Digital Input Independence for the Disabled
Additional Funding Sources
The research described was supported by Boise State University.
Presentation Date
7-2019
Abstract
People with disabilities often have a difficult time operating devices such as computers, tablets or smartphones. Specifically, this project’s client has cerebral palsy and he is unable to use his hands, but is very capable of interacting with items using his feet. To assist him, the goal is to develop tools that can be modified, so that they can be manipulated or acted upon by foot motion.
The goal is to provide an assistive accessory that will allow this user to:
- Type emails, text messages, and academic material
- Complete academic requirements to be eligible for graduation
- Decrease the time required to enter text
The engineering design process required using an empathetic design approach, as the client was not available for meetings during the summer month. Through this design approach, it was possible to test prototypes using only feet, not hands. Devices for testing were provided by the Idaho Assistive Technology Project[ITAP] whom has a library of devices for checkout. These devices checked out were ones that involved head tracking, eye scanning, and motion sensing, that allowed users to interact with multiple computer interfaces and devices. The Engineer determined from their testing and experimentation that there is an opportunity to combine devices together. Allowing the greater chance for a solution to be found that could best be used for the client’s needs.
Future work will include providing documented feedback of the engineers experiences, resources, and devices used, so they can be shared with the next set of researchers taking on this project.
Digital Input Independence for the Disabled
People with disabilities often have a difficult time operating devices such as computers, tablets or smartphones. Specifically, this project’s client has cerebral palsy and he is unable to use his hands, but is very capable of interacting with items using his feet. To assist him, the goal is to develop tools that can be modified, so that they can be manipulated or acted upon by foot motion.
The goal is to provide an assistive accessory that will allow this user to:
- Type emails, text messages, and academic material
- Complete academic requirements to be eligible for graduation
- Decrease the time required to enter text
The engineering design process required using an empathetic design approach, as the client was not available for meetings during the summer month. Through this design approach, it was possible to test prototypes using only feet, not hands. Devices for testing were provided by the Idaho Assistive Technology Project[ITAP] whom has a library of devices for checkout. These devices checked out were ones that involved head tracking, eye scanning, and motion sensing, that allowed users to interact with multiple computer interfaces and devices. The Engineer determined from their testing and experimentation that there is an opportunity to combine devices together. Allowing the greater chance for a solution to be found that could best be used for the client’s needs.
Future work will include providing documented feedback of the engineers experiences, resources, and devices used, so they can be shared with the next set of researchers taking on this project.
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