High-Tech Assistive Technology for Orthopedic Impairment
1. IntelliKeys
- Cost: $510.00 (enablemart.com)
- Description: This alternative keyboard giving access to using a computer is suitable for anyone with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities by combining instructional software with an adaptive keyboard. Product contains the Intellikeys USB and overlay maker 3.
- IntelliKeys will benefit individuals with orthopedic impairment by providing easy access to using an alternative keyboard. For those with poor fine motor skills and poor control of finger and arm control, the overlays provides large, well-spaced keys in high contrast colors to help students locate letters, numbers, words, and directional arrows and the board itself is flat that is touch sensitive without having to push hard on buttons.
- Pros: (1) User can change the overlays (2) Customizable with adjustable settings to appropriately fit the user's abilities.
2. Powered Wheel Chair
- Cost: $1,640.00 (1800wheelchair.com)
- Description: The powered wheelchair is lightweight yet durable with 5 mph top speed. Its sturdy steel frames come in three colors. It also has its own built in self-diagnostics check basic functions every time it is powered up. Any malfunction triggers an automatic alarm, allowing the user to address the problem before it jeopardizes safety. Wheelchair is equipped with standard slope compensation that senses inclines and increases the power from batteries to keep a smooth, consistent pace. Wheelchair also features two high-torque motors with brake release levers, double bearing casters with structured steel forks, and low profile cast aluminum wheels.
- This powered wheel chair is appropriate for individuals with severe mobility issues and no motor functions in the upper extremities of the body. With the push of a button, a joystick, or appropriate switches, the user can control the power and steering of their wheelchair.
- Pros: (1) Lightweight and folds for easy transporting. (2) Easy and convenient to operate. (3) No physical strains.
- Cons: (1) Requires frequent maintenance. (2) Expensive. (3) The possibility of not having an extra rechargeable battery.
3. Speech-to-text
- Dragon Naturally Speaking 12 Professional Software
- Dragon Naturally Speaking 12 Professional Software
- Cost: $499.99 (enablemart.com)
- Description: This speech to text software allows individuals to interact with their PC by voice which is three times faster than typing. In addition, voice can control the PC with simple voice commands such as creating documents, sending emails, and searching the web. Software supports section 508 certification.
- A speech to text software is suitable for individuals with orthopedic impairments (paralyzed or upper extremities of the body is limited or not functioning) in which they will still be able to use their voice to be productive in the classroom, at home, or in the workplace.
- Pros: (1) User can customize the vocabulary and commands to reflect their terminology. (2) A digital voice recorder can be used to and software will transcribe the text when connect to the computer. (3) Accurate, (4) Adapts to user.
- Cons: (1) Computer -must be up to date in order for software to perform fast. (2) Poor support for remote desktop programs. (3) Students may feel uncomfortable speaking their text aloud in the classroom.