aware of governmental programs to fund this type of assistive technology. Other barriers noted by participants were network, hardware, and software compatibility problems and poor training opportunities. Participants had tendency to "cross-use technologies" – use technologies intended for one disability for a different disability. Demographics such as age and gender were minimally associated with computer related views and experiences. The study found that many service providers are not familiar with adaptive technologies. Concerns from professors were noted surrounding the efficiency of software and hardware upgrades to computers that typically last only 3 to 5 years. Much of the information gleaned from this study was cegep-specific. Writers recommend accessibility advisory committees ensure available resources to students with different impairments. Reference Type: Report Record Number: 20 Author: Harris Year: 2000 Title: 2000 N.O.D./Harris survey of Americans with disabilities City: New York, NY Institution: Louis Harris & Associates Date: 2000 Reference Type: Magazine Article Record Number: 18 Author: Jones, Jennifer Year: 2000 Title: Users with disabilities push high-tech limits Magazine: InfoWorld Date: September 1, 2000 URL: http://www.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/00/09/04/000904hnetrend.xml Reference Type: Report Record Number: 8 Author: Kaye, H. Stephen Year: 2000 Title: Computer and Internet Use Among People with Disabilities City: San Francisco, California Institution: Disability Statistics Center, Institute for Health and Aging, University of California San Francisco Pages: 17 Date: March, 2000 URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/REPORT13.pdf Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 22 Author: Mihailidis, A; Fernie, G.R.; Cleghorn, W.L. Year: 2000 Title: The development of a computerized cueing device to help people with dementia to be more independent Journal: Technology and Disability Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Pages: 23-40 Reference Type: Report Record Number: 24 Author: NCD Year: 2000 Title: Promises to Keep: A Decade of Federal Enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act City: Washington D.C. Institution: National Council on Disability Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 23 Author: NCDDR Year: 2000 Title: Develping an Effective Dissemination Plan Access Year: 2003 URL: http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/dissplan.html Reference Type: Book Record Number: 33 Author: Paciello, M Year: 2000 Title: Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities City: Lawrence, KS Publisher: CMP Books Reference Type: Report Record Number: 9 Author: Rainie, Lee; Kohut, Andrew Year: 2000 Title: Tracking online life: How women use the Internet to cultivate relationships with family and friends City: Washington, D.C. Institution: The Pew Internet & American Life Project Pages: 37 Date: May 10, 2000 URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/Report-pew.pdf Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 27 Author: Bush, G.W. Year: 2001 Title: President Bush's New Freedom Initiative Producer: New Freedom Initiative Access Year: 2003 Type of Medium: Internet URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/freedominitiative/freedominitiative.html Reference Type: Report Record Number: 4 Author: Carlson, Dawn; Ehrlich, Nathaniel; Berland, Betty Jo; Bailey, Nell Year: 2001 Title: Assistive Technology Survey Results: Continued benefits and needs reported by Americans with disabilities City: Austin, Texas Institution: National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research Pages: 17 Date: September 27, 2001 URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/atsurvey-michigan-nidrr.pdf Reference Type: Report Record Number: 2 Author: Coyne, Kara Pernice; Nielsen, Jakob Year: 2001 Title: How to Conduct Usability Evaluations for Accessibility City: Fremont, CA Institution: Nielsen Norman Group Pages: 47 Abstract: The report explains how to conduct usability studies with test participants who use assistive technologies such as screen readers. 40 guidelines to help plan and run usability studies with users who are blind, have low vision, or have motor skill challenges. Includes sample forms that were developed through several iterations and ended up in versions that proved to work well: 1 screening questionnaire for recruiting test participants 2 facilitator script 3 satisfaction questionnaire 4 consent form URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/accessibility_methodology.pdf Reference Type: Report Record Number: 5 Author: Coyne, Kara Pernice; Jakob, Nielsen Year: 2001 Title: Beyond ALT Text: Making the Web Easy to Use for Users with Disabilities Design Guidelines for Websites and Intranets Based on Usability Studies with People Using Assistive Technology City: Fremont, SA Institution: Nielsen Norman Group Pages: 150 Date: Oct 2001 URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/beyondalttext.pdf Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 1 Author: Day, Hy; Jutai, Jeffrey; Woolrich, William; Strong, Graham Year: 2001 Title: The Stability of Impact of Assistive Devices Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation Volume: 23 Issue: 9 Pages: 400-404 Abstract: Purpose: Abandonment of an assistive device (AD) is a frustrating issue yet is very common. An important reason for abandonment is that the device fails to improve the quality of life of the adopter. Method: By means of a new questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) the impact onquality of life of any AD can be measured.This study tested the hypothesis that the impact of the adoption of an AD would wane with time, as the user becomes more adapted to the AD. The study attempted to do a one year follow up on all patients at a leading Canadian clinic who had received ® rst-time prescriptions for eyeglasses. Results : The results showed that the positive impact, present on adoption, did not diminish signi® cantly for those who retained the use of the device. Conclusion: The PIADS provides clinicians with a reliable and economical method for assessing the role of psychosocial factors in the retention or abandonment of an AD. URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/piad-stability.pdf Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 45 Author: Day, H., Jutai, J. WILLIAM WOOLRICH and; STRONG, GRAHAM Year: 2001 Title: The Stability of impact of assistive devices Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation Volume: 23 Issue: 9 Pages: 400-404 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 50 Author: Fichten, C.; Asuncion, J.V.; Barile, M; Fossey, M. E; Robillard, C; Wolforth, J. Year: 2001 Title: Computer technologies for postsecondary students with dissabilities II: Resources and recommendations for postsecondary service providers. Journal: Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Pages: 59-82 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 51 Author: Fichten, C. S.; Asuncion, J.V.; Barile, M; Fossey, M. E; Robillard, C Year: 2001 Title: Computer technologies for postsecondary students with disabilites I: Comparison of student and service provider perspectives. Journal: Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Pages: 28-58 URL: http://Adaptech.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/pubs/jpdsci..htm Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 57 Author: Luft, P.; Rumrill, P.; Snyder, J. L.; Hennessey, M. Year: 2001 Title: Transition strategies for youths with sensory impairments: Educational, vocational and independent living considerations Journal: Work Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Pages: 125-134 Accession Number: 12441611 Abstract: Students with sensory impairments comprise a heterogeneous group that is often underserved by rehabilitation and other social services. This underserved status has been attributed to poor interagency collaboration and eligibility issues, the low incidence nature of these disabilities, and the shortage of trained professionals to address the specialized needs of these individuals. This article examines important educational and vocational characteristics of this population to assist rehabilitation professionals in supporting more effective transitions into employment and other adult roles. Specific transition considerations include unique learning challenges, assessment issues, assistive technology, and accommodations. The article concludes with strategies for transition planning, community integration, and evaluating transition outcomes. Notes: 1051-9815 Journal article URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12441611 Author Address: Kent State University, Department of Educational Foundations and Special Services, 405 White Hall, Kent, OH, USA 44242-0001. Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 30 Author: Nielsen, Jakob Year: 2001 Title: Beyond Accessibility: Treating Users with Disabilities as People Producer: USEIT Alertbox Column Access Year: 2003 URL: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20011111.html Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 10 Author: Scherer, Marcia J.; CUSHMAN, Laura A. Year: 2001 Title: Measuring subjective quality of life following spinal cord injury: a validation study of the assistive technology device predisposition assessment Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation Volume: 23 Issue: 9 Pages: 387-393 Date: 2001 Abstract: Purpose: Assesses the validity of a subset of items of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA) as a measure of quality of life (QOL) for persons with new spinal cord injury. Method: Subjects completed the ATD PA QOL subset, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) while in acute rehabilitation. The internal reliability of the QOL subset of the ATD PA was assessed. Concurrent validity of the ATD PA’s QOL subset with the SWLS and construct validity with the BSI depression subscale was assessed using Spearman correlations. Subjects were recruited while acute rehabilitation inpatients in a general hospital and consisted of twenty persons with newly acquired SCI (10 males and 10 females). Results : Signi® cant positive correlations between the ATD PA’s QOL subset and SWLS (and signi® cant negative correlations with the BSI depression subscale) suggest the QOL subset has concurrent and construct validity. Conclusions: The ATD PA’ s QOL subset appears to be a valid measure and, thus, it can be useful both in identifying subjective quality of life and predispositions to AT use early in rehabilitation. URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/schererATmeasureSC.pdf Reference Type: Book Section Record Number: 36 Author: Seelman, K. D. Year: 2001 Title: An International View on Science and Technology Policy: What About Disability? Editor: Albrecht, G.L.; Seelman, K.D. ; Bury, M. Book Title: Handbook of Disability Studies Publisher: Sage Press Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 41 Author: Abner GH, Lahm EA Year: 2002 Title: Implementation of assistive technology with students who are visually impaired: Teachers' readiness Journal: J VISUAL IMPAIR BLIN Volume: 96 Issue: 2 Pages: 98-105 Date: FEB 2002 Abstract: Teachers of students of visual impairments in Kentucky were surveyed to identify the current assistive technologies their students were using and to identify the teachers' possible unmet training needs. Although the teachers had access to and used computer-based technologies, they lacked the training and support for teaching specific technologies to their students, so only half their students used these technologies. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 44 Author: Butler SE, Crudden A, Sansing WK, et al. Year: 2002 Title: Employment barriers: Access to assistive technology and research needs Journal: J VISUAL IMPAIR BLIN Volume: 96 Issue: 9 Pages: 664-667 Date: SEP 2002 Reference Type: Conference Proceedings Record Number: 6 Author: Carlson, Dawn; Bailey, Nell Year of Conference: 2002 Title: Assistive Technology and Information Technology in the Home Findings from a National Survey Conference Name: 2002 Technology and Persons with Disabilities conference Conference Location: Northridge, California URL: http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2002/proceedings/311.htm Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 46 Author: Day, H.; Jutai, J.; A., Campbell K. Year: 2002 Title: Development of a scale to measure the psychosocial impact of assistive devices: lessons learned and the road ahead. Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation Volume: 24 Issue: 1-3 Pages: 31-37 Abstract: PURPOSE: In this paper the history of the development and validation of the PIADS is reviewed. Assistive devices (ADs) are extremely prevalent forms of health care intervention for persons who have a disability. There is a consensus that the AD field needs a reliable and valid measure of how users perceive the impact of ADs on their quality of life (QoL) and sense of well-being. The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) is a 26 item self-rating scale designed to fill this measurement gap. The challenges that we encountered are described in attempting to adequately conceptualize QOL impact, and operationalize it in a measure suitable for use with virtually all forms of AD. Current efforts to extend the validation of the PIADS are summarized. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes by suggesting directions for future research and development of the scale. They include a richer examination of its conceptual relationships to other health care and rehabilitation outcome measures, and further investigation of its clinical utility. The PIADS is a reliable and valid tool that appears to have very significant power to predict AD abandonment and retention. It can and should be used both deductively and inductively to build, discover and test theory about the psychosocial impact of assistive technology. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 47 Author: Demers, L. ; Monette, M. ; Lapierre, Y. ; Arnold, D.L. ; Wolfson, C Year: 2002 Title: Reliability, validity, and applicability of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) for adults with multiple sclerosis Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation Volume: 24 Issue: 1-3 Pages: 21-30 Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the measurement properties of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) with respect to test-retest stability, alternate form reliability, construct validity and applicability. Method: Data on satisfaction and quality of life impacts of mobility devices were obtained from 81 community-based adults with Multiple Sclerosis, using the QUEST 2.0 and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). Subjects were assigned to four groups and a second QUEST 2.0 was administered one week later. Groups differed with respect to the format and the order in whichalternate forms were presented. Measures of association were calculated between QUEST 2.0 and PIADS (n = 81)and between QUEST 2.0 alternate forms (n = 48). Respondents' reactions were considered. Results: The device subscale, services subscale, and total QUEST 2.0 scores achieved good test-retest stability (ICC 0.82, 0.82,0.91). Alternate-form equivalence (ICC 0.89, 0.76, 0.91) was lower for services. The positive correlations between QUEST 2.0 and the three PIADS dimensions were fair to moderate for device and total QUEST 2.0 (rp 0.34 to 0.45) and fair with services (rp 0.27 to 0.30). The tool was positively received, with some restrictions for the services subscale. Conclusions: These findings on the psychometric properties of the QUEST 2.0 reinforce the relevance of the device subscale as an important outcome measure for assistive technology MS users. Further assessment of the services subscale is needed. Reference Type: Report Record Number: 3 Author: DOC Year: 2002 Title: A Nation Online: How Americans are expanding their use of the Internet City: Washington, D.C. Institution: U.S. Department of Commerce Pages: 98 Date: February, 2002 Abstract: Few technologies have spread as quickly, or become so widely used, as computers and the Internet. These information technologies are rapidly becoming common fixtures of modern social and economic life, opening opportunities and new avenues for many Americans. A Nation Online: How Americans Are Expanding Their Use of the Internet shows the rapidly growing use of new information technologies across all demographic groups and geographic regions. Not only are many more Americans using the Internet and computers at home, they are also using them at work, school, and other locations for an expanding variety of purposes. In the last few years, Americans’ use of the Internet and computers has grown substantially. · The rate of growth of Internet use in the United States is currently two million new Internet users per month. · More than half of the nation is now online. In September 2001, 143 million Americans (about 54 percent of the population) were using the Internet — an increase of 26 million in 13 months. In September 2001, 174 million people (or 66 percent of the population) in the United States used computers. Children and teenagers use computers and the Internet more than any other age group. Ninety percent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 (or 48 million) now use computers. Seventy-five percent of 14-17 year olds and 65 percent of 10-13 year olds use the Internet. · Family households with children under the age of 18 are more likely to access the Internet (62 percent) than family households with no children (53 percent), and non-family households (35 percent). · Computers at schools substantially narrow the gap in computer usage rates for children from high and low income families. Internet use is increasing for people regardless of income, education, age, races, ethnicity, or gender. · Between December 1998 and September 2001, Internet use by individuals in the lowest-income households (those earning less than $15,000 per year) increased at a 25 percent annual growth rate. Internet use among individuals in the highest-income households (those earning $75,000 per year or more) increased from a higher base but at a much slower 11 percent annual growth rate. · Between August 2000 and September 2001, Internet use among Blacks and Hispanics increased at annual rates of 33 and 30 percent, respectively. Whites and Asian American and Pacific Islanders experienced annual growth rates of approximately 20 percent during these same periods. · Over the 1998 to 2001 period, growth in Internet use among people living in rural households has been at an average annual rate of 24 percent, and the percentage of Internet users in rural areas (53 percent) is now almost even with the national average (54 percent). · The highest growth rate among different types of households is for single mothers with children (29 percent). · People with mental or physical disabilities (such as blindness, deafness, or difficulty walking, typing, or leaving home) are less likely than those without such disabilities to use computers or the Internet. While 80 percent of Americans access the Internet through dial-up service, residential use of broadband service is rapidly expanding. · Between August 2000 and September 2001, residential use of high-speed, broadband service doubled—from about 5 to 11 percent of all individuals, and from 11 to 20 percent of Internet users. Americans are going online to conduct an expanding range of activities. · Forty-five percent of the population now uses e-mail, up from 35 percent in 2000. Approximately one-third of Americans use the Internet to search for product and service information (36 percent, up from 26 percent in 2000). · Among Internet users, 39 percent of individuals are making online purchases and 35 percent of individuals are searching for health information. Use of the Internet and computers at work has contributed to higher use levels at home. · The presence of someone who uses a computer or the Internet at work in a household is associated with substantially higher computer ownership or Internet use for that household, by a margin of about 77 percent to 35 percent. With more than half of all Americans using computers and the Internet, we are truly a nation online. At work, schools, and libraries, as well as at home, the Internet is being used by a greater number of Americans. URL: http://him1.shrs.pitt.edu/curbcut/task1literature/anationonline2.pdf Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 49 Author: Eggett, CB Year: 2002 Title: Assistive technology needs in public libraries: A survey Journal: J VISUAL IMPAIR BLIN Volume: 96 Issue: 8 Pages: 549-557 Date: AUG 2002 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 54 Author: Goodman, G.; Tiene, D.; Luft, P. Year: 2002 Title: Adoption of assistive technology for computer access among college students with disabilities. Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation Volume: 24 Pages: 80-92 Abstract: PURPOSE: Fourteen college students with disabilities identified factors that influenced them to adopt or reject Assistive Technology (AT) for the personal computer in order to assess the effectiveness of a college course on adapted computer use. METHOD: Forty-eight items were developed for a Q sort to represent both positive and negative statements in each of the three areas of Scherer's' model (milieu, person and technology). The model was modified to include specific statements about the training experience. A series of three interviews were administered to the students during the year following completion of the class. RESULTS: Factor analysis of the Q sorts indicated that the participants had a unanimously positive experience. Three factors ('a positive experience', 'I'm OK, you're not OK', and 'support') emerged from the Q sort analysis. The training programme, the technology provided, and the characteristics of the individuals in the class all seemed to contribute to the success of the experience. Seventy-five percent of the students who took the class adopted at least some of the AT a year later. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the need for specific training programmes and course work for college students with disabilities who are interested in improving computer access skills. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 55 Author: Kapperman G, Sticken J, Heinze T Year: 2002 Title: Survey of the use of assistive technology by Illinois students who are visually impaired Journal: J VISUAL IMPAIR BLIN Volume: 96 Issue: 1 Pages: 106-108 Date: Feb 2002 Reference Type: Electronic Source Record Number: 7 Author: Lim, S.F.; Lenker, J.A. Year: 2002 Title: Evaluating the Clinical Utility of the PIADS with Computer-based Assistive Technology Devices Users Access Year: 2003 Access Date: 1/16/2003 URL: http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/reference/atoutcomes/1_PIADS.html Reference Type: Report Record Number: 26 Author: NTIA Year: 2002 Title: A Nation Online: How American are Expanding Their Use of Internet City: Washington, D.C. Institution: US Department of Commerce, National Telecommunication and Information Administration Date: February 2002 URL: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/dn/index.html Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 60 Author: Schartz, Kevin, Schartz, Helen, Blanck, Peter Year: 2002 Title: Employment of Persons in Information Technology Jobs: Literature for "IT Works" Journal: BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW Volume: 20 Pages: 637-657 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 61 Author: Shone, -S-M; Ryan, -S; Rigby,-P-J; Jutai,-J-W Year: 2002 Title: Toward a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of electronic aids to daily living: evaluation of consumer satisfaction Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation Volume: 24 Issue: 1-3 Pages: 115-25 Date: 2002 Jan 10-Feb 15 Abstract: PURPOSE: It is generally accepted that electronic aids to daily living (EADLs) play an important role in the lives of many people with severe disabilities by providing the means to access and control devices for daily living activities. Despite this, little proof exists to support the contention that consumers are satisfied with relevant aspects of these assistive devices. The purpose of this study was to explore consumer satisfaction with EADLs and investigate the value that people with degenerative neuromuscular conditions place on these technologies. METHOD: Interviews were conducted with 40 EADL users and non-users to compare their views about these devices and their daily life experiences. Users were interviewed twice, six months apart, to establish the stability of their views and experiences with EADLs. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM instrument), the personal profile and Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST) were administered to determine functional levels of participants, gather personal data pertinent to the study of device utility and explore user satisfaction with EADLs. RESULTS: Results suggest that overall consumers were quite satisfied with their EADLs and that this was relatively stable over time. However, some consumers expressed concerns regarding the cost of these technologies and their associated services. Both users and non-users rated EADLs similarly in relation to relative degree of importance ascribed to them. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the QUEST with outcome measurement tools that explore other important dimensions such as the effect on quality of life and psychosocial impact will help service providers to justify the costs associated with the prescription of sophisticated, costly assistive devices such as EADLs. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 43 Author: Blanck P, Ritchie H, Schmeling J, Klein D Year: 2003 Title: Technology for independence: A community-based resource center Journal: BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Pages: 51-62 Keywords: DISABILITY POLICY, DISCRIMINATION, SCIENCE, PEOPLE Abstract: Despite the prominence of the disability civil rights model-with its values of inclusion and empowerment-the majority of social and policy research conducted to date has not sufficiently included the perspective of persons with disabilities in the research process and as uniquely qualified researchers themselves. This article describes a new project, "Technology for Independence: A Community-Based Resource Center" (CBRC). Over a five-year period, the CBRC will attempt to enhance community and consumer-directed disability organizations to design, implement, and disseminate research that promotes access to and use of assistive technology (AT). The CBRC will use strategies such as leadership training, participatory action research, technical assistance, webassisted training, and annual symposia. A primary goal of the CBRC is to increase the capacity of community organizations to conduct research on AT that is scientifically rigorous and relevant to disability services, policy, and law. Copyright (C) 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 56 Author: Klein, David, WIlliam Myhill, Linda Hansen, Gary Asby, Susan Michaelson, Peter Blanck Year: 2003 Title: Electronic Doors to Education: Study of High School Website Accessibility in Iowa Journal: BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW Volume: 21 Pages: 27-49 Abstract: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, prohibit discrimina-tion against people with disabilities in all aspects of daily life, including education, work, and access to places of public accommodations. Increasingly, these antidiscrimi-nation laws are used by persons with disabilities to ensure equal access to e-commerce, and to private and public Internet websites. To help assess the impact of the anti-discrimination mandate for educational communities, this study examined 157 website home pages of Iowa public high schools (52% of high schools in Iowa) in terms of their electronic accessibility for persons with disabilities. We predicted that accessibility problems would limit students and others in obtaining information from the web pages as well as limiting ability to navigate to other web pages. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 59 Author: Ritchie H, Blanck P Year: 2003 Title: The promise of the Internet for disability: A study of on-line services and Web site accessibility at centers for independent living Journal: BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Pages: 5-26 Keywords: SUPPORT, INFORMATION, SYSTEM, ONLINE Abstract: he Internet provides individuals with disabilities numerous tools to live independently. In the convenience of the home, a person can access an abundance of information, an electronic community, updates on the latest disability advocacy news, education through distance-learning classes, and on-line shopping for books, clothes, assistive technology, and a host of other consumer goods. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are consumer-run, nonprofit grassroots disability service organizations at the forefront of the disability rights movement. Providing services to individuals across the range of disabilities, CILs have begun to use the Internet as a complement to their traditional service delivery methods. This article examines the emerging trend of independent living services on the web. The investigation examines 200 CIL Internet sites across the United States during the period of April to August 2001. Information is collected and analyzed about how CILs are using the Internet to provide their services and programs. In addition, the article examines the technological accessibility of their web sites. Implications of the findings for CILs, consumers with disabilities, and disability policy are examined. Copyright (C) 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.