Assistive Technologyrss

This Group is meant for projects or discussions related to adaptive equipment and assistive technology -- equipment, hardware or software, or modifications which make things easier to do, or able to be done at all.

The term "AT" is primarily used in the disability community: it is critical for implementing the Independent Living Philosophy. People with disabilities (obviously) cannot do everything the same way, or with the same tools, as non-disabled people. Lots of AT is useful to everyone lever door handles instead of knobs, long-reach grabbers to get stuff off of high shelves, portable ramps for steps or thresholds.

There are currently four other Instructables Groups with a similar focus:

These Groups have links to the Web sites of organizations which develop custom adaptive equipment and assistive technology. They rely on volunteer engineers, technicians, and makers to design and build equipment for people with disabilities of all kinds. If this interests you, please check them out and contact a chapter in your area!

The Tetra Society of North America is based in Canada, but does have a few chapters in the U.S. including San Francisco. They focus on custom equipment which is not available commercially.

In the UK, Remap is similar to Tetra.

The Open Prosthetics Project (featured in Scientific American, October 2008) is similar, but is focused on prosthesis development, rather than more general AT.

The ModSquad group is aiming to organize Instructables members to hack toys in such a way as to fabricate minimally functional (perhaps just cosmetic) prosthetic arms for children in underdeveloped nations.

There are numerous Web sites, blogs, etc. set up to discuss assistive technology and related issues of interest in the disability community. GearAbility has a blog of DIY AT projects. Access on Main Street tracks and discusses the growing area of "integrated AT" --- mainstream objects or devices which incorporate assistive technology as part of their regular design.

For parents with disabilities, a terrific resource is Through The Looking Glass in Berkeley, CA. They provide recommendations and referrals for devices and techniques parents can use, and if you live in the Bay Area, they have occupational therapists on staff who can do home evaluations and make specific recommendations for your unique situation. They work closely with engineers and fabricators in the area to build custom equipment or modify existing equipment as needed. If you're not in the Bay Area, they have plenty of resource material available online, on DVD, and printed, in a variety of accessible formats.

For sports and recreational activities for people with disabilities, there are hundreds of organizations. <A HREF="http://www.dsusa.org/">Disabled Sports USA</A> is a major organization. Here on Instructables, member <A HREF="http://www.instructables.com/member/kayakdiver/">Kayakdiver</A> has a <A HREF="http://www.disabledadventurers.com/">business</A> modifying kayaks and other watercraft for use by people with a variety of disabilities. "