Sure, when tinkerer Caleb Kraft found out that pressure switches marketed at the disabled were massively overpriced, he got mad like anybody else. But then he decided to get even the best way he knew how: by building his own, and posting the plans for all to follow on Hack a Day for free. The project came about via a kid with muscular dystrophy named Thomas, who enjoyed Minecraft but may eventually lose the ability to hold a controller or use a mouse and keyboard. Caleb's idea was to build low-pressure switches using a 3D printer and simply map them to the Minecraft keyboard and mouse commands using a $20 Teensy board. He posted his plans online, but since he feels they could be improved on, also created a site called the Controller Project (see the More Coverage link). From there, those in need of a custom device can make a request, other modders can post their own plans and builders can use them to make controllers for donation. Since more is always merrier for such things, if you have those skills or know someone who needs them, hit the source for more info.
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Options for Computer Access for People with Physical Impairments - Webinar - Sept. 6, 2012 - 0 views
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Click here to register for this webinar What:
Computer access is necessary for many aspects of our lives including education, vocation, recreation and socialization. Computer access essentially involves a method to navigate (typically a mouse,) a method for data entry (typically a keyboard,) and a method for sensory input (typically a monitor). The person's posture, active movement, positioning, strength, range of motion, dexterity, ability to control movement and fatigue level all impact the user's ability to access a computer. Several options of alternative computer access will be discussed with rationale and possible client situations explained. When:
Thursday, September 6, 2012
1:30 - 2:30pm Mountain
Switch Assessment - Webinar - Nov. 12, 2013 - 0 views
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Register for this event
What:
AbleNet University presents this session with Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS. Assistive technology can be accessed directly or indirectly by switch, mouse, eyegaze or voice. This webinar will present assessment strategies to determine the optimal switch location and switch type to provide access. A switch site hierarchy will be presented along with clinical indicators for a variety of potential switch locations. A wide array of mechanical and electrical switches will also be discussed.
When:
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
10:00 pm Mountain
Cost:
No cost
E-speaking - voice computer control and dictation - 0 views
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E-Speaking is a free or shareware program ($15) that enables a user to command and control the computer, dictate emails and letters, and have the program read documents back. For individuals with motor impairments that make it difficult or impossible to use a mouse and keyboard, this might be a viable and affordable alternative.
Google Launches Sign Language Interpreter App For Hangouts, Adds Accessibility Features... - 0 views
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At the CSUN International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference this week, Google announced that it has added a number of accessibility features to Chrome, Chrome OS, Gmail and Google Drive that should make using Google suites of web apps a bit easier to use for blind and low-vision users. In addition, Google also launched a new sign language interpreter app and keyboard shortcuts for Hangouts for the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as those who can’t or don’t want to use a mouse while using Hangouts.
Golden Triangle News > Cut Bank Pioneer Press > News > Allisons learn to adjust to son'... - 0 views
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Three-year-old Kasan Allison idolizes his older brothers, Keenan and Kylan, likes to play games with his dad, Dave, and is always on the go, a toy tractor or his best bud, Mickey Mouse, in hand. When he’s unsure about something, he reaches for his mom, Amie, and he loves macaroni and cheese.Almost from the day Kasan was born, his parents recognized differences in his development. He did not lift his head, roll over, start crawling when his older brothers had.The Allisons didn’t know it at the time, but Kasan has XXXXY, commonly called 49 Chromosome Syndrome, and the chromosomal abnormality affects not only his life, but his family’s too.
Zac Browser | Zone for Autistic Children - 1 views
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Zac Browser is a totally free software package. It is the first Internet browser developed specifically for children living with variants of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD not otherwise specified and PDD-NOS, also called atypical autism. Zac Browser was designed to offer a pleasant, rewarding and secure experience. Children sing, play and discover the best that the Internet has to offer with only a few clicks of the mouse.
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What:
Assistive technology can be accessed directly or indirectly by switch, mouse, joystick or voice. This Webinar will present assessment strategies to determine the optimal switch location and switch type to provide access. A switch site hierarchy will be presented along with clinical indicators for a variety of potential switch locations. A wide array of mechanical and electrical switches will also be discussed. When:
Monday, May 13, 2013
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Mountain Cost:
$28 for RESNA Members, $40 for Non-Members (0.1 RESNA CEUs)