Wednesday 16 May 2012

Tutorial eight : Assistive technology

In general.--The term `assistive technology device' means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.


US Department of Education (2004). Building the legacy: idea 2004 Retrieved from
           http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,statute,I,A,602,1,


SmartNav
This is navigation technology for PC or Laptop that will enable the client’s access to software and internet connectivity. Clients with conditions like cerebral palsy, locked in syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy can benefit from its innovation. This will lessen the ‘digital divide’ which is defined as the unevenness of spreading of access to technology. With practice the technology will allow clients to communicate directly with therapists enabling them to directly identify any issues or possible goals they may have had difficulty expressing before
 It comes in the physical form of a webcam  located above (and fixed to) the monitor. It is directed at the user and allows them to control the cursor with slight head movements. A reflective dot is fixed to a head strap, cap or glasses (if the client is required to wear them). This enables users with decreased upper limb ability to freely use PC’s or laptops. The Sip and Puff switch allows users to control the left and right click features of the mouse by either sipping (inhaling) or puffing (exhaling).  Both features require the minimum of movement and exertion. This technology will also be of enormous benefit for clients with spinal injury, brain injury and CVA. The purchase price is $499.




Image retrieved from http://www.naturalpoint.com/smartnav/ 


Image retrieved from http://orin.com/access/sip_puff/



Counterstrike "hands free" I want one. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIV2BRPVdcM 




Michael Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unJiY702U4Q

Tutorial seven: Linking to blogs of interest

Here are five blogs of interest to me as an Occupational Therapy student








I posted a comment on to this site about pediatric Occupational therapy. My next placement will be in this setting, so this blog was GREAT
   

Great to see some comments posted