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I've talked to many people who are just not sure that assistive technology could be useful to themselves, or to their child / student / client. They might th...

Unit 4

This is the link to the YouTube Channel of the Assistive Technology Center. The Assistive Technology Center created this channel to post videos of individuals successfully using different types of assistive technology. In addition to creating their own videos, they have also made several playlists comprised of videos posted by others that demonstrate using assistive technology. These playlists are broken down into categories such as hearing, vision and learning disabilities, and they also have categories that are age-specific. I think this channel would be very helpful to someone beginning their search for a certain type of assistive technology. Because this channel has categories, a person could easily see if someone has posted a video about the type of device they are looking for. It is also helpful for OTs who are recommending a device to a client. We could quickly pull up a video to show the client how someone else uses the device to help them better understand its’ benefits.

chelseathome

Emma - I absolutely love this website, great find! As future occupational therapists, I believe this would be a great asset to our interventions with clients as they can see the challenges and rewards experienced by other children/adults with the same disability using the same device. Since this involves YouTube, clients can also comment on the videos and communicate back and forth, which could be very beneficial! Thanks for sharing!

Unit 4: This would definitely be an asset to our reference binder as this article focuses on the entire section four within the area of education. Even though the Consortium Model was used, I personally can see the HAAT Model (thanks to Dr. Cunningham). Overall, this article takes into account the human, the activities, and types of assistive technology that could improve educational performance in children, while being family-centered. A family-centered focus has a direct connection to OT as therapist take into account the parents' and child's perspectives. While being family-centered, the article discusses integrating AT in the child's daily life while taking into account funding. Overall, this article has a direct connection to occupational therapy.

Unit 4: This website is very beneficial and should be bookmarked on your laptop as it provides a simple guide for AT funding. This area of occupational therapy can be very confusing, but through the setup of this website therapists, with differing years of experience, can easily find information regarding the differing areas of funding while obtaining detailed information if needed. While viewing this website, I was surprised with the amount of funding sources for assistive technology!

Check out this selection of apps designed to support reading comprehension!

Unit 3:Technology is now a huge component of an individuals’ life, which we can incorporate into therapy. This website provides 50 apps, ranging in price, focusing on reading comprehension, reading fluency, grammar, and reading speed. The best part of incorporating these apps into therapy is the child believes they are playing a game, something fun, rather than worksheets. A major plus of incorporating technology into therapy is this treatment can continue outside of the clinic as the parent can download the apps onto their cell phone or iPad. Parents and occupational therapist can also locate apps for writing and academic sucess if the child needs additional assitance.

cbaumbach1

Braille Smartphone

A lot of us have hopped on the technology bandwagon, and have multiple devices that we use (tablet, iPad, smartphone, iPod, etc.). Technology is there to make our lives easier. In most cases, it does. What we don’t stop to consider, though, is that not everyone is able to use technology the way that we are able to. There are many different features on devices that cater to those with disabilities, and they have immensely improved daily tasks for people. As future OTs, we need to keep all of these handy tools and features in our back pockets so that we may utilize them with our clients. Here is another tool for us future OTs: a smartphone that takes ordinary documents and images and translates them to Braille. There are still a lot of people out there who have visual impairments and benefit from Braille text. There are other devices on the market that do similar things, but imagine giving a smartphone-like device for a client that can do all of this for them. It would allow them to continue to use a system (Braille) that they are already familiar with in their everyday lives. This product was introduced by Kriyate, which is based in India, and is in the testing phase. How cool would this be if it comes to the American market and is available for our clients?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2013/04/24/breakthrough-braille-smartphones-for-the-blind/

chelseathome

Everyday I take my smartphone for granted. From the time I wake up (alarm) to the time I go to bed (searching the internet) I am using my smartphone, but I have never stopped to think about individuals who are blind. With this device, these individuals can engage in the same occupations I engage in as a young adult. I really hope this product makes it past the testing stage and comes to America. This device would be very beneficial to our clients. Thanks for sharing Cassie!

The TEK Robotic Mobilization Device is a machine developed to replace the wheelchair. In this demonstration video, we see a man with a severe injury to his spinal cord able to move about in ways that a wheelchair would make very difficult.

Unit 3: This article is from 2012, but I believe this is a great product to replace the wheelchair. From a future occupational therapist perspective this device increases mobility within the home and environment, while giving the client pressure relief (i.e. decrease the risk of pressure sores). I do wonder how this device would work on carpet and/or in the grass (i.e. patient safety). After watching the video, our clients will need upper extremity strength to use this device.

jbyrnes2ot-blog

SeniorNet provides nonprofit computer and Internet education for older adults and seniors. SeniorNet is the premier senior site for content and community.

This nonprofit- SeniorNet- aims at increasing computer access for seniors. I think this is important because technology has become the norm for communication. People who don’t have access to technology, not necessarily due to disability, but from lack of knowledge and skill are also prone to marginalization in the world of technology and therefore the world at large. This organization has so many curriculum sets for almost any common/standard technology and software that you can think of. This is very important because it can lead to greater inter-generational participation and meaning for older adults.

chelseathome

Julia, I can't agree with you more on technology use in the geriatric population and how they are marginalization in the world of technology and therefore the world at large. In my family my grandmother has no idea how to use technology; cell phones or computers, which has negatively impacted our relationship as I am now 6 hours away and communicating via phone is the only way to keep in touch. I feel this program would be very beneficial in increasing technology use in the geriatric population, which in turn could positively impact their relationships with grandchild.

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.

dawod123

Unit 2

In class we spoke about accessibility features that can be found on our devices. I pulled up the page for accessibility features of Apple devices. I think it is important to familiarize ourselves with these features because it can enhance productivity when individuals use these devices. I like how this page is set up because it allows you to pick an accessibility feature based on what you need such as, vision, hearing, physical/motor skills, and learning/literacy. If a device is not compatible with the individual’s needs, it may just need some simple adjusts. We should be able to access these features and teach our clients how they can adjust them to improve their function. There are also sites for android and other devices that explains the use of accessibility features.

chelseathome

Nadia, thanks for sharing this - I have personally hopped on the Apple train and had no idea about all of these accessibility features (until we discussed them in class). It is amazing how Apple incorporates these features into their devices, which could really come in handy for our clients (they don't have to go out and purchase another device). Overall, I love how Apple designed this webpage; organized based on accessibility features vision, hearing, physical/motor skills, and literacy. Allows clients and therapists to easily find features they are searching for.

Everyone can use AT!

Although not originally created for individuals with upper extremity amputations, this foot mouse is an ideal product for that population. It allows the user to operate a mouse by slipping a cuff on one foot and pressing buttons with the other.

Unit 2

Another alternative device that replaces the standard mouse is known as the foot mouse. At first glance, I thought his device used indirect selection because of the picture, but after additional research this device would use direct selection as this device is not a switch. To use the device, clients use their right foot to move the mouse around the screen. This could be done with knee flexion and extension and hip adduction and abduction. The client can then select using the red and yellow buttons near the client’s left foot (Control Ac). The additional red and yellow buttons are short cuts to websites that are frequency used.

Information From Online Sources: Unit 2

Nao Robot has made another appearance with children with autism. Harbor School District has been using Nao Robot for the past 9 months and have seen great improvements within their students' motivations, focus, interactions, and language development. This device is now used in more than 70 countries and I am excited to hear the success stories. I believe this device will continue to be used within therapy and within the school system. As this device continues to be used within these settings and in different settings, I would love to see the development of new applications to increase the use of this device with children with autism and other diagnoses within the upcoming years.

Information Gained From Online Sources: Unit 2

With the development of technology, I am excited to see the development of new protheses. Technology with protheses continues to develop and now a company as created a prothesis that is one step closer to truly integrating the user with their prothesis by implanting myoelectric sensors (IMES) in the residual muscle tissue of the amputated limb. These clients no longer need to think about movements because their unconscious reflexes are automatically converted into myoelectric impulses that control their Bionic prosthesis as a signal is sent to the relevant muscle groups for execution of movement, including walking, running, or climbing steps. I would classify this prothesis as high as the device is made in Iceland and that is where research is being conducted. I am excited to see the growth of this device.

Ion Air Mouse Glove. An alternative to standard mouse. $55

Unit 2

The Ion Wireless Arm Mouse Glove is an alternative mouse as it replaces the use of the standard mouse. In order to use this mouse, clients will need to wear the glove with their hand either on a hard surface or in the air. To click the screen or right click, clients need to adduct their first digit; thumb, and apply pressure to the elevated buttons on the distal end of the second digit (Control Act). To use this device clients use radial and ulnar deviation and wrist extension and flexion to move the mouse around the screen and like I have already mentioned, adduction of the first digit to click on items on the screen. This device also is using direct selection.

orbiTouch Keeless Keyboard- I just got one of these and am learning to use it. Hopefully it will make typing easier!

Unit 2

Orbitouch Keeless Keyboard is an alternative keyboard as it replaces the standard keyboard. This keyboard differs from the standard keyboard as it no keys. Clients use this device via Ulnar and Radial deviations and flexion and extension of the wrist (Control Act) to select letters. The left side of the keyboard is divided into colors; green, blue, orange, red, and yellow, that correspond with selections of letters on the right side. The right side of the keyboard is divided into multiple sections with five letters in each section. Each section is divided into the five colors, which corresponds with an individual letter. An example would be selecting the letter "D." At the same time, the client will demonstrate radial deviation and the letter "D" will display on the screen (Selection Technique). This alternative keyboard seems extremely challenging to use when you have to complete different movements at the same-time and the grouping of letters differs then the standard keyboard. Overall, this device is classified as direct selection.

cbaumbach1

This website shows how to make homemade assistive technology devices. The picture is of a milk jug handle that is being used to help an individual with handwriting. This is a great resource for things that we can find at home and bring to our therapy sessions with our clients, as well as give them simple means to utilize AT. This just goes to show that a bigger price tag doesnt always mean that the product is better, and that creativity goes a long way. And who can possibly be more creative than an OT? :) http://www.theoatc.org/resources/milkjughandle.asp

chelseathome

Cassie, I completely agree with everything you said. The bigger price tags are not always the best AT devices because who would have thought of turning a milk jug into a device to help with handwriting? The answer, only OTs :) Before this class, I never would have thought or classified a milk jug as AT, but now I can. This makes me think if we could take anything else we use in everyday life and turn it into AT. The wheels are turnings in my head.

mothernaturenetwork

whiskey-weather-deactivated2016

12-year-old invents Braille printer using Lego set The Braigo printer cost its inventor about $350, making it more affordable than other Braille printers that can retail for more than $2,000.

kaylabayne17-blog

This is incredible to see the ways people out there can help to make products of assistance more affordable and accessible in a creative manner.

chelseathome

Wow, this is an amazing find! Who would have thought of putting Lego pieces together to make a Braille printer..? And kudos to this young man for wanting to give the directions on how to make it out for free. In another post, that I posted myself, I found a Braille tablet - I think AT is moving in the right direction to helping individuals who are visually impaired. I can’t wait to see what the future holds especially once we become OTs!

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