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[marissabonney]

John Palmer became paralyzed at age 19 after being involved in a pool related accident. He is now getting married and wants to be able to experience a first dance with his new wife. After finding the only dance studio in Michigan that offered a ballroom dancing program for wheelchair users, John is able to make his wish come true. As future OTs, we need to support the hopes and dreams of our clients and try to our best ability to put them in the position to make these things happen. A wheelchair isn’t provided to someone to hold them back, but it is meant to enable occupation and assist them in completing daily tasks. As a society, we need to remember that a person isn’t defined by their disability and that they can accomplish much more than meets the eye. 

[ahill1-blog]

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!

[marissabonney]

This article was able to break down the important aspects of choosing the most appropriate assistive technology tool. As Allie mentioned, we have covered a lot of these main ideas in class throughout the school year. This article brought it all together. I liked how Shelley Haven mentioned that as much as 80% of AT is abandoned by the user because it was not a good match due to not matching the user’s abilities, needs, preferences, or context. As a future occupational therapist, it is important to keep in mind how crucial it is to have an appropriate device and to understand the benefits AT provides when the device fits the user and they are educated on operating it. 

[marissabonney]

This is an informative research article that i found in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy database. This study focused on different approaches to service delivery and made an effort to determine which approaches are most successful for early intervention for children. The researchers came to a conclusion that family-centered and routine-based interventions are the most effective in addition to parent training and education. As occupational therapy practitioners, this is useful information because we want to have the positive outcomes and make our client feel comfortable in therapy. Research has proven that this type of service delivery is effective, so it will be beneficial to incorporate it into our practice in the future. In addition, It is always important to remain client centered and family-centered when interacting with individuals. 

[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

[marissabonney]

This inspirational story is a great example of how being in a wheelchair is not a limitation. Sue Austin describes her wheelchair as giving her freedom. Because of this, she started deep sea diving in her wheelchair! The passion and drive that this woman possesses is incredible. 

[marissabonney]

Ryan Weimer is the father of 3 children who were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. His goal was to make his children feel like superstars instead of being looked at with sympathy. Ryan created a nonprofit organization, Magic Wheelchair, that would provide children in wheelchairs with amazing, unique Halloween costumes. This story shows how creativity and devotion can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for someone with a disability. Although this organization goes to a lot of trouble to create these costumes, occupational therapists and other members of society should realize that all acts of kindness can go a long way. Taking steps to include individuals with disabilities will create an overall positive atmosphere in a world that views disability as a limitation. 

[marissabonney]

Consider these 7 wheelchair friendly cities when planning your next vacation! From the Space Needle to the Golden Gate Bridge, these cities have tons to offer.

This blog is a wonderful resource for an individual with a disability that is looking to travel or move to a new place. It lists the top 7 cities in the United States that support adapting services and environments to create a wheelchair friendly atmosphere. Seattle, WA ranked #1 because transit systems, attractions, and ferries are accessible for those who utilize wheelchairs. In addition, rehab centers, fitness centers, and hospitals have started following a universal design that makes it easier for wheelchair users to maneuver in, out, and around the facilities. It is important to take into consideration the obstacles that these individuals have to face on a daily basis if curbs, bathrooms, transportation, and even doorways aren’t created or adapted to a wheelchair accessible standard. In the future, I hope that every city will be wheelchair friendly and support the function of those who utilize mobility devices. 

[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.

[marissabonney]

This is a really great reference for someone who is using an apple device or is thinking about purchasing one. Technology is advancing so fast, it is hard to keep up with all of the features of these devices. Even when you are aware that something is there, sometimes it’s hard to understand how to use them. This is a very detailed, organized website that explains accessibility features in a way that people can understand and follow. As Ots, we need to be aware of whats going on with certain devices so we can help our clients function at the highest level!

[dawod123]

This article from Feedly talks about the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding. I think this is an interesting setting for OT’s to work in to improve the quality of life of individuals. The article talks about the proven evidence based research behind positive results Hippotherapy has on individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), spinal cord injury (SCI), and multiple sclerosis (MS). It was shown that therapeutic horseback riding increases motor performance in children with CP, decreases spasticity in SCI clients, and improves postural stability in individuals with MS. Being able to justify a therapy treatments to a client is important so they fully understand the benefits it can provides to them. It also reassures them that the treatment they are participating it has be proven to show improvement in individuals.

Unit 2

[marissabonney]

Hippotherapy is such an interesting type of therapy service. I would love to be able to observe OT in this setting! It is beneficial to a variety of disabilities and can be used for children and adults.  I could see how it would increase motor performance and postural stability but I also think that it would be beneficial for individuals with behavioral issues. Taking on a care giving role could give an individual responsibility and a feeling of independence and self-esteem. Thanks for sharing Nadia! 

[dawod123]

Unit 2 In interventions class we talked about telehealth and how it was being used in therapy sessions. Telehealth allows you to basically Skype your clients to instantly see them if they are having a problem or to conduct a therapy session. This is a blog on Feedly of an OT that utilizes telehealth and she takes you through her typical day of this type of therapy session. She goes in detail about her day and the clients she treats without physically being present with them. There is also a video in the link that demonstrates how a typical session goes. This is an interesting way to treat clients, especially if they are having difficulty completing a task and needs quick guidance at that moment.

[marissabonney]

Telehealth is a great way for OTs to communicate with their clients without physically being with them. This would be beneficial for people who are in rural areas who might not be able to drive to therapy multiple times a week. It would also be helpful if a client needs clarification on an intervention or if they have a question about a new behavior that their child is displaying. It is definitely taking healthcare to the next level! 

[marissabonney]

This 8th grade classroom is all about assistive technology! The school that it is associated with is very involved with HP’s Hacking Autism which is a movement to create autism apps and technology. One of the classroom assignments is to create an app that could help someone in any way. Through the use of technology, these kids are brainstorming and creating apps that could possibly assist individuals with disabilities. One student created an app that is a calculator with large buttons. This app could benefit people with poor fine motor skills or even low vision. It is wonderful that this school is educating students about technology and the great ways that it can be used to help others!

[marissabonney]

Smartphones, Apps Prove Liberating For Those With Special Needs

With the shift from computers to touch-screen phones and tablets in recent years, initial worries that people with disabilities would be left behind have largely faded, advocates say.

This blog is a great representation of how evolving technology has impacted individuals with disabilities in a positive way. This story focused on individuals with blindness or low vision. This population was concerned when smartphones started getting popular because it was almost impossible for them to utilize this technology. With the creation of VoiceOver, a built in app that reads messages on the screen aloud, people with low vision or blindness can operate smartphones just as efficiently as people with typical vision. There are also other apps such as the Money Reader that assist individuals in identifying currency despite not being able to see it. As technology improves and changes, it allows people with disabilities to function at higher levels and completely ADLs and IADLs independently. 

[marissabonney]

Infogrip provides assistive technology solutions, alternative keyboards and mice, and assistive technology products for the disabled and low vision. We also provide many office, computer, and network services.

Infogrip a great website if you are looking to locate or compare alternative access and computers! This website provides everything from alternative keyboards to switch interphases to PC computers. After choosing from one of the broad categories such as Software, Mice, or Keyboards, you are directed to a selection of products that match that description. Once you have located what you are looking for, there is a detailed description along with reviews and comparison features. Because of technological advances, it’s hard to keep up with the new AT devices and alternative access products. This website can benefit therapists because it provides a reliable source for quality products. 

[marissabonney]

This was an interesting blog that I found on Feedly. This product is a virtual reality system designed by MindMaze that was developed not only to help individuals with motor ability impairments but to provide education to those with Autism. This virtual reality allows someone to interact and receive feedback in a way they have never experienced. This product is beneficial because it provides a safe place for people to develop social skills. This is proof that technology is contributing to enhance knowledge and life skills for people with disabilities. 

[marissabonney]

Meet Christopher Hills. He is a young man who was born with Athetoid CP but decided not to let that define who he is. Instead, he is a video editor who runs his own business and is a certified professional by Apple. He is able to access his computer with the use of a switch. A switch is a device that detects contact, sound, or movement and provides an input control signal to the computer. It is an alternative to a standard keyboard. In Christopher’s case, his head switch sends a signal to another switch that is connected to his computer via USB. With the development of alternative access, this brilliant individual can navigate his computer by hitting his switch to search through and select keys or buttons.  As a result, Christopher is able to participate in occupations that he loves and is able to function on a much higher level. Overall, he is happy and compassionate about what he does. This is a lesson to all of us: utilize technology because it has the capabilities of taking your clients to the next level!

[shanfoley]

http://www.orcam.com/

Orcam is  small portable device that helps people with a visual impairment to live more independently. It connects to a person’s glasses and uses a small camera and earpiece to help a person decipher anything from who a person is to what cereal they’re picking up in the grocery aisle. It responds to the point of your finger or the press of a button. Though it’s an expensive purchase around $3,500, it seems like a great product that promotes function and independence. 

[marissabonney]

I would agree that Orcam definitely promotes function and independence! Although this assistive technology is expensive, it seems like it would be a smart purchase based on the positive testimonies from the individuals in the video. It is so amazing how technology is allowing people with disabilities to be able to function to the highest level. 

[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!

[katielovesot]

Glow in the Dark Gripper

http://shop.conval-aid.com/Products/Glow-in-the-Dark-Gripper__16H162A.aspx

Although this device may seem simple, the Glow in the Dark Gripper can increase safety by keeping the door knob visible in the dark. This device has little grooves that make the door knob easier to grip. It provides up to 8 hours of illuminating power and can be recharged by being exposed to bright light or sunlight. This device could be very beneficial to the elderly or individuals with vow vision to help find their way in the dark. Great assistive device to increase safety around the house!  

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[marissabonney]

This is an awesome, yet simple assistive device! I think that it could be beneficial for many populations and even to individuals without disabilities. Its incredible how the smallest devices can make a difference. Thanks for sharing, Katie!