The consumer model of product development includes end-user involvement in product design and testing, an assumption that customers have multiple purchase options within a free market structure, and that reimbursement sources permit selection options. Second, as we noted above, an increasing number of persons with disabilities will be moving from institutionalized care into the workplace and home. However, the community infrastructure that would enable them to function in the outside world does not support this migration. There should be a systems integration across health care and activities of life in the design of conventional products for the use by this group of citizens. For example, nutrition is a significant piece of home care.
Proper nutrition requires the storage and preparation of food.
We were unaware of any appliance manufacturer who has food preparation and storage equipment easily useable by many in this population. We noted that, at this time, no one has responsibility for the integration of the system. Mass customization, the tailoring of mass-produced devices and therapeutics to a single individual s needs through programming and interaction of products universal design should be the norm . Third, appropriate financial and regulatory initiatives for all stakeholders should be increased and disincentives decreased . The tax incentives should encompass both tax credits for manufacturers engaged in the development and production of such products and tax deductions for people who acquire such products.