24 Days of Technology Recap
Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 11:34
If you follow ARRM on Facebook, you may have caught some of our ‘24 Days of Technology’ post series. Each day, December 1–December 24, we featured a new piece of technology that is helping individuals with disabilities live more independently. In case you missed any of the tech, here is the list in its entirety — the Technology Resource Center’s 24 Days of Technology 2018.
Get more tech highlights throughout the year by following the ARRM Facebook page as well as the TRC Newsletter. Not on the list yet? Subscribe to the TRC Newsletter today!
1 | Dose Flip Medication Dispenser
WHAT IT IS
A smart pill box with available software that notifies individuals (and caregivers) when a medication should be taken, tracks access, and may send various alerts if desired. A rotating top makes the meds available (done by flipping the device over) at the prescribed time.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals looking to take their medications independently who are physically capable.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about the Dose Health Flip Dispenser and Dose Anywhere at https://dosehealth.com/
Note: The use of this device may be covered by the waiver. The weekly set up may also be done by a home health care nurse, making it a fully funded and supported solution.
2 | Freedom Alert Emergency System
WHAT IT IS
A single cost, two-way voice pendant communicator for personal security. This device hooks into a landline and works like a mini cordless phone. Individuals press a button to roll through a contact tree of friends and family, 911, or a mix of both.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Anyone that may be in need of emergency assistance that does not reliably use a cell phone.
LEARN MORE
Learn more at https://www.logicmark.com/ or purchase via Amazon.
3 | BikeAround
WHAT IT IS
An experience bike—a stationary bike with a screen to make individuals feel like they are riding a bike down any road that Google street view has loaded.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals with cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, or memory difficulties.
LEARN MORE
https://www.camanio.com/us/products/bikearound/
4 | Flic
WHAT IT IS
A Bluetooth connected button that you can apply ‘if-this-then-that’ logic to. May be set up to control music, lights, and other connected devices. When used as a support indicator, individuals may press a button to discreetly text or call a staff cell phone.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals looking to discreetly contact staff on a more basic level, or Individuals with limited mobility looking to control their environment more independently through connected devices.
LEARN MORE
5 | App MyEar
WHAT IT IS
A real-time voice-to-text iOS app developed by a son for his deaf father. Users utilize an iPhone or iPad to transcribe conversations.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals who are hearing impaired.
LEARN MORE
https://deaflifeapps.com/home/
6 | Xbox Adaptive Controller
WHAT IT IS
A game controller and hub for devices like switches, buttons, and joysticks to make gaming more accessible.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Gamers with limited mobility.
LEARN MORE
xbox.com/adaptivecontroller
7 | Ablenet Hitch
WHAT IT IS
A plug-and-play USB computer switch interface that may be used with switch accessible software to control a computer.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals that are unable to use a traditional mouse but can use a single switch.
LEARN MORE
https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/computer-tablet-access/hitch-2-0#Description
8 | Eyegaze Edge®
WHAT IT IS
An eye-driven tablet communication system that provides access to communication and language, computer access, and environmental controls. Software allows users to sync their Android phones to send texts or make phone calls, and it may be utilized with Amazon Echo to control their environment further. The system may also be used as a keyboard and mouse for any Mac, PC, or Linux computer system.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Non-verbal individuals who have difficulty operating a traditional mouse or keyboard.
LEARN MORE
https://eyegaze.com/products/eyegaze-edge/
9 | Amazon Echo Show
WHAT IT IS
A voice activated personal home assistant with video capabilities. The Echo Show offers everything a standard Echo offers, including setting alarms, making lists, checking weather, turning on/off lights, playing music, and controlling TV (plus much more), with the addition of voice-activated video calling or viewing of smart video monitoring devices for interior or exterior security. Because of video capabilities, device is typically set in a kitchen or main living area.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Anyone who desires to control their environment hands-free.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about the Echo Show and other Echo devices at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SXWSRP/ref=fs_ods_bp
10 | Jiobit
WHAT IT IS
A GPS based location tracker with accompanying app (originally designed for child safety) that allows parents or caregivers to check on an individual’s location in real time.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals (children and adults) who are prone to elopement.
LEARN MORE
11 | IFTTT
WHAT IT IS
A free platform that connects apps and devices utilizing ‘if this then that’ functionality. For example, IF an individual goes outside a certain area, THENsend a text message to their caregiver, or IF my smoke alarm goes off, THEN flash all the lights in my house. There are numerous scenarios individuals may program to help with daily living and safety.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Anyone wanting to control their environment or send alerts automatically when an action occurs.
LEARN MORE
12 | tecla-e
WHAT IT IS
A cloud-connected assistive device that allows users to control their smart devices through wheelchair driving controls and ability switches. May be paired with up to eight Bluetooth devices and allows individuals to send/receive email, browse the web, watch video, and send text messages. Users are also able to control various smart home technologies to turn on lights, control appliances, and control the TV. The tecla-e also provides remote monitoring features like location, temperature, motion, and ambient light sensors.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Those with limited upper-body mobility or those who cannot operate a smart device independently.
LEARN MORE
https://gettecla.com/pages/tecla-e
13 | Philips Hue
WHAT IT IS
A collection of smart lighting products that control lighting in a home. Hue lights operate through voice-activation via personal home assistants, by switches, or wireless motion.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals with limited mobility.
LEARN MORE
https://www2.meethue.com/en-us
14 | Vitals™ App
WHAT IT IS
A free application that promotes greater independence and provides increased safety when individuals with disabilities and certain conditions are out in the community. The app allows for safer community interactions by sharing personalized digital profiles detailing critical information—like de-escalation techniques and behavior triggers—with authorized first responders.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals with visible and invisible conditions and disabilities (mental health, developmental, behavioral, and intellectual), their families, and caregivers.
LEARN MORE
https://thevitalsapp.com/ PLUS, stay tuned for a more in-depth look at the Vitals app coming soon to the TRC.
15 | WayFinder 3
WHAT IT IS
An iOS travel support application that utilizes GPS to help individuals travel independently by providing picture and audio instructions. Customized routes are able to be loaded onto the app by a caregiver/family member to display step-by-step audio and visual instructions. Images may be loaded along their routes to let them know they are on the right path and audio cues can let them know when to get off the bus.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals with cognitive support needs.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.ablelinktech.com/index.php?id=33
16 | Orcam MyEye 2
WHAT IT IS
A small device consisting of a camera and text-to-speech engine worn on an individual’s glasses that can read text, recognize faces, and identify products.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.orcam.com/en/myeye2/
17 | SafeWander
WHAT IT IS
A wearable sensor that attaches to an individual’s pajamas to sense when they begin to get up and sends an audible alert to a caregiver’s smartphone via the app – compatible with iOS or Android.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals prone to wandering or at risk of falling.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.safewander.com/
18 | HeadMouse® Nano
WHAT IT IS
A wireless head-controlled mouse that translates a person’s head movements into mouse pointer movements via a wireless optical sensor and “target” worn by the user.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals who have difficulty operating a standard computer mouse.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: http://www.orin.com/access/headmouse/
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19 | Jamboxx
WHAT IT IS
A harmonica-like device that attaches to a computer to allow individuals to create music with their breath, hands-free. The device allows musicians to play multiple instruments in varying keys, scales, and octaves.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Music enthusiasts who have difficulty playing a traditional instrument.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.jamboxx.com/
20 | Tobii Dynavox I-15+
WHAT IT IS
A portable speech generating device, controlled through eye-gaze, touch, or switch, that facilitates computer access, environmental controls, speech, and long distance communication.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology in order to speak.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/devices/eye-gaze-devices/i-15/
21 | Freedom Guardian
WHAT IT IS
A medical alert system. A watch device provides integrated mobile phone and two-way communication capabilities to receive reminders and alerts (read aloud through watch device), utilize text-to-speech functionality, and track location.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Designed with older adults in mind, the device could be used for seniors, individuals prone to elopement, or people with certain cognitive disabilities.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.medicalguardian.com/products/freedom-guardian
22 | CanPlan
WHAT IT IS
A free task manager app that helps break down tasks through photos, captions, speech, and video recordings. Tasks can be scheduled to prompt the user when to do them and are checked off when completed. For iOS devices.
WHO IT COULD HELP
People with brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities who need support with completing tasks.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.canassist.ca/EN/main/programs/technologies-and-devices/at-home/canplan.html
23 | OBI® Eating Device
WHAT IT IS
A food delivery device that allows individuals to eat independently through the use of accessibility switches (including sip-and-puff attachment).
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals with limited or no upper limb mobility who can chew and swallow without assistance.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image: https://www.kinovarobotics.com/en/products/assistive-technologies/eating-devices
24 | Seeing AI
WHAT IT IS
A free “talking camera” app for iOS devices that provides individuals with information in real-time about the world around them. Helps read short or long text, identifies products and currency, detects colors and light, reads faces (recognizes people, describes faces, and emotions) and scenes.
WHO IT COULD HELP
Individuals with low vision.
LEARN MORE
Additional information and product image via: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/seeing-ai
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Visit the ARRM Technology Resource Center to learn about more success stories and case studies showing how technology is changing the lives of those living with disabilities or learn more about how to start the conversation.
