The Disability Index analysis system via an ergonomics, expert-systems, and multiple attribute decision-making process

Through rehabilitation and training, visually impaired people can be placed in types of jobs that are compatible with their abilities. A functional assessment approach should be established to measure the physical ability of handicapped people in response to specific tasks and environmental demands. The objective of this study is to develop an integrated computerized system, entitled VITAL (Vision Impaired Task and Assignment Lexicon), to measure the vision impaired worker’s residual capabilities and to provide the necessary recommendations for job accommodations. VITAL includes two major modules: the disability index, and the ergonomics consultation module. A single measure, the Disability Index (DI), which represents capacities of vision impaired individuals through a range of skill tests is developed via Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) procedures. The resulting DI can be used in identifying the functional deficits and limitations of the visually impaired worker, and matching the visually impaired people to appropriate employment. This information is also used in the ergonomic consultation module to provide recommendations regarding job and workplace design for the vision impaired worker. In order to comply with ADA, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to provide a proper assessment and reasonable accommodation. The system is developed to fulfil this need.