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This article, from a website about learning disabilities, provides ideas and suggestions for families looking for fund assistive technology devices. One of the suggested ways to get assistive technology equipment included on the website is by getting used equipment. This is a more affordable way for families and school districts to afford the devices their child/student needs. The website mentions three of the more popular online resources for finding used equipment.
This link connects to a website created by ATIA to provide information and additional links to content about funding for assistive technology. Funding information is broken into categories that include organizations, insurance options, federal and state programs, special education and the public schools, advocacy groups, state vocational rehabilitation centers, veterans administration, employer, scholarships, fundraising activity ideas, other private pay options, grants, requests for proposals, and additional funding resources. This website will be a good reference in the future if you need an idea of where or how to gain funding to help a client.
It turns out special education isn't just for special education students.
Unit 4:
I found this article through Reddit, where it describes a school district advocating the use of assistive technology in their classrooms. They abide by a “universal design” method, which incorporates AT in order to benefit every student. The school wants to provide AT and/or allow it in a classroom setting, in ways that benefit the student. They understand that every student is different, and so technology can be specific to their needs. Within the article, there are specific quotes and examples of positive reactions to how AT has helped.
This article is a great example of school district making assistive technology work for their students. In the article they mention that assistive technology comes at a cost and because of that the district wants to make sure that the assistive technology they select and pay for benefits the student. This school district could be an example of successful assistive technology use for other districts in the country. I love that the article reports about a student using assistive technology in class and says, "He's still with the rest of the class, but he's getting it presented in a way he can understand it." Great use of technology to individualize and differentiate instruction!
The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), a specialised national research institute of Hamad Bin Khalifa University has developed a custom keyboard for iOS that enables eyes-free,
Unit 3
This is an app that was just launched last week. Â It is a custom keyboard for people with visual impairments that is based off of the original two handed Braille writing system. Â This app is adapted for one-handed use, so for people who are visually impaired with only the use of one good hand, this app may be beneficial.
This article provides information about a newly created app that gives Braille users the possibility to access their cell phones and other iOS touch screen devices. Specifically, this app will help individuals who are Braille users and one handed. Another unique feature of this app is the ability to use it in English or Arabic. Although this app is in the beginning stages it has the potential to reach and benefit many users. In class we have talked about Braille, but we did not discuss the needs of users who are not English speakers. This app is one way that non English speaking Braille users would be able to have access to assistive technology that meets their needs.
This video explains how to change the wax guard on two different types of hearing aids. Changing the wax guard on a hearing aid is an important part of keeping the hearing aid in good running condition. It is recommended that the wax guard be changed at least once a week. In class we talked about users of hearing aids having difficulty changing the hearing aid battery, as you see in the video the wax guard is even smaller than a hearing aid battery. As an occupational therapist you may need to help a client learn how to change the wax guard or provide them with another technique to change the wax guard if they are unable to do so because of motor or dexterity difficulties.
Use these videos, activities, and topics to help you see amazing in all children.
Sesame Street just announced a new character named Julia who has autism. In addition to the announcement of the new character online resources have been developed for parents and children. This link leads to a website that includes videos, online storybooks, daily routine cards, and more. This resource could be helpful when working as an OT in an educational setting or pediatric setting. It could also be utilized for information purposes for adults that provide care or interact with children with autism. One of my favorite parts of the website is a video called “The Amazing Song”. The song shows children of varying abilities interacting, communication (some with AAC), and playing together.Â
Tommy Edison, who has been blind since birth, shows us an app called TapTapSee that identifies objects for blind people. Examples in this video include a $20...
Unit 2:
This is a really cool video made by a guy who was born blind. He has an entire YouTube channel dedicated to showing the general public what blind people do. In this video he demonstrates an app called TapTapSee that allows a blind person to take a picture of an object, and the app will identify that object. In the video he has the app identify a $20 bill, a white Adidas ankle sock, and a can of Healthy Choice chicken noodle soup. Tommy said that he thinks the app is incredibly helpful for things like cooking and dressing, but it does take some practice to be the most successful. I am glad that he demonstrated that the app sometimes is inaccurate, like when he held the sock too close to the camera. It is important for us as therapists to know the positive AND negative aspects of the technology we are suggesting to our clients. This video was made in 2013, so the app may have made vast improvements and work even better. I was also happy that he demonstrated how he uses the voiceover feature to use his iPhone. It was interesting to play with it ourselves but I thought it was very beneficial to see someone use it who is actually visually impaired. Check out some more of his videos, like “Do Blind People Believe in Ghosts?” - he’s a funny guy!
This was a neat video to watch and a helpful app to find. I enjoyed watching him explain the app and demonstrate it. I decided to download TapTapSee (it’s free!) and try myself. It identified both objects I tired correctly. One object I was holding in my hand while taking the picture and the app even identified that the object was being held in the right hand. One neat feature I liked about the app is the ability to describe pictures that are already in your photo library. This allows the user to identify a picture that has been sent to them and saved on the phone or a previously taken picture. As Emma said the man who makes the videos, Tommy, has a great sense of humor and has made other videos. I recommend checking out this video to learn about the app and how it could help a client in the future. I also recommend checking out his other videos to learn more about his experiences as a person who is blind.
Boomer the foot mouse is the first wireless fully-functional hands-free computer mouse. Pre-order today (50% off). Bluetooth for PC, Mac, & Tablets.
Unit 2
This Boomer foot mouse is a wireless device that works on all computers or tablets. It still has all the functions of a traditional mouse without having to use any hands at all. This would be a great product for someone who has no use of their upper extremity or if it is very weak which doesn’t allow for coordinated movements. This could especially be helpful with people who have experienced amputations of both of their upper extremities. Introducing this new way to navigate a computer will require a lot of training and practice to get the correct movements down especially since it is not the traditional way of operating a computer.Â
This mouse provides a way to access a computer for people that would likely not be able to do so otherwise. As Sarah said this is a product that would be great for someone without or with limited upper extremity movement or someone who has had an amputation. The product is expensive at $895 and that could be a limiting factor for a potential user. Learning how to use the mouse may be challenging and time consuming, but for the right user this mouse could provide access that was once not possible at all.
This $200 alternative to a power wheelchair could get thousands of physically impaired kids mobile
This video that I found on Pinterest introduces the Go Baby Go project. The Go Baby Go project was founded to increase exploration for kids with special needs. Since power wheelchairs are not made for children under the age of three, it allows these children to operate a mobility device. The Go Baby Go project buys motor cars off the shelves of stores and modifies them in a way children with a disabilities can use. By doing this, they are giving these children the opportunity to be mobile and get around with their friends where they usually would fall behind. These devices incorporate therapeutic activities into them. One girl in the video usually doesn’t keep her head upright and straight. With her mobility device, they made a switch on the head rest so that she has a reason to sit up and operate the switch to move the device. The mobility device they offer Zander in the video requires him to stand up while using, therefore increasing his muscle strength while enjoying himself. Most importantly, this project allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to bond with typically developing children. They now are able to keep up with their friends while playing in a large area, and could even take over the leadership role by moving faster than their friends.  Â
This is a really neat project that has been developed. I think it was really smart of the developer to not just create a mobility option for these kids, but the think strategically about where to place the switch to make the car go. As Amanda said the child needing reason to sit up straight has a switch behind her head that forces her to sit up if she wants the car to move. Another child has the switch in a position that forces him to stand. I also like that the creator is willing to share his process with others. He said in the video there is no reason to keep this to himself because there are so many kids that could benefit. It made it sound like the plans are available to replicate with your own supplies. Another big benefit is related to the social aspect of being a child. The social engagement opportunities being mobile provides for a kid are limitless. The young boy in the video who could not keep up using his crutches was suddenly able to be with his classmates and even be the leader with the use of his modified car. More information is available at udel.edu/gobabygo/
This article talks about modifying assistive technology devices by changing the actual hardware inside the device. This is not something I ever thought about before finding this piece to read. The idea behind changing the device to fit the needs of the user seems to be a good one, but when reading the article it quickly becomes clear that a very limited group of people would be able to do so. The author of this piece has experience working with Linux and thus is knowledgeable about what it takes to modify different devices. This is probably not something that we will come across a lot in the future as OTs, but it is nice to know that with the appropriate skills devices could be modified.
This website was created by The University of Buffalo (SUNY) to provide introductory information about using switches. The website contains a small amount of information on the many different aspects of using switches. I think this website would be a helpful resource for a client or caregiver when beginning to use this type of assistive technology. Before recommending the site to each client I would make sure the therapist thought about if it would be a good fit for them to read. Because of the amount of information given it may be overwhelming to some readers. In addition to using this as a recommended reading for clients therapists could also take a section of information and provide it to the family. That would be a more manageable way to share information without overwhelming the reader.
These Petite Pillow Switches are made of soft washable materials. The soft material eliminates the need to constantly push or hit a body part against a hard surface. Someone who would use this switch would have a limited range of motion and likely be hitting the switch with their head. This is a switch design that could benefit users with limited range of motion by creating a more enjoyable experience compared to using the harder more well known plastic switches.
“A little clip of his speech. So very proud of this kid! #specialneeds #cerebralpalsy #Holoprosencephaly #inclusion #AdaptandConquer #adoption”
The boy in this clip is using a head pointer that works with his iPad and Proloquo2go software to give a speech to his class. On this instagram account you can see other examples of him using assistive technology to participate in school and play on the iPad for fun. Proloquo2go is an alternative augmentative communication program that is designed for use on Apple products. This post is an example of combining several different types of assistive technology to make the user successful in their everyday life.
New developments in accessible technology have made it easier than ever for the visually-impaired to connect.
In this article Gus Chalkias explains how assistive technology has helped him access the world as he has lost his vision because of retinitis pigmentosa. Chalkias works at the Computer Center for the Visually Impaired People at Baruch College in Manhattan. One of the most interesting topics focused on in the article is transportation. This is especially important for people living near Chalkias because so much travel is done by foot. Responsive Street Furniture is one piece of assistive technology that is being developed. Users are able to enter their environmental preferences into the system and as they approach an intersection that has the equipment the environment adapts to their needs. Some possible options include longer crossing time, additional light, or audio cues. Chalkias also shares about voice over apps that he uses to access his phone and be able to take a picture.
Caroline’s Cart provides shopping carts to grocery stores that have an adaptive seat in the front. This cart makes it much easier for parents who have a child that uses a wheelchair to shop alone, because they can put their child in the seat and shop without the wheelchair. This is a great organization and was recently able to provide a cart to a grocery store in St. Louis! Great way for parents to include their kids in the grocery shopping experience.
On the Caroline’s Cart website you can use a map feature and see if a grocery store near you has a Caroline’s Cart. I was excited to discover that a location not far from my house has one in use. Or so I thought. I went to the store to see the cart and learned that they keep the cart locked up. I can understand wanting to protect the cart for its intended use, but storing the cart this way does not make it very accessible for the customer. They do have a sign located on the door telling customers this cart is available.Â
As Emma said the cart design makes shopping easier for parents of children with disabilities. Another use of the cart would be for a caregiver to use this cart when caring for an adult or older adult. I think this cart is a great design and I hope to see it become more accessible for people who would benefit from its use.
I invest in blogging because the form allows for timeliness, responsiveness, connectedness and critique. In a rapidly changing healthcare environment blogs will continue to be an important piece of the information dissemination puzzle. And blogs are fun to read.
As I was browsing through resources to find new assistive technology info I stumbled upon a really nice list of a variety of blogs across the OT spectrum. Each is categorized and paired with a short explanation on what you can expect to read about. The lists contains anything find from “The Recycling OT” who posts about pediatric activity ideas made only from recycled items to “OTs with Apps and Technology” which I think we could all benefit from :). I think this is a great resource to have as we’re getting closer to becoming practicing therapists.Â
I agree with Allie that this list of blogs looks to be a great resource covering many different topics. In looking at this list of blogs I liked that it was separated into different categories. There are blogs on the list that are not as meaningful right now, but will be great resources when we become practicing OTs. The two blogs I enjoyed the most are both written by OT students and share various insights and new learnings they are encountering. I found it fun to read about other people experiencing the same thing I’m currently experiencing.
Fun Fact: This list has been expanded and now have more than 30 blogs to check out!
This is part three of a story (all three parts can be accessed at the Post-Dispatch website) about Katie Ladlie. Katie had her leg amputated because of a disease called genuine diffuse phlebectasia of Bockenheimer. Katie currently competes in high school sports using an adapted racing wheelchair. Katie has been able to compete in many high school track and field events, but she has not been able to earn points for her high school team because of a ruling from the Missouri State High School Activities Association. This is an on going story as there is a current court case taking place in regards to Katie’s rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. As an OT it is important to advocate for your clients and teach your clients how to advocate for themselves.
