AT Is Awesome

[katiewecke]

This article is about the specialized college programs that are available for students with intellectual disabilities. I think it is great that these schools are taking the initiative to be more inclusive for those individuals who may not have had the opportunity to attend college prior to these programs being created. It’s important to show that these individuals are capable of being successful, they just might take a different route to get there compared to the “traditional” one. Everyone learns in different ways, regardless if you have a disability or not, so it’s nice to see that these colleges are aware of that and have decided to make a change for the better. One of the colleges is in Missouri, so I think it’s helpful for us as OTs to be aware of such a program that is close to us. 

[otsmary]

This is an awesome article on universities that have created programs to include students with intellectual disabilities. Specialized programs, such as the ones mentioned in this article, are a step forward on including students with intellectual disabilities in the college experience. Oftentimes after high school there is no transition available for students with intellectual disabilities, and they can fall of the educational and occupational map. These programs provide a next step for these students. They will hopefully provide meaningful opportunities for employment in the community. I hope these programs spread to other universities, and push the idea of inclusion for all in education forward.

[otsmary]

A podcast on assistive technology service delivery in public schools. This podcast was produced in 2008 so it is older, however it gives a decent description of some of the personnel service delivery models for AT in the public school system. It highlights the role that SLP, OT, and PT can have in determining AT, and how AT should be evaluated in the context it is used.

[otsmary]

How new technology helps blind people explore the world This TED talk is very informative because it comes from the perspective of someone who is blind, and provides their personal story of how they manage day to day life. Chieko talks about her struggles growing up, and her desire for independence. This talk also gives hope for the future of assistive technology for people who are visually impaired. I will be interested to see how this technology develops, and how it could best be used in occupational therapy practice.

[davidthesloth-blog]

Great iOS apps for low vision - Low vision technology

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)

[otsmary]

This is a great resource for finding apps that assist people who have low vision. Some of the apps that David mentioned previously are commonly used, but there were many that I had never heard of before which seem to be great for helping people be organized and participate more fully in their environment. Something that would have improved this blog would have been to include some information on how some of the apps specifically assist people with low vision. Overall, a great resource for learning how to make devices more accessible for everyone.

[otsmary]

This is a great article on why it is important to have an AAC device accessible at all times for users and therapists. It is good to always provide someone with a way of communicating whether that be through speech, sign language, AAC devices, or other methods. A person can feel more engaged with their surroundings when they have the ability to interact with other people. I also love how this article mentions that therapists, teachers, and parents should all model using the AAC device. This will help the user better understand how to use it, and hopefully encourage them to use it more if other people communicate with them in that way.

[otsmary]

This is an interesting concept for a mobility aid for individuals who are visually impaired. Many people who are blind can be easily identified when walking out in the community because they use a cane or walking stick of some sort. Some cane users may be fine with this while others may be self-conscious of walking around with the cane. If the Munivo is created it could provide a new way for individuals to be more independent in their homes and in the community without the stereotypical cane. It will be interesting to see how this develops, and what else the future holds for individuals who are visually impaired in the world of assistive technology.

[ahill1-blog]

This blog titled “The Do-It-Yourself OT” is a resource designed by OT Lynn Swedberg to serve as a resource for not only other practitioners, but also for anyone needing advice or suggestions for adaptive equipment. She mentions that she is at a point in her career where she feels she could serve as a mentor to other therapists because of the experiences she has had. These ideas have stemmed from creating certain devices or adaptations that are custom fabricated. She provides photos and descriptions of what she has made in the past. I think this blog can give us an idea on how to modify equipment to in order to help clients fully engage in what they want to!

[otsmary]

I love seeing how people can look at an object and find such interesting ways of adapting it for function. Lynn has some great ideas for how to make things functional for individuals, and how to make them low cost. Cost can be a big factor for people who have difficulty with third party payers, receive no financial support, or pay completely out of pocket for their devices. Finding creative ways of adapting objects in a low cost way is always something an OT should consider when working with different clients. It can even become an intervention if a client is able to help create it! I will be interested to see what other ideas Lynn has for adapting equipment and working with clients.

[kreeds1]

(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. 

[otsmary]

It's interesting to see that EyeGaze software is moving into the world of gaming. In class we learned about the more functional uses of being able to access a computer, and look up information and type. Those functions can include leisure activities, but I have not heard information on gaming and EyeGaze. This could provide some great leisure (and even income) opportunities for individuals who may not be able to traditionally access computers or games. Thanks for sharing this Kelsey!

[spollock21me]

Meet Boomer the Foot Mouse--no hands required!

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. 

[otjulia]

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.

[otsmary]

Foot mice are so interesting because they serve a very specific population that would not be able to use a standard mouse or alternative hand mouse. I posted about another foot mouse, but I like this one as well because it offers a wireless connection which can be used on multiple devices and is easily transportable. A foot mouse is also nice because it is an alternative for individuals who do not prefer to use Dragon Naturally Speaking or EyeGaze software,

[otsmary]

The iBeam from Tobii seems like it is a great device for alternative access. Since the EyeGaze software is built into the tablet this opens the door for portable computer access for individuals who use this type of technology. They would no longer be limited to a computer that is difficult to transport, but be able to go anywhere and use their tablet for alternative access. I will be interested to see how positioning works with this tablet and how the device will affect users.

[otsmary]

A fun alternative to the standard mouse. For individuals who have difficulty with fine motor or gross motor movements with their upper extremities would find this device useful. It acts as a mouse with a slipper being used to move the cursor around, switches for different mouse clicks, and a scroll function on the foot pedal. This can be extremely useful for some people who need an alternative mouse for computer access. However, there are also other alternatives out there such as EyeGaze software or a head mouse. In the end it just depends on what the individual likes most and is able to use functionally.

[otsmary]

This is an interesting kind of switch that uses EMG signals as control. It can pick up faint traces of EMG signals on a muscle and transmit it onto a MacBook for alternative access on a computer. The website claims that this type of switch is good for individuals who have paralysis, and that it can be used from initial diagnosis to late stage diagnoses. This switch can be good, but I wonder if EyeGaze software would be easier and less cumbersome to use. This type of switch also requires that someone places the sensors directly over the muscle that will be used for EMG signaling. It's and interesting idea, but I'm wondering if other types of software that are already available are better alternatives.

[otsmary]

Wonderful article about an OT and her life experiences! She sheds light on the importance of collaborating with the people who you are doing therapy with, especially, in older adult populations. It is always best to ask people what they need and what they think would best help them instead of assuming you know what's best without having been in their shoes. A great reminder to always be client-centered.

[lindseyschweppe]

This blog on how to make an adapted crayon for a child with cerebral palsy is very cool! It is a simple fix to a common problem. You mold a “Y” shape around the crayon with clay to help the child with the dysfunctional grasp be able to still color with their classmates. This would be a helpful tool in occupational therapy practice because it is a simple and cheap fix. The child will feel included with the rest of the peers because they are now able to color with less trouble than before. 

[otsmary]

Such a simple way to use everyday materials to make a functional low-tech assistive technology device. It's also great because the materials are cheap and it doesn't take a huge amount of time to make, which in turn provides more time for occupation-based OT intervention.

[kaylamasseyots]

Hello, my name is Lucas Neumann de Antonio. I strongly believe in design as a discipline that can help us create smarter, more interesting strategies for our society and make our daily life experiences better. This is where you'll find my work and thoughts

This is a device that was designed in London in 2014 by Lucas Neumann de Antonio. Although, this was probably not originally designed for use with people with disabilities I strongly feel all people could benefit from a device like this.  This device helps organize tasks and encourages healthy productivity habits. I really appreciated the authors point about how although they’re many apps on our phones that may address some of the same services a app can get muted or blended in fairly easily. The Bossy device is electronic and gives tactile feedback. I think that this would be great for any client population that needs help with time management, productivity, decision making, and sequencing.

[otsmary]

This is an interesting device that can be used for organization, time management, motivation, and more. This device would work well for populations that are computer literate, and would help many people who struggle with time management or not remembering to do tasks whether they have a disability or not. Depending on its uses it can be labeled as assistive technology, and it's especially interesting that the creators decided to incorporate the tactile piece by having a squishy screen. The only downside to this device (which applies to almost all tech devices) is making it user friendly to populations that are not computer savvy.

[tbruns1]

Boundless Assistive Technology is pleased to offer the World's Best Assistive Technology Products, Service, and Support. Call us at 1-866-606-8551 for all of your adaptive technology needs.

Boundless Assistive Technology is a website that provides a variety of assistive technology from categories such as vision, hearing, communication, mobility, keyboard & mice, and learning. It is a great way to view more information about a product, the cost and who is typically recommended for each product. 

[otsmary]

A great resource for an AT provider for clients or for the general public. This site is easy to traverse and provides lots of information that is easy to understand.

[otsmary]

An interesting article on the use of an assistive tech robot in the classroom. The author of this article uses this robot in her classroom to connect to and teach the children in her classroom who have autism. The research backing this AT device has found that it improves children's social interactions and language use. It's so cool to see new creative ways for children to learn in a way that works best for them!