UIC Assistive Technology Unit

Most individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) experience spasticity, which is muscle stiffness. It makes fine motor control more difficult. One technologically savvy young man with CP was facing challenges when using his standard computer mouse and keyboard. He was referred to Kathleen Ellis, an occupational therapist at UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit. She showed him the N-Abler Pro Joystick, an alternative mouse which allows the user to click and drag objects on the computer using a joystick. This device made using the computer more accessible for this young man by reducing the need for fine motor control.

https://www.inclusivetlc.com/n-abler-pro-joystick

Image ID: A grey box with black joystick surrounded by five buttons. The buttons control mouse clicks and other functions.

n-ABLER Pro Joystick n-ABLER Pro Joystick The n-ABLER Pro Joystick is specifically designed for computer users with limited hand control, motor skill difficulties, poor

People who use assistive technology to facilitate walking have difficulty holding any besides their rollator or walker. A woman in her 60s with various underlying chronic illnesses and mobility impairment had trouble holding grocery bags when she went shopping. She was referred to Julia Bates, an occupational therapist at UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit. Julia collaborated with other clinicians at the ATU to 3D print a personalized solution - two detachable links between the rollator and cart which allowed the two to connect like a train. This made grocery shopping more accessible for the client. Creative minds come together to design individual solutions!

Photo ID: A before and after comparison. The before photo shows a rollator and a small metal shopping cart with wheels. The after photo shows the two joined together with 3D printed arms that are attached to the bottom of the rollator and underneath the cart.

Sleep is crucial for physical health as well as socioemotional wellbeing. Despite the importance, one in three adults do not get enough sleep. One man with hemiplegia was having trouble sleeping due to his bed being too soft. He was referred to Mary Ellyn O’Connor, an OT at UIC’s Assistive Technology Unit. O’Connor was able to find an existing, commercially available solution–a bed topper from Bedstory. It was easy to use and supported quality sleep for the client. This simple modification is just one example of many products that are already at consumers' fingertips and have the potential to provide instant comfort.

Toppers Available Toppers BedStory® Memory Foam Mattress Topper 3 Inch star star star star star_half 14 Review(s)  $95.99 ERGONOMIC DESIGN & PAIN-PAIN RELIEF: Features a double-layer foam design, the memory foam for body-conforming pressure release to relieve back pain, and the polyurethane foam for su...

Last week to save 20%! Register by April 7 for June workshops with international experts in augmentative communication Claire Cotter, Gayle Porter and Linda Burkhart.

June 19-23, 2023 - Teaching Movements for Communication
June 26-30, 2023 - Advanced PODD

https://conta.cc/3M605Ri

Last week to save 20% Register by April 7! Rare opportunity to learn from international experts in Augmentative Communication Last week to save 20%! Early bird deadline extended one week Register by 11:59pm Friday, April 7