| چکیده |
Behavioral and engineering tests were conducted in the field and laboratory to assess effectiveness and usefulness of the Vibralert, an electronic device for maintaining contact with deaf and deaf-blind children and adults. The vibrating portable signal system was used by 24 deaf and hearing parents to maintain contact with their deaf children at play outside and inside the home for a 2-month period. Findings showed that the majority of the parents and children liked and used the system, and that one third of the test group indicated willingness to buy the system despite problems encountered which corroborated test results. The tests revealed major weaknesses in the system such as restricted range of less than 75 feet, sensitivity to moisture, erratic performance, and difficult maintenance of battery charge. Similar testing was conducted with deaf-blind adults in domestic and industrial settings using the Vibralert and another similar device, the MIT TAC-COM. The investigations showed that the Vibralert was preferred over the MIT TAC-COM in both conditions and that complaints were similar to complaints expressed in the previous field test. (MC)
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