#assistedtechnology

[esbonart]

I love this product. It's an exciting idea. Reposted from @orcam_technologies #Enabling #Vision #Blind #Hearing #AssistedTechnology #Exciting #2020Art #Art2020 #2020Tech #Tech2020 #Science2020 #2020Science https://www.instagram.com/p/B7rLJQhB04_/?igshid=1m8onpcgjm7vx

[tacscreen-blog]

Professionals sharing @TacScreen. So exciting! Tactile Learning Screen @lrdichiara #dyslexia #madebydyslexia #earlylearning #assistedtechnology #tacscreen #multisensorylearning https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqu6ZmqhKM0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bqpm18zztej3

[mabacher]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Martin Habacher 📹 ♿ (@mabacher)

#robohand #assistedtechnology Mobility Makeathon #hackonwheels @ happylab #vienna

[forsmallcreatures-blog]

Lift Labs and a Gift for My Dad

My dad has essential tremor, which means that his hands shake when he attempts anything that requires fine motor skills, like writing, drawing, pouring a cup of tea, carrying a tray, etc. He is an architect as well as a skilled illustrator and artist, and my whole life I remember him making things with his hands, even when not working. If it was his turn to make us dinner, he always made it into a presentation - beautifully fanned cucumbers, tomatoes cut into roses.

Now he has trouble doing the most basic manual tasks without help. He's lucky to be healthy in so many ways, and can still drive, carry large things, as long as it's not a fine, "intentional" gesture or motion. Still, it seems incredibly unfair that someone with such a gift and talent for working with his hands could be robbed of the use of them.  But more than anything, it's so frustrating to see him struggle to do something as basic as eating a meal, because the simple act of grasping and using utensils is so difficult.

I'm really interested in digital healthcare and assistive technology, and was really excited when I found this company in California called Lift Labs. They've created a special spoon for people with essential tremor and Parkinson's. The spoon detects tremors in the handle and stabilizes the spoon/utensil part so tremor sufferers can finally have control and independence at mealtimes. Here is a video that shows the spoon in action.

After a lot of persuasive argument, explaining, diagrams, and maybe some shadow puppetry, I finally convinced my dad to let us get him the spoon as a Christmas gift. I'm not sure if he was convinced it wouldn't work or was unsure to try something new or what. He may just be humoring me.

When I went to buy the spoon though, the December batch was sold out, so I bought one for the January shipment, and got a holiday card from the company, so my dad would have something to open for Christmas.

And then today I got the following email:

" I noticed that you requested a gift card, and thought you may want to receive your order early if possible. If you would like your order before Christmas, please let me know and I'll begin processing your order. I would charge your credit card today, and ship your order by USPS Priority Mail by tomorrow. I can't guarantee pre-Christmas delivery, although it is likely. Please let me know how you would like me to proceed.

Best wishes, John"

I was thrilled. So I wrote back yes, please go ahead. John confirmed that the shipment was on its way.

I wrote:

"Thanks! I think you literally just saved Christmas."

John wrote:

"Amazing! No one has ever told me that before! :)

Best, John"

So that's how John from Lift Labs saved Christmas. We still have to test out the spoon of course, but from everything I've seen and heard the technology is amazing, and I'm now in love with their customer service.

Thanks again, John, and Merry Christmas, Dad.

[tacscreen-blog]

New in Assisted Tech Library-TacScreen Tactile Learning Screen -TacScreen.com #patinsproject #tacscreen #assistedtechnology

[tacscreen-blog]

“Thank you so much. TacScreen has been great in getting my son to practice his letters!” #dyslexia #adhd #autism #earlyeducation #specialeducation #assistedtechnology #education #phonics #montessori #homeschoolmom