National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Diego (not his real name) is a 36-year-old professional photographer who lives in a small town in the east part of Puerto Rico, an area recently devastated by Hurricane Maria. He owns a digital art studio where he transforms his photos into masterful pieces for his clients. Diego told us that he had wanted for some time to use bigger cameras with large format lenses in his work, but due to his severe physical disabilities and small body size, the bulk and weight of the equipment was too much for him to handle. He wanted “something” that could hold the camera for him while at the same time allowing him to rotate, tilt and angle the camera effortlessly. Existing devices on the market could not handle the weight nor provide the flexibility of movement needed (the closest comparable device being the $850 Robo Arm Mount). Through PRATP's Low Cost Device Design and Development (LD3) initiative a prototype was created with the help of mechanical engineering students and Diego’s input. The prototype was tested and optimized to a final version that is fully adjustable, lightweight and can hold over 20lbs of equipment (the total cost of materials was $53). Diego can easily move the camera and access its controls while the device handles all the weight; once finished, the holder just slides-out or swings away. Immediately after installing the final version, Diego started taking pictures using the largest and heaviest lens he could find. He has now added several of these previously inaccessible tools to his professional inventory.

Mateo (not his real name) is a three-year-old boy with positioning and mobility issues. Recently, he started to attend preschool in a regular baby carriage because he didn’t have any other mobility and positioning system. In this carriage, Mateo was in a very reclined position since the equipment did not allow him to maintain a proper sitting position. His parents were referred to the PRATP in order to seek out a device that could provide Mateo with a better positioning in the classroom since they could not afford the equipment and they did not have access to other funding sources. Through PRATP’s Reuse Program, a stroller for children with disabilities was reconditioned and provided to him. This equipment provides a complete positioning system while at the same time being lightweight and portable. The first time Mateo was seated in this adapted stroller, he immediately began to establish more eye contact and to smile more frequently. His parents were also very happy and aware of the positive impact of this equipment in Mateo’s life. The improved positioning will allow him to learn and to socialize better with the other preschoolers. It will also make it easier for his teachers and caretakers to transport him in a more effective and safe way.

Amanda (not her real name) is a 35 years old young woman with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Due to the ALS, she lost the use of her upper and lower limbs, and her ability to speak, requiring assistive technology to achieve independence in communication and daily activities areas. For about two (2) years, Amanda has been using an eye tracking system to control her computer, to communicate with those around her, and to carry out activities that keep her in touch with the world beyond her home. However, her eye tracking system was damaged during hurricane Maria and she was no longer able to communicate nor perform any of her daily activities. Through PRATP’s AT Device Loan Program, an eye tracking system was provided and she used it to coordinate with a contact person the repair of her damaged device. Currently, Amanda’s eye tracker is up and running again and she continues to keep in contact with her world through her eyes.

Ricardo (not his real name) is a 28 years old graduate student at the University of Puerto Rico. Due to the progression of his retinitis pigmentosa condition, he is having difficulties with color contrast and a reduced field of vision. Both of these difficulties have had a negative impact on his academic performance, particularly in the reading and writing areas. Looking for assistive technology (AT) alternatives to overcome these barriers, Ricardo contacted PRATP to request an AT orientation and demonstration. During the demonstration, he was presented with several magnification devices in order to compare and contrast different alternatives available. Ricardo selected a desktop CCTV as the most viable option for him. The ability to change among several contrast settings, the adjustable arm, tiltable screen, and the distance viewing mode were features that addressed his various reading and writing needs. After the demonstration, Ricardo was referred to sources that could help him acquire the device.