March has been a wind – down kind of month for me, all things returning back to normal after the hype from the festive season. I had the last christmas chocolate today, the one that noone wanted, and that made it real. Christmas and New years is truly over.
Never mind because I have some interesting OT finds to share with you today. Please excuse me because I am probably biased with the finds, so it is important that you share what exciting OT finds you have for the month of March. Share it on here, share it on twitter, share it on your blog and share it on FB! I don’t really care where you share it as long as you SHARE IT.
Minh’s March OT finds:
- The 4OT switchboard for groups on FB
- Robo bear to replace human caregivers
- Axsmap application: like a trip advisor but for users to find, review and recommend local spots that have accessible entrances or washrooms.
- CanWORK smartphone app: support for those with cognitive impairment
- Brain controlled wheelchair: Say what?!
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The 4OT switchboard for groups on FB:
One page to rule them all, One page to find them, One page to bring them all and in the OT-ness bind them…”
One ring to rule them all
If you have never watched Lord of the Rings, I apologise. But it is kind of true.This website serves as a switchboard; all of the 4OT groups on Facebook are available here and easily accessible via a click. This page really does rule them all…
Anyway, I urge you to just click on to this weblink: http://4otsuite.wix.com/4otsuite and join the group relevant to you. You do have to gain permission to join these groups, but it doesn’t take long I promise.
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Robo-bear:
Those japanese peeps have really done it. They have created a robot to care for the elderly.
Robo bear
Although the article title does state “Japan engineers Robo-bear to replace human caregivers”, closer reading indicates that this bear is actually designed to be your friendly hoist, rather than a robot who will look out for your health like Baymax from Big hero 6.
Baymax
It is still very cool though. Here is the link so that you can read more! http://vr-zone.com/articles/japan-engineers-robo-bear-to-replace-human-caregivers/87618.html
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ASX Map:
FANTASTIC concept and fairly new. This is available for free via the ASX Map app or the website itself.
Straight from the horse’s mouth:
“Users are invited to search for businesses that have accessible features such as accessible entrances or accessible wash rooms. Users are invited to share their reviews on the accessibility of a business or public space from a mobility 1 to 5 star rating.
ASX map will offer all people – including people with disabilities, seniors, and their supporters – freedom and spontaneity to make decisions about where they eat, shop, work and play.”
Great idea but still fairly new. Which means, not many reviews. Therefore, users are still in the dark about many places due to lack of reviews. This looks like a job for Super OT’s!
Super OT
I think we can do our part by spreading the word about this app at the very least so that users will begin to write reviews to help other users. If you want, you can take it one step further and actually download the app yourself and write accessibility reviews when visiting a venue.
Truly, this app has a lot of potential to facilitate and for some, even enable participation in occupation. Particularly for those living with a disability. It just gives that one extra tool to help plan and reduce anxieties about visiting new places. Now we just need to encourage users to add reviews so that all users can benefit from the app.
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CanWORK iPhone app:
This is an iPhone/iPad application designed to support users with cognitive impairment in work-related tasks.
According to the University of Victoria, who created this app, it is beneficial for people who have difficulty performing activities that require following a sequence of tasks including those with developmental disabilities; autism spectrum disorder; brain injury; fatal alcohol spectrum disorder and dyslexia.
It is also FREE.
I downloaded this app last week to give it a go. I recommend that you all read the manual first and then try it on yourself. The concept sounds great; the platform is basic and allows you to break down any task any way you want. It allows you to add photos with each step as a visual cue plus additional notes. It also features a helper tab where the user can add people to contact, and if enabled, can text or contact that helper straight from the app.
My only complaint is that it is NOT user friendly and it does take a tremendous amount of time to set up. But in fairness, I did try to set this up without looking at the manual first. So people, READ THE MANUAL FIRST. For it to be successful, I would imagine that a helper would need to set this up in collaboration with the user. Be prepared for many trial and errors plus dry runs for it to work. Give it a go and tell me what you think.
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EEG-controlled wheelchair
Probably best that you check out the youtube link that I have pasted below to see what I am talking about.
How amazing right?
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AND that’s all folks for the month of March.
Question for the day:
What amazing thing did you discover in the month of March? Never mind if has been around for awhile – just share it because you found it!
The Occupational Therapist 