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We have talked quite a bit in our classes about types and uses of Assistive Technology. I came across this website that gives an overview of laws and how they provide for assistive devices. While the website is geared toward families of children, the information can also be beneficial in educating adult clients of their rights as well.

Since we have been talking about aging in place, checl out some of these latest gadgets. I always thought of it as remodeling your home and being comfy in your home. There is so much more to it. Check out these gadgets. Everything from monitoring sleeping habits to knowing how many times a day you brush your teeth.

Updated August 20, 2014 15:22:57 Sean Fitzgerald worked hard to rebuild his life after breaking his neck in a mountain bike accident 14 years ago. For five hours after the crash, before medical help arrived, his then-partner and a passing stranger kept him alive with their breath.

If you skim through the article, please pay special attention to the last paragraph. I loved how Mr. Fitzgerald stated that being able to work and do something meaningful was important to his psyche. Assistive devices are what allowed him to continue to be productive after becoming physically disabled. As we have been taught, having something meaningful to do is key to having a positive outcome regardless of the level of disability.

This article is short, but provides definition for Assistive Technology and the different devices that could be used. Just thought this would be helpful to refer to because there are different levels from low levels to high levels.

I like this….makes a good cheat sheet…will be saving for future reference.

A super short video I took last year at the AOTA conference that I thought was amazing! (as you can tell from my loud mouth reaction) This assistive technology gives the ultimate form of independence!

This is about a retirement community in MO that uses technology like motion and bed sensors to monitor residents and enhance their safety.

This video educates on the use of Assistive Technology (AT): Voice Output Device and shows how a team uses an AT guide to better assist the client.

This article is cool to implement the OT brain in designing smart technology in the home so that it benefits the individuals and the problems they are facing.

This website describes a new piece of technology that helps with the recovery of burn victims. Researchers have found a way to use skin from an undamaged area, place it in a tube with an enzyme and spray the solution in the tube over the burn area to heal the site in a way that is much less painful than having a skin graph. this process can be a better option than a traditional skin graph because it takes less time for the patient to heal from, it can cover a larger portion of damaged skin from a smaller portion of undamaged skin, and the solution takes very little time to prepare.

The world of prosthesis is constantly growing in technology and this video shows just how far technology has come. The bionics are controlled by neural commands rather than nerve impulses, which allows for a more accurate ambulation. In this video Hugh Herr describes how the bionics are made and what the measuring process is for the patient. I think this will help reinforce what we learned this past Friday about amputated limbs. Also, there is a lot of information as to whom these bionics would be good for and how one may get one.

New Technology for a Prosthesis.

This is a short video demonstrating the use of a simulator which enables the client to practice movements prior to returning to work or other activities. Apparently the machine has several interchangeable parts to mimic different tasks. Notice that the data collected from the simulator is displayed on a computer monitor for quick feedback. This technology is mentioned on pp. 602-03 in our Early text.

This article is useful because it points out that contact plans are not just beneficial for safety! Virtual technology can be incorporated and effectively decrease loneliness, promote self- efficacy, and assist families in connecting no matter how close or far away they may live from their loved one.

Video on how to make your own IPAD Stylus.

Reutilization of old AT and free of charge placement into new homes for those who can't afford new equipment.

a web site to sell and get AT stuff for free

A company specializing in communication devices. The website gives you an option to choose your disability (ALS, TBI, Autism, etc) and recommends products that are associated with it. Also information on trouble shooting with products and questions related to training and using your device.

This website has a HUGE list of equipment that can be used for people with special needs.