Assistive Technology Gadgets That Could Change Your Life

Published: 2014-09-03 - Updated: 2022-01-18
Author: Michael Leavy - Managing Director of Home Healthcare Adaptations | Contact: home-healthcare-adaptations.ie
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A

Synopsis: Infographic, with transcript, shows some of the uses of assistive technology devices in use today. For vision impaired what follows is a transcript of the infographic kindly supplied by Home Healthcare Adaptations, a family run company based in Ireland that specializes in adapting homes for those with disabilities and the elderly.

Main Digest

"Assistive technology devices can help someone improve physical or mental functioning, overcome a disorder or impairment, prevent the worsening of a condition, increase capacity to learn, or even replace a missing limb." - Suzanne Robitaille, Author of The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology.

This article is part our digest of 14 publications relating to Health and Disability Infographics that include:

For vision impaired what follows is a transcript of the infographic kindly supplied by Home Healthcare Adaptations, a family run company based in Ireland that specializes in adapting homes for those with disabilities and the elderly.

Transcript:

Helping Visually Impaired

The Braille EDGE 40 Display

Reads content on a computer screen and converts it to Braille characters.
Includes 7 built in apps including a scheduler, alarm clock, stopwatch, countdown timer and a built in calculator.
Multiple languages.
Connect to a computer or PDA via Bluetooth and stay connected all day without the need to charge it.
Up to 32GB on an SD Card to store thousands of books and documents.
Costs $2,995.

Helping Wheelchair Users

Kenguru Electric Car

An electric car in which drivers can remain in their wheelchair when transferring themselves into the car.
Eliminates the need to collapse the wheelchair and transfer separately.
Access is via the rear-opening tailgate.
Steering is by motorbike style handlebar and a joystick option is being introduced.
An interlocking device secures the wheelchair.
Design allows parking rear end to the pavement for accessibility.
Reaches 25 miles per hour and ideal for short errands.
Costs US$25,000.

Transcript Continues below Infograpic...

Assistive Technology Gadgets Infographic.

...Continued

Helping Limited Limb Usage

HeadMouse Extreme

An alternative type of computer mouse that translates head movements into proportional movements on a computer screen.
A disposable adhesive sensor is placed on the user's forehead, hat or glasses, and tracked by a wireless optical sensor.
As the user moves their head, the mouse pointer moves on screen.
The precision of the mouse pointer allows the user to perform tasks such as CAD graphics work, gaming and drawing.
Connects to the computer via a USB port. No special software needed.
Costs US$995.

Helping Hearing Loss

Alarm Clock Pro Vibrating Clock

Wakes users up with high intensity LED lights and a bed shaker that emits sound from underneath the pillow.
Loud ascending alarm that spans multiple frequencies so even if you have high frequency hearing loss you won't miss the alarm.
4 flashing LED lights.
Large LCD display with adjustable backlight.
Battery backup powers all functions during a power outage.
RJ-11 jack to connect your telephone for the built-in phone ringer amplifier lets you know when the phone is ringing.
Costs US$99 +.

The Multi-Tasker

The iPad & Apps

"Touch has made it exceptionally accessible - everyone has an iPad, everyone has an iPod. If you're someone with a disability, having something that other people are using makes you feel like part of the in-crowd." Michelle Diament, Co-founder, Disability Scoop

Affordable Touch to Speak Technology
Before iPad touch to speak technology was extremely expensive - $8,000 +. iPads retail for $499. Apps like Yes / No allow users to voice preferences in yes or no responses.
An Educational Tool
It is an informative educational tool allowing users to discuss difficulties with online communities. Apple has previously featured a section called 'Apps for Special Education' in the apps store.
A Therapeutic Device
iPads act as therapeutic devices as users can see that they are able to interact with the world around them.
Task Orientated Behavioral Monitor
It can act as a behavioral monitor reminding users to take medication through apps like Medication Reminder or remind them about tasks.

References:

1. www.abilitymagazine.com/abledbody.html
2. mashable.com/2012/02/29/tech-disabilities/
3. mashable.com/2013/09/12/assistive-technology/
4. www.gizmag.com/kenguru-enters-production/23412/
5. www.harriscomm.com/bellman-vibrating-alarm-clock-pro-led.html
6. mashable.com/2011/07/25/ipads-disabilities/

Primary Information Source(s):

Assistive Technology Gadgets That Could Change Your Life | Michael Leavy - Managing Director of Home Healthcare Adaptations (home-healthcare-adaptations.ie). Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Content may have been edited for style, clarity or length.

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