The Handwriting of the Future...

It turns out that handwriting may be making a big comeback!  Years ago handwriting was an integral part of the curriculum in our schools.  Now it has been pushed out to make additional instructional time for math and english language arts.  There is a new company that has created an amazing device called the Phree™ .  According to the website and if you watch the video below it is  the “world’s first unrestricted, high resolution, write-virtually-anywhere mobile input device.”  It does look amazing if you ask me.  Not only would it prevent fraud, it allows for a completely different form of inputting information.  Sure you can use a stylus, a Livescribe or something similar but this takes it to a whole new level.  Not to mention from a therapy perspective, an amazing data collection device.  It looks like it will require an entire different level of visual motor skills and motor planning – to write and look at the screen instead of down at the paper.  The therapy/computer geek in me is super excited about this product.  

If you need to get to work on handwriting skills, check out all of these handwriting resources.

Help for App Overload

I'm not sure about you, but I am completely overwhelmed by all the apps out there.  I used to try and keep up on all the applications and tools that were available for children.  I have completely given up. In my opinion, it is impossible!  Therefore I now rely on other sources to help me keep up although I am still not keeping up..... Well anyhow here are some of the websites I count on to get my information:

1.  OTs with Apps - Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP  has over 30 years of experience.  The blog focuses on reviewing apps and other technologies for OT's working with children and adults.  HIghly recommend that you follow this blog - http://otswithapps.com/

2.  CallScotland.org -  This is an amazing website page that organizes apps according to different topics.  Each of the infographics are available to download as PDFs with clickable links directly to the internet.  There are free infographics on reading, communication, dyslexia, eye gaze, creativity, writing difficulties and powerpoint books.  Not all of the infographics are all about apps but they are all worthwhile to check out.

3.  SmartAppsforKids - I love this website on Fridays when they create a list of all free apps that are available for FreeApp Friday.

That's basically what I rely on and I know I don't even scratch the surface each week on exploring everything new.   Sometimes, first hand recommendations from other people on what works or what is beneficial is the best way to keep up.  I do have a Facebook page that focuses on apps if you want to follow along - https://www.facebook.com/yourtherapysourceapps

Do you have any websites to recommend that you follow to keep up with it all?

 

Your Opinions on the Effects of Tablet Use on the Overall Development of Young Children

We asked and 264 of you responded on what effects you think tablets and smartphones have on the overall development of young children.  Here are the highlights:

• 61% of the respondents were pediatric OTs.


• 53% of all respondents think that tablet/smartphone use delays social development in 0-5 year old children.


• 36% of all respondents think that tablet/smartphone use delays speech development in 0-5 year old children (although 34% responded no and 30% responded not sure).


• 56% of all respondents think that tablet/smartphone use delays fine motor development in 0-5 year olds.


• 69% of all respondents think that tablet/smartphone use delays gross motor development in 0-5 year olds.


• 46% of all respondents that that tablet/smartphone use creates behavioral problems in 0-5 year olds.

To view the complete results visit http://www.yourtherapysource.com/surveytableteffects.html

Please respond to the current survey on using social media for professional reasons.

Would love to hear your thoughts about these results...

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FREE Digital Magazine for Rehabilitation Technology

I came across an excellent FREE resource on adaptive equipment and rehabilitation technology.  I was reading the Rifton Newsletter (which is also a great resource) at http://www.rifton.com/adaptive-mobility-blog.  In one of the articles, the author referred to a digital magazine article from the NRRTS - National Registration of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers.  The first article I read was titled "Positioning the Head: Strategies to Improve Head Control and Posture" and starts on page 42 at http://www.editionduo.com/publication/?i=198189.  After reading that article, which was full of helpful suggestions, I saw that there are many archives available as well.  I could read for hours on topics such as powered mobility, case studies, etc. In addition, it is always helpful to even see the advertisements for new products that are available to be aware and up to date on what adaptive equipment can help the children on your caseload. 

If you work with any children who utilize adaptive equipment or assistive technology this digital resource is certainly worth a look!

Compare Pointing Device Use: Mouse? Track Pad? Trackball?...

Have you ever heard of Fitt's Law?

"Fitts’s Law allows to predict a time it takes a user to point at an object using a specific pointing device (such as a mouse, trackball, trackpad, or even a finger)".

At a website about Fitt's Law - http://fww.few.vu.nl/hci/interactive/fitts/, you can collect data on how long it takes a user to point at an object comparing devices - skip to step 20 in the tutorial to go directly to comparing pointing devices.  For example, you want to collect data on whether a student is faster using a traditional mouse or a track pad.  This website takes you through a series of exercises where you click on various points using different different pointing devices.  Then a graph is generated comparing the time is takes to click using the two devices.

The picture above is the data collected when I tested Fitt's Law on myself using a track pad (blue dots) versus a traditional mouse (red dots).  I could have easily predicted that I would be better with a traditional mouse.  I am very clumsy with a track pad.

If you go through the entire Fitt's Law presentation at the website, it is very informative on determining the location, distance and size of buttons and other elements.  It explains why certain locations are easier to click on and view.

Thought I would pass it along to those who are involved in assistive technology evaluations.  Seems like it would be a great starting point to compare a student's abilities to use pointing devices.

Reference:  Fitt's Law Demonstration.  Retrieved from the web on 3/5/14 at http://fww.few.vu.nl/hci/interactive/fitts/.

5 Follow Up Questions about Adaptive Equipment

Once a piece of adaptive equipment is put in place to use with a student, therapists need to follow up frequently.  Whether the adaptive equipment is a pencil grip or a tablet, on going assessment is needed.  Here are 5 follow up questions to answer after implementing adaptive equipment:

1.  Is it being used at all?  May sound ridiculous but we all have seen many pieces of adaptive equipment gather dust.  

2.  Is it being used when it was suggested for use?  For example, perhaps special adaptive seating was recommended for seat work but it is being used during floor time on the rug.   

3.  Is the tool suiting the needs of the student?  Once the equipment has been used, make sure is it helping the student to accomplish a functional goal.  

4.  Does the equipment need to be modified in any way?  If the tool is not accomplishing the task, can it be tweaked or does a different modification need to be put into place.  Children grow very quickly, always recheck for sizing.  

5.  Is the student comfortable using the equipment?  Check to make sure that the student agrees with using the equipment.  If the student is not on board with using it, the equipment will not be used.  Also, is it truly comfortable to use the equipment?  Check for fatigue, skin breakdown, pain level, etc. to ensure comfort and a pain free experience.   

Modifications and Interventions for School - Reporting Forms

This book, in printed or electronic format, provides pediatric therapists with over 60, reproducible reporting forms with hundreds of suggested modifications and interventions for students.  Track progress once modifications are put into action.

Find out more at http://yourtherapysource.com/modifications.html

Free Webcasts on Assistive Technology and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Do you sometimes feel lost when it comes to assistive technology?  The UC Davis Mind Institute offers a collection of FREE webcasts that were previously recorded.  Check out the website.  There are various topics such as app recommendations for individuals with disabilities, SLP and OT collaboration and technology and autism.  These videos can be found here - http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/videos/video_at.html.


In addition, you can watch webcasts from previous years of the Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disorders.  There are so many webcasts to watch that would pertain to pediatric occupational, physical and speech therapy all for free.  Check it out at http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/videos/video_summerinstitute.html to see if there is any topics that interest you.  The videos are about 30-60 minutes in length.

How Cool is This?

I wanted to share this fun, easy animation tool that some students may enjoy - PowToon.  It is really fun and pretty simple to create animated presentations.  Perhaps a tool to add to your therapy bag to entertain the school staff for professional development.  Or suggest to an older student instead of a traditional pen and paper report.  It is free to export 20 videos (up to 60 seconds long) to YouTube and then you can embed or share them.  Here is the one I made which truly took me only 10 minutes to create.

Tablet Computers and Shunts

A recent study indicates that tablet computers may interfere with programmable shunts.  The researchers discovered the following when exposing programmable shunts to the iPad2:

• at distances between 0 and 1 cm, the settings had changed in 58 percent of the valves. 
• after exposure at distances between 1 and 2.5 cm the settings had changed in 5 percent of valves.
• after exposure at distances between 2.5 and 5 cm the settings had changed in only 1 percent of valves. 
• no changes in valve settings were identified after exposures at higher distances.
• after exposure of programmable valves to the iPad 2 without a cover, which was only tested at distances between 0 and 1 cm, the researchers found that the settings had changed in 67 percent of the valves.

The researchers concluded that the iPad2 can be used safely in individuals with programmable shunts but follow the same cautions as you would around other household objects with magnets.

Reference:   Medical Express. Tablet computers may interfere with settings on magnetically programmable shunt valves. Retrieved from the web on 6/27/2012 at http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-tablet-magnetically-programmable-shunt-valves.html

Recent Wii and Kinect Research

Gait and Posture recently published two articles on the use of the Wii and the Kinect.  The research indicated the following:

1. When compared to multiple camera 3D motion analysis, the Microsoft Kinect was able to validly assess kinematic strategies of postural control.  The forward reach, lateral reach and single limb stance eye closed were used for postural control tests.
2.  Postural control was evaluated when using the WiiFit Soccer Heading game and the Ski Slalom game.  The results indicated that participants primarily used a trunk strategy to play Soccer Heading and a great contribution of lower extremity control to play Ski Slalom. 

References: Ross A. Clark | Yong-Hao Pua | Karine Fortin | Callan Ritchie | Kate E. Webster | Linda Denehy | Adam L. Bryant Validity of the Microsoft Kinect for assessment of postural control Gait & Posture, Available online 23 May 2012 

A. Michalski | C.M. Glazebrook | A.J. Martin | W.W.N. Wong | A.J.W. Kim | K.D. Moody | N.M. Salbach | B. Steinnagel | J. Andrysek | R. Torres-Moreno | K.F. Zabjek Assessment of the postural control strategies used to play two Wii Fit videogames Gait & Posture, Available online 19 May 2012

Create Your Own Font

I found a website where you can create your own font for free and then install it on your computer to use in a Word document or any publishing software.  It is very simple.  Print out the template that the website provides.  Write letters and numbers in the boxes on the templates.  Scan the template and upload it on the website.  Your font is ready right away.  Don't forget to install in on your computer.  Once installed, start typing with your own handwriting or fun font.

Here are some other ideas:
1.  Children can practice handwriting while the write in each of the letters.  Once scanned in they will be impressed at what they created.

2.  Create the font to preserve handwriting.  Do you work with any children or adults that have a progressive disease?  If yes, perhaps they would like to have a font of their handwriting if there comes a time they will no longer be able to write themselves.  Once you save this font, when assistive technology is used they will be able to have their original personalized handwriting.

3.   Get creative.  Make your own creative font just for fun to use on different documents.

4.  Show a child's handwriting through the years.  Perhaps have a child fill out the template each year.  Then as time goes by it would be a wonderful keepsake to show how a child's handwriting has progressed through the years.

You can access the free handwriting font at MyScriptFont.com.

Plan an OT/PT Showcase

Have you ever considered hosting an occupational and physical therapy showcase at the school where you work?  You could invite parents, teachers and students to come check out all the assistive technology and adapted equipment that is available for students.  When therapists hop in and out of classrooms and homes they only see a slice of that child's life.  Parents and teachers are with the children many more hours in the day therefore offering the most insight.  When you stop to think about it, parents and teachers may not know what is even available especially along a continuum.  For example, perhaps a student is using some simple adaptive equipment like a slant board.  There are many different slant boards available along with many homemade versions.  Perhaps if a parent or teacher spots a certain feature of one versus another for a student, that will trigger an idea of what would work best.  Same could be said for other equipment including bigger equipment such a wheelchairs or standing frames.  Therapists tend to recommend equipment from a medically and educationally based perspective of what the child needs but don't always take into account the perspective of the parent or teacher.  If they are not on board than we all know the equipment usually does not get utilized (understandably so).

So here are some suggestions:

1.  Have an open house night where you exhibit any adaptive equipment or assistive technology and its uses.  Separate areas of the room perhaps by handwriting tools, technology tools, adaptive equipment and larger equipment.  Make sure information is available for what each tool is used for.

2.  Provide a demonstration of certain tools - explain why certain pencil grips are chosen, demonstrate word prediction programs, demonstrate different walkers, etc.

3.  If you have a loads of equipment to showcase break it up into different nights therefore parents/teachers can come on the nights they are interested in the topic.

4.  If you do not have time to host an actual showcase, how about create some poster presentations to leave by the room.  This will inform teachers and parents what is available as they walk by.  You could have different themes each month.

5.  Love the idea of a showcase?  Invite local vendors to bring wheelchairs, standing frames, orthotics, computer software, etc.  Advertise it well and you would get attendees from other communities including therapists.

6.  Take it one step further and make it a fund raiser.  Do you need money for an adapted bicycle, iPad or handwriting program?  Set up your showcase and charge a small admission fee.

Occupational and physical therapists have so much information to share that just can not occur during a 30 minute session.  Start thinking outside the box to provide educational insight for all members of the special education team.  

Robot in the School

If you know a child or student who can not attend school due to medical reasons you will want to watch this video. If the school has wifi and the child has the abilities this is an amazing way to attend school from home. I had seen previously how doctors use this technology for telemedicine but never in the schools. It appears to be quite economical as well - only around $6000 which seems cheap to me for such amazing technology. This is a story about a 7th grade student with spina bifada who can not attend school for medical reasons. Instead he "travels" through his school with the use of a robot on wheels that he controls.

FREE PVC Assistive Tech Book

Came across a great free resource on how to make adapted equipment using PVC. This is a 57 page book with detailed instructions on how to make many projects such as adapted writing aids, eye gaze frame, sand/water table and so many more. Great find from Adapting Creatively Blog (original blog post).

Here is a link to the document entitled Practical Versatile Cheap Assistive Technology Supports published by ATEN in Floridda.

New Desk for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

I came across a new desk recently while on Twitter, Facebook or maybe Google. Regardless, in my opinion this product looks really amazing to use in the schools. In my experience, it can be difficult to have the proper seating in every classroom for an individual with a disability especially as students get older and change classes. Although I have not tried it personally, the Desktop Desk seems very promising. Wouldn't is also be nice to have one in the OT room for ease of use when working on an angled surface? I asked the creator of the desk, Rob Mayben, a special education teacher, to answer a few questions. To get an idea of how the Desktop Desk works be sure to check out the links to the videos or start with this video, because the visual of the desk in use is very helpful. His answers are so interesting about the creation of the desktop desk and how innovative products are created based on need.

Once again thank you for the opportunity to talk about the desktop desk. The following are answers to your desktop desk questions. I am real passionate about providing access and opportunities and what the desktop desk is providing. I am a Teacher first, but sure am having a lot of fun with my desktop desk adventure - Rob Mayben.

Thank you Rob!

Question #1: Why did you design the product?

The first desktop desk was developed for Neil. Neil has Cerebral Palsy and because of his large wheel chair and poor motor skills struggled to actively participate in my Special Education Math/Woodshop class. I did not have a plan to develop, manufactured, and market a product, I simply wanted to put something together to help Neil independently access and participate in class activities. I think many Special Education Teachers actively work to find ways to help their kids participate as independently as possible through self made devices, and that is how the desktop desk started.

The first desktop desk prototype provided access and immediately allowed Neil to independently participate in academics along side his peers. The moment I saw Neil writing INDEPENDENTLY on the desktop desk prototype, with no help from me or his adult aide was to this day was my best teaching moment.

A couple of days later I built another desktop desk prototype for a student who was in a upper body brace (because of a back surgery) and was not able to bend over a desk or table because the positioning irritated her back. The portability and tilt of the desktop desk allowed her to be comfortably positioned at a classroom table and work. And then one was built for an autistic boy who was struggling to keep focused. The desktop desk became part of his routine when he walked in my class. He was able to set it up, place his activity sheet on it, and when he tilted it to a comfortable working position he was able to work with less visual distraction. This equaled less classroom behavior management for me and more academic time for him.

One student benefiting from the desktop desk lead to more students benefiting and then adults and ultimately that is why I worked to develop, patent, manufacture, and market the desktop desk. My goal through the desktop desk is to help provide kids and adults access, opportunity, and independence in academic and social settings. And it is happening!!

I am very proud to announce that desktop desks are being used by the following agencies across the US:

School Districts Hospitals

Creative Centers Students

Resource Agencies Colleges

Technology Centers Libraries

County SE Programs Therapists

Adult Centers and more…

Question #2: Can it fit on any table?
The desktop desk easily attaches to most tables provided in classrooms, offices, cafeterias, restaurants, and can even be attached to most picnic tables. When attached properly and to an appropriate table, it is usually as strong as the table it is attached to.

Question #3: How easy is it to move from one desk to another if a child changes classrooms?

It takes about 2 minutes to take the desktop desk out of the carry/storage bag and safely attach.

Question #4: How quickly can you adjust it if a different student needs to use it?

It can be adjusted to meet individual needs in seconds

Here are the videos -

http://www.desktopdesk.com/video/webvid1_temp.html How the desktop desk set up

http://www.desktopdesk.com/video/webvid2_temp.html Parent video on the desktop desk

http://www.desktopdesk.com/video/webvid3_temp.html FOX 40 reports on the desktop desk

http://www.desktopdesk.com/video/webvid4_temp.html Neil using the desktop desk

Question #5: For others who are thinking about creating an innovative product for students with disabilities what is your number one piece of advice?
Do it! I know parents, teachers and other professionals work everyday to develop great devices to help kids and adults be included. And you never know where that will lead. If they are looking to develop a product to manufacture and market a realistic business plan is very important.

Question #6: Where can they go to get more information or order the desktopdesk? Do you take purchase orders?

The desktop desk can be purchased through your local Sammons Preston or Patterson Medical Sales Representative at http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=findARep

Also information, testimonials, pictures, video, and purchases can be found and made through the desktopdesk.com website. Purchase orders are accepted.

Other interesting desktop desk information

Have you heard about the desktop desk Sponsorship Program? This Program works within communities and with local Service Clubs and Businesses to sponsor and provide desktop desks to agencies that have kids or adults who would benefit academically or socially from desktop desks. Through the desktop desk Sponsorship Program several desktop desks have been donated by Rotary, Lions, and Veterans Clubs as well as local businesses around California to many different agencies and schools. It has been fun to see Clubs and Businesses work together to help provide desktop desks in their community. Here is a link to some great pictures of the Sponsorship provided desktop desks. http://desktopdesk.com/sponsors_slideshow.html

Cerebral Palsy, Computer Games and Sitting

Research was published to investigate whether sitting balance could be improved in children with cerebral palsy following the use of motion activated computer games. After using the center of gravity game controller in sitting for three months, "statistically significant improvements were seen in two elements of box sitting using the Chailey levels (shoulder girdle position and spinal profile) and in five elements of the Sitting Assessment for Children with Neuromotor Dysfunction across both reach and rest phases of the assessment". The researchers recommend further research in this area.

Have you ever tried using Wii fit in a sitting position for children with cerebral palsy? There is one game on the Wii Fit, Lotus Focus, that is meant to be used in sitting. The individual is supposed to sit on the board and maintain stillness. There is a candle flame flickering for visual feedback. If you move too much, the candle goes out.

Today we tried sitting on the Wii Fit balance board to see if you could still activate the controls for other games. Using the Soccer Heading game, you could control moving the Mii side to side to hit the soccer ball. Of course it was not as accurate as in standing, but it would be viable to use in sitting just don't expect the same scores. We also tried moving the Mii side to side in quadruped only using the upper extremities. This worked as well but was quite fatiguing on the neck muscles. It would work for short periods of time to work on upper extremity weight bearing. I would recommend keeping the TV at a low level to prevent neck hyperextension. I would assume you could also try skiing or other games in sitting that require weight shifting. What have you done to adapt the Wii for children?

Reference: Wade W, Porter D. Sitting playfully: does the use of a centre of gravity computer game controller influence the sitting ability of young people with cerebral palsy? Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2011 Oct 4. [Epub ahead of print]

October 2011 Magazine

Open publication - Free publishing - More autism

7 Technology Things to Try this School Year

With the start of a new school year, why not try some new technology things this school year. Here is some suggestions of 7 things to try to accomplish this year:

1. Start a Wiki: A wiki is a website that people can add or edit information on different topics. Do you have a specific interest in pediatric therapy i.e. handwriting, vestibular system, gait training, etc? Start a wiki to begin to gather information.

2. Try starting a blog: Blogging is a great creative tool to share your opinion or activity ideas. You could gear it towards other therapists, parents or teachers. There are many platforms that will host your blog for free. You can check out our Google hosted blog at YourTherapySource.blogspot.com.

3. Join Twitter: More and more people are getting their information from Twitter. It is a great way to get a collection of links and suggestions from groups of people that you choose to follow. Read more about Twitter for Therapists or follow us @YTherapySource.

4. Try out Skype: If you have never used Skype it is super easy. This would be a simple and effective way to communicate with parents, "face to face", if they are unable to meet during the school day. If you travel to different schools, this would be a helpful way to demonstrate techniques to teachers or aides if you will not be there for a few days.

5. Get an iPhone, iTouch or iPad: Okay, I know this is not a freebie, but I can not say enough about the Apple devices. They offer so many great apps for therapists to improve documentation and provide novelty along with some training for students. You can read more about what you can do with our electronic books on an iPad here.

6. Create some YouTube videos: Do you find that you explain the same things over and over again to teachers or parents? Why not create a video that other professionals and parents can review after you explain different topics? You could create videos on pre-handwriting activities, postural tips, how modifications help and more.

7. Try walking a mile in someone else's shoes: Do you know a student who uses a communication device? Wouldn't it be interesting to spend a day only using a communication device to speak to others? If you get the iPhone I mentioned, there are some free apps and well as paid communication apps.

Anyone care to add to the list? Can anyone check off all 7 already?

Adapting Books

Found this excellent resource on ideas to adapt books for children with disabilities from the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program. There are tips on simple low tech suggestions and more high tech suggestions. Worth a look if you interact with any individuals with disabilities. Read The A-Z of Adapting Books for Children with Disabilities.

Inclusive Art Activity

Came across this inclusive, creative art idea - painting with hats. A preschool teacher taped paintbrushes to the tops of hats for the children to paint with on easels. It makes an interesting disability awareness activity as well. Since some children access computers using a pointer on a hat, why not let the children see how difficult it can be to paint let alone use a computer or speech device. Check out all the photos at this blog - Play Based Classroom.