In the above video, Bill Binko of ATMakers.org describes a fresh look at how to create assistive technology for people with disabilities. The key first step is finding a way to digitize a person’s intent. What does that mean? It means finding a way for them to activate a switch, push a button, move the joystick, or somehow get there intent into a form that can be recognized by a microcontroller. From there a world of possibilities are opened up. Bill gives several examples of what can be accomplished by people with very severe disabilities once we can find some way for them to signal a computer.
This presentation was for the annual “AAC in the Cloud” online conference. AAC stands for Alternative and Augmentative Communication. It refers to any piece of technology that allows someone to communicate in a nontraditional way. This year’s conference included 57 presentations from a wide variety of people talking about AAC and other forms that assistive technology. A complete list of presentations can be found here.

Also check out this other recent video from Bill where he addressed the “Pennsylvania CS for All” conference talking about the importance of computer science education and the fact that the ability to code is an essential piece of developing assistive technology.

For more information check out the ATMakers.org Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATMakers/