title: Integrating medical, assistive, and universal design products and technologies: Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  ISO26000 provides guidance on effective organizational performance that recognizes social responsibility (including rights of persons with disabilities (PWD)), engages stakeholders, and contributes to sustainable development [1]. Millennium Development Goals 2010 state: while progress has been made, insufficient dedication to sustainable development, and inequalities to the most vulnerable people require attention [2]. World Report on Disability 2011 recommendations includes improved data collection and removal of barriers to rehabilitation that empower PWD [3].
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The Assistive Technology Service Method (ATSM), Assistive Technology Device Classification (ATDC) and Matching Person and Technology (MPT) provide an evidence-based, standardized, internationally comparable framework to improve rehabilitation interventions [4-6]. The ATSM and ATDC support universal design (UD) principles and provision of universal technology. The MPT assures interventions are effective and satisfactory to end-users [7]. The ICF conceptual framework and common language are used throughout [8].
  
  
  METHODS
  Research findings on healthcare needs are translated. ATSM applications in support of these findings are presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  National initiatives demonstrate the need and value of the ATSM as an evidence-based, user-centric, interdisciplinary method to improve individual and organizational performance for rehabilitation [including AT] services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology articles demonstrate ATSM and ATDC use to strengthen rehabilitation services and integrate Universal Design principles for socially responsible behavior.
authors.affiliation: Elsaesser Consulting, Saylorsburg, PA 18353, USA. elsaesserconsulting@gmail.com
authors.forename: Linda-Jeanne
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Elsaesser
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bauer
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003199:Computer Systems / Q000639:trends*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004779:Environment Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D008838:Microcomputers; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000639:trends*; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000639:trends*; D013672:Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014481:United States