We don’t spend a lot of time reviewing high-tech assistive technology as this specialized equipment is often very expensive and difficult to acquire. However, there are certainly plenty of times when an app just isn’t enough, and you need to look to specialized hardware to do the job.

For individuals with motor challenges, this is often the case. Because of the especially physically restrictive nature of these disabilities, the typical interfaces that we are used to interacting with are no longer sufficient. The mouse and keyboard is a perfect example of this. Making full use of a mouse and keyboard requires a fairly high level of dexterity, motor control, and co-ordination. If you are someone with a disability that impacts on any of these areas, you might not be able to interact with a computer using a mouse keyboard easily, or at all.

So, that begs the question, what solutions are available for individuals who require specialized equipment to interact with a computer or smartphone? The good news is there are options.

In fact, our own engineers at Neil Squire have developed a device called a LipSync that allows users to interact with their smartphone or PC via sips and puffs into a straw-like device. That device is made of 3D printed parts and is available at a relatively low cost of around $250. We’ve mentioned this device before in previous articles, but if this is the first time you’re hearing about it, please click here to learn more.

An even higher-tech option is the GlassOuse Pro, a wearable head mounted mouse system that translates head movements into cursor movements on your PC, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. And as far as eye-trackers go, this device is reasonably-priced, coming in at just over a $1,000 Canadian.

But the GlassOuse does even more than just tracking head movements as mouse input, it also serves as a switch control accessory. That means you can connect this device with external switches that you can program as needed. Once the switches are connected, they can be adjusted and re-programed through the easy-to-use GlassOuse app, making it a great hub for controlling your switches.

This device can also serve as an adaptive gaming controller. Paired up with the switches of your choice, you can customize your gaming experience to fit your physical abilities. Not only that, but you can easily adjust your control scheme through the GlassOuse app, making it even easier to get started with your new device.

The GlassOuse Pro also allows users to connect to up to three devices simultaneously, and the device will save and sync the settings specific to each device that you’re connected to, making it easy to toggle back and forth between them.

The creators of the GlassOuse also put a lot of thought into the physical accessories available for this device. When it comes to how you want to wear the device, you can choose between frame wear (glasses style), a headband, a baseball cap, a beanie, or a strap. This level of variety in wear-style is amazing to see as it translates to even more inclusion for persons with disabilities.

To learn more about the GlassOuse device, including demos, testimonials, and more, click here.

This post originally appeared on the AT Help Desk website.

Tags: assistive technology, AT HelpDesk, Atlantic Regional Office