The Adaptive Device Locator System on the World Wide Web

Technical Abstract: The Adaptive Device Locator System (ADLS) from ASI and HyperABLEDATA from TRACE are the two national microcomputer databases still being maintained covering a full spectrum of adaptive equipment and technologies. Both systems appeared in the late 1980's, essentially in their present forms, and have been updated continually. ADLS features a sophisticated but highly intuitive and easy-to-use device classification system based on human development and user goals and purposes. It evolved from a prior print-based version and is the result of 25 years of prior research. Now in its seventh update, ADLS is still in use nationally and overseas. But hardware, software, and communications technology have changed dramatically in the past decade. ADLS, originally designed for Apple II and ported to Macintosh and MS-DOS PCs, has become increasingly antiquated and difficult to maintain and update. Furthermore, only the very small portion of potential users who purchase the product can access it. This project proposes to save this unique and valuable national resource and make it universally accessible to teachers, health professionals, and consumers with disabilities by transforming the entire Locator System database content and program code into a state-of-the-art, multi-level and multi-media, world-wide web site on the Internet. Key Words: Assistive Technology, Multimedia, Internet, World Wide Web, International Commerce, Rehabilitation, Disabilities