Untitled

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Technology takes strain out of bus journeys for the blind in Leeds

Transport bosses in Leeds have launched a scheme designed to make life easier on the buses for blind and visually impaired people.

Unit 4 

I found this article on Zite, which is about technology being developed to increase accessibility and ease to traveling by bus for individuals who are blind or have visual impairments. This technology works by working through bluetooth or wifi on mobile devices to provide real-time on board audio. This relates to what we have been discussing in class lately in regards to the models and frames of references about providing technology that is based on the needs for the individual - in this case the population. 

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Do's and Don'ts of AAC - Core words

Did you know that by using core words you can say almost anything? Learning to use your core word vocabulary to describe and talk about the things you see and know, is far more useful than being able to say a word that you need once, but may not ever need again!

Unit 4

Do’s and Don’ts of AAC is a continuing series which I found on Zite to provide insight and useful tips about AAC devices. This particular story focuses on communication boards and discussing the concept of promoting users to use core words to describe what they want to be said versus putting additional words on the board which can quickly lead to confusion and less accessibility. I feel like this could be useful advice as a future health practitioner when working with clients that are training in becoming proficient in this device or are already using the device. 

[cbaumbach1]

Satalight SMART Board

This company wanted to make SMART boards, something that can be found in a lot of classrooms, beneficial for all students, including those with disabilities. This link shows their timeline of trialing their product and then chronicles the changes that they made in order to make their product better. We have talked in class about making sure that the product we choose for a client fits them. This company has proven that this is their game plan as well. They took the time to make sure that their product would be successful to more than just one type of user.

http://www.mysatalight.com/About/index.asp 

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Unit 4: 

Thank you for sharing this! I agree it does relate well to the topics we have been discussing in class recently - I find it very beneficial that the company kept re-trialing the product to increase their product and the amount of individuals in which it can be useful to. In addition, I think the technology itself is really a smart and useful idea! The smart board itself is such a beneficial and interactive tool to use for the purpose of education, so to make it accessible to populations with disabilities makes it even better!

[ccolangelo1-blog]

The Faraday Website and Caduceus Stylus is Back! I had a number of contacts from readers about the links to the Faraday Caduceus Stylus not working, and searches for its existence leading to a disa...

Unit 3

OTs with Apps posted that these Caduceus Styluses are back on the market. These styluses are handmade and adaptable for a variety of different diagnosis and mobility impairments. Some of the special features are that they are compatible with all touch screen devices, there extremely light weight, and have a flexible shaft which allows individuals to reach the screen from a variety of angles. I explored the website and they do not seem overly expensive either, so it may definitely be a company to keep in your mind when considering recommending a stylus. 

[ccolangelo1-blog]

New Device Brings Rising Hope For People In Wheelchairs

Four wheels, elastic straps and a joystick are rolling out a new sense of freedom for Bill Winchester.

Unit 3

On CBS, I found this video about the new arising Tek RMD, which is a segway like device that allows people with disabilities in wheelchairs, such as individuals with SCIs, to stand and move upright. One quote that I found memorable from the video was, “For me to occasionally stand up and be at eye level with other people it’s big”. This device gives an increased level of access to the home to complete tasks independently, which could help us as future practitioners further increase the independence of a multitude of individuals and allow them to lead a more fulfilling lifestyle. This device is costly though at $20,000 and is not yet covered by insurance, although the video says “it could be in the next two or three years”. For further information watch the video and explore the website: http://www.matiarobotics.com/. Thanks! 

[spollock21me]

Assistive Technology Blog: Mobi-Chair: Wheelchair For The Beach!

Mobi-Chair: Wheelchair for the beach!-easy navigation for sand and water. From Assistive Technology Blog. Pinned by SOS Inc. Resources. Follow all our boards at http://pinterest.com/sostherapy for therapy resources.

Unit 3

This new Mobi-Chair was designed by a family owned business and opens up a whole new option for wheelchair users. The arm rests and wheels are made of floating material and the other materials are made to be corrosion free, UV resistant, and ventilated for quick drying. The chair can be disassembled in 5 to 10 minutes without the use of any tools. I like this chair would be great for someone who loves to go to the beach and wants to keep perusing that occupation even with a disability. Although this chair would be great to have, it is pricey at $2139. I also think this chair could be a problem for someone who would be scare of falling in the water and not being able to keep themselves above water. It would be a concern to use with someone who has no mobility of their legs or arms in case they fell out somehow.

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Unit 3

Thanks for sharing this! A wheelchair for the beach - what an interesting new invention! It would be very client centered for someone who loves going to the beach or enjoys being in the water, but may not have been able to prior because of their disability. I can see and understand where your concern is though, in addition, I’d be concerned with the different tide levels being a risk for these individuals. I would think it would be a huge concern if the chair were to flip over based on their mobility levels or how constraining the chair is. Interesting idea, but I agree with you - some major concerns! 

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Keeble - Accessible keyboard on the App Store

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Keeble - Accessible keyboard. Download Keeble - Accessible keyboard and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

This may be a little bit of an older app, but when I came across it I thought it might be worth posting. This is an iOS 3rd party keyboard which when installed can be used with any other iOS apps.  This keyboard allows word prediction, text to speech, scanning and choices of keyboard layouts for around $15.00 on the app store. As a future OT, this app could be a good tool to use in the classroom with children that are struggling with writing or a way to allow for a client to test out an on screen keyboard after an evaluation. Regardless, I think it is a good app to remember for the future. 

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Proloquo2Go for Apple Watch! Use the app as a single switch on iPhone

Although this came out a few months ago, I still thought it was worth sharing. After apple released there AAC app for Apple Watch, they soon after released this Apple Watch App that allows users to use their Apple Watch as a switch to access an iPhone. Tapping the screen on the Apple Watch will activate scanning and each subsequent tap will be treated as a switch hit in Proloquo2Go for iPhone. This allows Proloquo2Go users with fine motor challenges to use an Apple Watch as a switch. I’m pretty excited to learn more about this and possibly check it out! This could be a very subtle way for a client to use a switch to control their device.

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Sixth Digit - Adaptive Stylus for Quadriplegics

Sixth DigitThanks to Josh Smith's ingenuity, there are additional options for access to touch screens, buttons and small target points for those with limited hand function. The mechanical engineer...

A new “Sixth Digit” stylus/pointer is going to be coming out in about 2 months. Josh Smith, the creator of the “Sixth Digit” was inspired to make this creation following a C5 complete SCI from a diving accident. After being frustrated that no stylus was working for him he decided to create his own. In addition to being a very cool story, the device itself seems very promising and is something to keep an eye out for as it is released. The device is worn on the fifth digit and designed to press small buttons (such as select keys on a keyboard). Although there are other alternative methods that can be used for this such as eye gaze this could be a better fit for some client’s needs. 

[rachelkoby-blog]

Large Print Keyboards: Low Vision Aids

Large print keyboards make using the computer easier for low vision users. Here is a short overview of large print keyboard features and benefits.

Unit 2

This site includes information about alternative keyboards for people with low vision, like we discussed in class. Some benefits of these keyboards include high contrast keys, highly visible keys, and very readable keys. “Very readable keys” means that the font is chosen specifically for people with low vision. These fonts are often approved by the American Printing House for the Blind. The website also mentioned the possibility of stickers to place on your keyboard. If the user already has a typical Mac or PC and has begun experiencing a decrease in vision, rather than buying a new laptop, stickers with larger print are available for the keyboard. This seems to be a low tech adaptive technology rather than an alternative keyboard.

[ccolangelo1-blog]

I really enjoyed this article, I thought it was a very concise and a clear article about key boards for individuals with low vision. I really liked how they broke it up into the three typical features of keys: high contrast, highly visible, and very readable. I feel like this could be a good resource for someone looking for ways to help make computers more accessible for individuals with low vision and possibly a good source to direct caregivers to when suggesting this type of AT. 

[rachelkoby-blog]

Introduction to TalkTablet

Introduction to TalkTablet - Tour

Unit 2

TalkTablet is one available speech app for client factors such as deficits in communication. It is an AAC app that includes picture symbols and captions for communication. This app works for the ipad, android, windows, and kindle. It is a cheaper alternative to other AAC apps. TalkTablet costs $79.99. It also requires no wi-fi for speech. If multiple users would like to use the app, different user profiles is an option. This way, the users can customize the app specifically to what they wish to communicate about the most. The buttons may either be programmed to say something or navigate to a different area on the app. TalkTablet has a main page with different categories that the user can choose from before choosing a more specific item. The user is able to create as many pages as he/she desires which would be helpful when needing to say something very specific.

[ccolangelo1-blog]

TalkTablet seems like a really interesting and less costly alternative to purchasing an AAC device. I like the fact that you can create customizable boards for several individuals - seems like it would be very beneficial in a clinic setting or maybe if you were looking to do different boards for various daily tasks. I’m interested to see how this app develops and to hear more about how it works for individuals compared to the typical AAC devices. 

[amylennis1-blog]

Did you know that one in six workers are suffering from some form of RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, mostly related to intensive use of a traditional computer mouse?The HandShoe Mouse has been developed by a Dutch medical university and

Infogrip has many different assistive technology devices that can help with computer access. As OT’s we may run into a variety of diagnosis that can be simple fixes. For example, as a hand therapist you may see alot of Carpal Tunnel syndromes, or RSI’s. These diagnosis often come hand in hand with people who sit at desks and use the computer on a daily basis. This mouse is a mouse that forms to your hand more than an typical mouse does. It also has different placement of the buttons for right and left clicking. Most of these clients you will see will need to be successful in their occupations for work which may include continuing to use the computer. This mouse can allow for a more comfortable fitting style to reduce pain or strain in a client’s hand.  

[ccolangelo1-blog]

I agree. I feel like this is a really interesting device to look into, because unlike many others we tend to look at, it is a less dramatic alternative device to a mouse than some of the others we have seen before. I also think the feature of having different placements of buttons for right and left clicking, because it could be useful for several diagnosis in addition to carpal tunnel and is something you are able to customize to fit a client’s needs. 

[ccolangelo1-blog]

This Smart Glove Translates Sign Language to Text and Speech

Designer Hadeel Ayoub’s glove will soon incorporate multilingual translation and be able to send texts and emails.

On Zite, I came across the Smart Glove converts sign language into text and speech. The glove works by detecting flexion of the five digits using sensors on the fingers. The individual signs, and the sensors report the data to a serial monitor. The device also keep tracks/stores information on how each user signs. Currently, the designer has minimized the hardware to inside the lining of the glove so movements get translated into text, which then can be generated into speech. The designers next step is to incorporate wifi so users can send texts and emails using the device. This device has not been on the market yet, although many companies are interested in buying it. The designer wants to keep working on it to try and make it more cost effective or find away to make it more readily available to who needs it. Many prototypes however have been created and I believe that as aspiring therapists it is something to keep an eye on and keep watch for, because it could really allow for increased communication to a wide array of disabilities who strive towards improving communication. 

[ccolangelo1-blog]

The video above entitled, Galloping ahead, is a video of rider, Richard Brumby, who is deaf and blind with the diagnosis of ASD. Brumby participates in horse riding therapy as a part of his routine occupational therapy visits. For those who are not aware, horse riding is a form of therapy known to have positive effects on physical and mental abilities of riders who have disabilities. Currently, there has been technology developed in the past to aid enabling individuals with disabilities to ride unaided (without helpers/aids/side walkers) but these as most technology is, are very costly. The technology developed here is said to be simple and cost effective - it consists of a small console which is wirelessly connected to an app on a mobile phone. The console is worn by the rider around the waist and is connected by wires to two straps, which wrap around each of the rider’s arms. The device works when a volunteer wirelessly sends directions via the phone app to the console, which relays vibrations to give directions for the person to steer the horse. A really valuable and meaningful quote stated in this article is, “One of the great advances we are currently experiencing is being able to develop devices that cost a fraction of the price to make” (Burdet, 2015). I believe this quote applies to not only this video, but to assistive technology as a whole and it a wise thing to keep in mind as we enter the field as future practitioners working with clients. The video above was embedded in the article “New technology gives rider control of the reins for first time”, (Smith, 2015). I have included the link in case anymore desires more information on this video.

 http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_18-9-2015-10-58-13

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Clos-o-mat is British toilet company that produced the first automatic toilets. A long time since than, in 2010, the company came out with their first toilet designed with individuals that have disabilities and the geriatric population in mind - the Palma Vita, a toilet that when releasing pressure on an elbow rest will automatically wash and dry the individual as well as automatically flush the toilet. Since then the toilets have become increasingly more adaptable and can be customized to increase the independency for individuals with a number of disabilities. Another helpful contribution that Clos-o-Mat gives the public are their "white papers" that cover a number of topics to educate about their products and to help educate to better use their products to increase individual's independence - this particular one is about the pediatric population and gives some helpful advice and considerations that could be helpful to keep in mind as an upcoming occupational therapist.

[ccolangelo1-blog]

Mac Apps, Mac App Store, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch app store listings, news, and price drops

I learned about SymTrend ADL at a training called “iPad 101″ that was held at the local clinic Leaps and Bounds. SymTrend ADL is one of many in a series of apps that caregivers can utilize to track their child’s behaviors. So far the app has been primarily being used to look at individuals with autism spectrum disorder, but it has the potential to work for many other diagnoses. The ADL version in particular covers almost any ADL you can think of and allows you to either choose from a number of prewritten possible observations or write your own observation if it is not listed. A cool feature of this app is that the caregiver or user can share the observations that they have collected with others, such as the therapist the child is working with! Although this app is a little bit older, I still feel it is worth putting up here to raise awareness to my fellow classmates and others reading. I feel that it has the potential to improve the communication between caregiver and therapists, as well as gives caregiver an easy and efficient way to keep track of the hundreds of behaviors they observe their child doing each day!

[otsmary]

This Ring Reads Books And Magazines To The Blind

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing an audio reading device to be worn on the index finger of people whose vision is impaired, giving t

The FingerReader is an assistive technology device that is in the process of being made right now. It’s purpose is to provide people with visual impairments better access to environments and information that is usually not accessible for them. It is a device that fits on a person’s finger and reads text aloud in real time. I am really interested to learn more about this device and its uses when it is developed, and to be able to have it as a resource to use in my clinical OT practice.

[justineeckhoff-deactivated20171]

Thanks for sharing this article! I’m interested to see how this device develops in the future too. I love the comment that Mr. Berrier stated in the write up, “When I go to the doctor’s office, there may be forms that I wanna read before I sign them.” What a simple statement to exemplify how this device can make the visual world more inclusive.

[ccolangelo1-blog]

I also found this article and new device interesting! I find it very intriguing how such a small and discreet device can bring so much more opportunity to individuals with visual impairments when it comes to the daily task of reading. I also like the fact that they stated in the article that it is not there intention for this device to replace braille, but to allow for the opportunity to expand what is available to read that is not yet offered in braille. This ring is most certainly a device I plan to keep my eye on.