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For additional information, contact:  Edward Steinfeld,  phone +1 (716) 829-3485 extension 329,  or fax +1 (716) 829-3861

Organized by: Edward Steinfeld and Victor Paquet, Sponsored by: U.S. Access Board

 

Introduction

Guidelines and other documents currently used in the course of regulatory activities and design standards incorporate dimensional data based on anthropometrics research conducted in the 1970’s (Steinfeld, et al, 1979). Simultaneously, new developments in assistive technology, trends in rehabilitation practice, the ongoing demographic shift toward an older society, and changes in stature of the population due to nutritional improvements and genetic shift suggest that current anthropometric databases themselves are no longer appropriate for application in contemporary design.  A study commissioned by the Access Board in 1997 entitled Anthropometry for Persons with Disabilities: Needs for the 21^st Century concluded that available data no longer represent the range of the using population (Bradtmiller, 1997).

In June 2001, a workshop titled "Anthropometrics of Disability" was held in Buffalo, NY to assess the state of
the knowledge in anthropometric methods, data gathering projects and human modeling efforts related to disability (Steinfeld, et al., 2002). The Workshop was underwritten by the US Access Board, with support from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research through the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design at Buffalo and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Workplace Ergonomics.  The format of the workshop was a series of paper presentations and discussion sessions concluding with a final summary discussion session. Papers were prepared prior to the Workshop and distributed to participants in printed form.  All participants submitted written recommendations based on the discussion at each paper session.  A summary report of the results of the workshop was written, and both this document and the proceedings are available on the web site of the RERC on Universal Design at Buffalo. The workshop identified "gaps" in the state of knowledge about the collection, organization and application of anthropometric data as it relates to those with physical disabilities and the design of built environments.  Areas identified as needing further attention included:

1. developing databases that contain 3-dimensional data,
2. improving our understanding of the functional anthropometry of disability,
3. ensuring the collection of reliable, valid and useful data,
4. organizing data into comprehensive and accessible databases.

In order to advance our understanding of these issues, additional workshops such as the one held in 2001 are needed. The 2003 workshop on “Space Requirements for Wheeled Mobility” was designed to inform, exchange, and validate research aimed at collecting anthropometric data for wheeled mobility users that could be used in developing accessibility guidelines, standards, and building codes.  Ultimately, the goal of the workshop was to develop a consensus methodology for determining the space needs of wheeled mobility devices in use in the built environment and in transit. The IDEA Center, working closely with the Board, has developed a proposed long range research plan. Participants at the Workshop were provided an opportunity to validate this plan with a group of experts and other stakeholders.

International human factors and ergonomics researchers, standards-setters, designers, and computer modelers, many of whom attended the 2001 workshop, participated in this extremely important meeting. See Participants.

Location

The Workshop was held at University Inn right next to the North Campus of the University at Buffalo. 

Papers

A total of 4 papers were commissioned and presented at the workshop:

1.      A critical review of recent anthropometry research of wheeled mobility users

2.       Trends and issues in wheeled mobility technologies

3.       Trends and issues in lift and deployed ramp technologies

4.       Trends and issues in disability data and demographics

Click here to go to the submitted papers page.

Additionally, presentations were made on "Anthropometry and Accessibility Guidelines" and "Long Range Research Plans" by members of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access and Center on Universal Design at Buffalo.  Human modeling software presentations were also made.

After the workshop, the papers, summaries of the discussions and recommendations, along with the presentation and software demonstration materials will soon be assembled together in a final report

The workshop was organized into 4 sessions (A-D below).  These provide A) the context of the related anthropometric research in this arena, B) summaries of key issues that must be considered in current and future anthropometric studies of wheeled mobility users, C) a tentative multi-year research plan to provide data intended to further our understanding about the anthropometry of wheeled mobility users, and D) recent developments in human modeling that are particularly relevant.

A.  Context

1.  Anthropometry and Accessibility Guidelines

This session introduced the purpose of the workshop: to develop a consensus methodology for determining the space needs of wheeled mobility devices in use in the built environment and in transit.  

2.  Critical Review of Anthropometric Studies

Current and recent research from Canada, the UK, and Australia is being used to establish minimum, mean, and maximum space needs for accommodating manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters in buildings, facilities, and transit vehicles in those countries.  This paper described and assessed the methodologies used in recent work and summarized key findings for comparison.  Researchers discussed the advantages and limitations of the several methodologies.

B.  Issues

Three papers were presented in this section.  A panel of experts discussed major issues from each and encourage broad discussion.

1.  Trends and Issues in Wheeled Mobility 

This paper and discussion focused on current and emerging technologies and trends in wheeled mobility, including engineering and environmental opportunities and limitations.  Attention was also given to the demographics of wheelchair use, issues of consumer choice, and transportability.  A panel of researchers, manufacturers, regulators, consumers, and engineers responded.

2.  Trends and Issues in Lift and Deployed Ramp Technologies in Buildings and Vehicles

This paper and discussion considered technologies used for small vertical changes in elevation in buildings and transit vehicles.  Issues of platform size, device weight, overturning angle, and regulation were presented. A panel of manufacturers, consumers, engineers, and researchers responded.  

3.  Trends and Issues in Disability Data and Demographics. 

This paper and discussion addressed trends in disability data and demographics, including the growing percentage of persons with age-related mobility impairments.  A panel of statisticians, disability leaders, ethics arbiters, regulators, and researchers considered the basis for environmental vs. assistive technology accommodation.

 C.  Research Proposal

Long-range Plans for Anthropometric Research for Accessibility

The major body of research in the US was completed 25 years ago.  This workshop presented the research design for a new round of studies intended to reflect current usability and accessibility requirements.  A detailed plan of work for the collection of two- and three- dimensional anthropometric data, human modeling, and maneuverability research has been developed by the RERC on Universal Design at Buffalo.  Written summaries of the proposed studies were distributed to workshop participants for demonstration and discussion.

D.  Demonstrations

Human Modeling of Mobility Aid Use

This session involved formal demonstrations, hands on use, review and discussion of human modeling software packages from around the globe to illustrate how computerized models of those who use wheeled mobility aids could be used in training and technical assistance.

Agenda

Prior to the workshop, participants were given a workshop description, and other related materials such as the commissioned papers described above.  Summaries of tentative long-range research plans were also provided.  Invited participants were asked to carefully review all the materials prior to the workshop and were asked to participate in one or more panel discussions related to each of the papers.  These discussions required panelists to respond to each paper, and a panel, depending on the subject, consisted of consumers, researchers, manufacturers, engineers and/or regulators.  Notes of the discussions were carefully recorded and later summarized.  A final report summarizing the workshop and key results will soon be presented to the U. S. Access Board.

References

Bradtmiller, Anthropometry for Persons with Disabilities: Needs for the 21^st Centrury.Washington, DC: U.S. Access Board, 1997.

Steinfeld, Edward; et al. Accessibility for People with Ambulatory and Reaching Impairments.  Washington, DC:  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Spring, 1979.

Steinfeld, Edward, et al.  The Anthropometrics of Disability: An International Workshop.  Technical report prepared for U.S. Access Board, January 2002.

Travel to Buffalo

Buffalo Weather

Papers to be Presented

Participants