The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) will plan and conduct, under National Science Foundation sponsorship, a comprehensive assessment and information dissemination project of innovative computer applications judged to be most effective in helping people with disabilities. Called the Second National Search for Computer Applications for Persons with Disabilities, the project is modeled on a similar search and assessment conducted in 1980-1981 which uncovered over 900 inventions involving personal computer aids for person with disabilities. The primary objectives of this search and assessment effort are: (1) To heighten the nations awareness and sensitivity to the problems and needs of disabled persons and how computers can provide new opportunities for people with disabilities. (2) To identify effective adaptive technology, i.e., computer applications and techniques, and to stimulate creative developments to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. (3) To document and disseminate information on effective computer applications to persons with disabilities, interested educators, researchers, and the computer industry. This project will address a wide spectrum of disabilities and take the form of a series of competitions. Entries from professionals, amateurs, and students, addressing visual, hearing, language, neuromuscular, and learning disabilities, will be judged first regionally, then nationally to select the most effective applications. Local and national winners will receive awards. Information on effective computer applications will be disseminated to the disabled community and to interested researchers and commercial organizations. A long-term task force will be established to continue efforts to transfer computer technology to serve the needs of persons with disabilities
