Courtesy of lifeessentialslifts.com

At the age of five, Hubert Von Holten contracted polio, a viral disease that stripped him of major leg function. At the age of 14, and after a loss of function in his leg muscles, Von Holten decided that polio was not going to win.

Wanting to find ways to contribute to the family farm, Von Holten began to experiment with the idea of adapting farm equipment in order to eliminate his physical limitations. Starting with adding an elevated throttle to a Model A car, Von Holten moved on to farm equipment and expanded to lifts in 1986. Today he is the owner of Life Essentials, a company out of Brookston Indiana, that develops and manufactures custom designs for disabled farmers looking to get back behind the wheel of their tractors and farm equipment.

One of his first clients, a farmer with a disability in Vermont, was the inspiration for one of his first creations, the Pilot Lift. Von Holten, along with a professor from Purdue University’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, created the lift to help the farmer access his tractor. Huber used this experience as a catalyst to continue commercially manufacturing his assistive technology to give “all farmers with limited mobility the chance to lead independent working lives.”

Von Holten wanted to give back to farmers something their disability had taken away from them: independence. Keeping this idea in mind, Von Holten created and developed a line of lifts and a scooter that is durable, tough and able to conquer the elements. From flatbed truck and tractor lifts to RV and recreational lifts, Von Holten has you covered.

The Journeyman Scooter is just one of his many innovative productions. Able to plow through snow and up to ten inches of water, this scooter was made for the working man (or woman) and allows you to get out in nature or around the farm without any problems.

While Von Holten specializes in the creation of lifts for large farm equipment, the Life Assist Lift is able to go inside the home and help individuals move around more freely and easily. If a care giver is necessary, this saves them from injury from lifting and makes moving a person around very simple. The lift works well for accessing hot tubs, pools and bathtubs. The device is wireless and is stable enough to be mounted to any surface in the home, allowing users to glide freely about without total dependence on someone else.

If you have any questions, or would like more information about Life Essentials, be sure to visit the website at www.lifeessentialslifts.com

Following people used to require sneaky initiative and a stealth like presence. Today however, social media sites, like Twitter, make following people not only socially acceptable but a great way to connect with others who have the same interests and goals.

Today’s post is dedicated to making the most of your Twitter account, in terms of Assistive Technology. Before we get too carried away with the jargon and inner workings of this extremely popular networking platform, let’s start with the basics.

What is a hashtag?

A hashtag

Courtesy of Google Images

is a word or phrase prefixed with the symbol #. For example, #INDATA is my favorite resource for learning about #assistivetechnology. Aside from being a shortcut for “pound,” the hashtag is becoming synonymous with quick searches and short messages. A person can search for hashtagged word or phrase of their choice, via Twitter, and this tagged word or phrase will appear in the search engine results.

Twitter limits its user to only 140 characters in a message, a.k.a. Limited space to convey what could be a complex thought or message. Hashtags are useful because they help to simplify and clarify the message by focusing on a main idea, or word, that sums up what the “tweet” actually means.

How do you use a hashtag?

The formatting of a hashtag is simple, it is just the symbol (#) + the word. However, it is all in how you use the hashtag. According to our in house social media guru, Sara Croft, in order to be used effectively, hashtags should come at the end of the message or in the middle of the message. Hashtags should be used with purpose and somehow ignite some call to action to notice key words and ideas. This will help in the search process.

When searching for specific tweets, type in the “hashtagged” word in the search box of Twitter and every user that put hashtags around the same word will show up. By doing this, you can read other articles and information about only what interests you.

Here are some visuals to help you out:

Good: A book like you – new additions to our #Autism Family Resource Library @ESCAutism
(See how the hashtag is in the middle of the sentence? This is an example of highlighting a key word.)

Good: The @INDATAProject is using social media to connect people from across the world bit.ly/x1cgvP#disability #assistivetech
(See how this one combines INDATA’s Twitter handle,name along with hashtags of the main idea of the message at the end of the sentence? By placing a hashtag on disability and assistive tech, users will be able to search for areas relating to these topics more easily.)

Not so good: #Growingup with cerebral palsy.
(What should have hashtags around it is “cerebral palsy”, “growing up” will not yield effective search results.)

Popular AT Hashtags

The following is a list of commonly used hashtags:

#atpeeps-group discussing AT and new developments
#a11y-assistive technology related websites, soft/hardware devleopment, etc.
#spedtech – special education technology
#AXS/#axs/AxS – general search term for accessibility services, generic and yields a variety of results
#mobility – great for those with mobility impairments
#ageinplace – good for the senior citizen community
#iOS – this is for the operating system in general, with many AT users using Mac and iOS, this may be a helpful search
#autism – general search item, yields results for both technology and AT for those on the spectrum
#AAC – augmentative and assistive communication
#inclusion – yields results for those who have disabilities, downs, etc.

The tricky part about hashtags is that they change all the time, they tend to remain as popular as the crowd deems them. If you know what you are specifically searching for, try typing that into the search bar as well. For example, #autism, #cerebralpalsy or #blind.

Once you’re a pro…

There are several platforms that help to organize and collate tweets. Paper.li, Hootsuite and Tweetdeck are all websites that help to collect and organize your tweets. Paper.li compiles only tweets that interest you by going through your account to see what you’re searching and tweeting about, once it has this information it creates a newspaper that updates itself every 24 hours.

Hootsuite and Tweetdeck allow you to schedule tweets, access analytics about your tweets, monitor the number of times your tweet was mentioned, allow you to follow others in real time and arrange your feeds.

iOS devices and operating systems are taking the world by storm. Whether it’s as simple as an addictive game like “Angry Birds” or something a bit more complex like “HeyTell,” the capabilities of iOS are tested all the time. The newest test comes in the form of health care and what an iOS device can do to keep a patient more informed as well as more connected with their doctor. Katie Matlack, the Medical Software Analyst at Software Advice, a startup based in Austin, Texas, contributes a guest blog today to dive into the arena of health care and iOS devices, both available and what’s to come.

The iPhone and iPad are changing the world of medical devices as we know it.

Thanks to their familiar interface, Web connectivity, and powerful processing capabilities, with the right app and plug-in these iOS devices can work as super smart medical devices that make sharing as easy as the push of a touchscreen button. Consumers can now access increasingly high-quality medical devices, making it easy to be more actively engaged in their own health. And home and rural care givers can benefit from the portability and versatility of iPad and iPhone based devices.

Below I’ll discuss three examples of powerful iOS medical devices I’ve found that already exist.

1) The Withings Blood Pressure Monitor

French company Withings developed this blood pressure monitor that features an app and a cuff that fits most average-sized people. Accurate data on your blood pressure can help you monitor hypertension, which can lead to serious consequences for your heart, brain and kidney. The Withings monitor can even work with an iPod Touch, and runs at $129. You can use the device to share your data with your doctor.

2) ECEM Pulse Oximeter

This device isn’t yet available to the masses, but given its utility I imagine it will be soon. It features a small clip that attaches to your fingertip. The clip beams a light through your fingertip to a receiver on the opposite side; the amount of light received is used to determine how much oxygen is saturated in your blood. Developed by the Electrical and Computer Engineering in Medicine research group together with the Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team at the University of British Columbia, it was originally created to help make anesthesia care safer in the developing world, but can also be useful to patients with heart of lung problems such as emphysema.

3) iBGStar Glucose Meter

From Sanofi-Aventis comes this glucose meter app and plug-in. The glucose meter is a well-known device to anyone with diabetes. Today, diabetics test blood sugar with needles and a clunky kit; the iBGStar offers a small add-on to the iPhone that’s said to give better, more accurate results. Plus, getting your data on your iPhone means you can share it easily, and you can get reminders on your iPhone when it’s time for another check.

To learn more about Katie’s company, Software Advice, please click here. For more discussion of the benefits of these iPhone and iPad based devices, plus commentary on two more devices not discussed here and commentary from an expert on medical devices, visit the Software Advice blog for the original article.

Join Brian Norton as he explores how to use this hand held video magnifier from Optelec. Ideal for those who need magnification on the go, with HD capabilities the image quality is clear, crisp and easy to see.

To view Closed Captioning, click on the “CC” in the lower right corner of the video.

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here!

Click here to visit our archived videos

Information from the INDATA Project is now available via podcast! Every Friday, the INDATA Project will release two podcasts featuring new assistive technology projects. The podcasts are available for viewing on the INDATA Project website and on iTunes. The “Assistive Technology Update” is a fast-paced weekly update for AT professionals and enthusiasts. The “Accessibility Minute” is designed for all listeners to provide assistive technology tips and tricks.

ATU036 – Assistive Technology and Higher Education (Ron Stewart-AHEAD), Tax Prep for people with disabilities, iBooks2 and accessiblity

AM036 – GPS as Assistive Technology

Every Monday, the entire INDATA teams gets together to talk about new products, services and ideas we hear about and discover over the previous week. One such meeting yielded such awesome products that we couldn’t wait to share them with you. The following is a list of items you should know about that help make many activities easier, from working on your iPad on the go or taking notes in class, these products will make the cumbersome more efficient and the mundane ever so cool.

Arc Touch Mouse ($59.95)

So much more than just a nice looking device, this mouse’s design can be used just about anywhere. From hard wood to carpet, its reliable wireless freedom let’s you retain wireless control of your computer up to 30 feet away. The mouse comes out of the box flat like a sheet of paper. To get started, curve the mouse upwards and smoothly glide your finger up or down the scroll pad to scan through documents or move up and down the page. To turn the mouse off, flatten the mouse and slip it into your pocket or desk drawer as easily as your mobile.

IRISnotes (Price Varies depending on edition)

This device takes the art of writing to a new level. With IRISnotes, you can capture handwritten notes and drawings, as well as edit, save and export them. The writing can be instantly converted into editable text in a variety of languages. Simply write your notes, upload them via your computer’s USB port and start editing using the provided software suite or your favorite software. This pen is ideal for students jotting down notes in class and going back to review them later on their computer.

Celluon Magic Cube ($170-$180)

While the idea of a laser keyboard may sound too futuristic to be true, this little device is indeed reality. The Cube is a compact, ultra-portable full-sized virtual computer keyboard that can be used in sync with your laptop, tablet, smartphone. The Cube is also compatible with Android and any device with Bluetooth HD support. The laser projection keyboard is ideal for those who have difficulty reaching and using a standard immobile keyboard. The adaptability of the keyboard is beneficial as well because the size of the keys can be adjusted with the positioning of the cube.

Stay tuned for more product information! Feel free to let us know of anything you have found helpful and think we should know about!

Courtesy of Skoogmusic.com

Between 2003 and 2005, The Tapestry Partnership, out of Scotland, wanted to make something that would change the way children with profound physical and learning challenges engaged in learning. In collaboration with NESTA and The University of Edinburgh, Skoog was born. This new invention had three main objectives:

1. to use a universal interface that could sense fine or limited movements of the body, to make the instrument available to people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities
2. to promote a way of understanding and interpreting the musical meaning and expressivity of movement
3. to encourage a way of communicating this meaning and expressivity to a new, flexible and beautiful source of musical sound, offering the opportunity for learning, progression and profound creativity

By early 2008, the project had created a prototype instrument and by 2010 Skoogmusic was off the ground. It’s a bit magical in the sense that it can morph into virtually any instrument desired. From the flute to the electric guitar, anything is possible and can be played by any part of the body, making it great for children of all ages and abilities.

Shaped like a cube, with multicolored spheres on each side, the Skoog is robust and durable, and can respond to the hardest of hits and the softest of taps. In order to use it, simply plug the Skoog into the computer via the USB port and start to jam. The creators of the Skoog have even developed a software program that allows users to play with background music and along with well known songs. No need to be a professional musician with the Skoog, just be ready for a good time.

If you are interested in purchasing a Skoog, be sure to visit the site to view a location near you!

In January, 2012, the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads launched AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com. This web site streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes all kinds of information about technology designed to increase the independence of people with disabilities. Examples of content include episodes of our flagship podcast “Assistive Technology Update”, our weekly “Accessibility Minute” show and several excerpts of assistive technology training programs that we have produced.  Popular content includes our recent Assistive Technology Holiday Shopping Guide, iPad High School (an in-depth look at an Indiana High School’s program to replace textbooks with iPads) and a training on assistive technology for people with autism spectrum disorder.  Additionally, our full-day training events and other live events are streamed from time to time.

The station rotates among various programs, but each day, the most recent episode of “Assistive Technology Update” plays at 9am and 1pm EST.

Wade Wingler, director of assistive technology and host of “Assistive Technology Update” reports, “We have had tremendous response to our podcasts, but we realize that some folks want to listen to our content without going through the process of subscribing through iTunes or another podcatcher.  We hope that AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com will be an easy way for people to learn about assistive technology and the valuable resources made available through the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads.”

To view Closed Captioning, click on the “CC” in the lower right corner of the video.

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here!

Click here to visit our archived videos

Information from the INDATA Project is now available via podcast! Every Friday, the INDATA Project will release two podcasts featuring new assistive technology projects. The podcasts are available for viewing on the INDATA Project website and on iTunes. The “Assistive Technology Update” is a fast-paced weekly update for AT professionals and enthusiasts. The “Accessibility Minute” is designed for all listeners to provide assistive technology tips and tricks.

ATU035 – Super Bowl 2012 Indianapolis and Accessibility for People with Disabilities, Apple iBooks 2 (Digital Text Books)

AM035 – Accessible Parking and Hash Marked Parking Spots