Leisure Activities and Assistive Technology

                  
    The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) states that any device or tool that improves or maintains the individuals function is considered assistive technology (Barge, 2004).

     My name is Marc Spivey and I am a student of Occupational Therapy at Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. Assistive technology is very important to occupational therapy because we are a whole-person career focusing on enabling independence.


     As a student, I am hoping to show the world some exciting devices out there that enable leisure within the physically and mentally disabled population. Leisure activities are fun for all ages and everyone has different leisure pursuits.

   
    Leisure activities can have varying ranges. The idea is to have recreational activities that enable the same activities as able bodied individuals as well. Assistive technology has the ability to reintroduce new identities to individuals who have lost the ability to pursue past leisure activities. The plan is to introduce leisure assistive technology and its uses for availability to the community.


     Leisure pursuits I highlighted focus on hunting, fishing, flying, surfing, and driving. These highlighted pursuits interest me as a potential occupational therapy practitioner. I was fascinated to learn all of the devices created for the individuals seeking leisure activities. Barriers are being overcome all over the world. There is always a way to make a disabled person's leisure activities come true. As a student, I am hoping to show everyone what I have learned and what types of advancements are being made to the disabled community.


Citation

Barge, J. D. (2004, April 20). Definition of Assistive Technology. Retrieved July 11, 2012, from Georgia Department of Education: http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspx

Photos contributed by 

web.ccesc.k12.oh.us

armathwaite-hall.com

Driving and Leisure

     Driving is a functional activity as well as a leisure activity. Being able to drive benefits those who like exploring and viewing country-sides. There are many assistive technology devices utilized in driving. Some that are highlighted here are bioptics, wheelchair accessibility vehicles (WAVs), and knobs/extensors. Thanks to companies like Infinitec, the utilization of assistive technology is evident with their company mission. These devices enable individuals with many disabilities to stay community mobile (Infinitec, 2010).

     The first device highlighted is the BiOptic Driving system. This driving system is a telescope attachment to a pair of glasses to increase visual acuity. Decreased vision is an issue for many people all over the world. The BiOptic Driving system will now allow people who have low visual acuity to glance into the telescope to increase visual field for safe community mobility. The ability to drive gives meaning back to those with disabilities. The estimated cost for Bioptic lenses is $1950.00 which does not include the price of education and training of this device. The additional cost of about $100 - $200 dollars an hour for 30 or so hours is necessary for training. Low vision is just as important as physical disabilities because they share similar losses (Feinbloom, 2012).

     The most important pro of this system would be having the ability to see farther distances while driving. However, one con of bioptic driving is the decreased attention to surroundings while driving. Safety is a concern, but with BiOptic driving there are some safeguards in place. Education of the system is very important. Being cognitively sound to multitask and manipulate machinery is imperative as well. Individuals using the BiOptic lenses would have the ability to become more community mobile, drive for leisure, and perhaps travel and see what they have always wanted to see in case vision becomes less (Feinbloom, 2012). Those that would benefit from the BiOptic lenses would need to visit their local Optometrist for purchasing and manufacturer details.

   Wheelchair accessibility is of great need for individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology is important when determining what is functional and easy to provide. Companies like Custom Mobility in St. Petersburg, FL enable perfect fit between assistive technology and vehicles. Along with fabrication and personal car modifications, they also sell already customized vehicles. Ramps, door lifts, and wheelchair lifts all add to accessibility. There are some vehicles customized to an individual's needs already on the market. They do not overprice or sell to people who cannot afford them. Most of their vehicles go from $27,900 and up depending on modifications and luxury items. The company at Custom Mobility is called MITS (MITS, 2010). Custom Mobility aims at delivering quality service to its clients and create a comfortable vehicle for community mobility and driving as leisure (CustomMobility, 1990).

   Obviously, these customized vehicles should be operated by individuals with an appropriate cognitive level and be able to operate a vehicle safely. Pricing is the evident con in the merchandise listed here. There is a definite concern with price. This is a big purchase for anyone, but those that are disabled need additional funding sources to supplement the potential income loss. The pro would be that funding is available for many individuals who express need and want for wheelchair accessible vehicles. Community mobility is another pro related to wheelchair accessible vehicles. The ability to move around the community is important for socialization and functional tasks associated with life.

   

   

     Knobs and extensors are important for the actual function of driving. Steering Wheel Turning accessories can be imperative for individuals with specific disabilities. Those with physical disabilities that have full cognitive levels show a need for these devices. The pictures depicted above show a 1,2, and 3 point steering device that enables appropriate steering of a vehicle with relative ease. The extensor is on the key turn aspect that can be controlled with one hand that may be dominant for the user. The Steering Wheel Turning accessories encompass a lot of devices. The main ones are steering and key run accessories (TMN, 2008).

     There is relatively no safety concerns for the driver if devices are installed correctly. The basic Steering Wheel Turner costs $680.00. There are more updated models but with installation and education, the price can be hefty for multiple modifications. The funding for appropriate safety equipment can be further determined by manufacturers like Custom Mobility. The pros would be easy access to vehicle and driving around the community in order to facilitate functional community mobility.

     Manufacturers are all listed below under citations section. Prices are subject to change based on where the individual lives. These prices are based on online pricing and Custom Mobility price list on their website.

Citations

CustomMobility. (1990, January 15). Individual Custom Adaptive Seating. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Custom Mobility Inc. : http://www.custom-mobility.com/

Feinbloom, W. (2012, March 29). Bioptic Drivers. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Bioptic Driving Network: http://www.biopticdriving.org/

Infinitec. (2010, January 10). Adaptive Driving. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Infinitec : http://www.infinitec.org/live/driving/carmods.htm

MITS. (2010, January 23). MITS at Custom Mobility. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Wheelchair-Vans: http://www.wheelchair-van.com/

TMN. (2008, August 18). Steering Wheel Turning Accessories. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from TMN: http://www.tmn.co.il/eng/Company_Products/Accessory_For_Driving/Steering_Wheel_Turning_Accessories.html

Photos By

Infinitec.org

biopticdriving.org

custom-mobility.com

tmn.co.il

wheelchair-van.com

Hunting with Assistive Technology

     Hunting and its influence on American life is important to many individuals. The ability to pursue this recreational activity is essential to many. The use of guns and bows as weapons for hunting requires full attention. The first aspect of hunting is the use of a bow during hunting. Certain states allow bow hunting at certain times during the year. A bow mount is necessary along with mouth guard for those who are para or quadriplegic. The use of a bow enables strength and ease while hunting. The empowerment that bow hunting gives could help an individual with socialization, recognition, and success within the community (McFarlane, 2005).

     The importance of bow hunting utilizes assistive technology not just from mounts but from mouth pieces as well. The safety concerns with pulling the string back with teeth are decreased now that the $35.00 mouth piece can be attached to the string to allow ease and safety with pulling the string back. The Bow Mouth Guard is able to modify the draw for those individuals with physical disabilities still wanting to take big game down without the use of a crossbow (McFarlane, 2005).

     There are many mounts available for bow hunting. The Bow Mount is a very dynamic mount as it is specifically designed for bow hunting. The mounts vary from use of hands (paraplegics) to lack of hand usage. These mounts attach to wheelchairs and are interchangeable for right and left side of a wheelchair. The price of a basic mount for a wheelchair runs about $475.00 plus shipping and handling (Adaptive, 2004). 


     The pros and cons of mounts available are evident in the research and implementation of designs. The wheelchair mount for the bow is stable and does not have a lot of recoil. The adjustment speed for aiming up or down for bow hunting is a definite concern for individuals using the devices. The pros have the potential to outweigh the cons because of the independence with this popular recreational activity (Adaptive, 2004). 

   

     Other than bow hunting there is actual rifle or shotgun hunting. The adaptive equipment necessary are mounts and if there is no use of arms, a mouth operated gun. The gun operates by blowing into a mouthpiece and the mechanism attached shoots the gun. Mouth Operated Guns are becoming more and more available for those enthusiasts that would like to regain the ability to hunt. The individual wears a chin strap and mouthpiece that manipulates the gun and fires when blown into electronically. There are push button activated guns but for the diagnosis of quadriplegia, the mouth operated gun is highlighted. The HQ100 gun mount attaches to a wheelchair to allow hunting independence. The gun is controlled with the mouth and chin allowing ease when operating. These guns are easily rentable or available for purchase. The purchase price is roughly $1650.00 with mouth operated gun attached (Technologies, 2009).

     The pros and cons of the HQ100 deal with multiple aspects. The first con would be recoil. The recoil is determined within the design to take as much pressure and recoil is not as evident for a wheelchair user. Safety and mobility are other concerns with this device. The pros allow independence with hunting and allows individuals to obtain hunting licenses for increased independence in leisure activities (Technologies, 2009).

     Hunting is a recreational activity that brings joy to many people. The ability to hunt and provide is something that disabled individuals struggle with when their identity has changed. The change in identity and the use of assistive or adaptive technologies shows that we are becoming a more aware society. The need for assistive technology in leisure is important to help the whole-person. The manufacturers for these devices are listed under the citations section of this blog posting. There are many other assistive technology devices listed but these are the highlighted technologies utilized.

Citations

Adaptive, B. (2004, August 18). Model CB100. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from BE Adaptive:    http://www.beadaptive.com/index.html


McFarlane, J. (2005, November 2). Assisting the Physically Challenged. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from North American Bowhunting Coalition: http://www.nabowhuntingcoalition.com/NABC_ContactUs.html


Technologies, A. (2009, December 13). Hunting-High Quad Gun Mount Chin Controlled. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Access Technologies: http://www.accesstechnologiesinc.org/product_sales_and_rentals/deviceloan_categories.aspx?CntTagID=ddacfd63-a130-4780-bd47-fd76ae13f2bc&Page=2

Photos By

Beadaptive.com

nabowhuntingcoalition.com

accesstechnologiesinc.org

Surfing with Disabilities

     Surfing with disabilities would have once been thought impossible. With today’s ingenuity and resolve for breaking boundaries, surfing is a reality for many with disabilities, both physical and mental. Surfing allows an aspect of freedom from the constraints of a disability. The feel of the ocean and its power to move, influences many people throughout the world. Surfing creates socialization and sense of fun.

     Sunlight, open air, and interaction with people pose the most benefit for these individuals. The exhilaration involved helps them be more involved and become active members in the community. The wash of the waves and the smell of the salt air are comforting to lots of people with a multitude of disabilities. With this joy and accessibility safety is a huge concern. Each individual has 6 safety attendants or maybe more depending on level of need and expertise  (Lannen, 2008).

     Adaptive equipment is needed for disabled surfing. There are devices for stability and support for those who need the additional support. These supports help those with paraplegia or body supports so they do not fall off of surfboard. These supports range from Leg Stability Supports which give support at the legs for stability. The price of these range from $39.99 to $69.99 depending on type of support and outfitting. These supports are dynamic enough to be used for multiple disabilities on a broad spectrum (Engle, 2006).

     The use of supports is important for safety and stability. The adaptive equipment is PVC pipe with foam wrapping so that injury is decreased. Stability Bars are relatively inexpensive ranging $19.99 to $29.99 on average. Many manufacturers have the ability to create these types of boards as necessary. Quiet Flight is a surf company that makes custom boards that would have the ability to create these types of modifications (Quiet Flight, 2008). The con for this would be accidents related to stability of board. (Engle, 2006).

      There are other adaptive equipment used but the best is a person. The person will ride on the back of the surfboard to add counterbalance and support for the individual riding the wave. This person is also a safety measure in case the person falls off of the surfboard. Life jackets are utilized but to deter panic there is always a person right there to assist if necessary. The adaptive equipment for balance doesn't leave much for handholds. So the surfboards are outfitted with handholds or placeholders for the individual’s hands for safety and grasp control. The joy of surfing is made possible with assistive technology (Leibs, 2008).

     The Hand Hold/Safety Grasp helps while manipulating waves or surf in the ocean. There are plenty of functional uses for this type of grasp. Support, stability, diving, and turning board with one hand or limited muscle control. The hand grasp is made for relatively little money and minimal damage to board integrity. If someone was to make one for you it would cost relatively $55.00 as a base estimate for resin, labor, and installation (Leibs, 2008). 


    The pros and cons for the assistive technology used are relatively positive. There are always safety experts available but the added technology added to the surf experience enhances independence on the waves. The joy and exhilaration of surfing is portrayed through the individuals in practice. 

Citations

Engle, E. (2006, October 29). Startup nonprofit to make waves. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Star Bulletin:   http://archives.starbulletin.com/2006/10/29/business/engle.html

Lannen, D. (2008, October 16). Thumbs up for Ocean Grove disabled surfers branch. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Geelong Advertiser: http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/10/16/23981_news.html

Leibs, A. (2008, October 31). Wave Builds for Accessible Surfing. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Accessible Recreation @ Suite 101: http://suite101.com/article/wave-builds-for-accessible-surfing-a75975


Video by
VVcleen. (2008, February 25). Disabled Surfers Association of Australia. Australia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxgMHUkESRM

Photos by

www.archives.starbulletin.com

www.suite101.com

www.geelongadvertiser.com
www.endlesswave.com

Adaptive Fishing Equipment

      Fishing is a leisure activity that most take for granted. Those with disabilities know all too well the barriers associated with fishing once they are physically disabled. Highlighted here are adaptive equipment that helps facilitate this leisure activity. Fishing requires casting, mobility, threading hooks, and many other obstacles. Fishing will not be a barrier anymore once these devices are highlighted and shown for their resourcefulness. 

      
     The first barrier reviewed is the inability to thread a hook because of certain physical deficits. The 20/20 Magnetic Tip Threader will correct this first barrier. This is magnet and holds the needle in place for easy threading and knot tying. The skills needed for this device are cognitive skills to carry out this leisure activity, sensation involved in fingertips to feel string and lure, and finally, the ability to tie a knot. Because of this, the individual would need some fine motor control. This device can be found online at many wholesalers. The place I found it was at the Fly Fishing Discounters. The exact price is $6.49 which is 13% off the actual price. There is a whole section there related to adaptive fishing equipment at a discounted price with low shipping costs (Discounters, 2008).

     The cons of this device are minimal to non existent. The device enables the individual with no risk or potential hazards to thread the needle successfully with minimal fine motor control or adequate visual acuity. The device enables independence when away from home and is small in size for functionality and mobility (Discounter, 2008).

     Casting the fishing line and lure could be an issue for many physical disabilities. If they have some arm movement but have issues with wrist flexion or extension, they will not be able to cast the line into the water. The ability to cast is a huge part of fishing. Getting the lure in the exact spot you want adds to the leisure activity. For those with arm movement there is the Receive-All and Strong Arms. This device consists of an arm brace and adapter. The price of this device runs in the amount of $59.99 plus shipping and handling from Discounters. The ability to allow ease when casting is very important to sustain the activity (Discounters, 2008). 


     The pros of the Strong Arms harness decrease wear and tear of muscles and joints, enable ease with casting, and easily manipulates line for positive fishing experience. The cons would be the inability to make small flickers with the rod creating tension ripples in the fishing line. The Strong Arms device is not designed for deep sea fishing due to risk of injury. The harness is best used for small fish or fish of a lighter weight than wheelchair and individual (Discounters, 2008).

      Another such issue is the fact that they cannot cast because of paraplegia or quadriplegia. With an issue like that there is something called the Power Caster. The Power Caster can be manipulated via mouth or switch allowing individuals to cast and reel. This can open up a whole new area of fishing to those who thought it was impossible. The power caster has three steps. Step 1, pressing a button or mouth piece to activate the rod to the ready position for casting. Step 2, pressing a button or using a mouth piece casting the line and the rod is put in the fishing position. Step 3, press a button or mouth piece to activate reeling in the line. For the button operated Power Caster the price is $1425.00 plus shipping and handling. There are sip and puff controls or both, but the price increases. At a maximum, the price for everything is $1674.80 for both activation devices. The manufacturer is listed below under citations. Breaking boundaries is what assistive technology is all about and breaking through barriers in leisure will enable people to maintain quality and happiness in later life (Ostrovsky, 2012).


     The Power Caster is a device that is utilized by Ken in the picture above. This device casts the line for the individual with a switch or mouth operation. The con would be that another individual would need to be present in order to facilitate baiting and removing fish from hook. The pro would be increased independence and ability to provide food for self or family (Ostrovsky, 2012). 

Citations

Discounters, F. F. (2008, January 1). Adaptive Fishing Equipment. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Fly    Fishing Discounters: http://www.fly-fishing-discounters.com/adaptivefishingequipment.html

Ostrovsky, G. (2012, May 11). Ken's Power Caster Takes Disabled Fishing. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from medGadget: http://www.kenspowercaster.com/

Photos by 

Fly-Fishing-Discounters.com

Ken'spowercaster.com

Breaking Barriers: The gift of flight

     Individuals with disabilities need to experience leisure as well. Leisure is very important to many people and the gift of flight should not be a barrier for those with disabilities. The APT trust, which is the Aviation for Paraplegics and Tetraplegics Charitable Trust, have designed specially adapted aircrafts in Salisbury, UK. These planes called Shadow Microlight aircrafts are designed to be controlled and operated by those with physical disabilities. The aircraft is controlled with just the arms of the individual (Madipalli, 2011). In the picture below, the extended handles and display options are easily accessible by pilot.

     Flight enables people to participate in leisure when they perhaps thought is was not possible. The flight controls are in the hands of a capable instructor and pilot in the cockpit directly behind the student. Each of the students are disabled individuals learning to fly. Using a lift, the individual is placed in the cock pit of the aircraft and the seat is adjusted for comfort. Once comfortable, the pilot and trainee check all controls. The main pilot takes the aircraft into the air and has the student stabilize the plane and turn left or right to experience flight. Each lesson progresses until the students become pilots (Solomon, 1994).

     In the state of North Carolina, here in the USA, there is another flight school for those with disabilities. The program Able Flight focuses on the experience of flying. Recently, a wounded war veteran obtained his pilots license. Using the Sky Arrow 600 Sport, the pilot is able to navigate the skies using modified controls for flight. The changes these types of companies are doing is bringing awareness, incorporating socialization, and recreating identities after a substantial loss of ability (Stites, 2006). 


     The pros and cons for this type of endeavor are pretty straight forward. Safety is always a concern considering the disabled individual has complete control of the aircraft at certain points during the flight. Cost is another deterring factor. Some of the programs have scholarships but mostly, this type of activity comes as an out of pocket expense. The pros would be the experience of flight as a disabled individual, the socialization aspect, and the identity of being a pilot. 


     There are two types of aircrafts highlighted in this posting. The first was the Shadow Microlight aircraft and the Sky Arrow 600 Sport. These are two aircrafts adapted for individuals with disabilities. All controls are manipulated with just the use of hands. There are extended flight controls and raised platform displays for easy viewing. The two differences between the two types of aircrafts are the control platforms.


Citations

Madipalli, S. (2011, September 12). Adapted Flying. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Disability Horizons:                  http://www.disabilityhorizons.com

Solomon, S. (1994, May 14). APT Charitable Trust. Retrieved July 16, 2012, from Disabled Flying: http://www.disabledflying.org.uk/index.php

Stites, C. H. (2006, January 12). Able Flight Home Page . Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Able Flight: http://ableflight.org/about-us

Photos by

Diabilityhorizons.com

Disabledflying.org

Ableflight.org/galleries