Assistive Technology is 'any piece of equipment or product system whether acquired off the shelf, modified, customised that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
One piece of assistive technology available is a "Genie joysitck". This is a device that can be used as a wheelchair control as well as a computer mouse. The Genie Joystick is a box 115mm x105mm x35mm plus the joystick which is 60mm high. the unit weighs 500g. The Genie Joystick is ideal for a person who can use a joystick but who finds the buttons on a standard wheelchair control too difficult to use. Driving, Speed Selection, Seat Function, Lights, Computer Mouse, and External Device are available modes and depending on the use needs and ability some or all of these modes can be made available. The Genie Joystick can be fitted to any wheelchair that is fitted with a DX™ power module.
In addition to this the Genie Joystick has a wireless computer mouse built-in. When the wheelchair is positioned close enough to the computer an infrared link is made between computer and joystick. When computer access mode is selected the Genie joystick can then be used to move the mouse pointer on the screen. Other parts work for the left and right click buttons. (http://www.spectronics.co.nz/product/genie-joystick).
This device allows a user who has difficulty with the controls of a standard electric
and the standard computer mouse. For example someone with cerebral palsy who is confined to a wheelchair but still has limited ability to position and use their hand may be able to use this device to control an electric wheelchair as opposed to having a manual chair thus increasing their independence. Being able to access a computer can open up a whole new source of information, learning, communication ability and interaction opportunities with others.
The cost of this device is rather high - $4500.00!
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