Product Review – Assistive Technology Nov/Dec 09
This issue, Able magazine takes a look at some of the many aids and devices that can make life easier – plus a few of the ideas that are on the way!
DOLPHIN GUIDE
Dolphin Guide is a computer menu system that protects the user from the complexity of modern computing. Dolphin Guide empowers the user to browse web pages, write letters, send emails, scan and listen to documents amongst other tasks. By reading everything aloud Dolphin Guide won’t lose you or leave you confused. Ideal for anyone who is visually impaired or blind, there’s also a hands free version that allows the same features to be controlled by voice commands.
Dolphin also offers a range of compatible packages built around laptops and PCs and can include printers, firewall and anti-virus software as well as internet and email software.
£395 (exc VAT)
0845 130 5353
0845 130 53 53 0845 130 53 53 0845 130 53 530845008www.dolphinuk.co.uk
NOTE: Other software providers have a commitment to accessibility too; Apple has built many assistive solutions directly into its products; for example, VoiceOver (part of Mac OS X) provides voice description and offers plug-and-play support for Braille displays. A bit more knowledge of computers may be required for the equivalent Microsoft options, as you have to select software compatible with the version of Windows you use. Look out for screen reader, portable magnification and a phonetic spellchecker for people struggling with dyslexia.
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MATIUS HALF KEYBOARD
Ideal for one-handed typists whatever the reason – one-handedness, hemiplegia, carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand-related injuries. You type with your left hand, just like you would on a normal keyboard – and access the missing half by using the spacebar like a shift key. Using the same finger movements that you are already familiar with means the half keyboard can be learnt very quickly.
£368 (exc VAT)
020 8532 6139
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OLYMPUS DS-55 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER
Designed in conjunction with the RNIB, this recorder’s tactile buttons and voice guidance option mean it is easy to use. In addition to high-quality recording and playback of WMA files, the DS-55 also plays MP3 and AAC (audible content) files – so you can relax to your favourite music, audiobook and podcast! Extremely affordable, exceptional audio quality and high storage of up to 1GB (DS-55) or 2GB (DS-56).
£129.95 (inc VAT)
020 7473 6771
www.purelygadgets.co.uk
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PROLOQUO2GO
Proloquo2Go from AssistiveWare is a major update to the first consumer device-based communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. Downloadable onto an iPod or iPhone, Proloquo is flexible, portable and simple to use and is likely to serve thousands of people that previously could never afford a communication device – people with autism, Down’s syndrome, Apraxia, ALS, cerebral palsy or those affected by a stroke. The personalisation of different voice types and the capture of genuinely human characteristics makes the device a cut above the rest.
£109.99 to download software
07871 406 926
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ADJUSTABLE BEDROOM EQUIPMENT BY MOUNTWAY
GRANBERG COATLIFT CLOTHES RAIL
This innovation is a simple solution for anybody who has difficulty reaching clothes in their wardrobe. Able to be fitted into existing or new wardrobes, it lowers clothes down on a rail in a curved motion and comes equipped with either a cable or remote control.
SERENA PILLOW LIFT
The pillow lift raises and lowers the user to the most comfortable sleeping or sitting position, all done with a touch of a button. The lift is designed to aid users with limited upper body strength or breathing and cardiac difficulties, and can be helpful when getting in and out of bed. An ultra-quiet motor minimises any disruption to a partner.
THE BEDGATE
The Bedgate is a well designed rail that locks into place on the side of a divan bed, and can pivots out to support the user between their bed and wheelchair/walker, providing superb assistance for anybody who finds it difficult to sit up or stand from their bed.
£746.36, £359, £95
0800 014 1852
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COCOONU 100% ORGANIC LOOFAH SOAP
Wash like an Egyptian thanks to 15 years of tireless research by a Yorkshire woman which has produced the world’s first loofah soap – designed to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise in one go. CocoonU products do not sap the skin of essential moisture and are chemical free making them ideal for those with skin conditions such as psoriasis. The soap can be order in large tablets (£13.50) or smaller bars (£2.75) and come in refreshing lemon & honey or luxurious lavender & honey fragrances.
£2.75/£13.50
0845 130 4281
www.ellageorgiajewellery.co.uk
[Art: See Art folder – loofah soaps]
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PENFRIEND
Blind and visually impaired people can attach and read audio labels on everyday objects, enabling them to mark food, medication and anything else that might be difficult to distinguish – from letters to music CDs. The PenFriend, made by Mantra Lingua, can record up to 70 hours of information as MP3 files, which are then replayed when small barcodes on the labels are scanned.
£63.24
Mantra Lingua, 020 8445 5123, www.mantralingua.com
RNIB shop 0303 123 9999, www.onlineshop.rnib.org.uk
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ON THE HORIZON…
Able looks into some of the innovations currently being developed for market in the next few years.
MIT EYEBALL CHIP
Researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) are currently working on a microchip that will help restore eyesight. Encased in protective titanium, the chip will adhere to the eyeball and transmit signals directly into the optic nerve from implanted electrodes. Human trials could start as soon as three years from now.
The short term aim is for a person wearing the device to be able to navigate around a room and recognise faces, making social interaction easier. The user will still have to wear glasses, though; they contain a coil that wirelessly transmits power to receiving coils surrounding the eyeball.
Due to the inherent risks of implanting the device researchers are keen to get the right balance between delicacy and robust technology. They hope to produce a chip that will last for at least ten years without damaging the eye.
[pic: Models of the retinal implant/MIT]
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ROBOTIC BED/WHEELCHAIR TRANSFORMER
It’s not just robots disguising themselves as cars these days; Panasonic has created a bed that can transform into a wheelchair, with the aim of allowing the elderly or disabled people to get up unaided. Half of the mattress rises, while the other half lowers and a motorised unit slides out from underneath.
According to Panasonic, while in ‘wheelchair mode’, this new mobility aid can detect people and obstacles and help users avoid collisions. Other features include a screen that acts as TV, controller for home appliances, and home security camera viewer.
Meantime, they’re also working on Riba, a robotic nurse that looks like a giant teddy bear and can lift a child from the bed to wheelchair. Just don’t trust it to take them to the park, just yet!
Panasonic will show off its prototype Robotic Bed later this month at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2009 in Tokyo.