Assistive Technologies, Adaptations, and Environmental Modifications
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
Assignment 2 Introduction
This
series of 15 entries are about various types of assistive
technologies, their purpose and the population they aim to serve.
Furthermore, more detailed information will be provided about each
device or service such as where can the product will assessed, the cost,
how it is used, manufacturer information (if applicable), and pros and
cons. The aim of this assignment is to list various AT devices and
provide the logistics and resources to possible users and/or ATPs for
easier device selection and implementation.
Below is a video overview about different types of Assistive Technologies and their benefit
Children with Autism have an especially difficult time with transitions, switching from one task or activity to another might result in a nightmare. This book is a great tool to visually show and motivate children to stay on task and smoothly transition. From Good Morning to Circle Time to
Clean-Up, every part of the day is addressed with appropriate,
imaginative activities. With more than 400 easy-to-use transition
activities and ideas, parents and teachers can use Transition Time to move children
smoothly through the day, week, month and year. 288 pages.
These type of books help all children, but especially those with autism to stay on task. Most children struggle with transitions such as getting dressed, bath time and bed time.
This book is priced at $20.95 and is sold through Specialty School INC. and can be ordered through their catalog by visiting: https://store.schoolspecialty.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=95883&minisite=10206&item=495019
Or ordering by phone: 1(888) 388-3224
These type of books however, can be custom made for each child at a very low price. There are reported best results when the pictures in the book are actually those of the child and their environment. Below is a mother's testimonial of transition time books and how they have helped her daughter with her transitions.
CREDITS:
Autistic Living Mini Task Books [Web]. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSDRYSO6oUI
Specialty School: Transition Time Book.
(2012). Retrieved from
https://store.schoolspecialty.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=95883&minisite=10206&item=495019
Good Grip Utensils are a great solution for persons with arthritis, stroke, or other neurological impairments when bending the wrist, grasping, or other eating motions become difficult and even painful. Good
Grips easy-to-hold cutlery handles are made of soft, rubber-like
material with flexible ribbing that is comfortable, secure, and adapts
to any grip. Each stainless steel spoon and fork has a special twist
built into the bendable metal shaft that allows them to be adjusted to
any angle. The rocker knife helps to decrease wrist strain and requires
only minimal arm strength for cutting. Works for left or right handed
people. Good Grips are dishwasher safe. For extra help
holding Good Grips Utensils check out the Good Grips Holding
Strap.
Good Grips also come as weighted sets, the extra 6 oz. of weight in the built-up handle provides more control
for persons with limited hand control, Parkinson's, or spasticity. The weight helps with the uncontrolled movements and resting tremors that the disease is know for. Price for Weighted Utensils- $10-95 each utensil, $38.80 the whole set
Price for Standard Good Grips: Fork- $9.95
Rocker Knife- $9.95
Teaspoon- $9.95
Tablespoon- $9.95
Buy the Whole Set and Save $5 ($34.80)
Distributed by Disability Products.
To Order Online visit: http://www.disabilityproducts.com/cgi-bin/disabilityproducts.cgi/scan/fi=products/st=db/co=1/sf=additional_categories/se=Eating%20%26%20Drinking%20Aids/op=rm/nu=0/ml=50/tf=description/to=x.html?mv_session_id=QeQRM3jB&mv_pc=5&header=Eating%20%26%20Drinking%20Aids
The AmeriGlide Vesta has a durable rack and design that
delivers smooth, safe transit up and down your stairway and requires
minimal maintenance on your part. The
AmeriGlide Vesta represents a new generation of stair lifts that will
enable mobility-impaired homeowners to continue aging in place and
retain their independence in multi-level houses for years to come. This modification can be done to any stair case to help those who are non-ambulatory and who have fall risks, coordination and balance problems, lower extremity amputees, as well as those individuals with degenerative diseases.
The AmeriGlide Vesta can hold up at 300 pounds, to accommodate users of nearly any size. It also has adjustable arms that let you set the clearance width from 18 to 21 inches. The 0.5 horsepower, 24-volt DC motor is reliable and strong and provides a smooth ride. The batteries can charge anywhere along the track and also works with any standard 110-volt AC power outlet. It has comfortable foot rests and a set belt for safety. It has a 10 year warranty as well.This system can be mounted and installed in mostly any home, however, an expert should do a home consultation prior to purchasing this system for better results.
Price is: $ 1,875 plus shipping
Manufacturer and Distributor: AmeriGlide
To Order Online: http://www.ameriglide.com/item/AmeriGlide-SL-VESTA.html
To Order by Phone: 1 (800) 987-6308
7am-Midnight / 7 Days a Week
Overview Video
CREDITS:
AmeriGlide
[Web]. (2011). Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/user/AmeriGlide?v=A4epccpSLFU&feature=pyv&ad=7397016025&kw=+stair
+lifts
AmeriGlide: Vesta Stair Lift. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ameriglide.com/item/AmeriGlide-SL-VESTA.html
This simple, no technology device can be home made or made in the clinic to aid those with degenerative diseases and limited hand strength and coordination such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson's to continue writing. This can also help individuals with Parkinson's Disease with micrographia by correcting the grip and focusing on the size of the letters. The Pen Grip can also be used by children who are learning to write to help them to maintain the proper pencil grip and fingers in the correct place. Also, with today's technological advances, the Pen Grip can be used on a stylus for an iPad or any touchscreen device.
The Pengrip provides the extra strength between thumb and
forefinger to hold the pen in place to help write
well. The grip is made from a 1/4" strip of splint plastic that becomes
pliable when heated in near boiling water and is available at medical
supply stores. Each grip will need to be
custom shaped by trial and error, depending on the persons gripping
style and strength. Each arm of the grip comes around just far enough to
provide a solid grasp of the finger or thumb but still allows the
person to put it on and remove it without help.
Patient with ALS using the Pen Grip
Because this device is custom made, it could be made at home, or at the clinic, at a relatively low price.
CREDITS:
Jeary, S. (2009). Workshop solutions: The pen grip. Retrieved from http://www.workshopsolutions.com/COMPLETE/pengrip.htm
Pour Thing dispenses beverages without putting stress on your hands or shoulders.
Just place the bottle or jug into the cradle and tilt forward. Pour
Thing fits on a shelf in your refrigerator. Great for those with upper extremity
weakness/shoulder/hand, arthritis, and coordination problems. If you find it difficult to lift and pour large soda, juice or milk gallons,
Pour Thing is a very convenient system for dispensing beverages without
putting stress on your hands or shoulders. Pour Thing is also great for children who might not be strong enough to lift up heavy bottles and pour their own drinks. Regardless of age, this device aims to provide independence in pouring drinks, whether it be water, juice, milk, soda, etc. The design is not too bulky but does take up more room in the refrigerator than just a gallon or bottle.
Inventor: John D. Straub, 9643 Russell,
Northville, MI 48167
Phone: (248) 446-0206
E-mail: buartsj@aol.com
Distributor: Gold Violin: Helpful Products for Independent Living
Price: $18-$20
To Order Online: http://www.goldviolin.com/Pour-Thing-p/93206fl.htm
To Order by Phone: 1(877)-648-8400
CREDITS:
GOLD VIOLIN. (2012). Gold Violin: Helpful products for independent living: Pour Thing. Retrieved from http://www.goldviolin.com/Pour-Thing-p/93206fl.htm
Market Launchers: Pour Thing. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.marketlaunchers.com/straub.html
The Color Teller is a compact, portable, easy
to use talking color identifier that will enable people who are blind or have a
color vision impairment to determine the color of materials and objects. The individual must be able to hear the device identifying the color.
It helps to match clothes, enjoy the pleasures of the garden and home,
access color-coded products for easy identification and much more. It is
very durable and has a high degree of color resolution. The price is about
$158.00.
The Color Teller does one thing only: It identifies colors. The two
buttons centered in the straight portion of the device are used to set Color Teller's adjustable features.
Pressing the round button cycles through the features. Pressing the
oblong button cycles through the choices that are available within each
feature. The round button is easily located by touch, the oblong
button is almost flush with the unit's structure and may be difficult
for some users to locate. The available options are volume, language,
level of detail, battery test, and version.
Stevie Woder's Personal Testimony with the Color Teller
Distributor: Enable Mart: Your # 1 Source of Assistive Technology: Price $158.00
To Order Online visit: http://www.enablemart.com/Color-Teller?gclid=CO6NoZDZn7ECFQUGnQodKH9rXg
or Call 1-888-640-1999
CREDITS
Enablemart the Color Teller. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.enablemart.com/Color-Teller?gclid=CO6NoZDZn7ECFQUGnQodKH9rXg
Stevie Wonder Explain How He Uses the Color Teller [Web]. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0YFhxUfywc
CapTel is a telephone with
the regular features designed for those who have hearing impairments. With
CapTel you can understand every phone call with its large caption-enabled
screen. It displays every word the caller says throughout the conversation.
CapTel phone users can listen to the caller, and can also read the written
captions in the CapTel's bright display window.
How does it work? With every phone call you make/receive, the CapTel® 800i connects to
a captioning service over the Internet to provide word for word
captions during the call. It is important to consider privacy issues, the need for an Internet connection, analog phone line and the costs associated with it. This device targets the hearing impaired population by providing captions on a small screen, therefore individuals need to be able to have enough visual acuity to see the text on the screen. It is beneficial for individuals who might be facing both visual and auditory problems and could benefit from both levels of input.
What is Captel?
Sprint CapTel® 800i Customer Service: Price $99 for device plus Internet and Phone line
To Order:
Phone: 1.888.269.7477
Customer Service address:
450 Science Drive
Madison, WI 53711
Ergonomic Key Holder. If you find it painful or difficult to use your
small house key while locking and unlocking the door, this key holder is
big help. The oversized handle gives you nearly 5" more grip and
leverage, making the key easier to hold and turn. This product is especially helpful for the elderly with arthritis, anyone who has suffered a stroke (CVA) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) that has fine motor and dexterity problems. The Ergonomic Key Holder is equally helpful for individuals with memory loss or dementia as its big size helps keep better track of the keys and makes it easier to find when misplaced.There are no risks or contraindications and this product can be used by anyone.
Manufactured and Distributed by: Gold Violin: Helpful Products for Independent Living
Price: $6.00
To Order online: http://www.goldviolin.com/Ergonomic-Key-Holder-p/93596.htm
By Phone: 1(877) 648-8400
CREDITS:
GOLD VIOLIN. (2012). Ergonomic Key Holder. Retrieved from http://www.goldviolin.com/Ergonomic-Key-Holder-p/93596.htm
With these magnifying makeup glasses there will be no more squinting or smudging while applying your eye makeup. These are
metal-framed cosmetic glasses that have swing-away +3.0 glass lenses that let
you look through one lens while putting on mascara, shadow and liner on
the other eye. These glasses are convenient for individuals who already wear glasses but have enough visual acuity and need magnification to be able to see accurately through +3.0 lenses, it will not be useful for all vision impairments/diseases. This product can easily be stored in your makeup bag and will make applying makeup so much easier. This product can be used by adults of all ages. Includes polyester knit pouch.
This product features a single lens flips away or side to side and allows you to see while putting on makeup on. It has 3.0 x magnification and is made out of metal and gold coated and it is great for home or travel.
Manufacturer and Distributor: Gold Violin: Helpful Products for Independent Living
Price: $9.00
Can be bought throughhttp://www.goldviolin.com/Magnifying-Makeup-Glasses-p/93412.htm
or can be ordered by calling 1(877) 648-8400
CREDITS:
GOLD VIOLIN. (2012). Magnifying Makeup Glasses. Retrieved from http://www.goldviolin.com/Magnifying-Makeup-Glasses-p/93412.htm
With Lightweight Half Step you can cut the rise and effort in half to step securely into a doorway.
Lightweight Half Step has a large platform that makes it easier for
those with limited ability to lift their feet and remain steady before
attempting each step and stair. Made of heavy- duty plastic, it comes
with a slip-resistant rubber mat and adjustable feet to accommodate
different-sized steps. 29”Lx17” Wx4½”H.
This product is perfect for older any age, even young children can benefit from it, as well as elderly who might be at fall risk, and/or using already other AT devices such as canes and walkers. The Lightweight Half Step can also be used by individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals with degenerative diseases such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson's. This device is not suitable for non-ambulatory individuals, and if not used with care or assistance, it may present a fall risk.
Manufacturer and Distributor: Gold Violin: Helpful Products for Independent Living
This item has an over sized shipping surcharge of $10.
Price: $119.00 Product can be bought online at http://www.goldviolin.com/Lightweight-Half-Step-p/92644.htm or by calling 1(877) 648-8400
CREDITS:
GOLD VIOLIN. (2012). Lightweight Half Step. Retrieved from http://www.goldviolin.com/Lightweight-Half-Step-p/92644.htm
The Ultralight Designer Travel Wheel Chair weighs just 14 ½ lbs, this is an easy-to-handle transport chair, it is the
lightest on the market and folds to 9” wide in seconds. It is perfect for
taking mom shopping or your husband on a cruise, this travel wheelchair
features a durable aluminum frame that supports up to 300 lbs!
This lightweight folding wheelchair’s all-terrain composite wheels are
maintenance-free. Wheels are 6" diameter in front, 8" in back. With
swing-away footrests, seat belt and rear storage pocket, this
lightweight travel wheelchair is standard but the best of its kind, it can help those individuals with disabilites and their caregivers get around in an easier way, allowing easier carry and travel, along with a fashionable look. 19” wide seat
is made of wipe-clean nylon and comes in Royal Blue Plaid, Red Plaid,
Tan Plaid or Burgundy frame with black upholstery. If user has specific seating and positioning needs, this chair might not be suitable for them, it is mostly meant for easy travel and carry needs.
Manufacturer is Gold Violin: Helpful Products for Independent Living
For customer service, please call 1-877-648-8400. This item has an oversized shipping surcharge of $10.
Price: $239.00.
The SPIO Compression System are clothes for children with sensory processing disorders. SPIO is made of a
patented Lycra fabric with a unique multi-directional stretch. SPIO suits
offer a variety of comfortable and affordable styles that can be worn
under clothing all day. SPIO
is a compression system designed to help children with different types of special needs
including cerebral palsy, autism, Down Syndrome, sensory processing
disorders, and other neuro-muscular delays. SPIO offers a
variety of comfortable and affordable styles that can be worn under
clothing all day.
SPIO has many advantages, first, it is easy to use because it is just like a piece of clothing and the adjustments are quick and minimal. Another advantage is that it it is risk free, all the user has to be concerned about is finding the right size. SPIO is discrete under clothing, it is not bulky or thick. Because of its unique design, SPIO suits are comfortable, lightweight and breathable, made from Lycra fabric. It feels soft and cool against the
skin while providing an intimate fit that moves with the child. Another advantage to this no technology AT is that there is no break-in period, from the moment you receive your SPIO, your child can begin wearing it all day. They may not want to take it off! One disadvantage is that as the child grows, the SPIO suits will need to be replaced.
Black Hook & Loop shirts
are $64.50!
Long sleeve sizes available:
S41, S44, and S67
Short sleeve sizes:
SS41, SS44, SS47, SS64,
and SS67
***Available by phone order only***
(877) 997-SPIO
Below is a mother's personal testimony about her experience with SPIO
CREDITS
SPIO Compression Orthosis: Malachi's success story [Web]. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVHPp6kuIAo
Dynamic Family Services. (2012). SPIO WORKS. Retrieved from http://www.spioworks.com/
Even if you only occasionally need help rising, Rise with Ease Liftwalker provides
assistance for both you and a caregiver. Two high rising, sturdy, and collapsible poles stand securely
in place, providing a sturdy lift-assist as you stand or sit without putting your caregivers and loved ones at risk.This device has brakes on the
front wheels that hold the walker safely in place. Made of aluminum with
rubber wheels. Folds for storage and easy transport. People just don’t realize that awkwardly reaching over and helping
someone stand up is very dangerous and that 70% of those who use a
walker immediately or eventually need lifting assistance. This device is for anyone that uses a walker/rollator that can ambulate even if it is a few steps,
across the room or down the hall, and is unable or has difficulty occasionally or
consistently sit or stand on their own. The price is $199.00 not including shipping or tax, and can purchased through http://liftwalker.com/liftwalker or by calling 931.788.5450.
Product's main features
Patented, retractable, two handed grab bar
Comfortable, non-slip grips for walking
Durable, lightweight aluminum frame
FREE Ski Glides included
Sturdy, 5-inch, lockable wheels
Compact design easily moves through doors
CREDITS
LiftWalker [Web]. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U38mWCfDKwY
Liftwalker training video [Web]. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-KwYz3lSIo
We Care Products INC. The LiftWalker. (2011, May 3). Retrieved from http://liftwalker.com/liftwalker
