Assistive technology device classification based upon the World Health Organization's, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

Purpose. To develop an assistive technology device classification (ATDC) consistent with the Assistive Technology Act (ATA2004), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA2008), International Classification System of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). Background. Current assistive technology device (ATD) classifications include: the National Classification System for Assistive Technology Devices and ATSs (RTI/NCS) published in 2000; ISO 9999: technical aids for persons with disabilities - classification and terminology (ISO 9999) published in 1992, 1998, 2002 and 2007 and ICF-based AT classification (ICF/AT2007) published in 2009. Objectives. To derive 'requirements' for ATD classification from the ATA2004, ADA2008, ICF, ICD-9-CM and CPT. Review the ATD classifications and online databases against requirements. Construct the ATDC to be consistent with all requirements and demonstrate with examples. Results. Existing ATD classifications and online databases are inconsistent with requirements. The ATDC is consistent and has inclusion and exclusion criteria, classification rules, employs ICF coding, extendable hierarchy and language and uses standard device naming conventions. Conclusion. The ATDC has broad application to: provision of AT ATSs (ATSs), characterisation and analysis of AT industries, Federally sponsored research pertaining to AT development and commercialisation, and Federal health insurance scope of benefits.