DALLAS TWP. — Denis Anson, M.S., O.T.R./L., director of research and development at the Misericordia University Assistive Technology Research Institute (ATRI), recently published his second book, “Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities.”
Published by ABC-CLIO, LLC, the 190-page book is available in hardcover and e-book formats. It focuses on the people who depend on assistive technology in their daily lives and the tools that are available to them, while also seeking to inspire the next generation of assistive technology engineers.
The author introduces readers to assistive technology’s roots – such as the concept of robotics – before elaborating on the many applications available today for people with disabilities that can help them in their daily lives. In addition, Anson addresses technology that assists people with sensory deficits or cognitive limitations, for example, as well as identifying equipment that assists people with limitations navigate their environment, computer technology and more.
In his first book, “Alternative Access: A Guide to Selection,’’ published by the F.A. Davis Company, Anson focused on selecting computer access technologies.
At ATRI, Anson has spearheaded research and development since its inception in 2003. He developed the Americans with Disabilities Act-Compliance Assessment Toolkit or ADA-CAT to measure whether public facilities comply with federal law. The screening tool allows people without advanced training to assess the architectural barriers of the built environment for people with disabilities.
He is also collaborating with a global team of researchers to develop the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure or GPII that ensures people with limitations can access and use information technology, such as laptops, smartphones and the internet, despite their own physical barriers.
Overall, ATRI is a regional resource that provides information and education in the application of assistive technology and universal design principles that helps people with limited function participate in their personal lives to the greatest extent possible.
The institute’s activities include research into the usability of devices and products that are specifically marketed to individuals with disabilities and are intended to improve their function, as well as products that are intended for the general population, but have been designed to be used by people with functional restrictions and able-bodied individuals.
A resident of Noxen, Anson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy with training in research, gerontology and nerve/muscle physiology from the University of Washington. He has been actively involved in computer and assistive technology applications for rehabilitation for more than 38 years.
