http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/02/29/loneliness.dogs.robots.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch
This article is about research that was conducted with a robot dog. The "dog" was introduced to Nursing Home Residents as a companion. The robot dog had much the same effect on lonliness and attachment as the live animal dog. Of course the study is not conclusive and more studies must be conducted to prove that there were not confounding factors.
My experience in the Nursing Homes and Assisted Livings is that pets are a tremendous assest in residents lives. These elderly sit in their rooms with no one to talk to and often have the feeling that no one really cares. When a pet enters the room, their faces light up. But to have a permanment pet in the facility is just more work for the over worked staff. A woman in one of the facilities in which I worked, only got out of bed to care for her cat. She was able to feed and brush the cat, but the staff had to maintain the liter box, water and make sure there was cat food in the room. On on many occassions clean up the messes the cat made throughout the facility.
This robot pet could also benefit individuals who live independently, but can not care for a pet. My mom's heart was never the same when she realized that someone would have to help her with the care of a new puppy. If she could not remain independent, she would do without the pet. This was the first time in her life that she was without a pet, and living alone, live became even more lonely.
Maybe there is a way that I can help with this worthwhile study of AT with a different spin............
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Low Vision Solutions
<----This is the view that you could possibly see if you had Macular Degeneration. Macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD- age related macular degeneration) is the leading cause of vision loss in the Western world. So as an ATP, we need to know
about this dreaded disease. There are two types of AMD- Dry (atrophic) or Wet (exudative).
In brief, dry type of AMD is the slow deterioration of the retina with the formation of small yellow deposits (drusen) in the macular region. The accumulation of drusen leads to the thinning of the macular tissues, causing distortions in vision that initially appear as wavelike.
The wet form of AMD is more aggressive and threatening to one’s vision. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. The new blood vessels may bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up, distorting or destroying the central vision. This may cause rapid or severe vision loss.
To learn more about Macular Degeneration:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/maculardegeneration.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/macular-degeneration/DS00284
http://www.eyesight.org/ - Macular Degeneration Foundation
A dear friend of mine, with AMD had to quite her job as an operating room nurse because of her loss of sight. She can no longer hike alone, which she loves to do. Nor can she enjoy those romance novels. However, she is a patient at a research facility and the medical procedures seem to be slowing the progression of vision loss.
In addition to my personal interest in Macular Degeneration, our class case study focused on this issue…….
Richard, our class case study, has Macular Degeneration, and needs assistance with vision. Particularly he has difficulty reading and recognizing faces. He does not like to tilt his head in order to see. Thus, I did some research at Closing the Gap. I discovered a whole range of visual aids from simple devices as hand held magnify glasses to the video enhanced vision systems, such as the NuVision from Keeler. This product review peaked my interest with comments such as “this breakthrough now allows many who are legally blind to see up close and at a distance with possible life changing results.”
In brief, dry type of AMD is the slow deterioration of the retina with the formation of small yellow deposits (drusen) in the macular region. The accumulation of drusen leads to the thinning of the macular tissues, causing distortions in vision that initially appear as wavelike.
The wet form of AMD is more aggressive and threatening to one’s vision. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. The new blood vessels may bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up, distorting or destroying the central vision. This may cause rapid or severe vision loss.
To learn more about Macular Degeneration:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/maculardegeneration.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/macular-degeneration/DS00284
http://www.eyesight.org/ - Macular Degeneration Foundation
A dear friend of mine, with AMD had to quite her job as an operating room nurse because of her loss of sight. She can no longer hike alone, which she loves to do. Nor can she enjoy those romance novels. However, she is a patient at a research facility and the medical procedures seem to be slowing the progression of vision loss.
In addition to my personal interest in Macular Degeneration, our class case study focused on this issue…….
Richard, our class case study, has Macular Degeneration, and needs assistance with vision. Particularly he has difficulty reading and recognizing faces. He does not like to tilt his head in order to see. Thus, I did some research at Closing the Gap. I discovered a whole range of visual aids from simple devices as hand held magnify glasses to the video enhanced vision systems, such as the NuVision from Keeler. This product review peaked my interest with comments such as “this breakthrough now allows many who are legally blind to see up close and at a distance with possible life changing results.”
Therefore, I began my internet journey, which lasted for several hours, as I was unaware that such technology existed. Dr. Townsend compares three similar Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs) in his article What’s New and Improved in Low Vision Devices? (Check out the article for a whole array of new Low Vision AT and bookmark the website, “Review of Optometry” as a resource for future. Dr. Townsend’s describes these devices as “a focusing system that allows patients to keep their head at a comfortable angle and work at a comfortable distance”. So ok now we are now covering one of Richard's problems. Not to mention that he would be able to see to read and recognize people.
But I still had no idea what the NuVision looked like and Richard seems to be a very self-conscious individual. ……… (**see picture above)
This might take some getting adjusted for Richard to wear this to Church. Not for me, I am a real Trekee. This strange looking pair of “glasses” offers the wearer the equivalent of watching a 62” wide-screen TV from only 6 feet away. The NuVision is compatible with computers, televisions, video cameras, and DVDs and can switch between color and b&w. It can focus from 6 inches to optical infinity.
NuVision by Keeler is one of several brands, so I would suggest making a comparison of models before making a recommendation. Also, it seems that the technology is changing so frequently that new models appear yearly. These CCTV’s are normally purchased through an Optical Care Center, but I did find one for sale on the internet at http://www.ocusource.com/main.cfm?page=shop&topic=product&productid=1250 for
2,995.00. The article in Closing the Gap reports that NuVision costs $3995.00.
That is a lot of money but I would be happy to pay that for my daughter who is fast approaching the day of needing such a device.
NuVision and other CTTVs are viable solutions for people suffering from other eye disorders including Diabetic Retinopathy, Optic Atrophy, Glaucoma, High Myopia, Achromatopsia, Nystagmus, Albinism and others.
But I still had no idea what the NuVision looked like and Richard seems to be a very self-conscious individual. ……… (**see picture above)
This might take some getting adjusted for Richard to wear this to Church. Not for me, I am a real Trekee. This strange looking pair of “glasses” offers the wearer the equivalent of watching a 62” wide-screen TV from only 6 feet away. The NuVision is compatible with computers, televisions, video cameras, and DVDs and can switch between color and b&w. It can focus from 6 inches to optical infinity.
NuVision by Keeler is one of several brands, so I would suggest making a comparison of models before making a recommendation. Also, it seems that the technology is changing so frequently that new models appear yearly. These CCTV’s are normally purchased through an Optical Care Center, but I did find one for sale on the internet at http://www.ocusource.com/main.cfm?page=shop&topic=product&productid=1250 for
2,995.00. The article in Closing the Gap reports that NuVision costs $3995.00.
That is a lot of money but I would be happy to pay that for my daughter who is fast approaching the day of needing such a device.
NuVision and other CTTVs are viable solutions for people suffering from other eye disorders including Diabetic Retinopathy, Optic Atrophy, Glaucoma, High Myopia, Achromatopsia, Nystagmus, Albinism and others.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Dr. Penny Reed
I am sorry that I incorrectly referred to Dr. Reed. Below is her bio.
Penny Reed, Ph.D., is the Director of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology
Initiative, a statewide technical assistance project in assistive technology
funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. She has been a
teacher, consultant and administrator in the field of special education for
thirty years. Much of her experience involved working with children with
physical and multiple disabilities, which led to her interest in assistive
technology. Dr. Reed has worked for local school districts, education service
agencies, and state education agencies and has taught both graduate and
undergraduate courses at the postsecondary level. Dr. Reed is currently
President of the national Technology and Media Division of the Council for
Exceptional Children and a member of the consortium that developed the
Quality Indicators of Assistive Technology Services.
Dr. Reed provides training across the country on a variety of topics related
to assistive technology with a special focus on helping school districts
improve their delivery of assistive technology services. Dr. Reed is co-author
of the Educational Tech Points (Bowser & Reed, 1995), Navigating the
Process, Educational Tech Points for Parents (Bowser & Reed, 1997),
Educational Tech Points: A Framework for Assistive Technology Planning
(Bowser & Reed, 1998), Designing Environments for Successful Kids (Reed,
Gierach, Walser, Sheets, Cumley, Lynch, & Wirkus, 1997), "Assessment for
Assistive Technology" (Reed & Best) and "Supporting Physical and Sensory
Capabilities Through Assistive Technology" (Best, Bigge & Reed) in Teaching
Individuals with Physical, Health, or Multiple Disabilities, 4th Edition. (Bigge,
Best, & Heller, 2001), and Assistive Technology Pointers for Parents, (Reed
& Bowser, 2000) and is editor of Assessing Students' Need for Assistive
Technology: A Resource Manual for School District Teams (2000).
Penny Reed, Ph.D., is the Director of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology
Initiative, a statewide technical assistance project in assistive technology
funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. She has been a
teacher, consultant and administrator in the field of special education for
thirty years. Much of her experience involved working with children with
physical and multiple disabilities, which led to her interest in assistive
technology. Dr. Reed has worked for local school districts, education service
agencies, and state education agencies and has taught both graduate and
undergraduate courses at the postsecondary level. Dr. Reed is currently
President of the national Technology and Media Division of the Council for
Exceptional Children and a member of the consortium that developed the
Quality Indicators of Assistive Technology Services.
Dr. Reed provides training across the country on a variety of topics related
to assistive technology with a special focus on helping school districts
improve their delivery of assistive technology services. Dr. Reed is co-author
of the Educational Tech Points (Bowser & Reed, 1995), Navigating the
Process, Educational Tech Points for Parents (Bowser & Reed, 1997),
Educational Tech Points: A Framework for Assistive Technology Planning
(Bowser & Reed, 1998), Designing Environments for Successful Kids (Reed,
Gierach, Walser, Sheets, Cumley, Lynch, & Wirkus, 1997), "Assessment for
Assistive Technology" (Reed & Best) and "Supporting Physical and Sensory
Capabilities Through Assistive Technology" (Best, Bigge & Reed) in Teaching
Individuals with Physical, Health, or Multiple Disabilities, 4th Edition. (Bigge,
Best, & Heller, 2001), and Assistive Technology Pointers for Parents, (Reed
& Bowser, 2000) and is editor of Assessing Students' Need for Assistive
Technology: A Resource Manual for School District Teams (2000).
Improving Assistive Technology in Your School District
http://www.closingthegap.com/ctg2/solutions/editorial_detailsinline.lasso?Solutions_EditorialID=E375&-session=XServeAuthenticate:46DF3A2B032d02D3F3Juiv16CAB3
I reviewed Educational Tech Points assessment model in more detail today, so I decided to search for an article written by Ms. Reed. This article details some of the major points for implementing and improving AT in the school system. She begins with “The only way that school districts can effectively and efficiently comply with the assistive technology requirements of IDEA is to change their system so that the provision of assistive technology devices and services is fully integrated into the special education process of referral, evaluation, plan development, implementation, and review that already occurs for all children with disabilities. This requires that all service providers including teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and administrators understand assistive technology and their role in its use.” AMEN…. Now that includes about anyone who works at the school except maybe the cafeteria and janitor.
She suggests that rather than telling these people what they need to use a tool that has been developed by Hall& Hord. The School District Profile determines how the district is performing, and the employees are active in the process. I explored this and found this website of interest (which would have been helpful if it were in the article)
http://resources.sai-iowa.org/change/cbam.ppt
I have found in developing new programs that I get the best buy in if the participants discover for themselves through a self-assessment that there is a need for change. I am not sure how this would work with AT, but it does give me something to think about.
If you think that your organization could use some change with regard to AT, Ms. Reed has provided much food for thought. Other features of the article are: Development of an AT leadership team, Policies, procedures, forms, development of an AT resource and lending library, training and support.
I reviewed Educational Tech Points assessment model in more detail today, so I decided to search for an article written by Ms. Reed. This article details some of the major points for implementing and improving AT in the school system. She begins with “The only way that school districts can effectively and efficiently comply with the assistive technology requirements of IDEA is to change their system so that the provision of assistive technology devices and services is fully integrated into the special education process of referral, evaluation, plan development, implementation, and review that already occurs for all children with disabilities. This requires that all service providers including teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and administrators understand assistive technology and their role in its use.” AMEN…. Now that includes about anyone who works at the school except maybe the cafeteria and janitor.
She suggests that rather than telling these people what they need to use a tool that has been developed by Hall& Hord. The School District Profile determines how the district is performing, and the employees are active in the process. I explored this and found this website of interest (which would have been helpful if it were in the article)
http://resources.sai-iowa.org/change/cbam.ppt
I have found in developing new programs that I get the best buy in if the participants discover for themselves through a self-assessment that there is a need for change. I am not sure how this would work with AT, but it does give me something to think about.
If you think that your organization could use some change with regard to AT, Ms. Reed has provided much food for thought. Other features of the article are: Development of an AT leadership team, Policies, procedures, forms, development of an AT resource and lending library, training and support.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
HI EVERYONE
Welcome to my blog. First, I will explain that I do not have a good reason for taking this AT class. I developed an interest in AT in the early 1980s while teaching Basic Skills classes for the community college. My supervisor challenged me to teach 2 ladies whom the public school system, VR, and other agencies had labeled as “unteachable and incapable of performing due to lack of communication skills and cognitive abilities”. Now I have always enjoyed a challenge, but these 27 years old individuals could not speak, write, use sign language……. Or any other means of communication of which I had experience. My immediate reaction was to call my supervisor (which I did), tell her what I thought, and transfer the ladies to another class that was more appropriate. First words out of the supervisor’s mouth- “How did the Vice President’s sister do in class today”. My response- “Just fine. I look forward to the challenge, I am sure we will find a way to teach her something.” The other lady was the sister’s best friend, both with severe CP. To make a long story short, after much research, and much learning on my part, both ladies received AT and an Adult High School Diploma. I learned more from these 2 marvelous, patient women that I have ever learned from any book. They trained me in subjects such as: acceptance, perseverance, love, and most of all not to judge anyone too quickly. From them I developed the motto: Everyone has the potential to learn more.
Now many moves later, many jobs later, I have enrolled in the Adult Education Graduate Program at ECU. I need some electives…. Browse through the course selections and realize that I can take AT Certification classes online. Just like most of my life, not exactly planned. Last semester, I learned that AT has really advanced. I am not sure what I will do with the AT Certification, but just as always, something will occur where I can use it.
Currently, I am work in Workforce Development within the community college. This is another area of my life that was not planned, but I am enjoying the challenges of developing and implementing the Career Readiness Certification in NC.
For fun, I play with my granddaughter who is 4 years old. We love to spend time at the beach, building sand castles and hunting treasures. I also enjoy playing with my 2 dogs (they help with my homework, too). My husband is my biggest cheerleader. We enjoy spending time together, church activities, relaxing and walking on the beach when possible.
Welcome to my blog. First, I will explain that I do not have a good reason for taking this AT class. I developed an interest in AT in the early 1980s while teaching Basic Skills classes for the community college. My supervisor challenged me to teach 2 ladies whom the public school system, VR, and other agencies had labeled as “unteachable and incapable of performing due to lack of communication skills and cognitive abilities”. Now I have always enjoyed a challenge, but these 27 years old individuals could not speak, write, use sign language……. Or any other means of communication of which I had experience. My immediate reaction was to call my supervisor (which I did), tell her what I thought, and transfer the ladies to another class that was more appropriate. First words out of the supervisor’s mouth- “How did the Vice President’s sister do in class today”. My response- “Just fine. I look forward to the challenge, I am sure we will find a way to teach her something.” The other lady was the sister’s best friend, both with severe CP. To make a long story short, after much research, and much learning on my part, both ladies received AT and an Adult High School Diploma. I learned more from these 2 marvelous, patient women that I have ever learned from any book. They trained me in subjects such as: acceptance, perseverance, love, and most of all not to judge anyone too quickly. From them I developed the motto: Everyone has the potential to learn more.
Now many moves later, many jobs later, I have enrolled in the Adult Education Graduate Program at ECU. I need some electives…. Browse through the course selections and realize that I can take AT Certification classes online. Just like most of my life, not exactly planned. Last semester, I learned that AT has really advanced. I am not sure what I will do with the AT Certification, but just as always, something will occur where I can use it.
Currently, I am work in Workforce Development within the community college. This is another area of my life that was not planned, but I am enjoying the challenges of developing and implementing the Career Readiness Certification in NC.
For fun, I play with my granddaughter who is 4 years old. We love to spend time at the beach, building sand castles and hunting treasures. I also enjoy playing with my 2 dogs (they help with my homework, too). My husband is my biggest cheerleader. We enjoy spending time together, church activities, relaxing and walking on the beach when possible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
