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Nerve Transfers for Improved Artificial
Limb Function
Neural Engineering Center for Artificial
Limbs, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Research into nerve transfers for improved control of prostheses shows
the possibility to improve the function of amputees. Nerve transfers
allow for simultaneo us operation of
multiple joints with more natural and intuitive control and greater
ease. This research has enabled an individual with shoulder
disarticulation amputations the ability to control six joints
including a powered shoulder, arm rotator, elbow, two wrist movements
and a hand. Another component of nerve transfer surgery is that hand
sensation nerves grow into different skin and can provide sensation to
amputees. With this, they feel what they are holding with the
prosthesis as if it were in their missing hand. The technique also has
the potential to allow control of motorized legs and the ability for
amputees to “feel” the ground they are walking on.
CoreControl™
AVAcore Technologies, Ann Arbor, MI
CoreControl™ is a noninvasive, painless breakthrough technology to
cool the body safely and quickly from the inside out. Elevated core
body temperature is a major and pervasive problem that affects
individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other heat vulnerable
diseases, as well as athletes and heat-stressed workers. Those
experiencing heat stress find their strength, endurance and cognitive
functions are impacted negatively. CoreControl™ is a handheld device
that enhances heat extraction from vascular “radiators” using precise
temperature control and a slight vacuum. CoreControl™ trials have
shown significant decrease or resolution of heat-induced impairments,
especially those suffered by persons with MS.
Hardy Elementary School
Office of Special Education, South Lyon
Community Schools, South Lyon, MI
In order to accommodate the needs of students with low incidence
handicaps by building a special wing at one of its general elementary
schools, the South Lyon Community Schools thoroughly researched
facilities around the state of Michigan. Experts in various fields
were called upon to provide direction and review plans; teachers,
students and parents were included in the process. Sensory needs of
students were taken into consideration, as well as accommodations for
wheelchair access and other adaptive equipment. The overall design
featured innovative solutions, adaptive technology and custom products
not commercially available. Emphasis was placed on exceptionally large
rooms, open floor plans, extended storage space and movable,
custom-designed furniture and equipment. The school goes beyond ADA
requirements in adapting to students’ needs.
HP Developer & Solution Partner Program
(DSPP)
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo
Alto, CA
Using information technology products and accessing the Internet can
be difficult for individuals with disabilities and the elderly
population. More than 50 percent of working-age computer users have
mild to severe visual, hearing, dexterity, speech or cognitive
disabilities. Hewlett-Packard (HP) is committed to developing
products, services and information that are accessible to all. HP
works closely with dozens of leading-edge companies to provide
individuals with innovative assistive technology solutions for
increased connectivity and quality of life. It works with 50 assistive
technology (AT) vendors through the HP Developer & Solution Partner
Program (DSPP) to ensure that HP products
are compatible with specialized
assistive technology solutions. Through free DSPP membership, AT
vendors can use HP technologies and products to create innovative
solutions for persons with disabilities. The program offers technical,
sales and marketing support.
Versluis Park
Parks & Recreation Department.
Plainfield Charter Township, MI
Plainfield Charter Township wanted to make Versluis Park fully
accessible, so it secured a grant and matching funds. With the input
of a landscape architecture firm and an inclusive recreation
consultant, a three-way partnership was formed to eliminate creatively
the obstacles to universal enjoyment of this lakefront area. The
design team wanted to provide recreational opportunities for
individuals with physical challenges by integrating them into the
fabric of the park. Their solution included:
• Beach access with deck,
transfer-step/backrest, shade trellis and seating
• Lake access from a wheelchair ramp and
transfer-step system to the water
• Water-side viewing via a 300’
boardwalk with railing design that is sensitive to user sight-lines
• Fishing access from a floating pier
that has seating and wheelchair accessible fishing stations
• One-mile, paved accessible walking
path
• Two totally accessible play structures
• Accessible picnic area and boat launch
FreedomBox™
Serotek Corporation, Minneapolis, MN
The FreedomBox™ Pass Key with System Access is a sleek, compact
product built for a new level of mobility, flexibility and ease. It
recognizes voice, keyboard and mouse command. The Pass Key is about
the size of an average credit card, yet it holds access to the
internet, screen reading, e-mail and the FreedomBox™ Network. The
FreedomBox™ Network is a portal to e-mail, news, weather,
entertainment, including radio stations and described video, shopping,
user forums, voice chat, instant messaging and more. The Pass Key can
be used in the CD drive of computers located anywhere. Every Pass Key
is protected by an account number and password to ensure the account
is safe. When the Pass Key is removed from a computer, not a single
trace of the software or personal information remains behind. While
the Pass Key is in a computer and running, other computer programs and
functions may be used with no interruption. The Pass Key operates with
Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP.
The key-chain-sized 512 MB memory
module, Key to Freedom with AutoRun Anywhere, based on M-Systems
DiskOnKey technology, plugs directly into any USB port on a Windows
XP-based computer and allows instant screen reading capabilities and
FreedomBox™ Network Access. It will automatically start System Access
and the FreedomBox™ Network. Key to Freedom gives the FreedomBox™ user
a fully personal, portable capability. It works on any Windows user
accounts without installing video chain or intercept software.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes a lifetime of
significant contributions to advancing accessibility
Dudley S. Childress, Ph.D.
Dr. Childress is recognized for his contributions to
rehabilitation engineering. His present research and
development activities are concentrated in the areas of
biomechanics, human walking, artificial limbs, ambulation
and rehabilitation engineering. One of his earliest
achievements was successfully fitting the first
self-contained myoelectric arm. He and his colleagues
created the first “sip and puff” wheelchair. In recent
years, the laboratory – in conjunction with the Center for
International Rehabilitation – undertook research to create
the Shape&Roll® Prosthetic Foot, a durable, efficient and
relatively inexpensive prosthesis that is particularly
beneficial to amputees in low-income countries around the
world.
Founder’s Award
Recognizes a special
achievement that is outside the general criteria of the
da Vinci Awards
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an American composer, singer, songwriter,
humanitarian and social activist who is blind from birth. He
developed the music video, “So What the Fuss,” which is the
first one ever to be enhanced with a descriptive track
making it accessible to people who are blind or have low
vision. He is being recognized with a Founder’s Award not
only for this ground-breaking achievement, but also for his
personal dedication to advancing accessibility for all.
Spirit of da Vinci Award
Recognizes the creative use of
assistive technology by an individual
Snoopi Botten
Botten’s cerebral palsy makes walking impossible and his
speech and other physical activities are affected. He uses
an electric-powered wheelchair and sings with synthetic
speech, often in the streets. He programmed the DECtalk
speech system to sing and was able to program it to sing
popular songs. He made these available to others who use AAC
(augmentative and alternative communication) assistive
technology. He has been instrumental in working with The
Prentke Romich Company, a company that manufactures
communication devices with synthetic and digitized speech,
aiding that company with the technical aspects of coding the
commands to the synthetic speech systems, so that
individuals can enter their own songs.
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