Last year's crop of da Vinci Awards winners — among them
the Compas computerized prosthetic alignment system and a 42-acre,
user-friendly recreational area in Michigan — as usual
highlighted technologies that enable equal access for all people,
regardless of ability.
The list of 2010 award nominees also yielded some interesting
items for home care providers looking to spice up their product
selection. The innovative developments in adaptive and assistive
technology included a different take on the familiar cane, software
to enhance computer screen visibility, a handy doorknob twister and
a vehicle modification.
Begun by the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society, the annual competition has become an international
showcase for products that range from the simple to the
complex.
On the simpler end of the spectrum comes a soft silicon sleeve
that stretches over doorknob shapes, bathroom faucets and shower
knobs. Great Grips' Doorknob Twister (www.greatgrips.com)
is a cushioned surface that enables people with arthritis or weak
hands to open doors with elbows, forearms and closed fists.
On the higher-tech side is the ZoomText 9.1 from Ai Squared
(www.aisquared.com), a software package that allows
computer users to better see and hear computer content. The
company's xFont magnification displays high-definition text, while
NeoSpeech synthesizers read aloud applications and documents.
Sure Foot (www.icanwalk.com) had seven products nominated thanks
to the company's technology, which provides stability acting as a
foot and ankle. Products include Sure Foot and Sure Step canes, and
Sure Foot Strutters support walkers' weight under their arms
without nerve injury, allowing those with severe lower-limb
functions and limited arm use to walk.
Engineers from Freedom Sciences' Automated Transport and
Retrieval System created an independent means of transportation
without structurally modifying a motor vehicle. ATRS enables
wheelchair users to transfer from the wheelchair to the Freedom
Seat, then remotely direct the wheelchair to “autonomously
dock” the platform lift at the rear of the vehicle, and vice
versa. Company officials say the ATRS (www.freedomsciences.com) can be used in a wide variety
of vehicles beyond the typical vans.
In all, 17 inventions from around the world received nominations
as the year's da Vinci Awards finalists. To see all of them in
action, go to
target="_blank">www.youtube.com/davinciawards.
