New bionics let us run, climb, and dance

X-keys USB Switch Interface

6 dual switch ports in a compact, low profile footprint. Easily convert any switch closure to a keyboard, multimedia, or mouse command.

• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android

*this is not intended as an ad.  Testing and review to follow. 

http://xkeys.com/xkeys/xkswi.php

Apple Accessibility Overview

+http://www.apple.com/accessibility/

Engineering Smart Wheelchairs

“Our end goal with this is for people who have disabilities to be able to have freedom,”

Martin Gerdzhev, graduate student working on the SmartWheeler at McGill University in Montreal.

 Having a wheelchair that can autonomously navigate its environment would be a boon for children or people who have cognitive impairments, don’t have enough upper body strength to maneuver a regular wheelchair or are paraplegics. Often people who can’t move their hands and arms must resort to “sip and puff” devices that control a motorized wheelchair through changes in air pressure, which can get exhausting.  Researchers have been working on robotic wheelchairs for decades, but thanks to the advent of better computer-vision and navigation algorithms, more powerful computers and more sensitive sensors, scientists are starting to make some progress.

Plus, there are self-driving cars on the road now, from Google and many automakers. With more public awareness of autonomous vehicles, so the technology doesn’t seem as foreign or futuristic as it once did.   For full article please see: http://cs.mcgill.ca/~smartwheeler/index.html

"The hard part, she says, is convincing insurance companies and government health agencies to pay for them, as autonomous wheelchairs aren’t going to come cheap."

Case Western Reserve University

wheelchair design

Eye Gaze Technology: Rett Syndrome Research

full article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BziJzz8UGlvzMTZjc0tqeVFlU1k/view?usp=sharing

Short documentary: Accomable: Enabling Adventure

Accessibility services / resources

I recently posted the following question to a credible knowledge base:

"I would really like there to be an agency/entity/group that systematically reviews products based on accessibility. Whether it's opening up a bag of chips or a browser, I'd like to reward the companies and engineers that make product accessible. Does anyone know of such an agency?"

I found out about of a couple of resources through the response:

https://www.kurzweiledu.com/products/reading.html



Knowability: http://www.knowbility.org/

Loop11: https://youtu.be/ZvpHsp_NJEo

Verve: an interface that enables variable switch sensors to control your computer

Does anyone know if it is possible to easily program sequential commands (quick keys) on this device?
For example, pressure sensor activation triggers a command opening the web browser and play music.  Please write in the comments section below.

Google Announces 20 million for ideas that increase access to people with disabilities

https://www.google.org/intl/en_ALL/impactchallenge/disabilities/grants.html

https://www.google.org/impactchallenge/disabilities/grants.html#awarded

11 tips to make technology more accessible
https://get.google.com/tips/#!?category=improve-access

Certified innovator program:  https://edutrainingcenter.withgoogle.com/certification_innovator

Customized website for students with orthopedic impairment using eye gaze technology

related: https://www.mycoughdrop.com/

Camera Mouse for PC

http://www.cameramouse.org/

This product has not been reviewed.

The EyeWriter

Tony 'TEMPT' Quan is a legendary LA graffiti artist, social activist, and publisher who was diagnosed with ALS in 2003. Mick organized a crew of hackers and artists to invent a low-cost, open source DIY device that would let Tempt create art with his eyes. Through trial and error, The Eyewriter was born and Tempt was back to using his creativity.

OneSwitch:

http://oneswitch.org.uk/#intro

A resource of fun ideas and 'assistive technology' aimed at moderate to severely learning/physically disabled people.

Eye Tracking: Increased access for some, privacy considerations for all.

An affordable eye tracking system has big implications for people with disabilities.  However, it does exemplify one of the biggest dilemmas this generation faces, 'how much privacy am I willing to sacrifice for the sake of convenience or access?'  Eye tracking and preference data will be collected, stored, and analyzed by apps.  On the other hand, a whole new world of expression, communication, and access is being opened up as eye tracking technology improves and becomes more affordable.  If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns about this topic please comment below.  And please send any links to draft legislation regarding online privacy and data collection.
Pete Carpenter (MOT, OTR/L)

See also: https://www.youtube.com/embed/P8a46q6u8_s

Adaptive design

http://www.adaptivedesign.org/