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Proloquo2Go – Apple’s Newest App for Augmentative Communication

Augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC, devices can supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional to improve social interaction or school performance. Electronic AAC aids use picture symbols, letters, and/or words and phrases to create messages. Equipped with an AAC device, an individual whose speech is limited suddenly has a way to express himself/herself.

Proloque2Go is just one of a growing number of AAC apps quickly gaining ground in the special-needs community. Before these apps came along, AAC devices could cost upward of $10,000–a cost many insurance companies would not cover. And for that hefty price, you got a heavy, clunky device.

Children aren’t the only ones benefiting from these apps, of course–stroke and accident victims, as well as adults with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) and other progressive degenerative diseases are also tapping into this growing market.

Part of the reason Proloquo2Go and other similar apps work so well is that they offer Apple’s familiar iOS interface, relatively reasonable pricing, and the ease, portability, and cool factor of an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad: tap items in a grid or list view to insert them into the Message window, then tap to speak. Tap and hold to access conjugations, plurals, or possessives. Edit standard items, add custom words or sentences, or customize settings such as icon size or background and text colors.

In addition to Proloquo2Go, there are several alternative apps for communication. Adastrasoft’s Expressionist ($9.99) holds 120 “common expressions” and uses a composite image system that’s completely different from traditional AAC style. For example, a photograph of a shopping bag and a receipt are followed by a clip art arrow pointing to a photograph of money. Underneath that is a line art drawing of a person holding out his hands. That represents the common expression of “please refund.”

MyTalk, an app by the company of the same name, costs $39.99. Users can create and edit unlimited message cells and boards with photos and images. You can download a free Lite version (with limited cells)–and explore the online workspace for free for 30 days–so you can give it a try to see if it’s right for your child.

To read more about Proloquo2Go and find out where you can test out the app on a device at one of the 140 resource centers, see: “Tapping This App Gives Special-Needs Users a Voice”

ATIA Announces “Microsoft Windows 7 Was My Idea” Video Contest

Microsoft and the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) invite users to create a short video presenting their story about how using Windows 7 has made new things possible or simplified everyday tasks.

ATIA encourages applicants to use music, humor, or other formats to share new and innovative ideas.

CONTEST DATES:
ATIA 2010 Chicago Conference Contest is open from August 19, 2010 – October 21, 2010

ATIA 2011 Orlando Conference Contest is open from November 18, 2010 – January 20, 2011

PRIZES:
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

ATIA 2010 Chicago Conference Attendees’ Choice Prize

ATIA 2011 Orlando Conference Attendees’ Choice’ Prize

One Grand Prize Winner will be announced at the Orlando 2011 Conference.

CRITERIA:
The (2) Conference Attendees’ Choice Prizes will be awarded to the individual with the highest number of votes received onsite for each conference. The votes will be made via ballots
provided onsite during the conference.

A Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from all contest submissions received over the course of both contests. The Grand prize winner will be chosen by a contest committee, with members selected by Microsoft.

LENGTH:
Videos should be anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes in length.

ELIGIBILITY:
No conference admission purchase necessary to be eligible for Attendees’ Choice and Grand Prizes. All attendees including conference exhibitors and speakers are eligible to vote for best video.

MULTIPLE ENTRIES:
Individuals may enter both contests and enter multiple entries per contest.

VIDEO GUIDELINES:
If the video is of an individual other than you, please obtain permission before posting.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Once you have uploaded your video/s to the ATIA Facebook page please complete a contest Application Form with details of your videos and your contact information.

For more information and to submit an application, go to:
www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3893

Sniff-activated Systems Drive Wheelchairs and Improve Communication

A new sniff-sensing controller developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel may enable those individuals with severe paralysis to navigate wheelchairs, surf the Net, and communicate in writing via controlled inhalations and exhalations.

This system employs a sensor that fits in a nostril’s opening and measures changes in air pressure. A pressure transducer translates this information into electrical signals, which are transmitted to a computer, and its specialized software, via USB connection. Patients on respirators use a passive version of the device that diverts airflow to their nostrils.

Researchers tested the system on 96 healthy volunteers and 10 quadriplegics, with promising results. Some users, the team says, were able to navigate an electric wheelchair around a complex path or play a computer game with nearly the speed and accuracy of a mouse or joystick.

The scientists were particularly encouraged by tests conducted on three patients with Locked-In-Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which cognitive function remains unimpaired, but all voluntary muscles are paralyzed, except for those that control eye movement. Using the sniffing system to control a computer cursor, the Locked-In testers were–after considerable practice–able to communicate with family members. Pressure changes picked up by the sniff-controlled writing software allow the user to choose letters and words.

The standalone sniff controller for a wheelchair was developed at a cost of $358, which is much less than the average eye-tracking setup. Weizmann researchers estimate that if produced at scale, its controller would cost only a fraction of that amount. Sniff detection, however, would not make eye tracking obsolete. In cases where eye movements would work and sniffs wouldn’t, so both technologies could be combined for maximum effect.

For the full article and videos demonstrating how the sniff-activated system works, see:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20011860-1.html

Department of Justice Seeks Public Comment on Proposed ADA Regulations

The Justice Department has announced four new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) proposals addressing the accessibility of websites, the provision of captioning and video description in movies shown in theaters, accessible equipment and furniture, and the ability of 9-1-1 centers to take text and video calls from individuals with disabilities. The proposals are in the form of advance notices of proposed rulemaking, or ANPRMs, which provide information on these ADA issues and ask questions seeking comments and information from the public. The four ANPRMs were published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2010.

Web Accessibility
State and local governments, businesses, educators, and other organizations covered by the ADA are increasingly using the web to provide information, goods, and services to the public. In the web accessibility ANPRM, the department presents for public comment a series of questions seeking input regarding how the department can develop a workable framework for website access that provides individuals with disabilities access to the critical information, programs, and services provided on the web, while respecting the unique characteristics of the internet and its transformative impact on everyday life.

Next Generation (NG) 9-1-1
9-1-1 centers are moving towards an Internet-enabled network to allow the general public to make a 9-1-1 “call” via voice, text, or video over the Internet and directly communicate with personnel at the centers. The NG 9-1-1 ANPRM seeks information on how the centers may be able to provide direct access to 9-1-1 for individuals with disabilities as they implement new communication technologies.

Captioning and Video Description in Movies Shown in Movie Theaters
Recent technologies have been developed to provide closed captions and video description in movies being shown at movie theaters. Movie studios have begun to produce and distribute movies with captioning and video description. However, these features are not generally made available at movie theaters. In the captioning and video description ANPRM, the department asks for suggestions regarding the kind of accessibility requirements for captioning and video description it should consider as proposed rules for public comments, particularly in light of the industry’s conversion to digital technology.

Equipment and Furniture
Full use of the nation’s built environment can only be fully achieved by the use of accessible equipment. There is now improved availability of many different types of accessible equipment and furniture, ranging from accessible medical exam tables, chairs, scales, and radiological equipment and furniture to “talking” ATMs and interactive kiosks. In the equipment and furniture ANPRM, the department poses questions and seeks comments from the public, covered entities, equipment manufacturers, advocacy and trade groups about the nature of accessibility issues and proposed solutions for making equipment and furniture accessible to persons with disabilities.

The four ANPRMs are available for review at: http://ada.gov/anprm2010.htm

ATAC of DRNJ Launches Social Networking Initiative

The Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of Disability Rights New Jersey recently began efforts to communicate with the interested public through two social networking platforms.

ATAC recently launched a site on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/atacofdrnj) which contains new information and links about assistive technology events and products that are making a difference in New Jersey and elsewhere.  The Facebook site is designed to help anyone find the latest information about AT developments.  If you are a Facebook user, you can “like” the page, or just share information on the site with others.

ATAC also started a group on LinkedIn for assistive technology professionals in New Jersey to share information, request technical assistance, and develop collaborative efforts.  This group is designed for people who work on AT issues in New Jersey, although we welcome other visitors.

Thousands of New Jersey residents with disabilities depend on assistive technology to help make daily tasks easier, to make their workplaces more effective, and to make their transportation options safer.  Millions more use social networking to stay in touch with friends and communicate important information.  ATAC’s goal is to help both communities stay in touch with the latest news and information about AT devices, services and research.

Making Summer Vacation More Accessible

Disaboom’s guide to accessible family vacations can help make summertime more accessible to anyone.  The article covers choosing appropriate vacation destinations, packing (including assistive technology devices) and emergency planning.

Keeping Cool With A Cooling Vest

A website focusing on mitochondiral disease recently published a guide to cooling vests.  Keeping cool in the summertime can be critical to many individuals with disabilities, including people with multiple sclerosis.  One way assistive technology can help is by providing vests filled with water or ice to help keep core temperature down.  The article also includes information about vendors and resources.

Infinitec’s Resource Guide for Adaptive Water Sports and Recreation

Infinitec, in part with the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago and the United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., Washington D.C., has created an online guide to adaptive water sports and recreation. Infinitec’s website offers information on assistive technology products and services for swimming, sailing, scuba diving, fishing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and waterskiing. This online resource guide also offers tips on water safety and how to find sites that offer accessible recreation.

For the complete online guide on adaptive water sports and recreation, go to: www.infinitec.org/play/water/adaptivewatersports.htm

Adaptive Creations Creates Power Caster for Hands-Free Fishing

Adaptive Creations announces the Ken’s Power Caster as the world’s first and only fully-automated, push-button controlled fishing machine.

Adaptive Creations is a new company dedicated to producing a line of adaptive equipment that will allow persons with disabilities to be active in fun and challenging pursuits. The company’s initial product is Ken’s Power Caster, an innovation that allows for the hands-free casting and retrieval of a fishing line.

For more information on this item or any new innovation from Adaptive Creations, visit the website:
Adaptive Creations

Or contact:
Adaptive Creations LLC
P.O Box 131
Waltersburg, PA 15488
Phone: 724-438-1336

Freedom Amcar Motors

Freedom Amcar Motors
951 Armstrong Blvd, Suite C
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (866) 861-3178
Phone: (407) 935-9292
Contact: Joseph Miller
Website: http://www.amcarmotors.com/
E-mail: joe@amcarmotors.com
Type of Supplier: Private Business		 AT Devices

AT Services