Beechwood Technology
Adaptive Technology is providing independence for persons with limited mobility
or physical abilities through computerized or electronic devices. These devices
come in various shapes, sizes and levels of sophistication. They can be as simple
as an enlarged computer mouse or as complex as using voice recognition equipment
to control the room.
Our occupational therapy staff provides training and assistance in our adaptive
computer lab for those residents who have an interest. Residents are able to communicate
with relatives and friends via email, produce creative writing pieces for our internal
newsletter as well as cards and other items. Computers are adapted to meet a wide
variety of abilities through adapted screens and fonts, specialized hand controls,
word predictor and other software and head mouse systems.
Our therapy staff also works closely with adaptive technology vendors, such as Home
Technologies for residents who elect to purchase electronic adaptive technology
for their personal rooms. Therapists help select systems, which will meet the individual
resident’s needs and abilities and also train them in their use. One such product
it called REACH.
“REACH, Remote Electronic Access & Control
Hands-free, will allow the user to perform
tasks with simple voice commands, with the touch of a button, with head movements,
or with the movements of just about any body part. The controller can be mounted
on a wheel chair, the bed, or used as a handheld. REACH is easy to use and versatile
enough for use at home or in a residential care facility.” (Excerpted from Home
Technologies press release June 2005)