Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Every day, staff at MDTAP fields phone calls and emails from citizens looking for durable medical equipment to borrow or access for free. As a service to our clients, we’ve developed the AT Reuse Directory, a listing of various equipment loan closets across the state that “loan” items such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, toileting aids, walkers and more. If you’re interested in finding a piece of equipment, feel free to access this directory on the MDTAP website or contact staff at 1-800-832-4827 so that we can help you find an item that you might need.

Talking Goggles

 Contributed by Joel Zimba, Technology Outreach Specialist, MDTAP

Not to be confused with Google Glass, Talking Goggles is an iPhone app which tells you something about what the camera is viewing.  The quick review–it works surprisingly well.

While there are settings which can recognize things from the photo gallery or take still pictures, the most useful method is to recognize what comes from the video feed.

After a bit of fiddling, Goggles announces, “wrist watch,” when I get my first test object into focus.  Then, it tells me the brand, size and type of hand lotion.  This seems pretty useful.  I then went for a more complicated test.  Pointing my iPhone camera at my Mac screen returned an unusual result.  “Doctor Who Poster with flames,” says Goggles.  It was correct, as my open iTunes window had the picture of the latest episode being displayed proudly.  When I moved the camera back slightly, Goggles announces, “MacBook Pro.”

It’s not clear to me how Talking Goggles works.  It may recognize common objects, search for logos and other commercial materials, scan barcodes, do a bit of OCR or some combination of all of these.  So far, Goggles seems to work much better than previous apps which deliver the same functionality.  Try Talking Goggles, you will be pleased.

Each month we like to feature some of the newest items posted to the Equipment Link. To see these featured items and all the other items posted, visit www.equipmentlink.org.

Bruno equipped 2004 Toyota

Acorn Stair Lift

Electric Scooter

Braun Curbside Wheelchair Lift

AT in the news for the week of 4/22 – 4/26

Touchscreens for the blind

Mind-controlled tablets are real; no, you can’t have one yet

PrepForward’s Online Courses Help Teachers Create Inclusive Classrooms

Braille smartphone connects the visually impaired and sightless (Video)

MIT’s Public Service Center has harnessed students’ humanitarian impulses for 25 years

Young Adults With Autism Can Thrive In High-Tech Jobs

Horizons examines the impact of a rapidly ageing global population

Music can heal our wounds: Man rises above his disability to compose score

Cool gadgets aid independent living

Resources for Vehicle Adaptations

Contributed by Provi Sharpe, Director of Emergency Management and Reuse, MDTAP

Did you know that there is assistance available for certain vehicle adaptations?

The Acura Mobility Assistance Program supports the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. A cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 is provided for the cost of aftermarket adaptive equipment installed on a purchased or leased Acura vehicle.  For more information and an application visit the Acura Mobility Assistance Program or call (800) 382-2238.

Chrysler offers The Chrysler Automobility Program which provides a cash reimbursement to help cover the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on any 2010 – 2013 Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle bought or leased from a participating dealer. For more information and to download an application visit the Chrysler Automobility Program or call (800) 255-9877.

Honda offers The Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program, which supports the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. Honda will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for expenses incurred to purchase and install qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle. For more information and for an application visit Honda Customer Mobility Assistance or call (800) 999-1009.