Article wish list

From ATWiki

Are you interested in posting an article to this site but need a topic idea (or is it a homework assignment from Dr. Sprigle)? Here are a few subjects that haven't been covered yet on this site but which might be helpful to our visitors:

• Video magnifiers / CCTV (Closed Circuit TV, used to magnify stuff. Many different varieties now available)
• Environmental control / EADL (overview, what they control, IR vs X10, etc.)
• Grooming aids (could focus on just one functional limitation such as vision if it starts to get long)
• Memory aids (I believe we already have a scheduling aids, so be careful of overlap)
• Morse code (as a computer access method)
• Switch scanning (used by people with very limited motor function to use a computer environmental control, etc.)
• Switches (there is something there, but I think what we really were hoping for was switches for controlling AT - types (e.g., sip-puff, tilt), mounting, switch access methods, etc.)
• Tracking devices (e.g., Brickhouse Child Locator and GPS versions that can monitor when a person wanders off)

Perhaps some articles related to mobility issues?

• Canes
• Personal mobility for seniors (considerations for people who may be fairly mobiliy but have balance and fatigue issues)
• Power assist wheelchairs (in addition to Jon Jower's creation)
• Wheelchair controls (e.g., joysticks ... but what else?)
• Integrated controls (e.g., what is it (using same control system for both wheelchair and other stuff like AAC), advantages or disadvantages)
• Wheelchair cushions (e.g., advantages or disadvantages of different general types)
• Wheelchair dancing

Perhaps some articles related to workplace issues?

• ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (policy focused; how the definition of disability is changing)
• Agricultural accommodations (overview, resources)
  • Accessible agricultural vehicles (ATVs, tractors; lifts, driving controls, etc.)
• Microsoft Accessibility Options (how to set it up, what options, etc.)
• Office layout / furnishings for wheelchair users (what to consider, solutions)

Perhaps some articles related to education?

• Classroom notetaking (technology and strategies; could focus on a particular group of functional limitations)
• Math notation (a SciTrain need - how to show work on math problems)
• Universal design in education

Maybe some articles related to community issues?

• Active living and walkable environment (what, why is important, evaluation tools, etc.)

More information about assistive technology and housing for the elderly population:

• Senior housing options (types of senior housing, definitions, regulations, etc.)
• Shoes for seniors (how to select appropriate shoes for indoor use, outdoor use, wheelchair users, and for different medical conditions such as diabetes)

And finally, here are some up-and-coming technologies that may serve as AT (or which may pose some access barriers):

• Amazon Kindle accessibility (or perhaps inaccessibility; see also Digital textbooks)
• Dragon Dictation for the iPhone
• Second Life accessibility (not much out there on this yet)

Recently completed:

• Accessible parks / accessible trails
• Accessible playgrounds
• Crutches
• Dressing accommodations (overview)
• One-handed keyboards (for computer use; may include software that is used to change how a standard keyboard operates)
• PASS plans (Plan to Achieve Self-Support, a funding option)
• Scheduling aids (for people with cognitive disabilities)
• Wii accessibility
• Wheelchair vs. scooter tradeoffs (who should use which and why?)
• Wheelchair / scooter stowage devices (devices to load a wheelchair in a car after the user has transfered out of it into a car seat)

Is there another topic that you would like to see us address? Please add it to this list.