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Bye-bye wheelchairs

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Jan 112012

courtesy of Ekso Bionics

Sooner than we think, wheelchairs may begin to be a thing of the past. One company, Ekso Bionics to be exact, is rethinking how people confined to wheelchairs may be able to move again, trading in the wheels for a pair of robotic legs.

Through partnerships with UC Berkley, research grants from the Department of Defense and licensed technology to the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Ekso Bionics developed a variety of exoskeletons to augment human mobility. From helping soldiers to carry more weight easily, to helping the paralyzed walk (this particular model is called eLEGS appropriately) these exoskeletons are the next big thing in the world of mobility.

What is exciting news to the world of Assistive Technology and those confined to wheelchairs, is that Ekso has developed an exoskeleton walking suit that will actually help the paralyzed move. Powered by small whirring motors, the suit is no mere toy; it is a medical device, and one about to change the world, at that.

“We took the idea of the external skele¬ton, and we added nerves in the form of sensors and motors that represent your muscles and computers that represent your brain,” said CEO of Ekso Bionics, Eythor Bender.

Upon donning the suit, you have one job: balancing your upper body, you must be able to shift your weight as you plant a walking stick on the ground, let’s say to the right. At this time, the physical therapist will use a remote control signal to signal the left leg to step forward. The suit supports its own 20 kilgram weight through the legs and footrests and takes care of the calculations needed to move forward. A later model will feature walking sticks with motion sensors that communicate with the legs, giving the user complete control.

Ten rehab clinics, scattered around the United States, have already signed up for the first round of production units. The first will go to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Kristjan T. Ragnarsson, chairman of the department of rehabilitation medicine at Mount Sinai, said that he is hopeful for Ekso’s latest creation.

“I’m optimistic, actually, that this will work,” Ragnarsson said. “I think my patients will be able to stand up and take a few steps and face the next person directly on!”

Typing strategies for people with Dyslexia

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Jan 102012

courtesy of "Google Images"

For many, living with dyslexia is a challenge that presents itself on a daily basis. However, with new advances in technology and a deeper understanding of the condition, people living with dyslexia now have options that can help them learn to make sense of the words they perceive.

While the standard keyboard may not be able to physically change to predict the needs of a user with dyslexia, there are programs that can help the user read the keyboard in a way that works for them. A condition that occurs when the brain does not properly recognize and process certain symbols, dyslexia makes it difficult to spell words according to letters alone, thus making the use of a keyboard tricky.

Since a keyboard is in fact a palette of symbols, researchers have had to develop new ways to ensure accuracy. For example, one keyboard (due out this year) uses a combination of red, green and blue lights to backlight the keys. With over 1.6 million color combinations, the keyboard has a dial that allows the user to adjust the brightness and intensity, while at the same time allowing the user to mix the colors to taste.

Another keyboard, a favorite among the INDATA team, is called the BigKeys Keyboard. While the board itself is the same size as a standard keyboard, the keys are large, rugged and easily identifiable. Many options are available for this type of keyboard including, lower or upper case letters, black lettering on white keys or black lettering on brightly colored keys.

However, before using the keyboard, it is necessary to have a firm grasp on the basics of the layout and positioning of the letters. There are many programs available to help teach children and adults alike how to use a keyboard and Keyboard Classroom is just one of the many available. Developed by Dr. Ian Spence, headmaster of Ben Bronz academy in West Hartford, Connecticut, the program specifically targets students between the ages of eight and 18 with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Because the program allows users to acquire the skill of typing at their own pace, other academic areas, such as testing, note taking and information, have increased significantly.

Each of these tools, and these are only just a few, allow a user to learn how to go about life with dyslexia and gain a better understanding of what works and what does not. The process of finding what works is trial and error, however, with a little patience (and maybe a little help from resources like INDATA and the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana) you can find the best typing strategy.

Monday Tech Tip: iPads in INDATA's Lending Loan Library by category

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Jan 092012

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Push it to the limit, no matter what

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Jan 052012

Courtesy of NoBarriersUSA.org

Many people would agree that life is what you make of it. Our attitudes and dispositions affect how we go about our lives just as much as our physical ability to do so does. No Barriers USA is one organization that begs to answer the question, no matter your age, state of mind or ability, “What fills your cup?”

Started in 2003, the non-profit based out of Minnesota has worked to promote innovative ideas, approaches and assistive technologies that “help people with challenges push through their own personal barriers to live full and active lives,” in the great outdoors. From hiking, to biking, scaling mountains and water skiing, no goal or activity is out of reach. The No Barriers USA approach to make this mission a reality is twofold: No Barriers Summits and the No Barriers University.

Attracting participants from dozens of countries, as well as almost every state in America, and already held on two continents, the organization’s signature multi-day international summits provide a unique combination of hands-on clinics, product demonstrations, nature excursions, keynote addresses, leadership exercises and a scientific symposium with films, art and music. The No Barriers Summit brings together adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts as well as scientists and innovative adventurers for an outdoor educational program that helps people push through their challenges and experience an active life. To date, four separate locations have played host to these adventurous outings: Italy, California, Florida and, most recently, Colorado in 2011.

Complimenting the summits, the No Barriers University provides year round, country-wide education on techniques, technologies and ideas people are creating, or have created, to assist people with challenges. Through educational videos and resources guides, individuals can learn about the equipment, devices, and technologies available that will help them to live more active lives.

Mark Wellman, co-founder of No Barriers and the first paraplegic to ascend the 3,000 foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, knows better than anyone how going after your dreams can seem daunting, even impossible at times. However, with an open mind, passion and the advances of technology, it is clear that what you may think impossible actually is quite the opposite.

“Magic happens when you bring technology and adaptive sports together in one place,” Wellman said. “It’s amazing to see how people learn and how perceptions shift. There are always struggles that come when you are first injured or are trying something new for the first time, but with the right tools and attitude, there’s no reason you can’t climb your own El Capitan.”

24 hours of talk

Accessibility Services, Asstive Technology Stories, Easter Seals Crossroads, INDATA, News, Online Workshops, Organizations 1 Response »

Oct 252011

October seems to be the month of awareness for many organizations, so we’re going to add one more to the list. Along with cancer research and blindness awareness, October is dedicated to raising awareness about augmentative and alternative communication. What better way to get people talking about these unique communication methods than hosting a talk-a-thon?!

The third annual 24-hour AAC Internet Chat/Read-a-thon will take place on October 26 beginning at 7 a.m. Eastern Time. The idea is to get people all over the world talking about, learning about and advocating for access to communication for all.

The AAC awareness campaign team will keep the online chats open and active for 24 continuous hours so that people who use AAC and their friends, families, colleagues and other supporters can join in to share stories, resources and information.

Each hour or so will be held by a different host from all over the world. This year the hosts are Judy Bailey, Justin Bergers, Jeremy Brown, Terry Gibson, Kathy Pink, and Faye Warren. HOSTS ARE STILL NEEDED. Contact the organization at info@aacawareness.org or judybailey@aol.com if you wish to host using one of the possible venues.

Speaking of venues, here is how you can join.

Skype: send your Skype name to info@aacawreness.org or connect with Judy on Skype at judy.bailey3. Make sure to do this with plenty of advanced notice! The sooner they can add you to the list, the easier the process will be!

AAC Chat Room: 24-hour Read-a-Thon cite Chat Room: sign in and let us know your location http://client11.adonchat.com/chat.php?id=546228&s
Facebook: International AAC Month (post information and links, follow the postings, comment, instant message)

Twitter: Post and follow tweets with the hashtag #AACchat, which has been chosen for the 24-hour AAC event tweets

Online Radio: Send requests for songs to be played by Justin Bergers on his radio server during the 24-hour event. Make sure to send the requests to justin_bergers2006@comcast.net

Last year the event had participants from seven countries; the goal this year is to break that record! If you’re interested or know someone else who might be interested in participating in this awesome event, make sure to check out their Facebook page (International AAC Month) for updates and information.

Bringing art to life for the blind and visually impaired

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Sep 152011

The value of art goes beyond the paints, the colors, the canvas or the clay, the value of art is in the connection between the individual and the piece, no matter their physical ability. Art is about more than you can see. Visual arts can be a vital part of life for a visually impaired individual, just like it can be for people who do not. After all, art is about the experience. Programs, like Art Beyond Sight, are taking an initiative to make art accessible, to everyone, everywhere.

Art Beyond Sight is an international initiative to promote the arts for those who have visual impairments or no vision at all, with over 200 organizations all around the world. Part of the initiative is art education, Art Education for the Blind. The benefits of an art education for the visually impaired are largely the same of those who can see. Working with art promotes dexterity, self-confidence, critical thinking skills and self-awareness. Being able to work with visual elements helps to teach the blind and visually impaired different skills to be successful and more confident in a visual world.

Blind people are able to understand visual information through touch and sound, art is a way to help enhance how the blind understand the world around them through pictorial literacy. Imagine trying to learn about the heart without looking at a diagram. A teacher’s explanation may not be enough for a student. However, if the student has experience with pictorial literacy, the diagram of the heart may be easier to tackle.

Arts organizations right here in Indianapolis are making a difference in the lives of the blind when it comes to getting crafty. The Indianapolis Art Center for example works with the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to formulate an arts curriculum for their students. The Center also offers a ten week after school ceramics program during the fall and spring semesters to blind and visually impaired students. This program has been in existence for 16 years. The ages range from middle school to grade 12. In conjunction with Art Beyond Sight Awareness month-October, the Center will be showcasing student work from the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, beginning October 14 and will run until November 10.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art also strives to make itself more accessible to the blind and visually impaired community, offering many amenities to make the facility and the art easier to access. Docent-led tours including audio description and guided touch are available upon request with at least three weeks notice. Braille is on all Museum directional signs and in elevators. Special exhibition labels are available in a variety of sizes, including large font and service animals are welcome.

Art is meant to be enjoyed by all. Simple adjustments, such as guided touch tours or ceramics classes allow everyone to have a chance to experience visual delights, even if they cannot see them.

For more information on classes at The Indianapolis Art center use the following link, click here!
For more accessibility and general information about the IMA, click here!

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