Data Collection Tool for Researching Transfers

Principal Investigator: Rory A. Cooper, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator: Alicia Koontz, PhD

Funding Source: US Access Board

2009-2011

Little research is available on the issue of transferring from one’s mobility device to another element such as motor vehicle seat, shower seat, commode, amusement ride seat or recreational equipment (e.g. kayak, boat, handcycle, etc.). Long standing accessibility standards have established the desirable height and position of clear space for a limited number of elements where transfer is expected. However, current standards are concentrated on only a few criteria that affect the transfer process (e.g. seat height and clear floor space). In order to improve the transfer process for individuals with disabilities, the standards concerning transfers to elements in the built environment must be expanded and updated. The study will be conducted in two phases. The first phase consists of a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the state-of-the-science related to transfer setup (e.g. height differentials, wheelchair positioning, etc.). Preliminary results uncovered 41 full-journal articles related to the topic area and point to a lack of evidence concerning distance between the target surface and the wheeled mobility device, space available to place and maneuver the mobility device, availability of supports (i.e. grab bars), number of the transfers to go from the initial location to the final destination, use of a transfer assistive device, constrained space available for transfers, physical obstacles or barriers present while transferring, and transferring to/from an unstable of soft surface.

The second phase of the study will consist of collecting data on these various aspects of transfer setup on up to 300 community-dwelling mobility device users. The data will be used to inform engineers, architects, and designers who design public and private spaces on how to modify the environment to enable the highest degree of independence.

This study will have a high impact on defining ADA accessibility guidelines concerning transfers for years to come.