Assistive Technology Makeathon

Application Closed

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any technology that can improve or maintain the functional ability of an individual with disability. AT can range from very simple, low technology tools (Eg: magnifier, communication board) to high-end, sophisticated devices (Eg: Eye gaze technology, robotic exoskeleton, brain-computer interface). The needs are unique to every person with disability and hence product has to be customizable. These challenges translate into many opportunities for innovation.

To understand a problem fully, we recommend that you contact rehabilitation institutes in your locality (Check the list in http://accesshub.org/service-providers) and talk to the professionals. Better still, meet a user (person with disability) and spend some time in observing and interacting with them. It is very important to understand from the user’s perspective.

Problem statement 1

Developing an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device for kids who are non-verbal or have communication disorders.

Description:

During communication therapy, the kids start with a single message and then as their skills improve, they progress to 2 messages, 3 messages and so on. The communication is symbol-based and Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) use symbol systems for this - like PCS, SymbolStix which are research-based. Ablenet devices are expensive and hence the kids can use it only when they are at NISH. If they could have affordable devices at home, they would make faster progress.

Design considerations:

We need a simple, portable device that will generate a short, pre-recorded voice message upon activation. It should be possible for the therapist to insert communication cards as required against each button. Short messages can be recorded and played back by pressing the activation surface against each symbol. Less force should be required and the activation surface should be large enough because this may be used by kids with multiple disability who have difficulty in muscle coordination. The device should also be sturdy, dependable, user-friendly and less confusing for the kid.

Examples from the internet: Picture 1, Picture 2, Video of user, Video of device

Problem statement 2

Design and develop a low-cost adaptive chair for proper positioning and support of children who lack neuromotor and neuromuscular control.

Description:

Optimal positioning is very crucial for the kids to perform to the best of their abilities. There is a big need for a comfortable adaptive chair with both height-adjustability and angle-adjustability for seat rest, backrest, foot-rest and head-rest, to reposition as per the requirement of every individual at different times.

Design Considerations

The chair should be stable, safe, comfortable, light-weight, portable and easy to assemble and disassemble.

Examples from the internet: Picture 1, Picture 2

Problem statement 3

Develop a switch that can be used by people with limited mobility, as an alternative to keyboard or mouse or touchscreen display to operate a variety of devices such as a phone or a computer.

Description:

A switch can be operated by almost any body part that is able to produce consistent and voluntary movement. Switches come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the action used to activate them (such as sip-puff, pushing, pulling, pressing, blinking or squeezing). The switch has to work with the options under ‘Switch access’ in accessibility settings in Android OS or iOS or Windows. The user may sometimes require multiple switch access, depending on their physical capabilities. For push or press switches, the amount of force required to operate them varies or in some cases can be adjusted. Some switches may only require a touch (not even a press), some may be designed to be kicked.

Design considerations:

Mounting the switch at a comfortable position with respect to the user, is also important.

Examples from the internet: Picture 1, Picture 2, Common types of switches

Problem statement 4

Design a solution to improve communication accessibility for people with hearing impairment.

Description:

People with hearing impairment cannot answer phone calls and converse with the person on the other end, due to difficulties in hearing and speech. Apps like Rogervoice (video link) are available in other countries, that will convert the telephonic voice into text, so that the person with hearing impairment would get the message. In response, the person could choose to speak or type the reply which will be voiced automatically.

Design considerations:

The app should work for the regional language, that is, Malayalam.

Problem statement 5

Design adaptive holders for people with physical impairment to do their daily activities of living independently.

Description:

Doing simple activities independently like eating with a spoon, opening a door, drinking from a cup, writing with a pen, turning a key, dressing up etc can save much time and effort for a person with physical impairment. Adaptive holders may make it easier and simpler to do.

Design considerations:

In some cases, the adaptive holder may have to be adjustable or custom-made for the individual, since the size may vary.

Examples from the internet: Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3, Video

Reward?

Direct entry into the Idea Fest finals and a chance to win grant upto 7 lakhs depending on the stage of your idea, subject to the review and selection by the KSUM internal panel of judges.