Introduction

My name is Romona Brooks I am currently an occupational therapy student at Florida Hospital of Health Sciences. The blog was created to provide a collection of assistive technology and resources. The blog will provide information on the name, purpose, operation, and the availability of the assistive technology or service. Each posting will provide descriptive and comprehensive information about each assistive technology and services.

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000

 Kurzweil 3000 is software program that helps students with learning disabilities to learn how to read and write. This software program also increases the individual vocabulary skills, study skills, and test taking skills.


Purpose

• Kurzweil 3000 allows individual with dyslexia, dysgraphia, attention deficit disorder, and other learning disabilities to learn to read and write. In addition it also helps student learn study skills, test-taking skills and vocabulary skills.  This program helps students to attain success in school independently, while keeping up with their fellow classmates. This program is beneficial because it allows student to learn new academic skills at their own speed.
• Skills include: cognitive, visual, physical, perceptual, and auditory.

  Operation

• To install the program inset the CD it in your computer, then download the program once the program is downloaded, double click on the Kurzweil icon to open it.  Once the sign in screen appears then sign in. Once you sign in, it would be beneficial to learn the various icons and features to increase your operational speed.  Then click on the program you want to start with.
• This program software is beneficial for any individual, college students and adults who have learning disabilities and want to learn how to read and write.

  Pros/Cons

• Pros- This software helps student with learning disabilities to learn how to read and write in other to succeed in school and gain academic success. It easy to install and it can be alerted to meet a student academic needs. This program provides reading, writing and others skills from school age to college and then adulthood.
• Cons- The program can take a while for you to access which can be time consuming; occasionally it can skip a page or section. This program is very expensive.

Availability

• The Kurzweil 3000 Windows Version 13 and Kurzweil 3000 Macintosh Version 5 can be purchased for 1,395.00.  The manufacture for this software program is Kurzweil educational system. This software can be purchased online at www.kurzweiledu.com or by phone 800- 547-6747.

Rocking “T” Knife

Rocking “T” Knife

The Rocking “T” Knife has a comfortable wooden handle and a 3 1/2" single-edged stainless-steel blade. It has a rounded blade, which causes that rocking motion. The rocking motion makes it easy to cut through foods.


 Purpose

• The device is created for individuals who have a difficult time cutting their food due to illnesses or injuries. The knife makes it easy to cut food because it creates a rocking motion; all you need is a few up and down rocking motions and you will cut through foods. The knife allows individuals who have arthritis, Parkinson’s, or suffered from a stroke to gain some form of independence.
• Skills include: visual, tactile, perceptual and cognitive.

Operation

• Pick up the device and make sure you have a firm hold of the handle, and then place the rounded blade of the knife on the food. Once the knife’s blade is against the food, you should start rocking it back and forth. When you are rocking back and forth make sure you are pressing downward. Continue to rock back and forth until you cut through the food. This device is beneficial for geriatric and pediatric populations who have muscle weakness or don’t have full control of their upper extremities.

Pros/Cons

• Pros- The device helps people who have muscle weakness or neurological illness to eat without any frustration. It makes cutting foods easy. This device is safe to use and dishwasher safe.
• Con-The rocker knife could be uncomfortable if not used properly

Availability

• The Rocking T Knife can be purchased from AliMed for $19.75.  The manufacture of this particular device is AliMed.  Item can be purchased online or by phone: http://www.alimed.com/rocking-t-knife.html  or (800) 225-2610.

Contour Turner

Contour Turner

 

 The Contour Turner has a T shaped handle with retractable, with sprung steel rods at the head. The sprung steel rods are able to conform around a knob which provides leverage for turning small knobs.


Purpose

• The device can be used to turn knobs by individuals who have difficulty turning small knobs.
• Skills include: physical, visual, tactile, visual perceptual, and cognitive

Operation

• Hold the device with the head protruding between third and index finger. Press the head against the object to be turned. The spring load rods will then retract while leaving the extended rods to enclose the object. The next step is to then turn the clamp and the object will be turned.  This device can be used to serve any population that experiences difficulty in gripping and turning small to medium objects

Pros/Cons

• Pros- The device can be used to  turn keys, stove controls, and door handles.
• Cons- The device can be misplaced easily because of its size. Individuals might be hesitant to use the device in public because of it appearance.

Availability

• Device can be ordered from Patterson Medical for $13.99.
• http://pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=getItemDetail&id=081499623

Tobii C15

Tobii C15

 The Tobii C 15 is an  eye-controlled augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device that allows individuals with complex communication needs to communicate.


 Purpose

• This device allows individuals to communicate their ideas with the use of their eyes. The device is able to keep track of where the user looks by sending out near-infrared light and measuring its reflection in the user's eyes. The user can then communicate their wants by typing text or using symbols that are turned into speech.
• Skills include: visual, auditory, and cognitive

Operation

• To operate the Tobii C15, the consumer can simply stare at a point, blink, or use a switch to select symbols or latter to communicate. The device can be used by consumers with complex communication needs like ALS, Cerebral Palsy, and individuals with a history of Stroke which resulted in aphasia.

Pros/Cons

• Pros- The device allows individuals with complex communication needs to engage in daily communication via e-mail, text messaging and chats. The device can also be used to control the consumer’s television, DVD player, light switches, and doors. More positive features of the device are its portability and its large screen.
• Cons- The device is expensive and it requires significant cognitive ability.

Availability

•  The Tobii Company is the manufacturer of the Tobii C15; the Tobii C15 is priced at $7,795.00.
• Tobii offers products and services globally. The link provided can be used to locate a supplier in your region.
• http://www.tobii.com/en/assistive-technology/global/Contact/

Braille Learning Doll

Braille Learning Doll

The device is a 1.5 foot size speaking doll. It has six raised buttons that can be depressed to form the Braille letters. The doll is designed to attract tactile interest with its bright color clothing.


 Purpose

• The doll can be used to teach blind or low vision children the Braille letters.
• The skills required to use this doll are an intact active range of motion, an intact somatosensory system and intact cognitive processing skills.
• Skills include: physical, tactile, and cognitive.

Operation

• To operate the doll the user simply pushes in or pops out the dots to make a letter. To enhance the learner's experience the doll comes with a list of suggested activities.
•  The doll would be appropriate for the pediatric population. It is possible to use the device with any individual that suffered a recent  loss in vision that does not consider the device to be childish.

Pros/Cons

•  The pros of the device are that it provides children with a fun way to become acquainted with the Braille alphabets and it is a cost friendly investment.
• The cons of this device are that it is hard to find and the instructions for the doll are only in English.

Availability

• The doll can be ordered online from the enablemart.com or by call 1-888-640-1999 for $45.95
• http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Arts-Crafts/Braille-Learning-Doll

Lighthouse of Central Florida

Lighthouse of Central Florida

Lighthouse of Central Florida is a non-profit organization that helps people with vision impairment to manage activities of daily living and  offers job training and employment by teaching them different ways to do tasks.

 

Purpose

• The purpose of Lighthouse of Central Florida is to provide individuals  with visual impairment with the interventions required for functional independence.
•  Skills include: physical, some or no  visual skills, tactile, auditory, and cognitive skills

Operation

• This service can be used at home, at school, at work, and in the community to increase independence. If an individual is interested in this service, he or she can go to Lighthouse of Central Florida or call and speak to a representative from Lighthouse.
• This service is available for any population suffering from low vision.

Pros/Cons

• The pro of this service is that people who were sedentary before Lighthouse are more active after they learned to do daily living activities and leisure activities with their vision loss.
• The con of this service is that it doesn’t provide transportation.

Availability

• Lighthouse of Central Florida is located in 215 East New Hampshire St. Orlando, FL 32804 and 421 East Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32801.  You can call (407) 898-2483 to speak to a representative at Lighthouse of Central Florida or go online to www.lighthousecentralflorida.org/ for more information.

Colorino Color Identifier

Colorino Color Identifier

 The Colorino is a small, hand-held device that has only two buttons. The device can detect and differentiate among 150 different shades of color. It is able to differentiate between natural and artificial sources of light as well as detect light

 Purpose

• The purpose of the Colorino is to detect more than 150 colors and announce then in a clear voice. It is also able to detect and notify  you if you left the light on in a room. The device offers an earphone jack to plug-in earphones for more privacy as well as three-volume levels.
• Skills include:  physical, cognitive, tactile, and auditory

Operation

• To identify colors press the button closest to the speaker, while holding the wide end against any object. The device will then announce the color of the object in a clear  voice.
• To detect light sources, press the button farthest from the speaker. The device will then emit an acoustic signal, based on your distance from the light source.
• The Colorino can be used by the low vision population.

Pros/Cons

• Pros-The device is able to provide the low vision population the ability to independently identify colors.  The device can also detect a lack of light source, which can improve safety.
•  Cons- The device is not always correct; it has times as difficulty identifying dark colors at times.

Availability

• The device can be order from: http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=4874&gclid=CKTW0PHNuLACFQUEnQodmW6f8w
•   Price: $156.59; Item #: 306044; Address: Maxi-Aids, Inc., 42 Executive Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735 USA; Fax number: 1-631-752-0689; Telephone number: 1-800-522-6294

Sock Aid

Sock Aid 

Sock Aid is a semi-flexible or flexible plastic material that is connected to two long handles made of rope or cord.  This assistive device can be used by individuals that have difficulty bending and reaching their feet to put on a socks their independently.


 Purpose

• The purpose of the sock aid is to help the user to put on their socks despite their physical limitations.
• Skills includes:  physical, visual, tactile, visual perceptual, and cognitive.

Operation

• To use this device efficiently the user would follow these steps.
  • Glide your sock over the plastic part of the device, be sure that the sock covers the entire plastic frame and is position is firmly on the device.
  • Hold the handles and drop the plastic frame onto the floor near your foot.
  • Push your foot into the sock aid and don’t let go of the handles
  • Once your foot is in the sock aid, pull the handles back and upwards so that your foot slips into your sock.
  • This device can be used with any population that has difficulty putting on their socks because of pain and physical limitations.

Pros/Cons

•  Pro- It is inexpensive, user friendly, and promotes independence.
• Cons- The device does not come in sizes. It is also possible for the device to cause friction while pulling on the handles; however this rarely occurs.

Availability

• The device is can be purchased near a local Walgreens or on their website for $16.99. Provided is the link to their website: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/essential-medical-deluxe-sock-aid/ID=prod1160329-product

Weighted Utensils

Weighted Utensils

Regular Weighted Utensils

Built-up Weighted Utensils

Weighted Utensils were designed for individuals with limited mobility and hand tremors. The utensils come in multiple shapes and forms; however, the consistent feature among the devices is they are weighted. Individuals with limited grasp can purchase a built-up weighted utensil, which decreases the difficulty they experience while holding regular utensils.


Purpose

• The device provides extra resistance to lessen hand tremors while the individual is eating. Individuals that suffer from tremors and limited ranges of motion in their hands they can use a built-up weighted utensil.  The purpose of the built-up handle is making it easy for the user to grip and maintain grip on the utensil.
• Skills includes:  physical, visual, tactile, perceptual, and cognitive.

Operation

• Weighted utensils are used just like regular utensils; the only difference is that they are weighted. These devices are beneficial for the geriatric and pediatric populations that requires added resistance to prevent tremors while feeding.  

Pros/Cons

•  Pros- The device helps individuals who have really bad tremor to eat meals with limited spillage. The device also has the potential to stop spillage while feeding and decreases  difficulties.  A positive quality of this device is that it comes in different styles. This is beneficial because it allows the user to choose from a built-up or regular handle.
• Con- It is sometimes difficult to finding the correct weighted utensils. They can be extremely heavy or not heavy enough.

Availability

• The regular weighted utensils can be purchased from Allegro Medical for $23.32.  The manufacture of this particular device is AliMed.  Item can be purchased online or by phone: http://www.allegromedical.com/daily-living-aids-c519/keatlery-weighted-utensils-knife-p209319.htm or (800) 861-3211.

• The built-up weighted utensils can be purchased from Allegro Medical for $41.04.  The manufacture of this particular device is Therafin. Item can be purchased online or by phone: http://www.allegromedical.com/daily-living-aids-c519/qualcare-grip-utensils-soup-spoon-black-p209173.html or (800) 861-3211.

Phonic Ear

Phonic Ear

Phonic Ear is a nationwide company that provides sound solutions for individual who has hearing loss. Phonic Ear’s assistive listening devices help individuals with hearing impaired to hear everyday sounds clear. Phonic Ear has many assistive listening devices, to meet the needs of anyone who has hearing impaired. Phonic Ear has listening device for televisions, radio, telephones, mobile telephones, smoke alarms, to hear conversation, etc.


 Purpose

• Phonic Ear provides assistive devices that help individuals who have hearing impaired to participate in conservation, listen to the radio or television, provides alarm notification, speak on the telephone while outdoors or work. These devices improved quality of life for hearing impaired individuals and also increased security as well.
• Skills include: visual, cognitive, and physical.

Operation

• Phonic Ear’s company provides assistive listening devices that are easy to install and use. Customer service is always available to help if a customer needs help to install.
• These assistive listening devices are beneficial for pediatric and geriatric population who has hearing loss and want to hear a conversation, listen to the radio or television and speak on the telephone.

Pros/Cons

• Pros- Phonic Ear provides devices to improve the quality of life for individuals who have hearing loss and make them feel secure. Individuals with hearing impaired are able to enjoy life just like people with normal hearing. Phonic Ear’s assistive listening devices help the user to listen to the television, participate in conversation and speak on the telephone.
• Con- Phonic Ear is Danish owned and their customer service telephone number is international. You probably need a calling card or international minutes to call customer service.

Available

• The Phonic Ear’s assistive listening devices price varies from devices $70.00 to $1324.00. The manufacture of these devices is Phonic Ear. Phonic Ear’s assistive listening devices can be purchase online going to http://www.audiogear.com/ and tying “Phonic Ear” within the searcher box or by calling audiogear at 800-959-4252. You can also contact Phonic Ear at +45 3917- 7101 to speak to a customer service regarding purchasing these devices or email them  at mail@phonicear.com

Head Floats

Head Floats

Head float is a swimming aid that helps people who have neurological or upper extremity disabilities to participate in aquatic therapy. The float is designed to hold the individual head above water.

  Purpose

• Aquatic therapy is now easier for people who have neurological illness or disabilities because of head floats. Head Floats support the individual head without putting any pressure on the spinal column; which causes the individual to be in neutral position and able to participate in therapy.
• Skills: visual, cognitive, tactile, physical.

Operation

• Take the Head Float and put it over the person’s head. The Float should rest on the person’s shoulders, make sure it’s secure around their neck, to support the head and keep it above water.
• This device is great for pediatric and geriatric population. The Head Float helps individuals who have neurological illnesses or disabilities to participate in aquatic therapy.

Pros/Cons

• Pros- individuals with neurological disabilities are able to participate in Aquatic Therapy. It doesn’t put any pressure on the spinal column due to it support the user’s head.
• Con: The price of the Head Float is expensive for an average family income

Availability

• The Head Float can be purchase at rehab mart for $112.28. The item is manufacture by Danmar.  Item can be purchased online or by phone: http://www.rehabmart.com/product/aquatic-head-float-with-or-without-stabilizing-bar-10194.html  or by calling 1800-827-8283

Scooper Plate with Suction Cup Base

Scooper Plate with Suction Cup Base

 The scooper plate has a high rim and on one side it has a reverse curve. The reverse curve helps individuals to scoop food into a utensil without it spilling over. The scooper plate has rubber suction base that holds the plate in place. 


Purpose

• The scooper plate helps individuals who are one handed or have neurological disabilities to become independent with self-feeding. The plate makes feeding time more pleasurable because individuals don’t have to worry about foods spilling over the plate, not able to scoop and not able to hold plate in place.
• Skills: visual, cognitive, tactile, physical and fine motor

Operation

• Place the scooper plate on a table. The suction cup base on the bottom will hold the plate in place. The scooper plate has a high rim and reverse curve. Use the reverse curve to scoop up food into the utensil.  The scooper plate is good for pediatric and geriatric population.
• The plate helps individuals who have difficulties scooping food due to illness or injuries to become independent with self-feeding.

Pros/Cons

• Pros- The scooper plate helps people who have neurological illness or other injuries to become independent with self-feeding. The plate makes feeding time more pleasurable. The plate is inexpensive.
• Con- After a few washes the suction base may not have a strong hold as before.

Availability

•  The scooper plate with suction cup base is $6.95; the manufacture of this plate is Maddak. It can be purchase on http://www.elderstore.com/scooper-plate-with-suction-cup-base.aspx or by call 1-888-833-8875

Clip and Pull Pants Clip

 Clip and Pull Pants Clip

 Pants clip allows individuals who are not able to bend due to a surgery or illness to put on a pair of pants on. The pants clip has a handle for the user to hold onto to pull the pants up; it has two clips on each end, those clips are clipped to the pants and hold the pants while you pull up.  The pant clip can be adjusted for length.


  Purpose

• The pants clip helps individual to don a pair of pants or any lower body garments without any difficulties. The device is very effective for many illnesses and injuries due to it prevent bending and you only require one hand to use it. This device makes dressing easy and it gives individuals privacy and independence back.
• Skills; Cognitive, visual, physical strength

 Operation

• To begin make sure you are seated in a chair. Grab the pants clip and clip it to your waistband of your pants or any lower body garments. After you clip the pants clip to your pants, drop the pants on the floor. Now put your feet inside the opening of the pants. Once your feet are in start pulling the handle up and stand up to pull your pants up all the way.
• The pants clip is geared towards the geriatric population. This device makes dressing easier for individual who are at risk for fall while dressing because increase balance loss in relation to excessive bending.

Pros/Cons

• Pros- The pants clip makes donning a pair of pants or skirt easy for the geriatric population. It’s easy to open the clips. It prevents bending and only requires one hand to use it.
• Con-This device has to be given to someone who is highly cognitive and have good safety awareness due to risk of falling.

Availability

• The pants clip can be purchased from amazon for 17.99. The manufacture of this device is Windsor direct.  Item can purchased on online at http://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Direct-Pants-Assist-Dressing/dp/B005TQQSQ0/ref=sr_1_57?ie=UTF8&qid=1341245936&sr=8-57&keywords=pant+clip.

Braille Embossers

Braille Embossers

Braille Embossers is a printer that transformed text into Braille. The Braille Embossers make raised dots on the page, so it can be read by touch.

  Purpose

• The Braille Embossers makes it easy for blind individual to read any document due to it translate text to Braille cells. Large Book Corporation also uses the Braille printer to manufacture copies of books and magazine in braille in large volume for the visual impair population.
• Skills include: cognitive, fine motor skill, physical.

Operation

• The Braille Embosser is like a regular printer, expect it transform text into Braille. A regular printer would print a visible document, a Braille printer print raised dots on the page to make Braille cells.
• This device is good for the pediatric and geriatric population. The braille printer allows blind individual to have access to any documents, books and magazines.

  Pros/Cons

• Pros- The Braille Embosser printer is able to turn any text to braille cells, which makes it easy for blind individual to read. It’s more efficient and cost-effective to use the Braille printer due to it make large volume of copies in braille.
• Con- The Braille Embosser is a very expensive device.

Availability

• The Braille Embosser can be purchased at Enablemart for $1,995.00. The manufacture of this item is Enabling Technologies. Item can be purchased online or by phone: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Enabling-Technologies/Romeo-Attache or 1-888-640-1999.

Electronic Lift Chair

Electronic Lift Chair

The Electronic Lift Chair was designed to help individuals who are not able to get up from regular due to aging or illnesses. The Electronic Lift chair looks just like a recliner chair; however the chair has a motor. The motor is what makes the chair lift up, so the user can get up out of chair

  Purpose

• The Electronic Chair Lift helps individual who have illnesses or weaknesses to get up from a sitting position to a stand position without any difficulties. Getting in and out of chair gives senior citizen a chance to hold onto normality in their lives. The chair also decreases chance of falls, which really increase as people aged.
• Skills include: visual, cognitive, fine motor, physical

Operation

• The Electronic Lift Chair has a remote control and the remote control has two buttons. One of the buttons has the word up and the other button has the word down. If the individual wants the chair to go up, you press the up button and the down button if you want it go down.
• The Electronic Lift Chair is geared more toward the geriatric population. The chair gives senior citizen an opportunity to keep their independent and decrease falls.

Pros/Cons

• Pros- Electronic Lift Chair is easy to operate. It gives the elderly population an opportunity to keep their independent.
• Cons- The chair is expensive, the price for the chair varies; however, it can start from $300.00 and above.

Availability

• The Electronic Lift Chair can be purchased from US Medical Supplies for $599.00. The manufacture of this device is Pride Mobility Production Corp. Item can be purchased online or by phone: http://www.usmedicalsupplies.com/Pride-Classic-Collection.htm or 1-800-790-5104.