The Electric Assistive Technology Awards: The Best, Worst And Weirdest Things We've Seen
Electric Assistive Technology Over a billion people need aidive devices and that number is set to double by 2030. These devices can be purchased in stores or modified (like adding tennis balls to a walking aid) or even custom-designed. Assistive technology includes ergonomic kitchen appliances, such as OXO Good Grip and keyboards that are specialized. Other devices, such as screen magnifiers, are also considered. Functional electrical stimulation Functional electrical stimulation (FES) commonly referred to as functional electrical stimulation, is a method that relies on tiny electric charges to muscles that are paralysed or weakened due to an injury such as a stroke or Multiple Sclerosis. The electrical pulses cause the muscle to make its normal movement. This treatment is able to improve your movement, such as a walking or grasping. It can also help improve the bowel and bladder, as well as reduce the chance of pressure sores. Electrical stimulation can elicit responses in excitable cells such as neurons, and has been used for a long time to treat a variety of conditions. Examples include cochlear implants to restore hearing, phrenic pacemakers that aid respiration, and systems to aid in the elimination of bladders by people. It can also help reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson's. The electrical stimulation can be delivered through electrodes that are implanted in the body or positioned on the surface of the skin without cutting the skin. These electrodes are known as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes. The intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted to produce different results. For example, the amplitude of the stimulus may affect the nature of the nerve fibers that are recruited and the fibers that are closer to the electrode being targeted first. The duration of the stimulus is an additional important factor. This can affect the intensity of fatigue by impacting the duration that the muscle is activated. While FES can be effective in helping a person with an injury to the spinal cord regain functional movements, it isn't suitable for everyone. It isn't appropriate for those who have uncontrolled epilepsy or a cancerous lesion on the area of the skin to be stimulated, or who are sensitive to the sensations of stimulation. It's not recommended for people with a skin condition that is poor, as the self-adhesive electrodes may cause irritation or pressure injury. Power chairs Power chairs are a kind of motorized wheelchair that use an electric motor and battery to assist with mobility. They can be controlled using the joystick or another control systems. They offer more independence for those who are not able to walk. They also permit users to travel for longer distances without having to rely on others to assist. Additionally, these devices can be customized and adapted to meet specific user requirements. There are many different types of power chair, such as small, portable, indoor/outdoor, and mid-sized. Portable power chairs are extremely lightweight and fold down to fit in small spaces. They are ideal for home use, or for smaller distances. The mid-sized power wheelchairs provide a balance of mobility and durability. Indoor and outdoor powerchairs are made for outdoor use but they can also be adjusted for indoor environments. Outdoor and indoor chairs could feature grippy tires to help with manoeuvres over kerbs, and they could also have the ability to climb kerbs. For motor scooters mymobilityscooters with physical disabilities assistive technology is a crucial tool. It can range from voice recognition software that is sold in stores, to specialized seating that increases comfort and independence. High-tech assistive technology can be more expensive, however it offers advanced features and customizable capabilities that are ideal for a variety of needs. It is best to seek professional advice from a medical or a physical therapist in order to find the right solution. They can suggest the ideal device for you, and help you select the correct size and guide you through the use of it. They can also assist in selecting accessories and integrate the device into your daily routine. Railings Railings are often called handrails and run diagonally along stairs or ramps. They provide a solid place to hold onto for those who have to climb the slope. Most building codes contain regulations regarding height and spacing for handrails to prevent accidents. Handrails can be molded to a graspable shape or constructed from materials that are easy to grasp. Handrails that are functional and in compliance with ADA regulations feature a recess for the fingers, either on one side or both. They should also be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force. Handrails can also be a tactile guide for people with visual impairments, helping them to navigate stairs. Moving their hands along the railing allows people to feel the number of steps, curves or landings. Handrails can be used to guide people away from danger during emergency situations. Electronic pillboxes The electronic pillbox was created to help seniors remember to take their medication. It uses triple alarms and visual and audible reminders to ensure that seniors take their medications at the appropriate times. This technology can lower the chance of errors in taking medication, which are one of the most common causes of death among seniors. It also helps in preventing overdoses, which can cause death. The device consists of a medicine container with compartments for each day and times of the week as well as a battery-powered sensor that has an international mobile data connection as well as LEDs and speakers to notify users via audio or visual signals when the pills are due. This device is specifically designed for patients who take multiple medications or vitamin supplements as well as caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes. In the most basic version, the pillbox sensors are integrated into the lid. They monitor the state of the lids in the subcompartment. The sensors are activated whenever the lid is opened by the user and a signal is transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is then time-stamped and saved to a circular memory buffer in the 18LF252 PIC microcontroller. The system can be easily programmed by using an external Arduino board that handles all the various components. The Arduino board is responsible for sending wireless alerts to caregivers and also letting the senior know that a pill is required to be taken. The acoustic signals and the light will remain on for a short duration, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior has a response. The pillbox will then dispensing the pill and the LEDs and internal speaker will be turned off.