Research Engineering Research Center on Workplace Accomodations
Jon A. Sanford, MArch
NIDRR (2002 - 2007)

A 5-year grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research has established the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Workplace Accommodations at the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access, Georgia Institute of Technology. The purpose of the RERC is to apply universal design concepts to improve the utility of workplace tools and devices for all workers through identifying, designing, and developing devices and systems and providing training and education to enhance the productivity of people with disabilities in the workplace. Research Activities include an archival study to determine outcomes of workplace accommodations and to determine factors that contributed to successful and unsuccessful outcomes. New technologies that can potentially facilitate work experiences of people with disabilities will be identified and their assessed. A digital human modeling tool will be developed that provides visualizations of products or systems with human interaction and movement to facilitate product development efforts. Finally, the RERC will identify policies and practices that may influence the nature and availability of workplace accommodations for persons with disabilities. Development Activities will focus on two areas: provision of remote services to facilitate employment and provide related services to people with disabilities and development of universally designed technologies and products. Remote services include the development of a protocol for using videoconferencing technology to complete accessibility assessments in remote locations as well as the development of a pilot center to support telework job tasks. Product development projects focus on opportunities to enhance access and increase productivity for a variety of users in various work environments (i.e., retail/sales, food preparation) through the development of built-in, stationary and mobile furniture systems. Training and Dissemination Activities will promote the transfer of new knowledge into practice.