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FS7 Update Report - Review of Taxonomies Related to Domains of Assistive Technology Outcomes

(updated June 18, 2003)

This field scan reviews existing medical and rehabilitation classification systems, or taxonomies, for their relevance to a framework for assistive technology outcomes. In the United States there are an estimated 35 to 43 million Americans that experience some type of functional limitation (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1993). One method used by the medical field to bring some organization to the scope of issues that these individuals present is to classify and define disabilities through the use of taxonomies. Assistive Technology (AT) is an emerging area in the medical domain. Is it represented in current taxonomies?

This field scan reviewed taxonomies from the literature that are frequently cited as overarching models for research and health related practice. These include:

Each taxonomy is reviewed with the following criteria:

    1. Name & Author of Taxonomy
    2. Bibliographical Reference
    3. Brief Description of the Taxonomy
    4. Historical Description of the Taxonomy that places the taxonomy in context of human disability research
    5. Examples of Different Areas of the Taxonomy
    6. Inclusion, Partial Inclusion, or Exclusion of Assistive Technology in the Taxonomy

An interpretation highlighting the overall relationship of the taxonomies and assistive technology follows, focusing on whether or not there is an intersection of domains across the existing taxonomies and discussions that can lead to common language and terminology for a more universal AT outcomes foundation.