12 Days of Technology Recap

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 - 20:31
12 days of supportive technology

Follow ARRM on Facebook? If so, you may have caught some of our ‘12 Days of Technology’ post series. Each day, December 13–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 roundup—the Technology Resource Center’s 12 Days of Technology 2019.

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 | Skoog

 

WHAT IT IS

An accessible hands-on musical device that pairs with iPad, iPhone, and iOS devices from Skoogmusic. Skoog, a squishy foam cube, helps people of all abilities create music (with any part of their body) using any of Skoogmusic’s three applications, one of which can turn the device into a communication aid. Skoog is compatible with other apps that support virtual MIDI, like GarageBand, and Spotify, among others, allowing musicians to play along with their favorite artists.

WHO IT COULD HELP

People with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and learning disabilities.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Skoogmusic, Skoog, and other products

 

2 | Tap Strap 2

 

WHAT IT IS

A single-handed wearable keyboard, mouse, and air gesture controller, the device allows people to text, navigate, control, and input into any Bluetooth 4.0-enabled device from any service or angle (laying down on a bed, sitting in a chair, standing). Users can control their computer devices, play video games, navigate Smart TVs and other devices, and much more. The device has five modes and can be customized to a users specific needs.

WHO IT COULD HELP

Anyone looking for a portable control device, including people with upper extremity, fine motor, or single hand disabilities.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the Tap Strap 2 

 

3 | iGuardStove

 

WHAT IT IS

A stove safety device that can automatically shut off a person’s stove when sensing inactivity, disable the stove at certain times, sense gas leaks, and more. When connected to the internet, the device allows for remote monitoring where family members and care providers can receive alerts or emergency notifications; adjust settings, like lock features and timer functions; review activity reports, and monitor usage history. Works with both gas and electric appliances and can connect to Nest Protect.

WHO IT COULD HELP

Individuals with disabilities or the elderly who are looking for additional safety measures to help maintain or increase independence at home, as well as family members and care providers.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the iGuardStove and full product functionality

 

 

4 | Wireless Super Bed Shaker™ Bluetooth Alarm Clock

 

WHAT IT IS

A wireless device with powerful vibration that allows users to set up to eight alarms at different times/dates. Device may also be set for smartphone notifications (calls, texts, messages, and social media) using the included app. Unit slides under a pillow and attaches with a clip. For iOS 8 and up.

WHO IT COULD HELP

Users who are heavy sleepers, hard of hearing, deaf, elderly, or who need a little extra encouragement for waking.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the Wireless Super Bed Shaker™ Bluetooth Alarm Clock

 

 

5 | STIRRTIME

 

WHAT IT IS

An automatic pot stirrer that rotates by itself with the push of a button. Includes three speeds and 1-10 minute timer functions. Device also available without the timer as Stirr. Takes four AA batteries.

WHO IT COULD HELP

Individuals with fine motor disabilities, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Stirrtime

 

 

6 | August View + Smart Lock

 

WHAT IT IS

The August View is a wireless video doorbell that lets people engage with visitors via an app or voice assistant device without needing to physically answer the door. When paired with August Smart Lock via the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge, individuals can not only see and speak with visitors, they can also let them in remotely, or manage guest access. The August App lets individuals review their activity feed, get notifications or alerts, or see what’s going on outside their door with the on-demand, live view. Devices work with many existing products such as The Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT, among others. Subscription video recording also available.

WHO IT COULD HELP

People with mobility limitations who desire the ability to answer their door and let people in from anywhere inside (or outside) their home; care providers looking to monitor door activity or manage guest access.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the August View and Smart Lock systems

 

 

7 | OrbiTouch Keyboard

 

WHAT IT IS

A keyless keyboard and mouse that allows users to type by moving the two “domes”. The design allows for additional wrist support and hand movement without the need to hit individual keys. Compatible with PC and Mac.

WHO IT COULD HELP

People with limited dexterity and finger motion, or visual impairments.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about OrbiTouch 

 

 

8 | All-Turn-It Spinner

 

WHAT IT IS

A switch-adapted game spinner that allows people to play commercially available and specially designed games via a built-in control switch (or any external switch). Multiple overlay sets are available to let players customize functionality to the games (or activities) of their choice, including an overlay set to roll the dice for games like Monopoly, Clue, or Yahtzee, and a Create-Your-Own Overlay Kit for personalized activities, among others.

WHO IT COULD HELP

Game enthusiasts with physical disabilities.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the All-Turn-It Spinner

 

 

9 | embrace2

 

WHAT IT IS

A wearable seizure monitor and alert “watch” that pairs with a person’s mobile device to monitor seizures, rest, and physical activity. Alerts may be sent to caregivers via phone call or text message to notify them a seizure has taken place through the companion app. The device is waterproof up to three feet and wrist band may be changed to coordinate with the wearer’s style preferences. Prescription required.

WHO IT COULD HELP

People with neurological disorders such as seizures or epilepsy.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about embrace2

 

 

10 | TouchChat HD - AAC with WordPower™

 

WHAT IT IS

An Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app that allows for words, phrases, or messages to be communicated with a built-in voice synthesizer (English or Spanish) or by recorded message. The application interface is fully customizable so users may change items like the layout, buttons, symbols, etc based on their preferences. For iPhone®, iPod®, and iPad®.

WHO IT COULD HELP

People with conditions that affect their ability to use natural speech.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about TouchChat

 

11 | Rogervoice

 

WHAT IT IS

A phone app that makes voice calls “visually accessible” by providing real-time transcription of conversations in over 100 languages, or by video call with a sign language interpreter. Users can reply by talking using their voice, or by typing.

WHO IT COULD HELP

People who are deaf or hard of hearing, or individuals who have difficulty speaking or aphasia.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the Rogervoice app

 

 

12 | Program/Beginner Sled

 

WHAT IT IS

An aluminum sled used in the game of sled hockey, which is a seated version of hockey for people with mobility limitations. Sleds can be transformed from a beginner sled to a goalie sled and off-ice trainer for those who want options for play. Optional pusher handle available.

WHO IT COULD HELP

Sled hockey fans, or individuals with physical disabilities who want to get out on the ice.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about sled hockey and the program/beginner sled

More Products & Solutions

An adaptive notepad and customizable keyboard app for iPad, featuring more than 100 ready-made keyboard options or the ability to customize to specific needs, text-to-speech, and word prediction functionality.

The Arc Minnesota asks, “How could $500 change your life?”. The Minnesota Microgrant Partnership offers grants from $100 to $2000 with the average awarded value between $700-$800. Grants can be used for employment, housing, or community integration for people with disabilities.

An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app that “empowers people to make their voices heard”.

A mouth-controlled USB joystick that lets users control their computer, mobile device, or switch-controlled devices or AAC system by sip and puff functions, or if on a respirator, by switch.

A customizable augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app for iOS.

A real-time, multilingual sign language translator that translates sign language to voice and text.

A portable, expandable, alarm system that can be attached to doors, cabinets, or windows to alert caregivers of activity or to detect wandering.

There’s something about fall that makes you want to get outdoors.

If you follow ARRM on Facebook, you may have caught some of our ‘24 Days of Technology’ post series.

For people looking for assistive technology resources to help them, or those they care for, live more independently, Pacer Simon Technology Center (STC)  is one gr

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