Gaze stabilization test (GST) and dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test are functional measures of the vestibulo-ocular reflex which helps to maintain clear vision during head movement. The purposes of this dissertation were threefold; first the reliability of GST and DVA test were examined. Twenty-nine patients with vestibular disease were tested repeatedly using the computerized InVision™ test. Results showed that the reliability of the tests were fair to poor with the DVA reliability better than the GST and the within-session reliability better than between-session reliability. In the second Aim, the goal was to obtain better understanding of the effect of optotype (the letter E) parameters on subjects' performance. The performance of twenty-one healthy young subjects on the GST was examined over a range of optotype sizes and presentation times. Results showed that the optotype parameters had a significant effect on subjects' performance with only one combination in which most healthy subjects were able to accomplish fast head velocities while being able to identify the optotype correctly. An optotype that is 0.30 logMAR above a subject's static vision and presented for 40 msec longer than minimum presentation time is recommended for future testing. Lastly, the preferred combination from the second Aim was used to examine the performance of twenty-two young patients following concussion and compare it with the healthy subjects from Aim 2. Correlations between patients' performance on the GST and their scores on tests commonly used following concussion were also examined. Results showed no significant differences between the performance of patients and that of healthy subjects on the GST. Also, there were no significant correlations between the GST and other measures used following concussion. Results show that the protocol used for the GST needed refinement. Special consideration is to be given to the optotype parameters used since these were found to significantly influence performance. The lack of significant differences between patients following concussion and healthy subjects could be due to the inclusion of all patients following concussion without objective evidence of vestibular involvement. Future studies should use specific optotype parameters and include patients following concussion with evidence of vestibular dysfunction.

The need for assistive technology (AT) extends far outside of the countries where users have the financial capacity to buy them, or there is a social welfare infrastructure to subsidize their purchase. In developing countries, where both technology and financial resources are scarce, AT users face tremendous challenges to find high-quality devices that are affordable. This scenario is in part due to organizations who transfer sub-standard AT to these countries by taking a 'something is better than nothing approach' to a clinically and technologically challenging problem. The goal of this work is to develop and demonstrate AT design and technology transfer strategies that take into consideration the clinical and technological needs of the intended user population. Although other projects have and do take these important user-centered factors into consideration, this work represents the first comprehensive attempt from an academic perspective, where hypotheses are proposed and tested, and design goals are described and evaluated with respect to the final product. The main focus of this work is on mobility devices (wheelchairs, specifically) although many of the protocols and techniques could be extended to address AT design and technology transfer to developing countries in general. The first part of this dissertation (Chapters 1 & 2) focuses on the background literature, and proposes a model describing the important factors influencing the success or failure of a wheelchair technology transfer project. The second part of this dissertation provides a case study in the development of an electric powered wheelchair for users in India. First, an analysis of a commercially available low-cost powered wheelchairs were evaluated (Chapter 3). Second, a study to assess the needs of users in India was performed using a modified ethnographic approach (Chapter 4). Third, the design and evaluation of a novel low-cost electric powered wheelchair for Indian users is described (Chapter 5). The final chapter (Chapter 6) discusses the implication of this work and suggests future directions. The entire drawing-set for the second generation prototype developed here is also included, allowing others to build upon the approach and the design developed here.

The use of mobility assistive (MAT) devices has been pointed out as important factors to improve impaired mobility. The overall purpose of the study was to investigate the benefits of a new MAT device among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This dissertation was based on three studies that investigated characteristics of MAT devices mostly used by adults with MS and the compliance of scooters, popular MAT devices among this population within three studies. The first study was a systematic literature review of research related to the use of mobility assistive technology (MAT) devices among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Results of this systematic review showed that there are limited numbers of articles with higher levels of evidence were found in regards to use of MAT benefits specifically for adults with MS. The second study investigated the impact of MAT devices on quality of life, community participation and satisfaction with MAT devices of this population. We collected information of participants who came to two specialized seating and mobility clinics in Western Pennsylvania and MS support groups. Overall, participants reported an increase in physical independence among participants who received new MAT devices. Satisfaction with MAT device at follow up increased particularly among participants who transitioned from non-wheeled to wheeled MAT devices. The third study investigated compliance of 4 scooter models with ANSI/RESNA standards. Our results suggest that scooters currently available may not meet ANSI/RESNA standards. These results have serious implications to the users who rely on these devices to conduct their daily activities. Furthermore, these results indicate that the regulatory framework to ensure these devices are safe may need to be revised.

Currently there is no model of the development of reading skills currently exists for children with hearing impairments. Using the framework of a commonly excepted model of reading for children with typical hearing researchers have sought to determine how children with hearing impairments develop reading skills. The purpose of this is study was to examine a possible link between two components of reading development, speech reading and language. Participants consisted of 5 school aged children with severe to profound hearing loss with cochlear implants or hearing aids. These children were administered the CELF-4 and a department created speech reading test. Results indicated that children with poor language scores had the best speech reading scores while the child with good language scores had poor speech reading score. Performance on tasks examining syntax proved to be crucial to performance on speech reading tasks.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.