Design and Use of Assistive Technology: Social, Technical, Ethical, and Economic Challenges by Meeko Mitsuko K. Oishi & Ian M. Mitchell & H. F. Machiel van Der Loos

Author:Meeko Mitsuko K. Oishi & Ian M. Mitchell & H. F. Machiel van Der Loos [Oishi, Meeko Mitsuko K. & Mitchell, Ian M. & Loos, H. F. Machiel van Der]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Biomedical, Engineering (General), Technology & Engineering, Springer, Automation, Medical, 9781441970305. 978-1-4419-7031-2", Computers, User Interfaces, General, Materials Science
ISBN: 9781441970305
Google: NEzEjwEACAAJ
Amazon: 1441970304
Publisher: Springer
Published: 2010-10-06T00:00:00+00:00

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Nigel J. Livingston

CanAssist and appointed a full-time director. In addition, CanAssist has

been given dedicated space (approximately 6,000 square feet) that includes

laboratories, machine and fabrication shops and testing rooms.

CanAssist now receives approximately 200 requests a year for assistance.

The majority come from individuals and families, although a significant num-

ber come from professional care givers and health care agencies. We develop

over 40 new technologies a year, ranging from ball launchers (allowing dis-

abled users to “throw” a ball for their dog) to electromyographic (EMG)

based binary switches for software that allows users to easily browse the web

without use of a mouse. Two particularly successful CanAssist technologies

are the iPod adapter, PodWiz (Fig. 7.1), and an adjustable umbrella holder (Fig. 7.2).

Fig. 7.1 CanAssist’s PodWiz iPod adapter has been provided to many hundreds of users

with acute special needs. It allows them to control the music player with a wide variety

of input devices including a single button switch (shown in the photo). The PodWiz also

provides voice prompts, eliminating the need for users to read the iPod’s display

One key ingredient to CanAssist’s success is direct and regular contact

with its clients. In fact, our philosophy is that our clients are valuable team

members and their input is critical to the successful design of any device.

Another core tenet of the program is to engage students in CanAssist as

widely as possible. One of the main anticipated benefits is that students,

through their exposure to disability issues and the knowledge gained by hav-

ing direct contact with disabled individuals, will be highly motivated to pro-

mote and exercise inclusion when in a position to do so. Of course, at the

same time, students are provided with a unique, intellectually challenging and

deeply rewarding experience that can only reinforce their feelings of good cit-

izenship.

A third, and perhaps most critical element of the CanAssist model, is

the engagement and partnership with community. This extends from the

recruitment of individuals as volunteers to the forging of partnerships with

community agencies, government, and industry.