By Kevin Hansen, CFILC’s DLL & Reuse Manager
The Ability Tools Network recently purchased some new equipment for our Device Lending Libraries (DLL). The DLLs loan assistive technology (AT) to consumers for 30 day trial loans, free of charge. Below I describe some of our newly acquired equipment.
Vgo
My favorite new item is the Vgo. The Vgo is a Wi-Fi enabled video robot that can be controlled from a different location anywhere in the world. If this device is used at a school, your classmates will be able to see a live video feed of you or a picture that you display on the robot. The Vgo allows the user to drive the robot, control its position, change the video angle and zoom the camera in and out while staying in the comfort of their own home.
The robot is placed at a location, like school, so you can keep up with schoolwork when you are unable to attend for a prolonged period of time for reasons like a prolonged hospital stay. You can control the robot remotely by using your computer’s keyboard while viewing a live video feed of where the robot is going. The user can zoom the attached video camera to get up close to what is going on for special projects or to better view the white board your teacher is working on. Classmates can see and interact with the remote student by using the video camera and looking at the person’s video picture on the Vgo robot. Click here to learn more about this item on the Ability Tools’ AT Exchange and request a loan. To view the Vgo online go to www.vgocom.com
Freedom Staff Portable Vehicle Hand Controls
My next favorite item is the Freedom Staff Portable Vehicle Hand Controls. If you are a wheelchair user and have ever had to rent a car, you know that it is often difficult to get an accessible rental car on short notice. The Freedom Staff Portable Vehicle Hand Controls may be what you are looking for to eliminate accessible needs in a rental car.
The portable hand controls come disassembled in a bag about 18 inches long and only 4 inches in diameter. This can easily be stored in your luggage. With quick assembly you can operate your rental car within minutes. This video Link will show you how to do the assembly: Vehicle hand control video. To borrow this item for thirty days click here.
Candy Corn Proximity Switch
The candy corn proximity switch works by sensing when you are hovering your hand over learn more about this loan item click here.
Ergo Mates
If you are going to be standing for long periods of time and need a little cushion in your step, check out the ErgoMates shoe cushions. These shoe cushions strap over the top of the shoes that you are currently wearing on your feet. Click here to learn more about this item on the Ability Tools’ AT Exchange and request a loan.
Thermoskins Arthritis Gloves
These compression gloves help control swelling on your hands while keeping skin ventilated and staying comfortably dry. To learn more about this loan item click here.
Tobii EyeX
The Tobii EyeX is a relatively inexpensive way to control all aspects of your computer with your eyes. The EyeX and Windows 10 automatically logs you in just by verifying your presence using the EyeX technology. To borrow this item for thirty days click here.
Tobii PCEye Mini
The Tobii Mini works like the Tobii EyeX but it is designed for use with windows tablets instead of computers. This device plugs into the USB port of Windows tablets. To borrow this item for thirty days click here.