University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Dr. Roger O. Smith is a professor in occupational science and technology. His research focuses on measurement related to disability and the application of assistive technology and universal design. In measurement, Smith examines assessments to determine their reliability and validity in use. He has created a software-based evaluation system that uses a branching question structure called TTSS (Trichotomous Tailored Sub-branching Scoring.) One component of Smith’s current research began many years ago, investigating the utility of the TTSS methodology as embedded in OTFACT software.

Smith also investigates the effectiveness of assistive technology and universal design interventions on the lives of people with disabilities. Currently, Smith directs several federally funded projects developing apps that measure accessibility. He has served as primary author and director for more than 35 grant and contract awards of over 10 million dollars of extramural-sponsored research, development, and training programs. These projects have supported many dozens of students in assistive technology training and research support positions.

Smith is the director of the R₂D₂ Center which provides an interdisciplinary home for basic research, applied research and development, as well as innovative instruction related to technology and disability.

Over the years he has affiliated the R₂D₂ Center with multiple college/school units in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and many outside agencies and institutions. Current partnerships include Marquette University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Independence First, Texas Woman’s University, Florida International University, and Columbia University.

Dr. Smith has served as President of RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, and as an advisor with federally funding agencies such as the National Institute of Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, the National Institutes of Health National Advisory Board for Medical Rehabilitation Research and for federally funded research centers at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and at his home institution of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has presented keynote lectures across the U.S. and in Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, the U.K., Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. He is one of the founding board members of the Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organizations (GAATO).

See also: Dr. Smith’s College of Health Sciences Faculty Page.