Interchangeable Switch Backings

I was thinking (while stuck behind, but thankfully not in a six car pile up on the way home tonight) that while the new interchangeable, screw on switch tops from Ablenet are nice it would be way more useful to have interchangeable, screw on switch backs.

Basically it would be awesome if the bases screwed on and off. The backs of the bases could be your choice of interlock, hook velcro, loop velcro, rare earth magnet, table top/wheelchair tray ready clamp or universal mount ready with nuts and screws (make sure the screws are attached and if possible the nuts are too).

Wouldn't that be great?

Ablenet, what do you say?

And how 'bout I get a few sets for free?

P.S. I've had a note from Ablenet, a version of the idea has been sent to the engineers. Perhaps we will see something like this soon!

Alternate Access Methods

These links connect you with porducts that allow individuals with disabilities to access technology through alternate means such as eye gaze, muscle movements or head tracking. (Updated July 3, 2008.)

• Applied Science Laboratories Company
• Boost Technologies Company (Tracer)
• Brainfingers Company
• CameraMouse (FREE!!!!)
• Eagle Eyes (FREE with approved application)
• EMG Switch (D-Switch)
• ERICA
• Eye Can Company
• Eye Gaze Company
• Eye Tech/Quick Glance Company
• Head Mouse Extreme from Origin Technology Company
• IBM Head Tracking Pointer (FREE)
• InvoTek Accu Point (NEW head tracker)
  
• Jouse Company
• MCTOS Brainwave Switch Info Page
• Natural Point Company
• NaviGaze from Cybernaut Company
• New Abilities Tongue Touch Keypad
• PCbility Mouse Company
• PRC Tongue Switch
• Quadjoy Company
• Qualieye from Qualilife Company
• SCATIR Switch
  
• Tetramouse Company
• Tobii Company
• Tracker from Madentec Company
• Turk Head Switch
• Use Your Head Gesture Central Company
• Visioboard Company
• Wild Divine Biofeedback Company
• Words+ IST Switch

New Headrest for When Nothing Else Works

I ran into the PT in charge of the wheelchair clinic for my school today and told her of a problem one of the students in my class is having with falling out of and behind his headrest. She recommended I check out the new i2i head rest.

Although it is not the teacher's role to recommend a headrest, the teacher (me) and classroom staff are the ones (after the parent) who are going to have to deal with the repercussions of a student having the wrong head rest. If a student is constantly hooking his or her head around or behind a headrest then teaching time is lost to re-positioning and alternative communication becomes impossible, not to mention how much impact there is on feeding and personal care.

This new i2i headrest received high reviews from Home Health Products Reader Reviews and was designed by a PT who was actively working with students. One review describes her early efforts with splinting material and foam pads (scrool down to see it).

The headrest can even be made with built in switches for communication, environmental access or powered mobility.

P.S. I am a huge fan of built in switches for communication, environmental or computer access as well as for powered mobility. This is for a variety of reasons. The first is that it ends "where does the switch go?" syndrome. The second is that it is a visible reminder that the student can and should be accessing everything that can be accessed and the third is that eliminates a step of setting things up, which always seems to take too long.