Showing items 1 - 7 of 7

A 3D measurement and computerized meshing study to promote bus ridership among people using powered mobility aids

- Unsworth, Carolyn, Chua, Julian, Gudimetla, Prasad

  • Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , Chua, Julian , Gudimetla, Prasad
  • Date: 2020
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Frontiers in Built Environment Vol. 6, no. (2020), p.
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  • Description: People who use powered mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters need and want to use public transport. Buses are the most affordable and efficient form of public transport, capable of connecting people across local communities. However, with curbside rather than platform boarding and internal space limitations, buses also present many accessibility challenges for people using mobility aids during ingress, egress, and interior maneuverability. In Australia, people using mobility aids board low floor buses that are required to comply with the national bus accessibility standard, using the front doors. A new standard was recently created to provide a Blue Label identification for powered mobility aids suitable to access public transport. The accuracy of this standard to identify mobility aids suitable to use on buses has not been verified. This research used a world-first methodology that included 3-Dimensional (3D) scanning of 35 mobility aids and 21 buses. The resulting 735 scan combinations were efficiently meshed using Meshlab, an open-source software. The research demonstrated that (i) although none of the buses were compliant with the relevant standard in 3D, many could still facilitate the boarding of a variety of mobility aids, and (ii) the Blue Label, while a valuable guide, did not accurately identifying all mobility aids that would and would not be able to board buses. This research has shortlisted nine mobility aids that can be recommended to consumers as being able to fit all the full-size buses tested. The dimensions of mobility aids that appear to enable access on most buses were also identified for consumers to consider when purchasing a mobility aid. The novel 3D meshing methodology used in this research also revealed that most collision points between mobility aids and buses occur in the curved-corridor entry of the buses. To minimize this entry problem, future bus boarding designs should consider the option of double-door entry/exit in the middle of the bus, which is common in many other countries. Adoption of this strategy would mitigate some of the challenges that people using mobility aids encounter when accessing buses, thereby increasing public transport ridership among this group. © Copyright © 2020 Unsworth, Chua and Gudimetla.

A systematic review of public transport accessibility for people using mobility devices

- Unsworth, Carolyn, So, Man, Chua, Julian, Gudimetla, Prasad, Naweed, Anjum

  • Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , So, Man , Chua, Julian , Gudimetla, Prasad , Naweed, Anjum
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article , Review
  • Relation: Disability and Rehabilitation Vol. 43, no. 16 (2021), p. 2253-2267
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  • Description: Purpose: Being able to access public transport is vital for mobility device users as this is an affordable way of maintaining community connections and participating in activities that promote quality of life. This systematic review investigated literature on public transport access for people using mobility devices, excluding transit restraint and securement literature. Materials and methods: A systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature in English from 1995 to 2019, with critical appraisal and narrative synthesis. Results: Twenty-six articles were identified, including 14 studies investigating user experiences, seven examining bus formats and floor layouts, and five focusing on bus ramp incidents and optimal design. Studies were generally observational and descriptive, with 12 including analysis of video data. Conclusion: This is the first systematic review of literature related to the accessibility of public transport for people using mobility devices. Topics such as ramp access have been relatively well-researched, as have the experiences of users. However, many gaps remain and there is a need for research to; address the barriers identified through user experiences, discern the best access to stations and stops, as well as floor formats for people to ingress, manoeuvre and egress from a variety of transport modes, and promote universal design principles in the transport sector. Rehabilitation professionals can use the findings of this review to advocate for, and support people using mobility devices to successfully negotiate public transport.Implications for Rehabilitation Accessible public transport is vital to enable people using mobility devices to remain connected in their communities. Despite increased international awareness and adoption of accessibility features by the public transport sector to improve getting to a stop, ingress, manoeuvrability within and egress from conveyances, access for people using wheeled mobility devices cannot be assumed. When prescribing new wheeled mobility devices with clients, rehabilitation professionals and users need to consider public transport access and the suitability of different devices for this purpose. Rehabilitation professionals can undertake skills training with people using wheeled mobility devices to test out access prior to independent travel on public transport and develop strategies to overcome any barriers. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

An early warning system for diabetic automobile drivers with peripheral neuropathy

- Esparza, Juan, Gudimetla, Prasad, De Silva, Shaminda, Unsworth, Carolyn

  • Authors: Esparza, Juan , Gudimetla, Prasad , De Silva, Shaminda , Unsworth, Carolyn
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology Vol. 16, no. 6 (2021), p. 624-631
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  • Description: Purpose: People with Type 2 diabetes exhibit peripheral neuropathy that results in the progressive loss of sensation in their feet. This may adversely affect their ability to drive as there is the potential for their foot to slip off the accelerator or brake pedals, with unwanted consequences including traffic accidents. This research aimed to develop a prototype for an adaptive haptic foot device for diabetic drivers experiencing peripheral neuropathy that can serve as an early warning system for foot slip during driving. Methods: A prototype system was designed in the laboratory which consisted of four force sensing resistors, four light emitting diodes and an eccentric rotating mass all connected and programmed through an Arduino Uno. The prototype was tested under controlled conditions and validated against recommended specifications. The system was then installed in a Ford Falcon GT 2005 and tested under controlled road conditions. Results: The results indicated that the haptic device was effective in sensing foot locations and providing instant audio and video feedback to the driver. Conclusion: This research has successfully designed and fabricated a haptic feedback device that can be used as an early warning system for diabetic automobile drivers with peripheral neuropathy.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION A haptic foot prototype device capable of generating warning signals to diabetic drivers whose foot could slip off the brake or accelerator pedals has been developed. The prototype includes force sensing receivers integrated with eccentric rotating mass system, a haptic controller breakout board, and Arduino software. The system is very easy to use and provides highly reliable audio and visual feedback which are good alerting mechanisms for older automobile drivers. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Enhanced learner interactions and academic integrity with bespoke interactive online tutorials in a hybrid learning model

- Sul, Jay, Piyathilaka, Lasitha, Tahmoorian, Farzaneh, Kahandawa, Gayan, Gudimetla, Prasad

Powered mobility aid access on public transport : a validation study of compliance with disability standards

- Unsworth, Carolyn, Chua, Julian, Gudimetla, Prasad, Naweed, Anjum

  • Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , Chua, Julian , Gudimetla, Prasad , Naweed, Anjum
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Transport and Health Vol. 22, no. (2021), p.
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  • Description: Introduction: Public transport accessibility is vital for people using powered mobility aids, particularly on buses which have the greatest travel reach into the community. In Australia, a new standard has been developed against which the fit of mobility aids can be determined prior to travel. However, the standard is documented in 2D and real-world tests have not been conducted. The aim of this study was to examine powered mobility aid access on test rigs specified in the standard to determine public transport conformance thus contributing to real-world validation of the standard, and identify the measurements of mobility aids most likely to access public transport. Methods: Life-size rigs were built according to the specifications within the standard to simulate and facilitate five types of test including the:180° turn; Pavement gap; Swept path; Allocated space; and Narrow access path. Thirty-five powered mobility aids were measured and driven through these test rigs and successful completion or collision points were recorded. Results: Nine of the 35 mobility aids were found to be noncompliant with the new standard. The Allocated space test, which represented manoeuvring into a designated travel space was most difficult, followed by completion of the 180° turn test. The measurements of powered mobility aids that are likely to comply with the standard for public transport access were found to be those with diagonal length (D) less than 1280 mm, overall length (L) less than 1110 mm, and a measured turn radius less than 760 mm. Conclusions: This research provides an empirical validation of the new 2D standard using real-world experimental testing standard by building the associated test rigs and driving a sample of powered mobility aids through them. Future research using field-based validation in bus light rail and trains is warranted. © 2021

Use of 3D scanning technology to determine bus access for people using powered mobility aids

- Unsworth, Carolyn, Chua, Julian, Naweed, Anjum, Gudimetla, Prasad, Nguyen, Toan, Barnes, David

  • Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , Chua, Julian , Naweed, Anjum , Gudimetla, Prasad , Nguyen, Toan , Barnes, David
  • Date: 2018
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Transport and Health Vol. 10, no. (2018), p. 350-360
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  • Description: Public transport is designed to move people efficiently and affordably around their communities. Millions of people internationally with disabilities rely on public transport every day to connect them to services, work, educational and social events. Many of these people attempt to board public transport using a powered mobility aid (such as an electric wheelchair, mobility scooter, or gopher) and this number is expected to rise as the population ages. Evidence suggests that many people have difficulty getting their powered mobility aids on and off public transport vehicles, and consumers, vendors and the health care-professionals involved in recommending mobility aids have no way of knowing which powered mobility aids are compatible with existing public transport configurations. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how existing 3D technologies and software can be applied to solve this real world problem using the example of buses. This proof-of-principle paper describes the process of scanning buses and powered mobility aids in 3D, together with descriptions of the prototype software to undertake the computerised process, to determine the compatibility of powered mobility aids for access on buses. Feasibility is then demonstrated using an example of one bus and one powered mobility aid. This paper is of interest to researchers wishing to examine the application of 3D technologies, health care providers and consumers who select powered mobility aids, as well as transport policy makers and conveyance commissioners who can access 3D data to optimise transport network accessibility for all community members. © 2018

“I’m very visible but seldom seen” : consumer choice and use of mobility aids on public transport

- Unsworth, Carolyn, Rawat, Vijay, Sullivan, John, Tay, Richard, Naweed, Anjum, Gudimetla, Prasad

  • Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , Rawat, Vijay , Sullivan, John , Tay, Richard , Naweed, Anjum , Gudimetla, Prasad
  • Date: 2019
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology Vol. 14, no. 2 (2019), p. 122-132
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  • Description: Purpose: The number of mobility aid users continues to rise as the population ages. While mobility aid users rely on public transport due to its affordability, evidence suggests access can be difficult. This study aims to describe people who use mobility aids to access public transport and the role of public transport access in influencing mobility aid choice. Methods: Sixty-seven mobility aid users participated in telephone surveys which predominantly used a structured quantitative format. Data were analysed descriptively and any additional comments were simply categorized. Results: Thirty-six participants were female (54%), with a total sample mean age of 58.15 years (SD = 14.46). Seventy-two percent lived in metropolitan areas, 48% lived alone, and the sample experienced a variety of conditions including spinal cord injury (37%) and arthritis (18%). Sixty-four percent of all respondents used two or more mobility aids including powered wheelchairs, scooters and walking frames. The most important features when choosing a mobility aid were reliability, turning ability and size. Fifty-two percent of all respondents strongly agreed that public transport is generally accessible. Conclusions: While work continues to ensure that public transport vehicles and stations are fully accessible, mobility aid users must manage current infrastructure and access a system which has been shown through this research to have many limitations. Mobility aid users, vendors and health professionals need to work together to identify mobility aids that fulfil needs, and are reliable and safe, so that mobility aid users are both “visible and seen” when accessing the public transport network.Implications for rehabilitation Some mobility aid users experience difficulties accessing and using public transport and further research is required to ensure the whole public transport network is fully accessible to people using mobility aids. Many people have more than one seated mobility aid, suggesting people can choose different aids for different purposes and environments. Health professionals may need to increase their involvement in assisting individuals to select and use mobility aids. © 2017, © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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