RERC on Technology for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities

Issue title: Research and Development

Article type: Research Article

Authors: McNeal, Donald R.¹

Note: [1] Funding for research was provided by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education, Grant No. 11133E00O15. Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and should not be construed to represent opinions or policies of NIDRR.

Abstract: The RERC on Technology for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities is located on the grounds of the Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, CA. Funding was initiated in November 1990, and there are currently nine active projects. Accomplishments and expected outcomes of these projects are highlighted, and four of the projects are described in greater detail. These four have to do with improving grip in children's terminal devices, determining cognitive readiness of young children for powered mobility, mainstreaming children who are nonverbal into regular education, and documenting when it is appropriate to prescribe integrated controllers for wheelchairs and other powered equipment.

Keywords: Children with disabilities, prostheses, orthoses, assistive technology, power wheelchairs, mainstreaming

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1994-3408

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 307-314, 1994