Technology conference aims to aid people with disabilities
But the focus is on do-it-yourself gadgets
A gathering at the Monroeville Convention Center this week aims to use technology to benefit people with disabilities and help them live as independently as possible.
The second annual Assistive Technology Makers’ Fair Conference and Expo is a two-day event focused on assistive technology. That term covers any type of technology or device that helps people with disabilities do what they want to do more easily — everything from wheelchairs to computer software such as voice recognition programs.
This week’s hands-on event is unique because it focuses on items people can make for themselves and how they can make them, rather than purchasing pre-made devices.
“The whole reason we are doing this is consumer empowerment . ... This needs to go directly to the individuals who need the information,” said John Flaherty, an assistive technology specialist at Transitional Paths to Independent Living who is helping to organize the conference.
For instance, Brenda Dare, a project manager at Transitional Paths to Independent Living, uses a PVC pipe-built system to hold an electronic tablet in a way she can access it in her wheelchair.
With her homemade device, “all of the tools I need throughout the day are available to me in a way that didn’t work with commercially available mounting accessories,” she said.
Such custom-made devices can be lower-cost or more personalized to the individual, said Brady Fulton, director of Arizona-based AT Nomad. Mr. Fulton is known for making items such as custom feeding chairs, for people who might need their back or body at a certain
angle to allow for a tube or another method of feeding, and therapeutic chairs that can hold children in a certain position to allow a parent or therapist to interact with them without having to have their hands on them.
The first expo took place last year in Concord, N.H.
This year, the event is coming here, in part because of the work of the Washington County-based Transitional Paths to Independent Living, and because the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is considered a leader in the field, said Therese Willkomm, director of the New Hampshire Statewide Assistive Technology Program.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to come together and talk about new tools and new technology,” said Ms. Wilkomm, who is sometimes referred to as “The MacGyver of Assistive Technology” for her ability to use everyday items like the famed television character.
While some vendors will be present at the conference, presentations will have a focus on how to make various technologies, Ms. Dare said.
“It’s about personal empowerment, not about finding somewhere to buy it,” she said.
“[There are] conferences and events for makers and [there area] conferences and events for users and professionals of assistive technology,” but this is bringing those together, said Mr. Fulton, who will speak at the conference.
“We’re putting everybody in the same room, and I’m excited to see what comes out of that,” he said.
The event begins Tuesday. Consumers who have disabilities and for whom cost is a barrier can contact John Flaherty at 724-2235115, ext. 1371, or email jflaherty@trpil.com. For more information, visit: atmakersfair.com