Assistive Technology

Assistive technology

Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to “…products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities…”

Assistive Technology Products can enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.

Assistive Technology devices can help improve physical or mental functioning, overcome a disorder or impairment, help prevent the worsening of a condition, strengthen a physical or mental weakness, help improve a person’s capacity to learn, or even replace a missing limb.

Assistive Technology Services support people with disabilities or their caregivers to help them select, acquire, or use adaptive devices. Such services include functional evaluations, training on devices, product demonstration, and equipment purchasing or leasing.

Please click on the link to visit Rehab Tool for a very comprehensive guide to Assistive Technology covering all requirements

The Glidecycle

I’ve been contacted by Jan Harrell about the above invention. We’ve featured it before as a News item but feel that it is such a wonderful mobility device that it deserved more coverage. Here is an introduction and some background information about it after which you can click on the Website link if you’d like to find out more and see for yourself how liberating these Glidecycles can be.

I am writing to you because I think all organizations working with
amputees should know about a product that is a special mobility device, a
“bicycle” without pedals – invented by a man who wanted to recreate the
flying sensation he felt when he was in a banana plantation in South
America.  There, workers would attach their banana baskets and
themselves to a cable, and, like gazelles, glide down the cable, pushing off
occasionally with their feet.

People with mobility limitations resulting from above and below
knee, and some double amputations can often climb out of wheelchairs, leave
behind crutches and literally walk and run upright sometimes faster
than many unimpaired individuals.  It has a zero impact ride.
I am a clinical psychologist working with disabled vets and people
suffering from obesity.  I have watched both groups regain FREEDOM,
and feel the hope and promise of life, again.  The potential is slowly
being recognized – it is going to be integrated into the Veterans’
Hospital system – but hundreds of thousands who could be helped know
nothing of it, and are languishing in despair, seeing no hope or
meaning for their lives.  The first time I heard of it, I burst into
tears (right in the middle of a session, no less!) for I realized what
it would mean for  amputees. It allows an amputee to strengthen his
body so that he is able to wear a prosthesis without pain.  I have seen
people regain their self-respect, stand tall and proud, feel that they
have gotten their life back, re-enter the work force, reduce their pain
medication, as well as lose substantial amounts of weight.
I have started to represent this company.  I was doing it on a
volunteer basis, just because I am so moved by what this device can do
for people – but I was so involved that they finally asked if they
could put me on staff part time.  If you would like more information on
this, the Glidecycle, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Jan Harrell, PhD

Here is the link to the Website for further information: www.glidecycle.com