Happy New Year everyone! I hope you enjoying the beginning of 2017. It’s time to look back at 2016 with a Top Ten list: the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s Best Technology Themed Social Media Posts from 2016. The list will look at 10 of the most interesting, exciting, intriguing and innovative technology advancements that benefit the disabled community.

The list is in no particular order. The articles mentioned are listed and linked below. Corresponding websites and videos are also listed and linked. Enjoy!

Please use the Comments section below to tell us your favourite technology advancement on this list.

 

Number One

The Hummer by Bloorview Rehab Centre

 

This article was posted on June 27, 2016

The Hummer was created by Bloorview Rehab Centre in Toronto Canada. The Hummer is a neckband that translates a person’s hums into words via a computer. The computer can then read out what is written. This technology has the ability to give a voice to someone that never had one – amazing!

Article: http://on.thestar.com/28VFUiU

Website/ PDF: https://research.hollandbloorview.ca/Assets/Hummer.pdf

Video: http://bit.ly/2jcjjFi

 

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Number Two

The Amazing Curb Climber by Claire and Sadie McCallum

This article was posted on November 24, 2016

The Amazing Curb Climber was created by two sisters, Claire and Sadie McCallum. Sadie, who has cerebral palsy, created the Amazing Curb Climber so she could get up her local library’s steps. The two young sisters showed off their invention on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Article: https://yhoo.it/2gph66Z

Video: http://bit.ly/2j22IXi 

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Number Three

GO Wheelchair by Layer Design

This article was posted on May 19, 2016

The Go wheelchair, created by Layer Design, is the first ever 3-D Printed wheelchair. This allows for a more custom fit, leading to better function and overall comfort. At the moment, wheelchairs have a standard fit and little customization. The potential of 3-D Printed wheelchairs will allow for wheelchairs to be personally built for their users. This is really exciting!

Article: http://bit.ly/2hDAhhJ

Website: http://layerdesign.com/ 

Video: https://vimeo.com/166921091

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Number 4

Liftware by GIGadgets

This article was posted on December 8, 2016

This nifty utensil is called Liftware and is designed to stabilize shaky movement. The device was created by GIGadgets, and makes eating more accessible for people with various disabilities – including cerebral palsy!

Website: http://www.gigadgets.com/2016/12/liftware/

Video: http://bit.ly/2iczd42

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Number 5

SignAloud by Thomas Pryor and Navid Azodi

 

This article was posted on April 25, 2016

Created by Thomas Pryor and Navid Azodi, students from the University of Washington, the SignAloud gloves turns sign language into spoken word. This device bridges the communication gap between the deaf community and the hearing.

Article: http://bit.ly/1SwqtkP

Video: http://bit.ly/1T8Q1Rj

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Number 6

The Wheelie by HOOBOX Robotics

This article was posted on September 1, 2016

Created by Brazilian researchers, the Wheelie can recognize facial expressions. The expressions can then be programmed to match a particular movement, speed, or direction of a wheelchair, giving the wheelchair user ultimate control and freedom.

Article: http://bit.ly/2bJ1KuL

Website: http://www.hoo-box.com/wheelie.html

Video: http://bit.ly/2iycGfI

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Number 7

VocaliD

This article was posted on September 22, 2016

VocaliD creates personal voices for Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices. AAC devices communicate for many that can’t speak. VocaliD creates more personalized voices for AAC devices. “It’s your voice. It’s who you are — it’s your identity. It’s what makes you, yourself.” – National Student Speech Language Hearing Association member.

Article: http://bit.ly/2cBKE2q

Website: https://www.vocalid.co/voicebank#

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Number 8

Switch Control Technology by Apple

This article was posted on September 28, 2016

Christopher Hills, a young man with cerebral palsy, uses Switch Control technology from Apple. There is a small switch attached to Hills’s wheelchair headrest that he controls by tapping with his head. Switch Control technology allows Hills to control his computer and creates the personal freedom he needs to run his own video editing business.

Article: http://huff.to/2dpdP9P

Video: http://bit.ly/2jx9AN9

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Number 9

Standing Wheelchair by UPnRIDE Robotics

This article was posted on September 15, 2016

The UPnRIDE is can safely transfer between sitting and standing positions. UPnRIDE’s upright or standing position allows its user to gain greater independence and improves their overall health.

Article: http://bit.ly/2cVYqz5

Website: http://upnride.com/

Video: http://bit.ly/2jcjVe4

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Number 10

Stair Climbing Wheelchair by SCEWO

This article was posted on January 2, 2017 (Almost in 2016)

This sleek looking wheelchair is simply called the Stair Climbing Wheelchair. Designed by SCEWO, a Swiss Company, this wheelchair can go up stairs and curbs with ease. No more waiting for slow elevators, what a dream come true!

Website: https://scewo.ch/

Video: http://bit.ly/2iaCv4k

 

Did you know that the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia offers funding for specialized equipment, such as that described above? In keeping with our dedication to help people living with cerebral palsy to enjoy Life Without Limits, we offer financial assistance for the purchase of assistive devices, including communication and writing aids, orthotic devices, positioning and ambulance aids, and vision and hearing aids. Check it out!

 

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Learn more about our Equipment Assistive Devices program

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