Palm Springs Serenity

Integrated control and related technology of assistive devices

Assistive devices are now available that allow persons with severe physical disabilities to complete tasks independently. When the user has severe physical limitations, it may be advantageous to have an integrated control system where a single control interface (e.g., joystick, head switches, voice recognition system, keypad) is used to operate two or more assistive devices (e.g., power wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, handicap scooters, computers, environmental control units, and other devices that are controlled electronically). The advantages of integrated control are that persons with limited motor control can access several devices with one access site without assistance, and the user does not need to learn a different operating mechanism for each device. The purpose of this review is to convey the depth and breadth of the research that has been conducted on integrated control systems, as well as to provide some insights into future directions. We reviewed research works pertaining to communication and environmental control, computer access, and wheelchair guidance systems. Information gathered in this study will help people become fully aware of the status of contemporary integrated control technology in order to increase the quality of life of people who use electronic assistive devices.

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Satisfaction with technological equipment in individuals with tetraplegia following spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To measure the acquisition, use and satisfaction with high technology equipment by spinal cord injured tetraplegic subjects. DESIGN AND SETTING: A questionnaire was mailed to 102 tetraplegic subjects who were hospitalised in the rehabilitation center of Kerpape (Ploemeur, France) between 1998 and 2004, and 59 subjects responded. The questionnaire asked about the use of telephones, computers, wheelchairs and environmental controls at home. RESULTS: When a piece of equipment was acquired, it was very often used. Patient satisfaction with equipment was 79.3%. Home phones and mobile phones were often used with options such as hands-free devices (78 and 59% respectively). A total of 64.4% of subjects acquired a manual wheelchair and 61% a power wheelchair. The most commonly acquired options on the power wheelchairs were the powered recline (73,7%) and tilt (71,1%) systems. All options were used but all were more desired than acquired. A total of 27.1% of subjects desired a pushrim-activated handicap scooters, but only 15.3% had acquired one; 695% of subjects had a computer. Communication was the first use for the computer (82.5%); 49.2% of subjects had acquired an environmental control system, but 20% desired one. The first reason for lack of acquisition was financial difficulties but also accessibility and information problems. The factor that influenced the acquisition and need for equipment was the degree of spinal cord injury. No other factor reduced patient satisfaction with equipment. CONCLUSION: Patients were satisfied with the equipment they acquired. But their needs, especially wheelchair options and environmental control systems, were not satisfied.

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Consumer participation in identifying research and development priorities for power wheelchair input devices and controllers

A focus group comprised of persons who use power wheelchairs, handicap scooters and professionals working in the field were asked to participate in a brainstorming session to determine priorities for the development and application of power mobility input devices and control concepts. The group consensus was that durability and reliability are the most important criteria. Essentially, the expectation is that a power wheelchair must work everyday in the way a person needs it and wants it. At the same time, there is a desire to enhance and advance the features of input devices and control systems. Many would say these changes constitute designing “smarter” power wheelchairs, such as systems that can independently detect obstacles and can provide users with more feedback. This paper presents the rationale behind forming this focus group and details of the results of a brainstorming session where ideas were generated and prioritized. The five most important issues as determined by the group are discussed in depth.

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Drug alcohol drug rehab malibu

alcohol drug treatment malibu for drug abuse and addiction is delivered in many different settings, using a variety of behavioral and pharmacological approaches. In the United States, more than 11,000 specialized drug alcohol rehab facilities provide rehabilitation, counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, case management, and other types of services to persons with drug use disorders.

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detox santa monica of Mild TBI

drug rehab dallas and recovery for mild TBI are usually a simple process that involves simply rest and relation for a few days, but it’s important for Soldiers to not neglect seeking drug rehab los angeles and for their fellow comrades-in-arms to let their chain of command know when they suspect a battle buddy is suffering from concussion. The key to recovery from concussion is time, knowledge and education, Dr. Ritchie added.

She cautioned that should a Soldier suffering from a concussion return to duty too early and become involved in another blast or accident, that Soldier could suffer irreversible brain damage. Soldiers diagnosed with mild TBI should ensure their medical records are updated for future reference, she said.

Addressing PTSD, Dr. Ritchie also said no amount of training can totally prepare a Soldier for the realities of combat. Most will do well but, for some, persistent symptoms can include re-experiencing the event through nightmares, jumping at loud noises, or feeling keyed up or on edge all the time.

“We know from the mental-health advisory teams and other sources that between 20 and 30 percent of U.S. military personnel returning from combat operations report these psychological symptoms; they have sleep problems, feel depressed and have difficulty in their relationships,” Dr. Ritchie said. “Most Soldiers will transition in a normal, healthy way, but some will take a little longer than others.”

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Drug Rehab Resources
No single entity “dual diagnosis” addiction treatment malibu will be appropriate or meet the needs of all the different types and combinations of dual disorders.

What instruments and criteria will be used? The mental health and addictions fields each has a variety of screening instruments, which creates a problem in the case of dual disorders. If there are 10 commonly used instruments for chemical dependency assessment, and 10 for psychiatric condition, there would be 100 combinations possible. Which one of these combinations should be used for dual diagnosis assessments?

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