Selection of rural assistive technology using a HyperCard-based knowledge system.

Abstract

Resources and expertise on selecting assistive technology appropriate for an agricultural work setting are scarce. To meet this need a prototype knowledge system for the selection and documentation of rural assistive technology (BNG DATA) was developed to aid professionals working with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with physical disabilities. The knowledge system consists of a hypertext database of technology examples and a decision support system that helps users identify solution alternatives to meet consumers' needs. End-user acceptance of BNG DATA was determined through field trials and an evaluation questionnaire administered to staff of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's AgrAbility Project. Using a statistical experiment in conjunction with the questionnaire, it was concluded that BNG DATA significantly reduced the time required by end users to find acceptable solution alternatives for consumers and increased the end users' confidence in the solutions they obtained. This manuscript describes the development and testing of BNG DATA, focusing on the selection of appropriate technology.