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Part of the immense coursework we learn as occupational therapy (OT) students is focused around the use of adaptive technology (AT). This baseline knowledge can help us understand the need for these types equipment when entering our fields, but it is not until events like these--the Boston Abilities Expo--where students can grasp the true vastness of the AT world. This event opened my eyes to much more than long-handled shoe horns or sock aids. I was exposed to a great deal of information regarding adaptive equipment, adaptive environments, and even networking. I strongly believe, this attendance to this expo has helped immensely prepare me to work with future clients. I look forward to returning to this amazing resource for years to come.

Listed below will be pictures and descriptions of devices or organizations displayed at this year's Abilities Expo

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Terrain Hopper: The Ultimate Off-Road Mobility Chair

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Terrain Hopper: The Ultimate Off-Road Mobility Chair

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This devices was designed with freedom in-mind. Not all surfaces outsides are accessible for individuals in a wheelchair. This chair helps puts that fear to ease by allowing people to travel over any surface in order to engage in their normal outdoor activities.

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Have no fear, airbnb.com/accesibility is here. This new airbnb program is an extension of the original website and is designed to help individuals with physical limitations. If they were to search for a vacation rental, they can input needed features such as a ramp or wider doorways in order to find the vacation spot that works best for their needs.

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Soft Wheel: The Shock Absorbing Wheelchair Tire

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Soft Wheel: The Shock Absorbing Wheelchair Tire

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Before learning about this device, I was truly unaware of the harm that individuals face when sitting in a chair, going over a bouncy surface, for an extended period of time. This shock-absorbing tire were created to reduce the amount of noxious movements imposed on the spine.

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This measuring cup is a useful tool for an individual with visual impairments. With this tool, the individual will no longer need to rely on their sight to depict measurements.

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If you turn the sound up, this video speaks for itself with the big WOAH in the background. This device was extremely interesting to see in action. This LiftWare device changes its positioning in space depending upon the movement of the hand.

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Examples of Devices: from no- to low- to high-

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Examples of Devices: from no- to low- to high-

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No-Tech Devices: these may not necessarily be devices, but strategies that can be utilized to help improve functioning (Zobel-Lachiusa, 2019). Such as making positioning adjustments like seat placement, alternative working positions, and/or choosing an appropriately sized desk and/or chair. Adjusting assignments by picking what would best suit an individuals needs i.e. increasing their time needed to complete a task, decreasing the length of the assignment, or utilizing an alternative assignment.

Low Tech Devices: these pieces of equipment are usually easily found or easy to make such as a writing tool, utilizing different paper options, writing positioners, seating options, and use of electronic aids (Zobel-Lachiusa, 2019). Typically, these devices do not need much training for operation and are typically less expensive. Some example of those could be a handheld magnifying glass, using buzzers/lights, and much more.

High-Tech Devices: these may consist of computer software or more involved technological hardware that help increase an individuals abilities to become independent (Zobel-Lachiusa, 2019). Some examples could include electronic wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices used to help increase verbal communication, and much more.

Located below, you will find a helpful list that breaks down the different devices and provides examples for each category.

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In today's era, we all have some sort of assistive technology that helps us get through our daily tasks; whether that be our iPhones, Siri, Alexa, or any other helpful aid. We can all use assistive technology, it is just a matter of finding the best fit for what we or out clients need (Valleau, 2003).

Even if the technology is just used for play exploration and participation, as seen below!

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Helpful Devices/Applications for future clients:

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Helpful Devices/Applications for future clients:

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Mobility Aids: wheelchairs, walkers, canes, prosthetic devices, etc. (week three)

https://www.thewrightstuff.com/catalog/

https://www.mobility-aids.com/mobility-aids-equipment-catalog.html

https://30g7el1b4b1n28kgpr414nuu-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-        content/uploads/2011/11/Catalogues-for-aids-and-products-for-disability-patients.pdf

Hearing Aids: consult your doctor before purchasing aids, but here are some additional information to help when you find yourself or your loved ones researching different options.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/hearing-aids/buying-guide/index.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116

Text to Speech: there are many free options in either the app store or online!

http://drivetts.ehubsoft.net/

https://cloud.google.com/text-to-speech/

https://www.tobiidynavox.com/en-US/products/i-series/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-v7o7rKA5gIViZ6zCh178AnREAAYASAAEgLvzvD_BwE

https://sayhello.controlbionics.com/hello-usa?SQF_SOURCE=Google&SQF_CBSF_CAT=Web_Search&SQF_CAMP=sco-AG_US_General_AAC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-v7o7rKA5gIViZ6zCh178AnREAAYAyAAEgJ0V_D_BwE

Additional Tools: adaptive switches, things for sports, etc.

Prosthetics for sports:

https://mcopro.com/blog/resources/sports-prosthetics-a-guide-for-amputee-athletes/

https://www.hortonsoandp.com/how-advanced-prosthetics-are-changing-the-world-of-sports-and-its-athletes/

Other Helfpul Devices:

https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/best-selling-assistive-devices/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2YnV1bOA5gIVipOzCh3KmAyHEAAYAyAAEgKyOvD_BwE

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/assistive-technology-devices-seniors/

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Since further diving into the world of assistive technology, there is one device that constantly amazes me and rattles my mind. I am continuously curious about how someone came us with this invention and how it truly captures the person's eye movements in order to relay information. I am still always so amazed. Here, you can see for yourself:

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Tech Tuesday - Eye Gaze Technology (Audio Descriptive version)

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TedTalk - John Ross Rizzo's personal experience and mission

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TedTalk - John Ross Rizzo's personal experience and mission

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Assistive Technology & Advanced Wearables  | John Ross Rizzo | TEDxNYU

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Are you looking for more information surrounding the topic of assistive technology? With a quick google search, there is much information to learn out there. Unfortunately, we do not always have the time to sit down and read an article (at least, I know I don't) but can turn to podcasts for easy  information while driving or performing other focused tasks.

This link below will show a wide range of podcast and/or blog options that may spark your interest. My favorite one is the AccessAbilities Podcast!

https://www.google.com/search?q=Assistive+Technology+Blog+Podcast&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVeLVT9c3NEwzNzY0zrI0N1IuyE9JTiwuKVZITMovLVFILC7OLC7JLEtVKElNzsjLz8lPrzzFiKoJmZ-cl1wE42eYFpnnmhcZwPjpWQUmJWVl2XD5lBxjc4vyPCR5U5Mqy2Jk80xTLHKQ-RbZFuVw9YbpBZaW8SXI_LJ4kzJkfmWORQWcX5yUlWGaZQa338DcNKMwPQnJvWYFloXxjxhfMXILvPxxT1jqAeOkNSevMd5k5BLwyc8vTs2pDErNSSxJTQnJF1LiYnPNK8ksqRSS4OKWYtfP1TfIKKjQYJDi5IJxhBYwcnEHp5aE5Pvmp2SmVQpNYBTqZeTi9E3NTUotKvZPE_Lh4nLOz8lJTS7JzM8TsuOSk5LST4YL6ENjI744tSgztRhotgwXHnklIyODS89ub2TV4uKAxaMUJ8gtJgamFgVaLAJMEoymEnE19lZweZ5FrIqO8EgOgUeyghOQVAiAqAIAzjGMqigCAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7rJPouIDmAhUkp1kKHTaCAHwQri4wFXoECA0QJg

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Valleau, L. D. (2003, December). Computer technology in the classroom: A key to student success. OT Practice, 11-16.

Zobel-Lachiusa, J. (2019). Classroom-based technology for improved written expression: No tech to high tech [PowerPoint slides]. Retreived from https://baypath.instructure.com/courses/1268033/files/81918926?module_item_id=14575346