Assistive Technology Project

 After considering the options, here are the "feasibility scores" of the following projects: Each project will start with 10 points and 0-5 points will be deducted for every major difficulty regarding the making of the project.   1) An eye-track software to paper drawing tool that would take eye movement input and translate that to coordinates for a writing untensil on paper. Requires:  - Knowledge of eye-tracking software and how to grab information from software. -5 - Coding knowledge (of which I have some) -0.5 - Building/assembly and electronics -0 Total: 4.5 2) A toy car with a gas pedal that would be adaptable to more accessible (AT) inputs. Requires:  - Circuitry knowledge/electrical engineering (I have moderate to advanced knowledge)  - Specifically variable resistance (for variable speed and adaptability will be a minor difficulty) -2 Total: 8 3) A block stacker that is adaptable to common AT inputs. Requires: - Designing a mechanism to (what I wou...

Some ideas discussed during the first meeting were: - An eye-track software to paper drawing tool that would take eye movement input and translate that to coordinates for a writing untensil on paper. - A toy car with a gas pedal that would be adaptable to more accessible (AT) inputs. - A block stacker that is adaptable to common AT inputs. In addition, we also discussed issues with current AT: - Some programs are not compatible with some devices.  - Some switches are not too effective as they have flaws:            - Switches click too many times due to being held down            - Wand bounces back up and creates second, unwanted input.  (Something I concluded): - AT is very expensive for what it actually is. Opening a switch, I have found that is it just a micro switch (found in computer mice). They cost less than a dollar per piece. The switch that I opened was (listed on Ablenet) upwards of $50-75. This is most li...

  The Goal: The goal is to make a plaything that does not highlight a disability.  E.g.: Electric toothbrush, speech-to-text, automatic doors, utensils/tools with easy-to-grip handles. These were invented solely as Assistive Technology but were later used by nearly everyone, as they were easy to use. The goal is to make a plaything that doesn't "make up" for a disability but is designed for everyone to use with the ability to work seamlessly with AT programs and existing AT.  What will it be?  In the next few weeks, I will brainstorm possible project ideas that fit the abovementioned goal.

  Assistive Technology Project. Plan for Summer 2022 through May 2023. Summer 2022: Beginning of July through August:  Establish project/initiative  Further plan/assess possible solutions Beginning of planning—Phase 1: Viability planning August through mid-August: Continue planning—Phase 2: Mechanical/technical planning Conceptualization of solution through CAD August through the beginning of the school year: Finish full product CAD and mechanic concept Begin physical assembly of the product Learning period for coding (if necessary) (Sept-Oct). October through December: Continue assembly of the project Have prototype/rough product January through mid-February: Finish and troubleshoot the project  Possible arrangement to work with students Feb - June: TBD