ABSTRACT

This paper reports on the development of a new methodology to evaluate the usefulness of accessibility information for individuals with disabilities. The methodology evaluates if consumers’ (individuals with disabilities) medical device purchase decisions are affected when they are provided with accessibility information. The accessibility information in this study is provided as quantitative accessibility scores, obtained from the MED-AUDIT (Medical Equipment Device-Accessibility and Universal Design Information Tool), which is a prototype measurement instrument, used to measure the accessibility of medical devices. This study involved the development of a web-based survey tool using a discrete choice modeling methodology. The survey is developed and preliminary data is being collected. The survey method for evaluating individuals with disabilities used in this study can be used to determine preferences of consumers in numerous other areas of accessibility and universal design.