UIC / EASTER SEALS SPECIAL DESIGNS FOR INDEPENDANCE ( Assistive Technology using Universal Design)

Goals ä Make Senior projects more meaningful ä Provide students a technical challenge to generate own inventions and improve overall project ownership ä Give students a real customer to offer real learning experience to Senior Design Class. ä Help a family solve a problem through the application of technology.

Voice Synthesizer Integration ä Integrate Voice synthesizer with voice activated devices ä Typical automated voice recognition systems don’t recognize voice synthesizer speech well ä Blue tooth technology

Improved Scooter Box Seat ä Needs a lighter more ergonomic, nicer looking design. ä Presently uses a wood box with four wheels to sit on to move around his house and on stage.

DOOR OPENING SYSTEM ä Coordinated/Timed house door opening system to work with wheel chair to allow independent access in and out of house and garage. ä Sensor technology ä Timed logic control

Hands Free Page Turner ä Hands free page turner to read books, newspapers and magazines without assistance from Family members ä Also necessary for piano and musical instrumentalists.

Improved Microphone System ä Improved microphone for quick head movements ä More stable voice amplification ä Better attachment without amplification variability

Movable Head Support System ä Head support on wheelchair that swivels with head and still keeps body in alignment.

Integrated Computer Head Pointer System ä Ability to use a head pointer on all 3 computers simultaneously ä Office desk design with movable platforms

Independent Bed Assist Device ä A device or system to help people get in and out of bed without assistance ä Inexpensive, safe and easy to operate

Improved Walker Seat ä Access the seat on a walker independently to rest when tired

Cell Phone Design ä Research current Cell phones for accessibility features and design. ä Create +/- Chart for blind / hearing etc… ä Redesign a universal cell phone for all disabilities and general population

Dual Video Camera System ä Dual Video camera system. ä Parents(Nurses) can check in on their kids and then transmit their video image and reassure their kids that everything is OK while remaining in bed.

Bike Stabilizers With O2 Tank ä Better more stable bike which safely holds an oxygen tank

Shower Control ä Assistive Shower Spray control device for independent showering.

Toilet Access Device ä A way to access the toilet from a wheelchair ä A ramp or a lift that would put him on the toilet and back down.

Independant Dressing Tree ä Clothes stand which would allow kids with short arms and short legs to dress without help.

Low Cost Bath Entry Chair/Lift ä Current units sell for 3, and not approved by insurance ä Bath chair that can be lowered into bath, allow for washing, drying and returning to wheel chair.

Hands free CD /Ipod Access ä Hands free or improved accessibility for CD players, MP3 players ä So children with limited movements can change tracks

Automatic Wheelchair Access Doors for Bathrooms ä Automatic door opener for children at Easter Seals to get in the bathrooms. ä Easily adaptable for any Schools, Hospitals, Offices, Stores etc.. ä Low Cost

Learn Social Skills…. Virtually ä Create a virtual reality program for kids to practice using their synthesized voice and speech devices in social situations ä A way to practice saying Hi asking questions and make friends in a safe and fun game type environment

A Tray for All ä A better tray design for kids and all of us to be used everywhere. ä Senior design last year made original design but edges and cup holder still need optimization. ä Manufacturability issues are also to be considered

Para Olympics in China ä Design a Bocci ramp for Sam to use. ä Design a head pointer