Assistive Technology for Occupational Therapy @kreeds1 - Tumblr Blog

The National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership (NATTAP) provides technical assistance to the 56 state and territory assistive technology programs as authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998

Unit 4

This appears to be a resource which is made up of a compilation of resources that can lead someone to finding just about any information related to AT. This project (NATTAP) is partnered with the U.S. Department of Education and RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) and receives grant funding as a result of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.

kreeds1

I am glad that Keven posted this information on AT Resources. I remember from class, we watched a video about a family that did not have much knowledge in assistive technology especially for communication devices. The therapists told the parents that her child did not have the capacity to use a AAC device, however at home she was using picture cards on a velcro binder. They tried to show the therapists her cognitive ability and level of understanding of her needs and wants. Also, they were trying to show her ability in using their homemade picture card system. But, the therapists did not listen, and the parents did not know what technology was available or where to go. This would have been a useful resource for those parents at the time and hopefully for parents in the future.

I will say, however, that parents have access to the internet now more than ever and can look at blogs for assistive technology and find resources that can be found on websites.

Meet The Amazing Student Who Spent 18 Hours Dictating Each University Exam And Refuses To Give Up http://flip.it/lrVc5 This individual has some serious patience. She takes exams through dictating what she wants to say and has individual assistant type up what her words. She says some exams have taken 8 hours to 18 hours! Wow! Now, she says she has tried various types of assistive technology and that text-to-speech doesn't work well because of fluctuations in her speech. However, I would like to see if an AT specialist, like Dr. Cunningham, could figure out a solution. Eye gaze technology might be useful for this girl if she really refuses to use text to speech technology. But, I know that Dragon can adapt to a person's voice so this could be an option. I respect this individuals will to complete he assignments, but 8 hours is a long time and doesn't seem to be the best functional Method. That is a lot of time that she could spend doing other activities as well. Thoughts?

ASK: Medicaid Disability http://flip.it/lFrqg

Choosing the Right Assistive Technology for ADHD Students http://flip.it/YwC__ This article relates to the processes that practitioners must use before deciding on an AT device for a person. Specially, this one discusses ADHD. It recommends that you first define what the problem is of the student. Then, it is important to denote the learning style of the student. Finally, it gives recommendations based on the problem. Sound familiar? It reminds me of the Schemer article in which OT practitioners must describe the problem and the situation and give recommendations based on the problems.

By Troy Lambert In a recent article, Writing is Power, Sydney Lines, a Masters of English Literature student, made a simple statement: “Most speakers of any language must maintain a sort of dual-fluency: in the spoken language and in the written language.

This blog highlights 20 different writing and reading apps for the classroom. The list mentions Dragon dictation, but the rest of the examples are all new to me. For reading, they discuss Blio, which reads eBooks aloud for children while also giving a feature of highlighting words as they are spoken. You can also search google through the application without leaving the story. App writer is an app that helps dyslexic students by offering assistive features such as word suggestions, text-to-speech, a PDF reader, OCR, and a custom keyboard with special Dyslexie-font. Stories2Learn is an app that has social narratives that teachers can use for teaching social cues and social concepts. This could be especially useful for children with Autism. Finally, Soundnote is an app that allows students to draw and take notes while recording audio. Sound familiar? It reminds me of the Smartpen3 from Keven’s presentation. Although it does not record notes through a pen, the user and taken notes on the iPad/tablet or draw notes and it records the lecture in real time. Then, this file can be downloaded and shared via email.

#reading and writing apps

davidthesloth-blog

Shared from Pinterest

Unit 3

The concept of this is quite simple - apps compatible for those with low vision. You will see commonly used apps listed here such as Kindle, Evernote, Dropbox, and more. The idea here is to make others aware that features such as Zoom and VoiceOver are compatible with such apps. Also, most of these apps have built-in settings that allow one’s iDevice accessible. Actual low-vision apps are listed as well. Blogs and posts such as this can be beneficial for those who need a concise and simple guide for information regarding these concerns. (Shared from Pinterest)

kreeds1

I think the idea of making apps for low vision is necessary due to the aging population, but also due to people who have visual deficits as a result of a condition or disease. There are many visually-impaired people in the world, and technology needs to be up-to-date to allow for equal accessibility among populations. Technology is going to continue to grow so app-makers need to look into the visually-impaired market to allow for innovative ways for these people can engage in the tech world and society. Almost all persons use cell phones, mainly smartphones, and some form of computer or tablet. By not opening up the app market to the visually-impaired, we are limiting their ability and performance in areas of daily life activities because they are expected to used outdated or obsolete methods of communication. I agree with David that these blogs are beneficial to individuals needing tips and information on what apps are available.

kreeds1

Article: Sue Austin: Deep sea diving ... in a wheelchair | TED Talk | TED.com

Sue Austin: Deep sea diving … in a wheelchair | TED Talk | TED.com Information learning: It is apparent from testimonies of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs that they can feel unnoticed, ostracized, or looked down upon with self pity. Sue Austin speaks of how her initial impression of a power wheelchair was freedom. Yet, other people she encountered either ignored her, wetr disengaged, or expressed how they feel she was limited by the “chair.” She decided to make different works of art to show people how she has more ability by using the wheelchair. She hoped to change their impressions, and I believe she has done just that. She created a power wheelchair that can go underwater. She compared scuba diving to Iain a wheelchair in that a person is using a device to assist them in an activity that they normally would not be able to do. Because we all are beings of land, she videos herself underwater in the ocean surrounds by the reefs and fish. The video shows her floating in all dimensions of space and how she isn’t limited by one dimension. This video helps one to transcend from previous thought into a new realm where they can understand how technology can assist someone to feel purpose and engaging in activities they may never thought was possible. The video unlocks the brains brains close-minded.

kreeds1

https://www.ted.com/talks/sue_austin_deep_sea_diving_in_a_wheelchair?language=en

Children with autism spectrum disorder who participated in a 10-week, 40-hour, theater-based program showed significant differences in social ability compared with a group of children with ASD who …

The decision to choose a college is a difficult one for many high school students, however it is more difficult for those who use wheelchairs. This is due to college campuses level of accessibility on campus. College campuses that offer accessibility, academic services, and private rooms help those who use wheelchairs find success on campus. It is a difficult decision for these students to find the university that has the most accessible features to fit their needs. Yet, once they are able to determine the best fit, they tend to discover a enjoyment in the college experience. There is a level of independence that they experience and find exciting experiences all while making new friends. I think many college campuses need to take this article into consideration to make sure that all their campuses are accessible for students. I know that some colleges may have requirements for accessibility satisfied, but it is necessary that they go above and beyond so that students who use wheelchairs aren’t limited by physical demands. If students are limited by physical demands, this also sets them up to be limited in social demands and further learning opportunities.

#Assitive technology #accessibility #wheelchair

This video features a man who creates halloween costumes for kids who use wheelchairs. I find this be so exciting and neccessaryn in the day in age. Many children look forward to dressing up for Halloween and disguising him or herself. It gives people a chance to become somebody new for the night. These halloween costumes help bridge the gap between limitations that some kids may feel because of their wheelchairs. A person may dress up as a character or ghost, but feel that the wheelchair is still so apparent to one’s eye. These halloween costumes help to take the public’s focus off of the wheelchair and redirect that focus towards the individual.

annagumbyot

Liu Yi has created a design for a mouse which opens up computer use to those suffering from upper limb disabilities.

UNIT 2

Found this one through Pinterest! A wireless mouse designed for the foot. The Flip-Flop Toe Mouse possesses the same functions and actions as a standard mouse, but is designed for use by the first and second toe. Resembling a flip flop in structure (hence the name) this wireless mouse is constructed to be both comfortable and easy to use. Sensors underneath the big toe and second toe indentations detect any “click” movement produced. The big toe acts as the left click, the second as the right click. Double click is also achieved through this mouse. The big and second toe provide grip on the mouse through the flip flop-like portion that runs between these two toes. Because it is wireless, individuals are able to move it around as needed and it will still be picked up through sensors and translated on the screen as moved. This product is a terrific option for those who may be unable to use a standard mouse due to lack of upper extremity function or who may have a unilateral/bilateral amputation of the upper extremity. For these individuals, who may have developed quite a skill in using their feet to do tasks, this mouse may be second-nature to use. Unfortunately, more details on the product are unavailable, and I do not believe it is on the market yet.

kreeds1

This mouse is similar to a flip flop, but guess what!? It is actually a computer mouse! This device helps those who have limitations in the upper extremity, allowing those to navigate and use a mouse with the big toe and second toe. It also could be beneficial to people who use computers a lot at work so that they can avoid problems such as carpal tunnel and forearm muscular tightness. The foot has a lot less fine motor than the hands so this could be a potential limitation to the device. But, with all things in life, practice will help you improve! Once a person is acclimated to this device, he or she will develop more fine motor skill in the toes and foot. Also, some individuals with upper extremity limitations may already be completing activities and occupations by using his or her feet so it may not be as big of a “feat” as would for others. I would really like to try one of these to see how difficult it is. The other thing that comes to my mind is what the individual with upper extremity limitation would use for a keyboard. Some options could be a head mouse, speech to text, or on screen keyboard that is accessible through the mouse.

spollock21me

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouI1ZlhzAYw)

This article talks about the company MotionSavvy who created a program called Leap Motion. The app on the table helps the hearing impaired better communicate with individuals who do not know sign language. The program’s camera captures the movements of the signs used and turns them into text or words read out lout to the person who does not know sign language. This is a cool idea that is still new and in the making.

marissabonney

Thanks for sharing, Sarah! This program is incredible! It utilizes high technology in order to capture hand motions to make communication possible with people who don’t understand sign language. This assistive technology is definitely going to be useful!

kreeds1

This product is incredible and extremely functional! This product is benefits all individuals. First, it assists a person with a speech deficit or the auditory impaired communicate to more individuals, but secondly, it allows those who may not interact with sign language users because they are able to comprehend what the user is trying to say. This bridges a large gap for many people, because the population of people that a person using sign language would usually interact with is now limitless. I would like to know the technology’s accuracy when reading the sign language, and it may be exhausting for somebody to constantly sign over the device, while making sure it captures the full motion. Other than that, it is a very exciting contribution to the AT world.

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!

tbruns1

This device looks so futuristic! I am curious how much weight this mouse can hold before it starts to pull down. I am also interested to learn the dynamic of the mouse and its correlation in preventing Carpal tunnel. If this device does turn out to work then it could provide a new way of how a mouse is structured.

annagumbyot

The design of this device caught my attention right away. Tara was right- very futuristic looking! I am also intrigued as to how strong the magnet is, due to the amount of pressure that may be placed on it. If it were to lower down, would that affect how the sensor picks up and translates the movement to the screen? It would be interesting to find out. I, too, would like to see how this new design and concept prevents carpal tunnel syndrome. It is, no doubt, extremely creative and a great approach/adaptation to the standard mouse. I wonder if it would be beneficial to offer multiple sizes, as well? It will be interesting to see or hear more about this product as it is still in the testing period.

kreeds1

This mouse looks so futuristic! It is extremely innovative. I believe this would alleviate the pressure on the wrist from eliminating so much wrist extension, however would it then affect other joints such as the shoulder and neck? In order to use this mouse, one would have to elevate their arm and hold it in that position while using the mouse. This could result in fatigue in the muscles of the upper arm and shoulder. The troughs that we looked at in class could benefit a person using this mouse, however they would need to be elevated. I am also interesting in seeing how strong the magnet is because how do you know the boundaries for moving the mouse. If the magnet was not strong enough, the person could go off the magnet and then slam their arm along with the mouse on the surface below them.

I agree with Katie in that one would need to use an adapted keyboard along with it or maybe an on-screen keyboard. A raised platform with a keyboard at the height of the mouse may be something for a user to look into as well. Overall, it is beneficial to the market and the product will hopefully help others to generate new ideas and products to improve the design and functionality of the mouse.

OptiKey is an assistive on-screen keyboard which runs on Windows. It is designed to be used with a low cost eye-tracking device to bring keyboard control, mouse control and speech to people with motor and speech limitations

This is an on-screen keyboard that uses eye tracking to select that functions of a keyboard and mouse. It also has speech-to-text which is helpful for those that may need further assistance. The keyboard can be colored to white or black if an individual needed a specific type of contrast for visual impairment also. It can be used for people with cerebral palsy, ALS, and spinal cord injury. The limitations of this keyboard is that it is only available through windows software. This device can be used with dwell time, which can be adjusted, as well with a switch. Finally, the optikey eye-tracking on-screen keyboard is free!

#on screen keyboard

HansOn - One handed keyboard ($0.00) The HansOn One Handed Keyboard is the first of its kind, a truly fully functional one handed keyboard for the iPad. Finally be able to use all five fingers to type and still carry the iPad with your free hand.

This is a one handed keyboard that is downloadable through the iTunes store. This keyboard works for iPads so that the individual can use one hand to type easily. I could see this technology working for individuals who only have use of one hand such as an amputee or stroke patient.

The limitations that I see with this application is whether or not it can be used with all applications or rather just with the notepad app or a writing application. Another limitation with this adapted keyboard like many other adapted devices is that it will take the individual using it more time to adjust to the placement of the keys and functions. The information provided about the keyboard is that it is not set up like a Qwerty keyboard because that set-up is truly meant for two-handed typing. This keyboard would use direct selection since the user is able to access and press all the functions themselves.

(via Eye-tracking tech: Countdown to lift-off? - E & T Magazine)

Eye-gaze or eye-tracking software has been discussed in class, and we were able to see a demonstration of it from Mr. Cunningham. Eye-gaze replaces the need to a mouse and keyboard and uses a person’s eye movements to determine what he or she wants to type, browse, or file to open. Different players in the game are Samsung with EyeCan+, Tobii (which we know of), and SensoMotoric and are starting to move eye-gaze into new fields such as video-gaming. Profit gain is a large part of the reason for companies to expand this technology into new fields. Eye-tracking technology went from being thousands of dollars some years ago to $100-$200 dollars.

Tobii is on the eye-gaze developer giants that has linked up with a gaming company, SteelSeries, to provide eye-gaze technology to PC games. It can be used as a third-person camera, can give an analysis of the player’s eye movements so he or she can improve one’s game, and finally, to videotape their play and give insight into their movements for fans. Eye-gaze may even move into mobile device gaming by next year.

The article notes that eye-gaze is not perfect because it is always “on” when using it so it has a difficult time determining interaction and eye movements of perception. My example for understanding this is to think about using eye gaze to get to a website. You can purposefully focus on the web icon until it is light up, and then move your eyes over to the column to select double-click to open it. But, say when you are on the website, you are reading and the eye gaze is thinking you are wanting to select a function on the screen. This could be potentially distracting and time consuming.

So how does this apply to Occupational therapy and assistive technology? Hopefully, if companies venture out to using this technology into new domains, it will shed further light on newer and better eye-gaze technologies for those who are limited. If the gaming industry is able to put eye-gaze on a mobile phone, another developer could take the foundation of that technology and apply it towards those who are unable to use his or her limbs, such as with high spinal cord injury. I also believe that if more people use this technology, ideas and concerns will be voiced; thus, generating ideas for improving this technology.

#eye-gaze #assitive technology #occupational therapy #gaming

Future of Immersive Gaming Gear for the Blind I thought davidthesloth might enjoy this article on virtual gaming for those who are blind or visually - impaired. The game sorry of reminds me of your post on the PTSF game in that it gives other sensory experiences to the gamer rather than just visual. These experiences include haptic feedback and auditory feedback so that the gamer can use his or her other senses to navigate the game. It is a shame that this hasn't been developed sooner. This game applies to class discussion focused on accessibility, where the 40 million blind and 250 visually - impaired are limited from accessing video games which has become a cultural phenomenon, popular ny demand involving social occupations and educational occupations. I hope to see games for those of all limitations including the blind and visually- impaired be bright to fruition and actualized. I am jusy skeptical how people who are not limited In the senses like vision will be able to accurately design the game to suit the needs of this impaired.

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