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Wayfindr is a navigation system for individuals who are blind or significantly visually impaired.  It is an app that operates through one’s cell phone, and vocalizes step by step directions for the individual.  The directions are communicated to the device through bluetooth beacons that are set up around the location.  These beacons help guide the navigation system so that the individual can get from point A to point B without the assistance of others.  The company just received $1 million from Google’s philanthropic arm, which will undoubtedly help it launching into a successful and widely-used app. I am excited to see where this goes. 

This website I found through a board I follow on Pinterest.  It is an excellent resource that outlines many of the specifics about funding for assistive technology.  On this website, insurance options are discussed and links are provided for more information on things such as Medicaid.  There are also links and brief descriptions for private pay options as well as grants. I think resources like these are significant, especially as future OTs, as the funding aspect of assistive technology is something in which to be well-versed. 

This video is a perfect example of the impact that advances in technology can have in aspects of life that may be taken for granted, such as the ability to see colors.  This young man in the above video is diagnosed with color blindness, and has not experienced the beautiful colors of a sunset.  With Enchroma Color glasses, he gets that opportunity.  His reaction solidifies the powerful impact that assistive technology can have in the lives of those with a disability.  With Enchroma Color, he as well as others who have been diagnosed with color blindness are given the ability to experience colors as they typically exist. Implications can consist of increasing safety through being able to see true colors as they are, as well as increasing and providing an extremely meaningful experience for the individual.  There have since been in an increase in videos similar to this one that demonstrate the effectiveness and positivity behind this form of assistive technology for those with color blindness.

This is a very interesting find through an account I follow on Pinterest.  Developers from Asia University have created bracelets and rings that, when worn together, can read sign language out loud.  The rings and bracelets function by essentially reading or measuring the movements of the fingers/wrists/hands, which are then transmitted into the respective words or phrases that they represent and spoke out loud.  The design is an extremely innovative way to encourage interaction between those individuals who are hard of hearing, or deaf, with those who have typically-functioning hearing.  An area in which this device would be of great assistance would be shopping in a store of any kind and interacting with an employee.  While it would be beneficial for every individual to know sign language, a great number of people are unfamiliar with the form of nonverbal communication.  This device, with some fine tuning could become something great in the hard of hearing community.  There is potential for errors in translation to occur that would otherwise not occur with the use of a traditional translator; however, translators are not on hand every hour of the day.  Therefore, with assurance that this device is essentially foolproof, it could become widely accepted by institutions such as the National Association of the Deaf.

Found this one through Pinterest as well! This product takes the ergonomic computer armrest, and increases the functionality by adding a built in mouse pad to the design.  The arm’s hinge points have been modified to create more free movements, while still providing significant comfort and support to the user. The ErgoArm is 18″ long at its maximum length, and is able to fit desks 3/8″ thick- 1 7/8″ thick.  This product can relieve a large amount of stress that is placed on the wrist and shoulder during computer tasks.  For individuals with arthritis and carpal tunnel, as well as “Mouse Shoulder” (tendonitis/inflammation in shoulder joint from repetitive and prolonged use of mouse and no arm support at computer), prolonged weight-bearing on these joints can create significant discomfort and can impact function on and off the computer.  With capabilities of withstanding and supporting 24 lbs., the ErgoArm Computer Armrest w/ Mouse Pad relieves up to 90% of that weight that is typically placed on the wrists during computer tasks.  For roughly $70, the armrest is not as cheap as a standard armrest extension; however, for the range of motion this newer model provides and the inclusion of a mouse pad, I would say it is worth the buy.

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. 

Claria Zoom is an Android App that caters to those individuals with low vision or difficulties using a standard Android phone.  As stated in this article, Claria Zoom removes all the “clutter” that is on a typical Android phone, making it more user friendly for those who may have difficulty viewing or accessing the standard layout/functions of Android.  Claria Zoom offers much larger text, voice recognition for text and emails, vocalized GPS, a book reader, electronic magnifier, phone, text messaging, emails, calendar, and camera.  Additionally, the colors within the app can be adjusted based on the user’s needs, whether that be a stronger contrast in colors or not.  Constant updates are being made to the app through the Google Play store, where it is available for $3.99/month, or a free 30 day trial.  With the distraction of the numerous apps, icons, movements, etc. of a typical smartphone, accessibility can be made difficult for those with vision issues or the elderly population. This app allows individuals to have a more simplified interface to access their phones without the frustration.  I do think that the app may take some time and practice to learn, however.  Some actions seem complex, though they may be simplified through updates. I also like that Android is the focus for once, because most apps these days that we hear of are often through Apple.  It is nice to see the steps Android is taking to increase accessibility for those with disabilities.  

AssistiveWare released the Keeble Keyboard for iPad in 2014.  This virtual keyboard is in the form of an app, and requires iOS 8 or above.  Keeble can be used within practically any app on the iPad, and is extremely customizeable based on the user’s needs.  This is significant because of the number of potential users who may exhibit motor issues, dyslexia, vision impairments, and other disabilities.  A downside to the Keeble Keyboard- it is only available in English.  I would like to see this app available to other countries because of its usefulness for individuals accessing an iPad who may benefit from adaptations to typical typing.  The app allows individuals to change the color of the keyboard, providing a greater contrast of colors, a feature significant for any user who may experience difficulties with vision.  Another significant feature of Keeble is the ability to change the typical QWERTY format to ABC format if necessary- a feature that could possibly aid in the typing skills of individuals who may experience difficulty spelling or locating letters with the standard QWERTY keyboard. Word prediction is also included in the app, which is a step better than that provided by the iPad.  This virtual keyboard also has a speech feedback feature (given by letter, by word, or by sentence), which is extremely beneficial for those individuals who have dyslexia or difficulties with spelling.  For $15 in the App Store, I would say that Keeble Keyboard is a great purchase for those who may experience difficulty with a standard keyboard.  It is relatively cheap compared to other software out there, and has a plethora of customizeable options to secure a best fit to the user.  

OpticKey is an assistive onscreen keyboard software for Windows. Julius Sweetland, the creator of OpticKey, designed the software to be used with any low cost eye tracking device. The target population: individuals diagnosed with ALS or Motor Neuron Disease. This software offers speech as well as keyboard and mouse control to these individuals. Though designed with the intention to be used with an eye tracking device, OpticKey’s functions can also be achieved through clicks of the mouse or using a webcam. For those using an eye tracking device with OpticKey, dwell selection is utilized. Additionally, type speed is made faster by OpticKey’s feature of word completion. The most amazing thing about this software: it is completely 100% free. Having a personal connection to someone who had ALS, Julius Sweetland recognized the importance of a software such as OpticKey with this population, as well as the need to offer a product that contrasts the extremely expensive AAC devices out there. OpticKey is likely to make a large impact in the field of assistive technology, and specifically computer access for this population. There are numerous customizable settings and a user’s guide to aid setup of the software as well as understanding of the multiple features. The ability to be switch compatible is great for such a product and allows accommodation for individuals of various MND stages to access the computer. Though this is a new product, I believe it has a bright future. Improvements will likely be made, and its impact will continue to grow. I look forward to more and more individuals becoming aware of this software and it’s significance in the world of assistive technology.

A 30 minute video, but absolutely worth watching.  I recommend giving this a look to get a first-hand account of what life as a college student with SCI is like in terms of assistive technology and its impact on occupations revolving around school.  This young man is remarkably optimistic and enthusiastic about assistive technology, as he uses a variety to meet his school-based needs.  His go-to is the iPad 2 for everyday use, but also uses Notability. He discusses his personal opinions of the assistive technology devices that he uses, both pros and cons, of which we may otherwise be unaware. I believe this is truly a valuable video, as it is an in-depth and personal conversation with the young man who has a level C5 SCI. 

This company makes adaptive bicycles to suit a variety of needs for those with disabilities.  Such disabilities include: Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Angelman Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and visual impairment.  Bikes can then be readjusted and further modified for a custom fit to the rider.  This company has been around since 1991, and has continued to include a variety of health care professionals including physical and occupational therapists in designing and fitting these adaptive bicycles.  As far as the act of riding a bike, there are extreme therapeutic benefits while engaging in a fun occupation.  And, for many of these individuals, riding a bike may have seemed like an impossible feat before.  However, this company has made into a fully achievable reality for these individuals. With the obvious strengthening, proprioceptive, and postural benefits, adaptive bicycling will continue to be a huge consideration for clients, especially pediatric clients, when taking into account those IADLs that are focused around meaningful leisure and play occupations.

This set of tools could prove to be revolutionary in the world of OT.  Designed by a young lady with a desire to provide a meaningful eating experience for those who may otherwise despise eating routines, these tools aim to enhance the ADL of eating through varying stimulation.  The tools each have their own sensory stimulation because of both the way that the flavor is transmitted (i.e. properties of the medium the food is transmitted) and the unique makeup of the head of the tool.  The tools provide the following actions:  dip, tingle, vapor, ice, pinch, sponge, foam, roll, and mist.  For example, the “roll” tool allows one to roll the flavor onto the tongue and lips, providing a massage while simultaneously putting the flavors directly onto the taste buds.  The “mist” tool, when squeezed, will spray a mist into the mouth, providing a unique sensory experience and offering a different way to experience a flavor. Just like these two tools, each tool offers an extremely unique sensory and flavor experience to those individuals who are unable to ingest typical solid food.  The targeted consumers presented in this article are those who have had to transition to tube feeding or have complications that lead to difficulties eating, whether because of ALS, dementia, terminal illnesses, neurological disease, cancer or children who have troubles with eating food (i.e. SPD).  I think that we can look forward to these tools being implemented more and more into practice.  We are all about providing a meaningful experience to our clients, and these tools accomplish that and much more.