One of the things that up to now has held back robots is the ability to have a pressure sensitive "skin" which feels and moves more naturally. A team of Tokyo University researchers has revealed a break through in material science; a rubber material that conducts electricity which would potentially allow for the development of robotic "skin." This new material is described:

"Another possible use being discussed is in robot development. The
material would allow for robots to be much more responsive and
life-like because their entire surface could have sensors since the
electrical power source is everywhere. The day when robots match humans
is even closer, as this material could be the "skin" of the robot human
since it can be maneuvered to do virtually everything our skin does
when it reacts with our surroundings. It seems quite surreal and
perhaps scary, but we are closer to an "I, Robot" type world than some
of us think."

Perhaps a nearer term application of this new material science is the development of a functional artificial eye according to researchers. I believe in the foreseeable future that many motor tasks which create significant obstacles for  individuals with disabilities can and will be remediated with the use of robots or robotic components, if not Rosie from the Jetsons.

Video games are being cast in a different light than simply activities which encourage becoming couch potatoes. A new company has come out with a set of video games to encourage and educate children and young adults as to the importance of taking their chemotherapy medications. In a real turn of events some insurance companies are considering covering the cost of these programs if they can be shown to make a measurable difference in the costs and outcomes for patient.

Having access to text that can be readily converted into spoken words can be a critical part of becoming a proficient reader, a student who is meaningfully included in school, and employable in the world outside of school. For my son, without digitized text he would not be able to be in an inclusive classroom. Up to now, much of his text had been inputed manually which has been very time consuming. Fortunately, with legally mandated changes required in IDEIA (e.g. NIMAS-accessible text, Universal Design) the amount and type of accessible e-text is increasing. Reading Rockets has published a very useful article on accessible e-texts along with guidance on how to take advantage of  the new provisions of  IDEIA.

I few years ago I ordered a custom computer for my son from a company known as Troll Touch, which specializes in touch sensitive screens for direct access without a mouse or keyboard. The computer and touch screen have operated flawlessly for years, but the add-on cost was around a $1000 over the base cost of the computer. I think Troll Touch offers very good products and service; the pricing
puts their products out of reach for many needy consumers with
disabilities. It is the basic principle that small market specialty items, especially for the disabled,  just cost more. The only real solution is for the mass market to recognize the appeal and ease of touch screens and mouse-less access. 

Well that day is about to dawn and in some ways has dawned with Tablet PCs and other touch sensitive devices on the market.  This trend is about to take on larger dimensions in every sense of that word.  Microsoft is getting ready to release a touch sensitive computer that is the size of small coffee table; just don’t spill the coffee. It is not meant for the small market of the disabled, so even its initial price of $5000 although expensive seems relatively cheap to a consumer of products for the disabled.  Of course, as with all such products once it catches on the price will drop dramatically.

I can soon see a desk top surface that will operate as a computer.  The advantages are:

• No longer will my students with learning disabilities have to feel so self-conscious about having a lap top on their desk since the desktop will be the desk;
• Students with low vision will benefit from the size as the text and graphics can be enlarged to a great dimension;
• Given the heft and built in nature of desktop in the desk, children with behaviors that involve throwing objects are perhaps less likely to throw the entire desk;
• Increasing access through touch as opposed to mouse will mean that software will be developed with this kind of hardware in mind increasing access for all and especially for the disabled like my son who rely on direct touch access.

Keep it coming Microsoft and Apple, we need it !

There are two reports out from the National Science Foundation on the emerging area of  G.R.I.N. technologies although in these reports they are referred to with the less catchy acronym of N.B.I.C. [nano, bio, info, cogno; all endings dropped].  Both reports are in pdf and available for download.

The major themes of the these reports are as follows:

• overall potential of converging technologies;
• expanding human congnition and communication;
• improving human health and physical capabilities;
• enhancing group and societal outcomes;
• unifying science and education

Any one of these idea alone could have huge consequences for many individuals with disabilities.  While the claims for these technologies are nothing less than revolutionary, and ultimately they may or may not live up to their billing, it is vital that parents and other interested parties keep abreast of these coming scientific developments. GRIN or if you prefer NBIC may have important benefits for our children in school and in life.

This blog posting is a followup to one from last year. It appears that the first low cost laptops are ready for release in the first part of 2007.  The designs vary but all are based upon principles of durability, long life batteries and human powered recharging, and viewability in direct sunlight.

It is rare these days that I come across a website related to Assistive Technology that simply knocks my socks off. I recently came across one that touts itself as a "treasure chest" of freeware for special education students. It is comprehensive, clearly laid out and useful. Check it out; it is worth bookmarking and visiting when the need arises.

I have an expectation that there will come a time when technology will  obviate some [not all]  of the obstacles to learning and employment that  many people with  disabilities face.   There are are all kinds of  fascinating  prospects coming down the  pike.  One in  particular that  caught my attention is called the  Extension of Human Senses which is  a NASA-based project. The emphasis of this project is communication and control of computers and other technology through brain waves, nerve impulses, and other non-verbal means of communication. [I hope that they remember that wearing electrodes on the head is uncomfortable.]

There are so many people who project out the limitations of the present into the future. Projects like this are the antidote.  The future is filled with great possibilities, but we need to make sure that our children are getting an appropriate education so as these technologies come on line we will be ready.

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