A knowledge system for the selection and documentation of rural assistive technology

Steven Andrew Freeman, Purdue University

Abstract

A prototype knowledge system for the selection and documentation of rural assistive technology was developed to aid professionals working with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with physical disabilities. The knowledge system (constructed using HyperCard, an object-oriented-like environment that combines hypertext and database features) consists of a hypertext database of rural assistive technology examples and an accompanying decision support system that helps users identify solution alternatives to meet the needs of their clientele. The prototype database, containing seventy individual articles of assistive technology, was based on information contained in current resources. However, the database was designed to expand the boundaries of the information, in terms of both structure and form, from what is possible in printed resource documentation. This was accomplished through the addition of high resolution color pictures, digitized video sequences of the technology in use, and the indexing features inherent to hypertext applications. The prototype decision support system allows the users to search the database by the proposed application of the technology in order to match possible solutions to the needs of clients with physical disabilities. This was done by incorporating key words into the articles in the database to match the appropriateness of the technology to the client's type of disability, type of agricultural operation, and responsibilities in that agricultural operation. The usefulness of this knowledge system as a novel delivery method for presenting rural assistive technology information to extension personnel and rehabilitation professionals was tested and evaluated by a group of representative end users (U.S. Department of Agriculture's AgrAbility staff members). This was done using a statistical control group study (consisting of two test cases) and an evaluation questionnaire. Using the knowledge system significantly reduced the time required for end users to obtain solution alternatives and increased their confidence in the solutions they obtained. All of the questionnaire respondents considered the system to be easy to use, practical for real life use, and useful as an educational aid. Additionally, the response was unanimous that the knowledge system should be completed and distributed to the programs providing rehabilitation services to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Field, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural engineering|Computer science

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