Electric Assistive Technology
Over one billion people need an assistive device and that number is expected to double by 2030. These devices can be store purchased, modified, such as adding tennis balls to a walker or even custom made.
A few examples of assistive technology are pencil grips, ergonomic kitchen tools (such as OXO good grips), and specialized keyboards. More advanced devices can also be considered, such as screen magnifiers.
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) provides small electrical charges to muscles that have become paralysed or weak due to injuries, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. The electrical pulses allow the muscle to move normally. This treatment helps to ease movements, like walking or grasping, and it can also improve bladder and bowel function and reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Electrical stimulation can trigger reactions in excitable cells, such as neurons, and it has been used for a long time to treat a variety of conditions. Examples include cochlear implant to restore hearing, phrenic pacemakers that aid in respiration, and systems that aid in the elimination of bladders by people. It also helps reduce tremors caused due to Parkinson's disease. The electrical stimulation can be delivered through electrodes that are implanted into the body or placed on the surface of the skin without piercing the skin. These electrodes are referred to as percutaneous or noninvasive electrodes.
The intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted to produce different outcomes. The intensity of a stimulus could affect, for instance, the type and location of nerve fibers targeted. Larger fibers closer to the electrode are targeted first. Another crucial aspect is the duration of the stimulation. This can impact the intensity of fatigue by impacting the duration that the muscle is activated.
While FES is effective in helping someone suffering from a spinal cord injury regain functional movements, it isn't for all. It's not appropriate for people with uncontrolled epilepsy and cancerous lesions that are on the skin to be stimulated or those who are oversensitive. The electrodes aren't recommended for those with skin conditions, since they can cause irritation or even pressure injuries.
Power chairs
Power chairs are motorized wheelchairs that make use of an electric motor and battery to assist with mobility. They can be controlled using an electronic joystick or other control systems. They offer greater independence to those who are unable to walk. They also permit users to travel longer distances without relying on others for assistance. These devices can also be adapted to meet the requirements of particular users.
There are many different types of power chair, such as the portable, indoor/outdoor and middle-sized. Portable power chairs are extremely lightweight and fold down to fit in small spaces. They are perfect for everyday home use or for riding shorter distances. The mid-sized power chairs provide a balance between durability and portability, while the outdoor and indoor power chairs are designed for outdoor use but can be adjusted to fit indoor conditions. Indoor/outdoor power chairs have gripper tyres to aid maneuvers on kerbs. They also include the ability to climb kerbs.
Assistive technology is an essential tool for those with physical impairments. The technology can be anything from voice recognition software available in stores to specialized seating that enhances the comfort and independence of users. High-tech assistive technology can be more expensive, however it offers advanced features and customization capabilities that can be ideal for a variety of user needs.
It is recommended that you seek out advice from a physician or physical therapist in order to determine the best solution. They can suggest the ideal device for you, help you size it correctly and guide you through the use of it. They can also assist you in selecting the right accessories and integrate the device into your daily activities.
Railings
Railings are also known as handrails. They are a diagonal line that runs through ramps or stairs. They provide a solid gripping point for people navigating the incline. To prevent accidents, most construction codes contain regulations regarding the height and spacing of handrails. Handrails can be designed to an easily graspable shape or made of materials that are easy to grasp. Functional handrails that meet ADA regulations include a finger recess on either or both sides. They should also be strong enough for 200 pounds of force.
Handrails can also provide tactile guidance to individuals with visual impairments to aid them in navigating the stairs. Moving their hands along the railing allows people to feel the number of steps, curves, or landings. In times of emergency handrails can assist in directing individuals to safe exit routes.
Electronic pillboxes
The electronic pillbox is an intelligent device designed to help seniors remember 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 risk of medication errors, which are one of the leading causes of death among seniors. It also helps prevent overdoses, which could cause death.
The device consists of a medication container that has different compartments for every day and weekday times as well as a battery-powered sensor that has the ability to connect to mobile data worldwide, and LEDs and speakers to provide visual/audible notifications when pills are due. This device is designed for patients who frequently take several vitamins or medications as well as caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes.
In the simplest form the sensors of the pillbox are integrated into the lid. They monitor the condition of the lids in the subcompartment. electric power mobility scooter are activated whenever the lid is opened and a signal transmitted to the microcontroller. The signal is then time-stamped and stored in a circular memory buffer in the microcontroller 18LF252 PIC.
The system can be easily programmed by using an external Arduino board that controls all the different parts. The Arduino board is responsible for wireless notifications to caregivers and alerting the senior when a medication needs to be taken. The acoustic signals and the light will remain on for a short period of time, and then bleep every 10 seconds until the senior responds. The pillbox will then start dispensing the pill, and the internal speaker and LEDs will shut off.