Becoming Agents of Change

On Tuesday, September 3rd, Torrance and I went through our agent training (kind of feels like secret agents like James Bond) at the Centre for Social Innovation as we, representing Equal Grounds, were selected as Agents of Change.

The Centre for Social Innovation started in 2003, by a group of social innovators wanting to create collaborative workspace for other social entrepreneurs. 10 years later CSI now comprises of four collaborative workspace; three in Toronto and their latest one in New York City (CSI Spadina, CSI Annex, CSI Regent Park and CSI Starrett-Leihigh).

It is humbling to be in the same class with 9 other agents with ideas that's changing the world. Check out the other awesome agents here.

Equal Grounds will be based out of CSI Regent Park. Do come by to visit us! :)

Reviewing the Tecla Shield UNO with iPhone 4S

Tecla Shield UNO with iPhone 4S

The Tecla Shield by Komodo OpenLab is a wireless device that lets you control smartphones and tablets using  external switches or the driving controls of your powered wheelchair.

I began using the Tecla Shield in January of 2013 after a long search for a device to operate

an iPhone with my limited dexterity.  First off I was impressed with it's relatively low cost ($249 with a newer version being released in August 2013 for $349) compact size (fits in pocket on my ventilator) and ease of use.

Set Up

Set up was pretty simple, just power up, pair with the bluetooth, turn on voiceover and connect a adaptive switch. I found these inexpensive Ultra Light HD Switches for $26 a third of the cost of mini cup switches... I will say it did take some time to fine tune the scanning rate. (I would suggest turning down the volume while adjustmenting as having voiceover reading off options at a fast 
pace is very annoying).


Mounting

Komodo offers a mount for the iphone at $99 however I opted for a Lifeproof bike mount and case for iPhone 4S, I got both on ebay for $70. Mounting was easy as the bike mount includes a few rubber spacers to fit small bars, pipes, etc. My mid line mounted joystick made for a perfect spot to attach the bike mount right beside the controller (1) while still being protected by the supporting bar (2). 

(1) Top view

(2) Side view

Full set up w/ switch

Overall I would say I'm satisfied with the Tecla shield, it has given me more independence in being able to send texts, make calls, get directions, etc. there are a few drawbacks in that it takes time to enter text, because you have to scan back and forth over the keyboard instead of selecting the the key you want and you can't adjust the volume slider in iTunes. I have funding in place to upgrade to the ECU option that will allow me to control the TS with my joystick, alleviating the issues mentioned.
Stay tuned i'll keep you updated...

Neil Mercer

Testing out assistive technology!

On Friday, August 10th, Equal Grounds hosted their second workshop this one focused on assistive technologies and had the opportunity to test out the EyePro, TrackerPro and EyeWriter. It was great to see many new faces interested in assistive tech, most notably having Eric Wan of Komodo Open Labs at the workshop.

Here are some of my thoughts of the devices we tested:

EyePro
http://www.words-plus.com/

Cons 

• Too tiring on the eyes 
• Price of $7,000 
• High sensitivity but it just requires adjustments 

Pros

• Not requiring the use of my arms 
• EyePro software allows you click with your eyes 

Comments: For those who have limited head movement should definitely give this a try. It would take some time for your eyes to adjust to the device as it can tire you out.

TrackerPro
http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/tracker-pro

Cons 

• Tiring of the neck 
• High sensitivity but it just requires adjustments 
• Price of $1,200 
• Requires additional button or software for clicking 

Pros

• You don’t need to use the mouse 

Comments: For those who have limited arm movement should definitely give this a try. It would take some time for your head and neck to get use to as it can tire you out.

Overall comments: Even though a button is needed, I felt that the TrackerPro was easier to control. And the price is better compared to the EyePro. Both devices are great for those that may have limited arm movement. I will continue testing out the TrackerPro for the next two weeks and will report back. There will be more workshops to come, keep following us if you are interested in assistive technologies and work opportunities.

Equal Grounds Training Pilot

On Saturday July 6th 2013 I attended the Equal Grounds Training Pilot. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect from this workshop. However, I was pleasantly surprised by many of the discussions around access and employment barriers that many with unique abilities face in the workforce. I felt many of my longstanding criticisms about limited options through ODSP and tokenism were welcomed and considered in the idea that things need to change in a big way and that Equal Grounds might be the place to start!

The day also included a series of engaging social exercises conducted by Olena Cherkasova. One exercise required partners to resolve a conflict by only using your partner's name to communicate your argument. I found it showed how we use more than words to get ideas across. Overall, the experience really helped us open up as a group.

Finally we demo'ed a piece of technology called the Eye Writer that was developed to assist a graffiti artist with ALS draw by tracking eye movements and projecting designs on buildings. I was impressed with it's use of inexpensive cameras and open-source software making it accessible to all not like devices coming from "medical" developers costing hundreds of dollars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this pilot and the group of people who participated. I feel with all of the talents brought to the table Equal Grounds has the to potential to fill a much needed void and level the playing field. the next pilot takes place on August 10th & 11th. I highly recommend you check it out!

The Intentions of TechnologyEnables.Me

The intentions of TechnologyEnables.Me is to capture the journey of my brother Torrance Ho, Nolan Lee, Neil Mercer and other guest bloggers as we discover technologies that enables them and the impact it has on their lives.

We will be testing out a variety of high and low technologies that enables people with different abilities in their professional and personal life.

If you have adaptive and accessible technologies you would like us to test out, please reach out to me @terrencewkho and www.terrenceho.com.

In the meantime you can check out my Torrance's blog SportsEnables.Me as he shares how his love for sports enables him and others.