|
|
Forum on International Collaborative Research in Rehabilitation
|
(CASE STUDIES: SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS IN REHABILITATION RESEARCH)
Judith Harkins, Ph.D., Professor,
Director
Technology Access Program, Gallaudet University, Washington,
D.C., U.S.A.
Gunnar Hellström, M.Sc., President
Omnitor, Stockholm, Sweden
Gregg Vanderheiden, Ph.
D., Professor, Director
Trace R & D Center,
University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
Abstract
Three quite different types of collaboration are being carried out between the Trace/Gallaudet Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) and Gunnar Hellström, President of Omnitor, in Sweden. One project updates and adapts, for the U.S., a video-assessment tool developed by Mr. Hellström It is used to evaluate systems support for signed languages and lip-reading. The second project is a collection of ongoing collaborative efforts focused on international standards. The third implements a concept that emerged out of the standards work; it is spearheaded by the Trace/Gallaudet RERC, using key technologies developed overseas. Only the video tool project could be funded through a traditional grant process. The other efforts arise, take definition, and must be addressed within months or weeks, or the window of opportunity to affect the technology and standards passes. These activities emphasize the importance of center-based programs which are mission oriented and provide the flexibility to adjust their plan to fit developments and foster collaboration opportunities that arise.