A guidance document for users, staff and providers of Assistive Technology, produced by the DCT Workforce Development Group. November 2012 1
This leaflet has been put together as a guide to Assistive Technology. It has been designed to give some examples of how different Assistive Technologies can help make life easier and more independent. It will show how using Assistive Technology can help to reduce paid support. It includes case studies and real life examples of different Assistive Technologies, how to use them and ideas of where to get them from.
Contents What is Assistive Technology? Money & Budgeting Speaking Hearing Vision Memory Writing Travelling / Getting out and about Safety Health & Wellbeing Daily Activities (washing, dressing, eating) Social Networking
2
What is Assistive Technology? Assistive Technology (AT) is a term that refers to any system or devise that enables an individual to perform a task that they would otherwise be unable to do; or would need additional support to carry out. AT promotes independence, choice and control and can help people to achieve positive, personalised outcomes. AT can range from simple tools such as a special spoon for feeding to more technical equipment such as satellite navigation to help find a certain place. AT can help with a wide range of tasks and living situations and will help an individual to continue to live independently. Money & Budgeting
Speaking
Travelling / Getting out and about
Hearing
Vision
Memory
Writing
Safety
Social Networking
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Daily Living Activities
Health & Wellbeing
(washing, dressing, eating)
Independence
Improved Outcomes Less Reliance on Paid Support
3
Money & Budgeting
Being in control of your own money is really important but can be difficult. You can use AT to help understand exactly how much money you have coming in and to see exactly how much money you have going out. This helps you to be in control and to spend your money on what you want to.
Assistive Technology Name Money Dashboard
What it Does Software download that helps to take control of your money, allows you to see all your transactions and balances in one place and better manage your household budget.
Where Can I Get It? Free download from website: www.moneydashboard.com
Personal Finance
A desktop application for the Microsoft Windows operating system - designed to help organise and manage your household income and expenditure.
BankTree via website with free email support www.banktree.co.uk
Case Study to be inserted here....
Image to be inserted here....
4
Speaking
Communicating with people is important so that we can tell people about our likes and dislikes. It is also good to be able to speak to friends and families that live far away. Communication boards and books offer a simple form of communication to enable non verbal individuals to communicate easily and maintain a higher degree of independence and control in their daily lives.
Assistive Technology Name Communication Books
What it Does The ‘Medical Passport’ is a pocket-sized book comprising icons, pictures and words relating to health matters. It aims to enable a person convey their needs to a carer or doctor.
Where Can I Get It? Speakability www.speakability.org.uk
Communication Board
An activity board which can be set up in any room in the home with a choice of topics for requesting and commenting which are relevant to a situation that may arise in daily life. A book designed in laminated format that is simple to keep clean. The book is divided into four easy to navigate sections with clear concise images of day to day life or common scenarios: getting dressed, daily routine, food & drink, and medical.
Pyramid Educational Consultants www.pecs.org.uk
Communication Books
Visual Communication Aid (vca) www.visualcommunicationaid.com
Case study to be inserted here....
5
Hearing
There are certain situations that can be difficult for those with hearing loss, for example environmental noise, or poor acoustics, or even standing at a distance from a speaker, but they are particularly challenging for those with hearing loss. AT can help to overcome hearing difficulties, such as listening devices which are designed to reduce background noise and enhance a speaker’s voice, or amplification systems to boost general sound. AT can make sound accessible by the use of other senses to convey meaning (lights or vibrations). There are numerous alerting devices that can warn you in situations such as the doorbell or phone ringing, the baby crying, the smoke detector sounding.
Assistive Technology Name Amplified Phone
Doorbell alert
Under pillow vibrating alarm clock
What it Does Telephone that increases volume for the user while lessening distorted sounds for all parties in a phone conversation Wireless device that can be installed in a different room that chimes and flashes a light when the doorbell rings Digital travel alarm clock with choice of vibration, audible alert or both which is placed inside a pillow case for vibration mode or set on a stand for audible alert.
Where Can I Get It? Hearing Direct www.hearingdirect.com
Assistive Hearing Devices Ltd / iHear
Lifemax Ltd www.lifemaxdirect.co.uk
Case study to be inserted here....
Image to be inserted here....
6
Vision
A range of AT products has been developed for blind or partially sighted individuals, from the more traditional aids (e.g. long cane, large-print reading material, talking books) to newer computer-based technologies (such as text-to-speech software, voice recognition software, screen magnifiers etc). General household items like the telephone or radio can be modified to have talking keypads or large buttons to make daily living easier.
Assistive Technology Name Book Sense Ds
Compact TELEcane
Doro PhoneEasy
What it Does DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) players play DAISY audible books and replace the old audio books on cassette tape format. A compact, lightweight, telescopic cane in two lengths. The cane can either be white or red or both colours to indicate sight and hearing problems.
Where Can I Get It? RNIB www.rnib.org.uk (NB: audio books can be obtained from the RNIB’s talking book service). Better Life Healthcare www.betterlifehealthcare.com
Cordless telephone with large number key pad that audibly announces the number as it is pressed. Portable handset has two-line, high contrast backlit screen that displays full names and numbers.
RNIB
Image to be inserted here....
7
Memory
Memory loss can make day-to-day life more difficult. Simple situations like mislaying keys or forgetting the date, or more risky scenarios like forgetting to take medication, can prove frustrating and dangerous. AT can promote independence and autonomy for anyone suffering with memory loss through the use of prompts and reminders, and it can help to manage potential risks in and around the home.
Assistive Technology Name MEM-X Memory Aid Pendant
Calendar wall clock
Doro Memoryplus Object Locator
What it Does Keypad programming system, plays back up to 90 pre-recorded reminders. A large digital wall clock that also clearly displays day, date and month from a distance of 20m. It is automatic and self-adjusting for irregular days in the month and leap years. Wireless object locator for use with tagged objects within the home that can often be mislaid.
Where Can I Get It? Pivotell Ltd www.pivotell.co.uk Grayson Clocks www.graysonclocks.com
Doro UK Ltd www.doro-uk.com
Case study to be inserted here....
8
Writing
Writing is an important part of daily living. There is a variety of AT available aimed at making the written word more accessible, from writing instruments which have been adapted to make writing physically more comfortable, to software which helps to improve literacy skills.
Assistive Technology Name textHELP Read & Write
Wanchiks Writer
Image to be inserted here....
What it Does Software which has been designed to improve reading and writing skills with useful features such as speech feedback, spell check, word prediction etc. A flexible writing implement which aligns and supports the pen in the hand, which can be easily shaped to fit a person’s hand comfortably.
Where Can I Get It? TechReady www.techready.co.uk
Better Life Healthcare www.betterlifehealthcare.com
Image to be inserted here....
Case study to be inserted here....
9
Travelling / Getting out and about
Travelling and getting about can be challenging when, for example, the destination is unfamiliar or whether disabled facilities are available en route. AT can promote independence when travelling, with downloads for sat-nav devices or mobile phones.
Assistive Technology Name Blue Badge points of interest
GPS Wake Up!
What it Does A sat-nav download which provides details of Blue Badge parking bays; across the UK; disabled accessible car parks; petrol stations (plus Service Call & accessible toilets) A GPS alarm which alerts you when you get close to your destination. Useful as a memory device or as an information tool when travelling to an unfamiliar destination.
Where Can I Get It? Pie Guide www.the pieguide.com
Download from www.market.android.com/
Roger uses mobile navigation to help get him from his home to places that he wishes to visit. As this particular app required Roger to purchase a new phone, his support staff have helped teach Roger how to switch it on, and then how to bring up the maps. Now Roger can put in the destination of where he would like to go, and can travel to that destination by himself.
10
Safety
To enhance safety in the home there are a number of alarm systems available that will sound an alert if, for example, smoke or water is detected. Other personal alarm systems can be used to alert for assistance if someone finds themselves in difficulty.
Assistive Technology Name Personal alarm
Tynetec Altec Flood Detector
Bogus Caller-panic Button
Fire Suppress Ltd
What it Does A small GPS hand held personal alarm that provides assistance wherever and whenever required. Wireless sensor which detects and alerts to potential flood situations such as taps left running or burst pipes. A wall mounted button for location by a doorway when used as a bogus caller alarm, or in other areas of the house to act as a panic button. Automist fire suppressing device
Where Can I Get It? buddi Ltd, www.buddi.co.uk Tynetec Ltd www.tynetec.co.uk
Tunstall Healthcare (UK) Ltd www.tunstallonline.co.uk
Fire Suppress Limited (0845 3730 473)
Case study from Fire Suppress Ltd
11
Product information from buddi Ltd: buddi is a unique 24/7 personal alarm and support service which automatically locates or summons help to people if they have fallen or are lost.� Sara Murray, founder of buddi buddi is a mobile personal alarm system that provides assistance wherever and whenever it’s needed. It helps active and independent people stay that way. buddi's innovative use of GPS technology means that the buddi service is more than a personal alarm service, and also acts as a 24/7 location finding device. This means that as well as wearers enjoying all the independence and security of a buddi, their carers can locate them at any time, trace their movements and even be alerted when they have left a prescribed safety zone. The wearer is free to be as independent as possible, and their carers will never be out of touch with their movements. All buddi memberships include an automatic fall alert, emergency alarm and unlimited online locating. The buddi in the community service includes safe zones and trace history. buddi users, wearers and members benefit from the support of a dedicated, in-house technical and customer care team who can assist with all aspects of owning a buddi.
12
Health & Wellbeing
AT can assist an individual to monitor his or her health at home and then share their health data electronically with medical professionals at their hospital. There is a range of telehealth monitoring devices to monitor heart conditions, diabetes etc. Simpler forms of AT include ‘apps’ for mobile phones, for example to record and analyse food intake for people on special diets, or to provide prompts and advice for people with memory problems.
Assistive Technology Name DF Diary (Diabetic Friend)
Tunstall Mymedic Telehealth Monitor
Image to be inserted here....
What it Does An app whereby users can record and monitor their glucose levels, what they have eaten and what medication they have taken. A monitor which collects and transmits patient information to health professionals to allow them to diagnose problems and make informed decisions about a patient’s health and wellbeing.
Where Can I Get It? www.diabeticfriend.co.uk Download from iTunes
Tunstall Healthcare (UK) Ltd www.tunstallonline.co.uk
Case study to be inserted here....
Case study to be inserted here....
13
Daily Activities
Performing the simplest of tasks in personal care can be difficult or virtually impossible for people with minimal hand or arm movement, or those who have limited control over their movements, who therefore need assistance from others in order to accomplish them. AT is available from simple hand held devices to more sophisticated electrically operated systems that enable an individual to go about their daily routines more independently.
Assistive Technology Name Aqua Wash Glove
Dressing stick
Neater Eater
Possum Vivo
What it Does A ready-to-use pre-moistened glove which allows simple and effective washing without rinsing and drying. It is easy to use for bedridden or dependent people at home or in care. A long wooden handled dressing stick with a metal 'C' shaped hook at one end and a rubber tip at the other, can assist with a range of dressing tasks, e.g. putting on socks, jackets etc. An electrically operated system that offers a range of benefits to the user: allows independent feeding; improves posture and mouth control; helps to teach movements; motivates social interaction at mealtimes. Environmental control system which assists the user to perform activities around the home and enhances independence, for example: answer the phone, switch on the lights, draw the curtains, etc
Where Can I Get It? Handy Healthcare www.handyhealthcare.co.uk
Yourable www.youreableshop.co.uk
Neater Solutions Ltd www.neater.co.uk
Possum Ltd www.possum.co.uk
Case study from Possum Ltd: Since leaving hospital following an industrial vehicle accident in 1989, Jonathan has used a range of Assistive technology provided by Possum. The accident caused a C4, C5 complete injury (damaging the vertebrae and spinal cord) leaving Jonathan Tetraplegic, paralysed from the shoulders down, with limited upper body movement. After a review of Jonathans’ requirements, in consultation with the local community occupational therapist, Stoke Mandeville spinal injuries OT and the local GP, Jonathan’s home was a adapted with a PSU6 Environmental Control System. When Jonathan moved house the system moved with him. As the technology developed and Jonathans’ requirements changed, Possum installed a Companion controller and then more recently upgraded to the Vivo! home control device. For Jonathan, being left without the need of assistance, especially at night, is important. Providing Jonathan with the means to control his own entertainment and immediate environment means that this is possible. The robust and reliable assistive technology provides reassurance that help is accessible whilst maintaining privacy and independence. The total portability of the control unit has meant that 14
even when visiting relatives Jonathan is able to control certain items away from the home. With the easy to use, portable Possum Vivo! Environmental Controller and other assistive technology supplied by Possum, Jonathan is able to: •
Control the televisions both in the bedroom and in the living room
•
Operate a Hi-Fi stereo unit
•
Switch the Radio on and off
•
Switch a fan on and off
•
Operate the lights in the bedroom
•
Operate the curtains in the bedroom
•
Operate the electronic profiling bed
•
Answer the telephone, make calls
•
Call for assistance via the specially adapted switch, intercom and pager system
•
Use an internal multi room intercom which enables communication from upstairs and downstairs and room to room
•
Answer the door
•
Switch an air conditioning unit on and off
“It’s the small things that make the difference, I can sit up in bed, open the curtains, call for assistance at night, be left without the need for constant care. The Possum system is robust and reliable providing me with a level of freedom, independence and privacy. Without it I would be restricted, dependant on others and unconfident that I could get help when I need it.” Jonathan
15
Social Networking
Although not designed as assistive technology, social networking sites can and do function in this way as they can offer socially isolated and disabled people and their carers opportunities to enhance their lives. Examples of popular sites are Facebook, Myspace and Twitter which free to download and can be accessed via computer or mobile phone.
Image to be inserted here....
Case study to be inserted here....
16
A guidance document for users, staff and providers of Assistive Technology, produced by the DCT Workforce Development Group. November 2012 1
Contents
This booklet has been put together as a guide to Assistive Technology. It has been designed to give some examples of how different Assistive Technologies can help make life easier and more independent. It will show how using Assistive Technology can help to reduce paid support. It includes case studies and real life examples of different Assistive Technologies, how to use them and ideas of where to get them from.
2
What is Assistive Technology?
Page 3
Money & Budgeting
Page X
Speaking
Page X
Hearing
Page X
Vision
Page X
Memory
Page X
Writing
Page X
Travelling/Getting Out and About
Page X
Safety
Page X
Health & Wellbeing
Page X
Shopping
Page X
Personal Care
Page X
Eating/Cooking
Page X
House-keeping
Page X
Relaxation
Page X
Social Networking
Page X
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) is a term that refers to any system or devise that enables an individual to perform a task that they would otherwise be unable to do; or would need additional support to carry out. AT promotes independence, choice and control and can help people to achieve positive, personalised outcomes. AT can range from simple tools such as a special spoon for feeding to more technical equipment such as satellite navigation to help find a certain place. AT can help with a wide range of tasks and living situations and will help an individual to continue to live independently.
Money & Budgeting
Speaking
Travelling / Getting out and about
Hearing
Vision
Writing
Daily Living Activities (washing, dressing, eating)
Independence
Improved Outcomes Less Reliance on Paid Support
Safety
Social Networking
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Health & Wellbeing
3
Memory
Money & Budgeting
Being in control of your own money is really important but can be difficult. You can use AT to help understand exactly how much money you have coming in and to see exactly how much money you have going out. This helps you to be in control and to spend your money on what you want to. Assistive Technology What it Does Name Money Dashboard Software download that helps to take control of your money, allows you to see all your transactions and balances in one place and better manage your household budget.
Where Can I Get It?
Personal Finance
BankTree via website with free email support www.banktree.co.uk
A desktop application for the Microsoft Windows operating system - designed to help organise and manage your household income and expenditure.
Free download from website: www.moneydashboard.com
Case Study to be inserted here....
Image to be inserted here....
4
Speaking
Communicating with people is important so that we can tell people about our likes and dislikes. It is also good to be able to speak to friends and families that live far away. Communication boards and books offer a simple form of communication to enable non verbal individuals to communicate easily and maintain a higher degree of independence and control in their daily lives.
Assistive Technology Name What it Does
Where Can I Get It?
Communication Books
The ‘Medical Passport’ is a pocket-sized book comprising icons, pictures and words relating to health matters. It aims to enable a person convey their needs to a carer or doctor.
Speakability www.speakability.org.uk
Communication Board
An activity board which can be set up in any room in the home with a choice of topics for requesting and commenting which are relevant to a situation that may arise in daily life.
Pyramid Educational Consultants www.pecs.org.uk
Communication Books
A book designed in Visual Communication Aid (vca) laminated format that is www.visualcommunicationaid.com simple to keep clean. The book is divided into four easy to navigate sections with clear concise images of day to day life or common scenarios: getting dressed, daily routine, food & drink, and medical.
5
Hearing
There are certain situations that can be difficult for those with hearing loss, for example environmental noise, or poor acoustics, or even standing at a distance from a speaker, but they are particularly challenging for those with hearing loss. AT can help to overcome hearing difficulties, such as listening devices which are designed to reduce background noise and enhance a speaker’s voice, or amplification systems to boost general sound. AT can make sound accessible by the use of other senses to convey meaning (lights or vibrations). There are numerous alerting devices that can warn you in situations such as the doorbell or phone ringing, the baby crying, the smoke detector sounding. Assistive Technology What it Does Name Amplified Phone Telephone that increases volume for the user while lessening distorted sounds for all parties in a phone conversation Doorbell alert Wireless device that can be installed in a different room that chimes and flashes a light when the doorbell rings Under pillow vibrating alarm Digital travel alarm clock with clock choice of vibration, audible alert or both which is placed inside a pillow case for vibration mode or set on a stand for audible alert.
Where Can I Get It? Hearing Direct www.hearingdirect.com
Assistive Hearing Devices Ltd / iHear
Lifemax Ltd www.lifemaxdirect.co.uk
Case study to be inserted here....
Image to be inserted here....
6
Vision A range of AT products has been developed for blind or partially sighted individuals, from the more traditional aids (e.g. long cane, large-print reading material, talking books) to newer computer-based technologies (such as text-to-speech software, voice recognition software, screen magnifiers etc). General household items like the telephone or radio can be modified to have talking keypads or large buttons to make daily living easier. Assistive Technology Name
What it Does
Where Can I Get It?
Book Sense Ds
DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) players play DAISY audible books and replace the old audio books on cassette tape format. A compact, lightweight, telescopic cane in two lengths. The cane can either be white or red or both colours to indicate sight and hearing problems.
RNIB www.rnib.org.uk (NB: audio books can be obtained from the RNIB’s talking book service). Better Life Healthcare www.betterlifehealthcare.com
Cordless telephone with large number key pad that audibly announces the number as it is pressed. Portable handset has two-line, high contrast backlit screen that displays full names and numbers.
RNIB
Compact TELEcane
Doro PhoneEasy
Doro PhoneEasyÂŽ 311c
7
Memory Memory loss can make day-to-day life more difficult. Simple situations like mislaying keys or forgetting the date, or more risky scenarios like forgetting to take medication, can prove frustrating and dangerous. AT can promote independence and autonomy for anyone suffering with memory loss through the use of prompts and reminders, and it can help to manage potential risks in and around the home. Assistive Technology Name
What it Does
MEM-X Memory Aid Pendant
Pivotell Ltd www.pivotell.co.uk
Calendar wall clock
Grayson Clocks www.graysonclocks.com
Doro Memoryplus Locator
Keypad programming system, plays back up to 90 prerecorded reminders. A large digital wall clock that also clearly displays day, date and month from a distance of 20m. It is automatic and selfadjusting for irregular days in the month and leap years. Object Wireless object locator for use with tagged objects within the home that can often be mislaid.
Where Can I Get It?
Case study to be inserted here....
8
Doro UK Ltd www.doro-uk.com
Writing Writing is an important part of daily living. There is a variety of AT available aimed at making the written word more accessible, from writing instruments which have been adapted to make writing physically more comfortable, to software which helps to improve literacy skills. Assistive Technology Name
What it Does
Where Can I Get It?
textHELP Read & Write
Software which has been designed to improve reading and writing skills with useful features such as speech feedback, spell check, word prediction etc.
TechReady www.techready.co.uk
Wanchiks Writer
A flexible writing implement which aligns and supports the pen in the hand, which can be easily shaped to fit a person’s hand comfortably.
Better Life Healthcare www.betterlifehealthcare.com
Image to be inserted here....
Case study to be inserted here....
9
Image to be inserted here....
Travelling / Getting out and about Travelling and getting about can be challenging when, for example, the destination is unfamiliar or whether disabled facilities are available en route. AT can promote independence when travelling, with downloads for sat-nav devices or mobile phones. Assistive Technology Name
What it Does
Where Can I Get It?
Blue Badge points of interest
A sat-nav download which provides details of Blue Badge parking bays; across the UK; disabled accessible car parks; petrol stations (plus Service Call & accessible toilets) A GPS alarm which alerts you when you get close to your destination. Useful as a memory device or as an information tool when travelling to an unfamiliar destination.
Pie Guide www.the pieguide.com
GPS Wake Up!
Download from www.market.android.com/
Case study‌ Roger uses mobile navigation to help get him from his home to places that he wishes to visit. As this particular app required Roger to purchase a new phone, his support staff have helped teach Roger how to switch it on, and then how to bring up the maps. Now Roger can put in the destination of where he would like to go, and can travel to that destination by himself.
10
Safety
To enhance safety in the home there are a number of alarm systems available that will sound an alert if, for example, smoke or water is detected. Other personal alarm systems can be used to alert for assistance if someone finds themselves in difficulty.
Assistive Technology Name Personal alarm
Tynetec Altec Flood Detector
Bogus Caller-panic Button
Fire Suppress Ltd
What it Does A small GPS hand held personal alarm that provides assistance wherever and whenever required. Wireless sensor which detects and alerts to potential flood situations such as taps left running or burst pipes. A wall mounted button for location by a doorway when used as a bogus caller alarm, or in other areas of the house to act as a panic button. Automist fire suppressing device
Case study (Fire Suppress Ltd)‌
11
Where Can I Get It? buddi Ltd, www.buddi.co.uk Tynetec Ltd www.tynetec.co.uk
Tunstall Healthcare (UK) Ltd www.tunstallonline.co.uk
Fire Suppress Limited (0845 3730 473)
Product information from buddi Ltd‌ buddi is a unique 24/7 personal alarm and support service which automatically locates or summons help to people if they have fallen or are lost.� Sara Murray, founder of buddi buddi is a mobile personal alarm system that provides assistance wherever and whenever it’s needed. It helps active and independent people stay that way. buddi's innovative use of GPS technology means that the buddi service is more than a personal alarm service, and also acts as a 24/7 location finding device. This means that as well as wearers enjoying all the independence and security of a buddi, their carers can locate them at any time, trace their movements and even be alerted when they have left a prescribed safety zone. The wearer is free to be as independent as possible, and their carers will never be out of touch with their movements. All buddi memberships include an automatic fall alert, emergency alarm and unlimited online locating. The buddi in the community service includes safe zones and trace history. buddi users, wearers and members benefit from the support of a dedicated, in-house technical and customer care team who can assist with all aspects of owning a buddi.
12
Health & Wellbeing AT can assist an individual to monitor his or her health at home and then share their health data electronically with medical professionals at their hospital. There is a range of telehealth monitoring devices to monitor heart conditions, diabetes etc. Simpler forms of AT include ‘apps’ for mobile phones, for example to record and analyse food intake for people on special diets, or to provide prompts and advice for people with memory problems. Assistive Technology Name DF Diary (Diabetic Friend)
Tunstall Mymedic Telehealth Monitor
Image to be inserted here....
Case study to be inserted here....
13
What it Does An app whereby users can record and monitor their glucose levels, what they have eaten and what medication they have taken. A monitor which collects and transmits patient information to health professionals to allow them to diagnose problems and make informed decisions about a patient’s health and wellbeing.
Where Can I Get It? www.diabeticfriend.co.uk Download from iTunes
Tunstall Healthcare (UK) Ltd www.tunstallonline.co.uk
Case study to be inserted here....
Daily Activities Performing the simplest of tasks in personal care can be difficult or virtually impossible for people with minimal hand or arm movement, or those who have limited control over their movements, who therefore need assistance from others in order to accomplish them. AT is available from simple hand held devices to more sophisticated electrically operated systems that enable an individual to go about their daily routines more independently. Assistive Technology Name Aqua Wash Glove
Dressing stick
Neater Eater
Possum Vivo
What it Does A ready-to-use pre-moistened glove which allows simple and effective washing without rinsing and drying. It is easy to use for bedridden or dependent people at home or in care. A long wooden handled dressing stick with a metal 'C' shaped hook at one end and a rubber tip at the other, can assist with a range of dressing tasks, e.g. putting on socks, jackets etc. An electrically operated system that offers a range of benefits to the user: allows independent feeding; improves posture and mouth control; helps to teach movements; motivates social interaction at mealtimes. Environmental control system which assists the user to perform activities around the home and enhances independence, for example: answer the phone, switch on the lights, draw the curtains, etc
Where Can I Get It? Handy Healthcare www.handyhealthcare.co.uk
Yourable www.youreableshop.co.uk
Neater Solutions Ltd www.neater.co.uk
Possum Ltd www.possum.co.uk
Case study from Possum Ltd: Since leaving hospital following an industrial vehicle accident in 1989, Jonathan has used a range of Assistive technology provided by Possum. The accident caused a C4, C5 complete injury (damaging the vertebrae and spinal cord) leaving Jonathan Tetraplegic, paralysed from the shoulders down, with limited upper body movement. After a review of Jonathans’ requirements, in consultation with the local community occupational therapist, Stoke Mandeville spinal injuries OT and the local GP, Jonathan’s home was a adapted with a PSU6 Environmental Control System. When Jonathan moved house the system moved with him. As the technology developed and Jonathans’ requirements changed, Possum installed a Companion controller and then more recently upgraded to the Vivo! home control device. For Jonathan, being left without the need of assistance, especially at night, is important. Providing Jonathan with the means to control his own entertainment and immediate environment means that this is possible. The robust and reliable assistive technology provides reassurance that help is accessible whilst maintaining privacy and independence. The total portability of the control unit has meant that even when visiting relatives Jonathan is able to control certain items away from the home. With the easy to use, portable Possum Vivo! Environmental Controller and other assistive technology supplied by Possum, Jonathan is able to:
14
•
Control the televisions both in the bedroom and in the living room
•
Operate a Hi-Fi stereo unit
•
Switch the Radio on and off
•
Switch a fan on and off
•
Operate the lights in the bedroom
•
Operate the curtains in the bedroom
•
Operate the electronic profiling bed
•
Answer the telephone, make calls
•
Call for assistance via the specially adapted switch, intercom and pager system
•
Use an internal multi room intercom which enables communication from upstairs and downstairs and room to room
•
Answer the door
•
Switch an air conditioning unit on and off
“It’s the small things that make the difference, I can sit up in bed, open the curtains, call for assistance at night, be left without the need for constant care. The Possum system is robust and reliable providing me with a level of freedom, independence and privacy. Without it I would be restricted, dependant on others and unconfident that I could get help when I need it.” Jonathan
15
Social Networking
Although not designed as assistive technology, social networking sites can and do function in this way as they can offer socially isolated and disabled people and their carers opportunities to enhance their lives. Examples of popular sites are Facebook, Myspace and Twitter which free to download and can be accessed via computer or mobile phone. http://www.bett.ie/ http://www.spaceforsuccess.co.uk/clients.php http://www.abdn.ac.uk/assistivetechnology/facilities/escan-book-scanner/
http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/homeaccess/014A_Assistive%20Technology%20leaflet.pdf
http://www.perkins.org/vision-loss/assistive-technology/?gclid=CNCp5a_qybMCFUFb3godLHYA5w
http://socialeyezer.com/2012/03/12/how-social-media-can-help-the-elderly-overcome-isolation/
http://www3.open.ac.uk/near-you/yorkshire/p5_11.asp http://www.atdementia.org.uk/ http://newkey.ab-hosting5.co.uk/assistive-technology.php https://twitter.com/EasyChirp http://alexfoxblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/geekworks/ http://www.spaceforsuccess.co.uk/
16