The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), a nonprofit disability advocacy group, in coordination with CSU, Northridge--Center on Disabilities, is conducting research on technology used to facilitate positive results for people with disabilities. The phrase Assistive Technology refers to any device that a person with a disability uses to live or work more independently. It can be a modified workstation, a walker, or even Velcro on a pen.
One way to collect a lot of information from a lot of people is to use a survey. Across California people with disabilities will be supported in completing a survey by phone, in writing, in alternate format or in person. This survey includes questions designed to collect information based on the topics identified as urgent in recent focus groups. In addition, this information will help us learn about patterns of Assistive Technology use.
This five-year research project is federally funded by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Grant # H133A010702.There are rules about protecting people from harm when doing research. This survey is considered research and your rights must be protected. No one will know you completed the survey. We will never collect your name.
You have the right to not send in the survey or only answer some questions. You can call us at 1-800-390-2699 to ask us about the survey or if you need help filling it out.
By sending in the survey by mail or over the Internet you are agreeing to participate as a volunteer. No benefit or service will be provided or taken away when you participate. We are collecting this information because we believe it will help people understand the need for Assistive Technology in the lives of people with disabilities. Your responses are welcome and your participation is completely voluntary and confidential. Dr. Tanis Doe and Dr. Bud Rizer are the principal researchers. Dr. Tanis Doe can be reached by calling our office at 800-390-2699 and Dr. Bud Rizer can be reached at 818-677-2578.
The survey will take between 30 and 40 minutes of your time. It might take longer if you are using a translator or interviewer. By filling out this survey, you are helping us get one step closer to understanding the gap in Assistive Technology for persons with disabilities.
The survey can be accessed online at www.atnet.org and is also available in alternative formats by calling 800-390-2699.
A website (www.atnet.org) has also been developed to provide information about the AT Network. The AT Network website also provides articles on Assistive Technology and allows individuals to search online for Assistive Technology and services by using the AT Services Directory. Individuals can also receive information concerning Assistive Technology services and resources by calling the AT Network's Information and Referral Service at (800) 390-2699 or through its TDD line at (800) 900-0706.
The Community Research for Assistive Technology project is a grassroots research project on the effectiveness of AT in the lives of people with disabilities. Community disability leaders are taught participatory action research to investigate four main areas with regards to AT: employment, health, community inclusion and technology for function. For more information on the research project, please visit our website at http://atnet.org/CR4AT/cr4at.home.html or call Amy Noakes, Project Coordinator at: Phone (800) 390-2699, TDD (800) 900-0706 or e-mail: anoakes@cfilc.org. You can also send mail to: 660 J Street, Suite 270, Sacramento, CA 95814.
WE DO NOT NEED YOUR NAME. NONE OF YOUR RESPONSES WILL IMPACT YOUR BENEFITS.
When you are ready to start the survey, press "Click here to enter Web Survey" below.