Assistive Technology and Devices
Assistive technology devices are designed to make your day-to-day living easier, while also increasing your overall level of independence. The following articles will tell you more about who's doing what in assistive technology, and give you a better idea of what recent advances may hold promise for you.
A new exhibit showcasing transportation options for people who are physically challenged debuts at the Detroit auto show this year. This new feature will be located in Cobo Center’s Michigan Hall and will allow visitors to experience vehicles and...
The Ralph Braun Foundation announced its first grant program, and the winner of the grant will receive $5,000 toward mobility equipment purchase: wheelchair accessible van, wheelchair lift or other equipment. By offering this grant, the foundation...
Apply for the Grant, and You Could Receive $5,000 for Mobility Equipment
Have you ever wished you had a robot to complete tasks that your disability makes difficult? Check out El-E, the latest effort from Georgia Tech's Center for Healthcare Robotics.
Articles
Inventors and innovators are an amazing breed. They look at the way things are and ask themselves, “What if?” That’s what Bart Kylstra at Rio Mobility did when he looked at a wheelchair. What if you could take that wheelchair, add a cycle to the front of it and climb hills? Bart loves designing these types of products because of the interesting technical challenge that they present, and because they can quickly improve the lives of people who use them.
Let’s Get Inventing and Renew the Entrepreneurial Spirit!
Did you know that 20% of the 55+ million Americans with disabilities are unemployed? So, what do you do if you are one of the 11,000,000 people out of work? Sit back and blame your disability? Society? Or take matters in your own hands and think your way to success?
How One Man's Search for Mobility Helped the World Get Moving
Founder of The Braun Corporation, Ralph Braun was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and told he would never see his 13th Birthday.
Selecting the correct mobility equipment can be a chore for any individual with a disability. However, individuals with ALS or other progressive diseases have even more to take into consideration. Three elements play a vital role in selecting the appropriate equipment 1) your funding source, 2) the equipment provider you select and 3) your environment. Funding sources include private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, associations such as MDA and money you use out of your own pocket. Some funding sources require co-pay for your equipment. The co-pay is a predetermined amount and is usually specified in your policy. Many funding sources allow you to have one wheelchair including Medicare. If this is the case, make sure you plan for the progression of ALS and select the appropriate wheelchair. Other funding sources allow you to have a power wheelchair and a manual backup. This is the ideal situation due to the fact that power chairs do require repairs that could leave you without any mobility. Also, manual wheelchairs are much easier to transport in the trunk of a car. If you have private insurance, try to negotiate for a manual backup to a power chair. If your funding source will not pay for a manual backup, try to negotiate a price with your equipment provider. Finally, initiate getting your equipment early; it can take several weeks or months for an equipment provider to secure funding for equipment. Equipment must be medically justified, signed by a physician and reviewed by the funding sources. For example, Missouri Medicaid takes approximately 6-8 weeks to review a claim for prior authorization. Do not wait until you can no longer ambulate. Finding the correct equipment provider can make the difference in how long you are able to maintain your independent mobility. Be sure you find a provider that is a “rehab provider.” Here is a very familiar situation. An individual with ALS walks into an equipment provider’s store that provides mainly...
How to Protect Against Cell Phone Radiation Microwaves
No one really knows if cell phone radiation causes brain tumors. Here are eight ways to reduce radiation from your phone, including how to find out how much radiation your phone emits.
Best Assistive Technology for Communication: TapToTalk
Assistive technology for communication doesn't get any better than TapToTalk. If you're looking for an inexpensive, customizable, socially acceptable way for your child to "talk", this is it.
Smartphone Apps Provide Assistive Technology for Disabled
Assistive technology for the disabled is going mainstream with the latest phone apps that can read labels and compare pricing.
The Desktop Desk: Assistive Technology Device For Students with Disabilities
You've got to see the photos of this assistive technology Desktop Desk, a breakthrough in the special education classroom or at home.