UIC Assistive Technology Unit

01/12/2024

9 live sessions. 45+ recorded sessions. CEUs. Sign up for the FREE ATIA 2024 Virtual Event to discover what’s new and the power of assistive technology: https://ow.ly/fSv750QpA6g

06/22/2023

This week, the UIC Assistive Technology Unit is hosting a week-long workshop on Teaching Movements for Communication aimed at giving access to augmentative communication for children with physical impairments. Internationally recognized experts Gayle Porter (Australia), Claire Cotter (Australia), and Linda Burkhart (US) have participants engaged through lectures, videos, demonstrations, and physical learning. Everyone was on yoga mats yesterday afternoon!

Photo ID 1: About 25 people are sitting at tables in a large classroom looking up at a screen and the three instructors. Open floor space to the right allows for physical practice of movements.

Photo ID 2: A large backdrop sign is positioned in the hallway of the Disability, Health and Social Policy building on UIC's medical district campus. Above an image of the Chicago skyline, the sign says, "Assistive Technology: Educating, Collaborating, Advocating. Promoting state of the art technology solutions for people with disabilities." The large classroom is down the hall.

05/31/2023

One of the most common activities of daily living is showering or bathing. A woman who experienced paralysis on one side of her body from a stroke was using a hose in her kitchen to wash herself. She could not use her bathroom shower independently. Kathy Waldera, a licensed occupational therapist and rehabilitation engineer at UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit, conducted a home evaluation to determine how to make showering more accessible. With the addition of a reclining shower chair, bathing became an independent task for the woman. This is just one example of how the ATU supports independent living for people with disabilities through environmental evaluations and personalized solutions.

For individuals who need full positioning support in the shower, this line of mobile shower commode seating might be an option to consider:

RAZ-AT (Attendant Tilt) rehab shower commode chair tilts providing extra pressure reduction.

05/25/2023

Most individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) experience spasticity, which is muscle stiffness. It makes fine motor control more difficult. One technologically savvy young man with CP was facing challenges when using his standard computer mouse and keyboard. He was referred to Kathleen Ellis, an occupational therapist at UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit. She showed him the N-Abler Pro Joystick, an alternative mouse which allows the user to click and drag objects on the computer using a joystick. This device made using the computer more accessible for this young man by reducing the need for fine motor control.

https://www.inclusivetlc.com/n-abler-pro-joystick

Image ID: A grey box with black joystick surrounded by five buttons. The buttons control mouse clicks and other functions.

n-ABLER Pro Joystick The n-ABLER Pro Joystick is specifically designed for computer users with limited hand control, motor skill difficulties, poor

05/15/2023

Summer assistive technology courses begin June 12, 2023. Register today through UIC's Extended Campus. https://onlineprograms.uic.edu/assistive-technology-certificate-program/
- AT and Transportation
- 3D Printing in AT
- Technology to Support UDL
- Environmental Modification
- Ergonomics and Safety for Workers with Disabilities

https://conta.cc/3oaCyFj

Classes start June 12, 2023. Sign up for summer courses today! June 12 - August 2, 2023 DHD 567 2 credits AAC for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (full - registration closed) DHD 594c 2 cred

05/11/2023

People who use assistive technology to facilitate walking have difficulty holding any besides their rollator or walker. A woman in her 60s with various underlying chronic illnesses and mobility impairment had trouble holding grocery bags when she went shopping. She was referred to Julia Bates, an occupational therapist at UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit. Julia collaborated with other clinicians at the ATU to 3D print a personalized solution - two detachable links between the rollator and cart which allowed the two to connect like a train. This made grocery shopping more accessible for the client. Creative minds come together to design individual solutions!

Photo ID: A before and after comparison. The before photo shows a rollator and a small metal shopping cart with wheels. The after photo shows the two joined together with 3D printed arms that are attached to the bottom of the rollator and underneath the cart.

05/03/2023

Even simple tasks can become difficult when a person develops arthritis. Daily activities such as cleaning, dressing, and making a phone call may require significant effort. One man with arthritis repeatedly dropped his phone due to a weak grasp. Tracy Nakashima, an occupational therapist with the ATU, proposed an affordable cell phone stand which the client was able to promptly purchase from a credible online retailer. This small implementation made a big difference, allowing this gentleman to use his phone for longer periods of time. Assistive technology is often about solving problems with simple, off-the-shelf items!

Photo ID: Small silver metal stand with hinge. The top part can hold a small item, such as a cell phone. This item is available on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/mrxww8u9

05/01/2023

Sleep is crucial for physical health as well as socioemotional wellbeing. Despite the importance, one in three adults do not get enough sleep. One man with hemiplegia was having trouble sleeping due to his bed being too soft. He was referred to Mary Ellyn O’Connor, an OT at UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit. O’Connor was able to find an existing, commercially available solution–a bed topper from Bedstory. It was easy to use and supported quality sleep for the client. This simple modification is just one example of many products that are already at consumers' fingertips and have the potential to provide instant comfort.

Available Toppers BedStory® Memory Foam Mattress Topper 3 Inch star star star star star_half 14 Review(s)  $95.99 ERGONOMIC DESIGN & PAIN-PAIN RELIEF: Features a double-layer foam design, the memory foam for body-conforming pressure release to relieve back pain, and the polyurethane foam for su...

04/11/2023

Imagine living in a nursing home and not being able to speak to those around you. One resident wanted to move out of their current living situation, but after having a laryngectomy, they had no voice box to speak to others. They were then introduced to a speech pathologist at UIC's Assistive Technology Unit, Ellyn McNamara. Ellyn collaborated with the person over the course of many visits to find the communication system that they preferred. They were introduced to an iPad and text-to-speech apps (Proloquo2Go). With practice, this assistive technology gave them access to communicating with others and eventually they were able to move out of the nursing home. This device was just one communication solution that was used to meet their goals while fitting into their lifestyle.

You’ll love how this symbol-based app helps users learn how to express themselves. Proloquo2Go puts the user’s development first, with innovative features based on clinical knowledge and user research.

04/11/2023

Gripping simple and necessary things can be difficult for some people. One woman wanted to move from a nursing home to independent living and was referred to the Assistive Technology Unit at UIC. An occupational therapist, Justin Calpe, introduced her to a rollator walker with wheels which would help her to walk. However, she had issues gripping and using the brake system. Justin and his team were able to design and create an adaptive tool using 3D printing which was attached to the hand brakes. This made the rollator accessible when other alternatives did not. With technological advancements like 3D printing, the ATU can provide clients with customized solutions.

Photo ID: Before and after closeup of the rollator brake handle. The 3D printed adaptation extends its length to reduce the grip needed for applying the brakes.

03/31/2023

Last week to save 20%! Register by April 7 for June workshops with international experts in augmentative communication Claire Cotter, Gayle Porter and Linda Burkhart.

June 19-23, 2023 - Teaching Movements for Communication
June 26-30, 2023 - Advanced PODD

https://conta.cc/3M605Ri

Register by April 7! Rare opportunity to learn from international experts in Augmentative Communication Last week to save 20%! Early bird deadline extended one week Register by 11:59pm Friday, April 7

03/27/2023

Approximately 16,000 individuals in the US are living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This degenerative disease affects the trunk muscles, eventually making it difficult to sit upright or even eat on one’s own. One man with ALS had difficulty sitting on his wheelchair and found himself leaning over his knees. He was referred to Lori Peculis, a physical therapist in UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit. Lori found that simply leaning his chair backward was not enough to fix the problem. She introduced him to an anterior trunk support (BodyPoint), which allowed him to eat and swallow safely. With degenerative diseases similar to ALS, various assistive technology is necessary to ensure that an individual can maintain their highest level of functioning throughout their life course.

The Stayflex™ Chest Support gives users needing trunk control, firm support without sacrificing comfortable shoulder movement. The patented "dual-zone" elastic construction virtually eliminates shifting upwards at the neckline as the user leans forward reducing the risk of strangulation. Made of c...

03/02/2023

Imagine you wanted to apply to a job but could not write? This is the challenge for some people living with dyslexia. One woman dreams of becoming a CNA. However, she is facing the challenge of obtaining her GED before she can apply for CNA training. She was referred to UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit by her DRS vocational counselor. Assistive technology specialists at the ATU introduced her to text-to-speech software (Kurzweil 3000) and speech recognition software (Voice Typing in Google Docs). With practice, this technology will give the woman access to applying to the programs she needs and successfully completing them. Having the right technology is one step to achieving her desired career.
https://www.kurzweiledu.com/k3000-firefly/overview.html
https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226?hl=en

Unlock your student's potential with Kurzweil 3000 assistive technology and literacy tools! Enjoy a personal learning experience and sign-up for a free trial today!

12/10/2022

ADVANCED 5-DAY PODD COURSE - in Chicago this summer!
Presented by: Gayle Porter and Linda Burkhart
This intensive advanced PODD workshop is for people who have completed a two or three day PODD Introductory workshop and are now seeking to further develop their knowledge and skill. PODD stands for Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display.

This course aims to build on current knowledge and fluency using PODD communication books for individuals who have begun to implement these strategies with students. Focus will be on building fluency, refining observational assessment and implementation planning skills, and strategies for training communication partners. The course will also provide opportunities for problem‐solving more complex challenges. Content will include case studies from participants.

June 26-30, 2023
REGISTER NOW! Early bird deadline is April 1, 2023.
https://conta.cc/3BqXJXg

In Chicago this summer   UIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY UNIT 5-Day Advanced PODD Workshop Prerequisite: 2-3 day PODD introductory course Presented by: Gayle Porter and Linda Burkhart   June 26-30, 2023 8:00

12/10/2022

Back this summer by popular demand!
TEACHING MOVEMENTS FOR COMMUNICATION 5-day workshop
Presented by: Claire Cotter, Gayle Porter, and Linda Burkhart
June 19-23, 2023

For some children with complex communication needs, it is the method of accessing the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system that is significantly affecting their development of intelligible, autonomous communication. This intensive five-day workshop will focus on identifying posture and movement challenges in relation to their impact on communication development, assessment and intelligibility. A range of strategies and a process to teach movements for communication will be demonstrated.
REGISTER TODAY! Early bird rate ends April 1, 2023.
https://conta.cc/3uHEchA

In Chicago this summer   UIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY UNIT Teaching Movements for Communication Accessing AAC for Children Who Have Complex Communication Needs Presented by: Claire Cotter, Gayle Porter, a

12/05/2022

Augmentative communication devices are tools that help non-speaking individuals with disabilities engage in conversations. Kathy Waldera, an occupational therapist and rehab engineer at the ATU, worked with a client who was deaf and had cerebral palsy. Although he used an ASL interpreter as well as a caregiver, Kathy and the ATU team helped him investigate technology as an additional communication resource. Kathy helped look at his range of motion to determine how he could best use a tablet computer. Adding a mount to his wheelchair allowed him to reach the tablet in a comfortable way. Plastic keyguards could also be added to the iPad to help with precision when pressing an onscreen button.

Photo ID: A person is using a communication app on a tablet computer mounted to their wheelchair. The mount - an angled metal pole - holds the tablet firmly at just the right height and distance for the person to reach the on-screen buttons with their index finger.