A skill evaluator and trainer for disabled people.
In this paper a device is described which (a) objectively evaluates a disabled person's skill in controlling switches, joysticks and other interfaces to electrical devices, and (b) trains the disabled person to use the interface which is best suited to his capabilities. This portable, lightweight device is microprocessor controlled and is called a Skill Evaluator and Trainer (SET). The tester chooses a set of alternative interfaces and sets the controls on the SET. The sequence of target stimuli is randomly determined and the disabled person responds as quickly and accurately as possible to each stimulus. Speed and accuracy of responses are displayed and, optionally, printed. In trials with several patients the SET has performed reliably and provided valuable information to assist the selection of an interface for a disabled person. Performance levels of non-disabled subjects will be measured to assess reliability of performance measures and to establish norms. Validity will also be examined. A standard set of operating instructions will be written, to enable the device to be used by health professionals.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D014910:Wheelchairs