Device aims to help children with disabilities access tablets

The prototype device uses a sensor system to translate physical movements into fine motor gestures to control a tablet. Coupled with supporting open source apps and software, it allows children with fine motor impairments to access apps such as Facebook and YouTube, as well as custom made apps for therapy and science education. The current prototype includes three force sensitive resistors that measure pressure and convert it into a signal that instructs the tablet. A child can wear the device around the forearm or place it on the arm of a wheelchair and hit the sensors or swipe across the sensors with his or her fist. The combination of sensor hits or swipes gets converted to different touch based commands on the tablet. The brainchild of Ayanna Howard, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, the device is expected to benefit children with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy. Howard is now creating a second prototype that aims to be more flexible. It will include wireless sensors that can be placed anywhere a child is capable of hitting them, such as with a foot or the side of the head. Howard says she hopes to have the device through clinical trials starting next year.