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At the Brain Science Institute Toyota Collaboration Center (BTCC) in Japan, researchers have developed a cutting-edge technology that uses brain waves to control wheelchair motion. The technology relies on what’s called a brain machine interface (BMI), and this allows individuals with certain disabilities (including some types of cerebral palsy) to interact with their world by way of brain signals.

To control the wheelchair, users must wear a specialized EEG cap which transmits brain waves to the wheelchair for analysis. The wheelchair processes the signals every 125 milliseconds and the analysis is displayed on a screen so the user can make the necessary adjustments for effective operation.
 

The technology and its applications are still being researched, but a video of the high-tech wheelchair in action can be seen here on YouTube.

 

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From June 23rd through the 27th in New Orleans, RESNA (the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) will be holding its annual conference. The conference is open to anyone interested in issues related to assistive technology (AT) and disability, and it’s a great opportunity for parents of cerebral palsy children to learn more about the latest advances in this field.
 

Assistive technology is aimed at improving the lives and potential of people with disabilities, and RESNA’s mission is to promote research, development and education to this end.  The society’s annual conference features workshops, instructional courses, product demonstrations and much more.
 

Learn more about the event by visiting the RESNA website.

 

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Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to think about aquatic therapy. There are many benefits to aquatic therapy for people of all ages and abilities, but it is particularly beneficial for helping children manage their cerebral palsy symptoms in a fun and active way.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Essentially, aquatic therapy involves any type of cardiovascular or conditioning exercises that are done in the water – usually an indoor or outdoor pool. Aquatic therapy is naturally low impact and the buoyancy of the water serves as a support for weakened limbs and other body parts. For children with cerebral palsy, the benefits of aquatic therapy include:  

• Improved muscle strength and tone
• Improved self-esteem
• Increased flexibility, balance and coordination

In addition, aquatic therapy provides a source of recreation and socialization for kids with cerebral palsy. And it’s not necessary for the child to know how to swim since therapy can be done in shallow water or with the use of flotation devices. There are also assistive technologies that make water activities more accessible to people with disabilities. Visit ABLEDATA to see a list of assistive devices.


 

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California State University Northridge (CSUN) is holding its 24th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference from March 16th-21st in Los Angeles. This year’s conference will focus on trends in assistive technology (AT) and will feature Keynote Speaker Anthony Coelho, the former U.S. Congressman who sponsored the American with Disabilities Act.

Assistive technology is basically anything that helps persons with disability in their daily lives. Wheelchairs, communication devices and similar aids are common examples of assistive technologies. For children and adults with cerebral palsy, there are many types of AT that can help individuals better manage their symptoms.

Registration is currently open – visit the CSUN website to learn more.



 

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Given the tremendous impact assistive technology can have on the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy, it’s unfortunate that the devices are often out of reach financially for many families. One cerebral palsy resource families may want to look into is the Bellows Fund.

The Bellows Fund is named after Elsie S. Bellows, who in 1995 left money to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) to provide assistive technology funding to families that demonstrate financial need. Families with a special need child and individuals with disability may apply for a grant from various UCP affiliates nationwide.

Grant money must be used to purchase approved assistive technology devices, defined by the government as:

Any piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Items that qualify as assistive technology under this definition include:

• Wheelchairs
• Hearing/visual aids
• Van lifts
• Computer equipment

To learn more about qualifying for a Bellows Fund grant, contact your local UCP affiliate. If your affiliate does not offer the grant, you may wish to encourage them to apply for funding.

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The Assistive Technology Industry Association is celebrating its 10th annual conference in Orlando on January 28-31. Anyone interested in learning more about assistive technology is invited to attend, and it’s a great opportunity for parents of children with cerebral palsy to talk to leading AT vendors and have some of their questions answered.

Kids are welcome too, and for those with disability, it’s a chance to get some hands-on experience with new technologies. Some of the products and technologies to be featured at the conference include:
 

• Learning and literacy aids
• Computer access
• Communication devices
• Vision and hearing aids
• Games
• Adaptive devices and accessories

Families can use the conference to network, share ideas, attend educational sessions and talk to professionals in fields ranging from medicine to education. Those who wish to attend can register online. A registration fee applies, but the conference is free to the public during certain times (a pass can be printed from the site).

Further information about the conference can be found here.
 

 

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A few weeks ago, we posted a blog about Lon Thornburg’s “Assistive Technology Blog Carnival.” At the time, he was asking for assistive technology gift ideas for people with special needs like cerebral palsy.

The results are now in – Find out what AT tools and gift ideas bloggers and blog readers are talking about this year by visiting the Holiday Gift Edition of the AT Blog Carnival.

 

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Assistive Technology Blog Carnival is a blog hosted by educator and AT specialist, Lon Thornburg, and he’s asking you to submit ideas, reviews, and stories about your favorite tech gadgets. The goal is to post a “carnival” of ideas for people to use this coming holiday season.

Children with cerebral palsy or other special needs often benefit from assistive technologies – technologies that facilitate learning, mobility, and enjoyment of life. Assistive technologies include gadgets ranging from video games and specialized computers to movement and speech tools.

If you’re a parent of a special needs child and you have thoughts to share about a particular AT item, post a submission by December 12th. Low-cost or inexpensive suggestions might be especially useful for those experiencing financial hardship.

For those looking for gift ideas, suggestions for the holiday AT Blog Carnival will be posted on December 15th.

 

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