Mobile Tech Tips for Weak Hands
By Medvedscek, Christina; Quest, Volume 18, Number 4Publication Date: October-December 2011
Article discusses assistive products that can increase the accessibility of mainstream mobile technology for individuals with hand weakness. Mounting devices described include (1) the Slim-Grip Bicycle and Motorcycle Mount, designed to grip tubing of different width, which holds most smartphone models; (2) the Mini Friction Dashboard Mount, which fits most smartphones and is designed to stay in place on flat, slightly sloped, or indented surfaces; (3) the portable In Your Face Viewbase for iPhone and iPod Touch, which features a flexible neck and adjustable swivel head; (4) the iDevice Body Mounts, which strap smartphones and tablets securely to the seated user’s thigh; (5) the NuGuard GripBase/GripStand bundle for the first-generation iPad, which features a shock absorbing shell which attaches to a skid resistant stand that can be swiveled, angled, or turned into a workstation by locking the shell into the GripBase; and (6) the Articulating Arm and heavier-duty Magic Arm wheelchair mounts with three adjustable joints that hold devices such as a tablet computer or a digital camera. Pointing devices recommended include (7) the Stylus-R-Us, a telescoping device which requires very light touch; (8) the Fling and Fling Mini, see-through analog joysticks that suction onto the screen and are thumb operated; and (9) the Dynamic Controls Accessibility iPortal system, which enables wheelchair users to control an iPhone or iPod Touch using their wheelchair joystick. An accessible alternative to an iPad described is (10) the Auggie, which includes a carry case, stand, external speaker, and software that converts it into an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Finally, (11) the PageBot switch interface enables users of E-readers such as the Kindle to turn pages by using a switch.
Assistive Products Discussed: ARTICULATING ARM (MODEL H-1)
MAGIC ARM MOUNTING SYSTEM (MODEL 1631)
SUPER-AUGGIE AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION DEVICE (MODEL H-44)
AUGGIE (MODEL H-58)
MINI-AUGGIE (MODEL H-19)
BODY MOUNT (LEG) FOR IPHONE, IPOD TOUCH AND IPAD
BIG SCREEN
TERMINATOR
NEW YORKER
12-INCH ALUMINUM IWAND
9-INCH ALUMINUM ROGER IWAND
POINTER
TEKTON ENTREPRENEUR TELESCOPING STYLUS
FLING MINI
Published by: Muscular Dystrophy Association (Website:http://www.mdausa.org)
Link to text: http://quest.mda.org/article/mobile-tech-tips-weak-hands
