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I find this article by Shelley Haven a really beneficial tool when assessing an individual for the use of AT. She does a good job of pinpointing the main ideas that we have discussed in class. She then goes into detail about how she generally assess by using a 5 phase approach. I appreciate her interest in helping other professionals properly assist individuals in identifying the best possible device for their needs. As a future OT I will continue to advocate for AT in order to help my clients find exactly what they need!

cbaumbach1

The Periodic Table of AAC

I found this while looking at Pinterest and thought that it was a fun way to organize everything that we’ve talked about regarding AAC devices this semester. It is color coded and contains a lot of information. It may come in handy if we are looking into these devices for our future clients.

ahill1-blog

I think this is such a fun way for kids to be able to use an AAC board. I think as a future OT this will be a great resource for working with clients in need of communication assistance.

What do you think of when you picture a self-determined individual? Do you see someone who is self assured, someone able to advocate for themselves, making choices and decisions that allow them to ...

This video shows an 8-year old boy with CP completely a triathlon! I found this story so intriguing! I think it is amazing that regardless of physical limitations his determination and strength to finish out shined the disability. In the video you can see the boy using a walking aid when completing the portion of the triathlon on foot. This story shows that it is possible to utilize certain devices to engage in meaningful occupations!

At the American Occupational Therapy Association's Checking the Pulse blog. you will find news about occupational therapy, current health news, and more. I regularly blog about apps that clinicians can use in practice, autism issues, managing chronic conditions, wounded warriors, and more. We share relevant and interesting news, videos, blogs, and more. I read hundreds of articles about health, wellness, and policy every week to find the most engaging and enlightening content for you. Blog readers can stay in the know, go beyond the news, and find out how the latest health news affect occupational therapy.

As a soon to be new grad (low on cash) stumbling upon an article like this is pure gold. After reading through the list I found some suggestions more useful than others. Though I didn’t necessarily like some of the options it got me thinking and prompted new ideas. I think this showed me that as an OT we’re always going to be modifying existing ideas. There is no ONE right way. I think this list gives us as students a good look in to the simpler side of possible activities we could utilize.

tbruns1

ahill1-blog

This really makes me excited for the future of AT! I think if we are already starting to see devices like this integrated into our society then we can only go up from here. Inclusion for all will hopefully continue to increase as new AT ideas are created.

When browsing through an OT toolkit blog I came across a link in regards to ADL mobility. Within this link there were a number of different article and video links pertaining to assistive devices and accessibility needs of primarily the geriatric population. A link that I found particularly interesting was to a website titled “Seniors Superstores”. The website specializes in providing solutions for seniors with special needs. Categories listed on the website include but are not limited to, “hearing devices, leisure, mobility, safety, and kitchen use”. One subcategory I found particularly interesting within the safety page was the assertive technology suggested for safety in the dark. Items such as a walking cane with a light, stair lights, LED talking alarm clock, & glow tape are available to purchase. Because safety is such a large concern with older adults in regards to mobility, considering aids to help prevent falls will be beneficial for individuals in order to remain engaged as independently as possible.

This blog titled “The Do-It-Yourself OT” is a resource designed by OT Lynn Swedberg to serve as a resource for not only other practitioners, but also for anyone needing advice or suggestions for adaptive equipment. She mentions that she is at a point in her career where she feels she could serve as a mentor to other therapists because of the experiences she has had. These ideas have stemmed from creating certain devices or adaptations that are custom fabricated. She provides photos and descriptions of what she has made in the past. I think this blog can give us an idea on how to modify equipment to in order to help clients fully engage in what they want to!

I can't be the only OT who gets distracted at the park with my child. My OT brain can't help but think about how the equipment could better facilitate just-right developmental challenges, sensory exploration and inclusivity.

The author in this article does a great job advocating for children and their ability to participate fully in a playground setting. it is pointed out that the park serving as an example in the blog meets ADA requirement of having a ramp, but do not have appropriate playground equipment for children with varying disabilities. i really like how this OT talks about how everywhere she looks she wants to use her OT knowledge to help modify environments to benefits all people. She then gives 4 suggestions on how and OT can advocate for inclusive playground equipment. She gives an in depth description for the following points, providing pictures, advice, and things to be observant of when evaluating the needs of a park. Its amazing to know that there are OTs out there who strive to use their skills in everyday life to make living more accessible for others!

katielovesot

Unit 2

The BAT is a levitating, wireless computer mouse that consist of a base and a floating mouse with a magnet ring. This product is designed to alleviate and prevent the symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome which is prone in active computer users. Currently, this device is in the testing period and is being researched. I think that this is a unquie and creative design that holds potential in helping active computer users with preventing and managing symptoms.I am curious to see if the users of this device are using keyboards in conjunction with the BAT. If the users are using keyboards, are they standard keyboards or are they adaptive or alternative keyboards. BAT users could also use on-screen keyboards which would increase the use of the BAT dramatically. I am curious if the researchers are venturing to look at the different combinations of hardware that could potentially aid in the prevention and management of Carpal tunnel syndrome.

chelseathome

Katie, this is an amazing find and a device that looks like its from the future! I can only hope the results of the testing prove to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome - Like Nadia said, this device could really benefit this population to increase their function, but I do question how it prevents carpal tunnel syndrome. The hardware for this device is different, but it still has the same features as a standard mouse.

ahill1-blog

I think this is such an interesting take on mouse adaptations. I am also wondering how the device is able to prevent carpal tunnel. It would be interesting to watch out for research studies on this type of device and see if it is able to do what it says it can!

amylennis1-blog

This foot mouse allows users with upper extremity difficulties to be successful at using a computer. Both feet are required for this mouse for one clicks the buttons and one scrolls the mouse on a pad. There are 2 levels of buttons that can be programmed for individual use. The software is simple to download to program these buttons and it is compatible with MAC or PC users. It mentions the pairing of an onscreen keyboard with this device for easy typing. This seems like a good alternative, however I couldn’t find any videos on how this actually worked which left me with multiple questions.

ahill1-blog

I think this is such an awesome alternative form of a mouse. This type of device never even crossed my mind as a potential possibility during class. I think this is a great way for people with high LE gross motor skills compensate for UE difficulties. Like Amy mentions, the lack of consumer reviews and demonstrations make me wonder if it is as good of a product as I think it would be.

https://benwyde.com/my-setup/

Because of a reaction to antibiotics Ben Wyde now has connective tissue problems making it not only difficult, but also painful to use a trackpad or click a mouse. These problems hinder Ben’s ability to participate in his computer activities including one of his favorite hobbies, Chess. He took matters into his own hands and decided to try Dragon to voice command the chess piece moves. He found that this method was slow and tiring. He then began investigating his options and decided on a combination of a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet, a stand, and an eye tracking device. He mentions on his website options of eye tracking methods such as Tobii, but decided he wanted a much simpler version that would help fit his needs of playing chess. He decided to go with the Eye Tribe Tracker. He notes that downloading the software and setting up the program was easy and straightforward. In the video you can see the setup that Ben has designed and shows his abilities to use eye gaze to play a game of chess. This just shows that even though there are a variety of options to accomplish an activity, one method may be a better fit than another depending on both the individual and the task at hand. I like how he took matters into his own hands and made an adjustment in order to improve his performance. On his website he notes that he hopes the eye gaze software will help him be able to participate in more activities. With practice he will be able to master the software are start utilizing eye gaze in his everyday life.

Engineering students in India have designed a prototype device that translates sign langue into audio and text, allowing people with a varying disabilities interact with each other. This device was made so that even if you don’t know sign language you are able to communicate with those who use it. The article notes that there is a device called MotionSavvy which is described as being very similar to a tablet. The new prototype includes gloves with sensors and accelerometer attached to an lcd screen with audio. The sensors detect the way the fingers are being bent and the accelerometer detects the tilting and movement of hands. There is a stored database of gestures with pre-recorded audio that will speak and display the text of the signs on the screen. The article states that there isn't a release date or price for the device. I think that a communication device like this would be a wonderful addition to the AT world. It provides so many opportunities to those who otherwise may be unable to interact certain people in their lives. I’m not sure if the lcd screen that displays text would be able to convert that information to a computer. But if so, this device would have the capabilities to complete a variety of computer related tasks.

http://www.assistivetechnologyblog.com/2015/08/simple-audiobook-player-for-seniors-and.html

Audio books have been designed to help visually impaired and elderly individuals enjoy what they may not be able to get out of a physical book. Even though audio books have been created to help, the writer of the blog (Marcin Simonides) points out that existing options have some downsides as well. Audio players can hinder the ability to access the audio books due to things such as size of the buttons, proximity of buttons, & lack of contrasting colors. The author of the article explains how he himself has not experienced these difficulties, but has watched his grandma struggle to use a number of audio players.Marcin realized, “An ideal audiobook player for my grandmother would have as little features as necessary, namely play and pause, and it would be easy to operate with imprecise gestures. How hard can it be? :) I've decided to try.” So he decided to use an android tablet to create a custom app that would play audio files, but also take into consideration the obstacles an elderly or visual impaired person may encounter. He noted that his app reads book titles when the screen is enabled and when browsing outside of the app, has large START and STOP buttons, and stops the playback when placed with screen downward on a level surface. The simplicity of this allows individuals to easily access an audiobook and still be able to functionally use their device.

Marcin posts a link to his website where the app can be downloaded for free. (http://msimonides.github.io/homerplayer) I also noticed how easy to navigate his website is. I think it is awesome how mindful he is of certain factors that can interfere with someones ability to use technology devices.

katielovesot

Like something out of the Museum of Modern Arts this latest keyboard design by Minebea looks amazing. The Cool Leaf Touchscreen Keyboard ($250 USD) feature

Unit 2

The Cool Leaf Touchscreen Keyboard has a full 108 key layout with each key individually backlit. This keyboard is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OSX. The mirror-like, flat surface of this keyboard is sleek but does not provide tactile input. However, The Cool Leaf Touchscreen Keyboard has an adjustable beep sound when you press the desired key and the sensitivity can be adjusted as well. The beeping output is a great feature that gives appropriate feedback to individual while typing. The adjustability of the beeping is also a desirable quality allows the keyboard to fit the context in which it is being used. This keyboard is an alternative device that can help individuals use the technology that is in our world today.

thentis

I think this is an interesting piece of technology. I definitely looks cool and could be used by someone with a disability. At first, I was wondering why someone would want a keyboard like this, but then I was thinking that the look of it could give someone with a disability a boost of confidence because this keyboard just looks like a really cool keyboard, rather than something that will stand out and draw a lot of attention to the user. If this keyboard can be used similarly to the Intellikeys keyboard, then I think it can be used by a wide range of individuals. Unfortunately this site doesn’t list the cost of the keyboard, so it is hard to tell if this is an obtainable product.

Unit 2

ahill1-blog

I think this is such a smart addition to the AT world. A virtual keyboard will allow individuals to receive multiple types of output which can help increase their functional ability. There is an option to adjust the sensitivity needed for each person. A feature like this is similar to the filter keys option. Accommodating for double taps and inaccuracy gives anyone the ability to better operate a computer.

Arthritis, or any hand pain, can be very limiting. Pain can impair performance on the simple things we do every day, like closing a jewelry catch or fastening buttons on your shirt. Assistive gadgets have less of a stigma than they used to, and they're actually getting cooler as more people are using them... because they actually work and make life easier. Here are 10 new really cool and "handy" gadgets that just make routine movements less taxing on our hands. They even make great gifts!

This article is a good way to understand what activities my pose an issue to those who have arthritis. Assistive technology is simple forms such as this can help someone prevent pain or flare ups in order to complete more important tasks they will encounter each day. I think one disadvantage, like with using the button hook, would be getting used to using adaptive equipment. Though someone may not be feeling pain at that moment, buttoning a shirt may trigger it, ultimately hindering their ability to engage in their other occupations. I think this list is only covers a few the devices available and am interested in learning more about adaptive techniques for those with arthritis in relation to AT.

ccolangelo1-blog

The content above looks at a functional and therapeutic way to use a 3-D printer - usually used as a media and tool for art/architecture! Students at Washington University of St. Louis have printed a pink prosthetic arm for a young girl. Usually a prosthesis like the one above would start in the thousands, but with use of the 3-D printer this prosthetic arm cost a total of $200 to create - after the initial cost of the printer itself. This new discovery is something for occupational therapists to keep their eye on for it is possibly a new more affordable alternative to provide clients prosthesis devices, which opens up many doors for the future - allowing an increase of function for our clients at a decreased price! More videos and information in article above!

asteinbecker1-blog

We’re doing our research project on the use of 3D printers and I find it so fascinating - especially the cost. If we could figure out how to transport these printers easily and implement them in third-world countries, it could open the door to affordable orthotics and prosthesis for families who otherwise would never receive care.

ahill1-blog

The whole idea of 3D printing is so fascinating to me. I still find it amazing that the cost of the prosthetic would be so affordable. I think that this is a pivitol breakthrough that could lead to so many things in the future. I am excited to watch where things go and am happy that we all get to be a part of the process!

spollock21me

All the way back in 1829, Frenchman Louis Braille came up with a tactile system that was capable of letting those who suffered from vision impairment to “read” books using the tips of their fingers...

I have never seen or heard of this product before. It seems like an easy way for people who are blind to read braille. The gadget is small enough that it can be carried everywhere you travel and has very easy set up. Once it is put on the readers face, the camera picks up where the reader is pointing and says reads the words out loud. This is a cool product that could help a lot of people!

ahill1-blog

I think this is so awesome! It is really allowing those who are blind to be able to access the world so much easier! Like Sarah I haven't seen or even knew something like this was possible. I love to see new things everyday that are just proving how much our technology is advancing. Seeing products like this get me even more excited to continue into the assistive technology world.

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