Note: [1] The activities of the ASEL are supported by grants from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research for technology research, research training, and system change, from the Rehabilitation Services Administration for the education of assistive technology service providers, from the Nemours Foundation for research and development, and the University of Delaware for expansion of educational opportunities. The ASEL is also grateful for the support of its corporate partners who collaborate on technology transfer, and research, as well as the regional public and private agencies who provide much needed cooperation. Additional information can be obtained on each of the projects described in this article by writing to the individual identified with a specific project: Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories; University of Delaware/A.I. duPont Institute; P.O. Box 269; Wilmington, DE 19899; (302) 651-6830; or by electronic mail on the Internet using the individual's last name: <lastname>@asel.udel.edu
Abstract: The Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories (ASEL) is a joint research and development facility of the University of Delaware and the Alfred I. duPont Institute. The program has evolved to provide comprehensive support for a variety of research projects that seek to improve the use of assistive technology by persons with disabilities. The broad research issues addressed by the ASEL include augmentative communication, rehabilitation robotics, speech disorders, telecommunication, human-machine interaction, and computer access. In addition, major areas of emphasis include assistive technology public policy and undergraduate and graduate education. The underlying belief that the ASEL is responsive to several constituencies promotes an ongoing effort to engage consumers and manufacturers in the planning and execution of research and education efforts. These activities promote outcomes that are relevant to the user needs that define the research, and are likely to be effectively transferred into commercially available products.
