title: Evaluating a GPS-based transportation device to support independent bus travel by people with intellectual disability.
abstract: We examined the utility of a PDA-based software system with integrated GPS technology for providing location-aware visual and auditory prompts to enable people with intellectual disability to successfully navigate a downtown bus route. Participants using the system were significantly more successful at completing a bus route than were people in a control group, who used a map and verbal directions. Further, when using the GPS-based system, 73% of participants successfully rang the bell and exited the bus at the right stop compared with only 8% of the control group. This finding was observed for individuals attempting to follow a new bus route for the first time and get off the bus at a previously unknown location.
authors.affiliation: AbleLink Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA. dan@ablelinktech.com
authors.forename: Daniel K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Stock
authors.forename: Shane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holloway
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wehmeyer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology*; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D012057:Reinforcement, Verbal; D012984:Software; D055815:Young Adult