A microcomputer training system for electric wheelchair users

The problem addressed by this paper is the need to assess a severely physically handicapped person's ability to drive a joystick controlled electric wheelchair, and the parallel need for training in the use of a motorised chair. The only alternative assessment method is to obtain a motorised chair and place the person being assessed in it. This can involve considerable wasted expense if a chair is bought which subsequently proves to be unsuitable. When an unskilled person is practising using a motorised wheelchair constant supervision is necessary, which can be very time consuming.This paper outlines the development of a computer-based means of assessment and training for motorised wheelchair users. A suite of programs has been developed to run on a BBC microcomputer, which allows the ability of a severely physically handicapped person to be tested. The assessments which can be made include tests of the ability to make simple joystick movements in response to a prompt, and more complex investigations of the skills necessary to guide a wheelchair around barriers and obstacles. In addition to their use for assessment the programs can be used repeatedly for training, and a point-scoring system is included to indicate what improvement has been made.The software has been developed to resemble a computer game to facilitate its use with children, and makes extensive use of the BBC computer's colour graphics and sound generator. The software has been used by a number of establishments and individuals, and some user reactions are included in the paper.