Eval assignment #1

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University of Iowa *

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Electrical Engineering

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Feb 20, 2024

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The University of Iowa College of Education Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Introduction to Assistive Technology – Online Course Assistive Technology Evaluation Assignment #1 (25 points) Due February 11, 2024

Assistive Technology Device/Software Evaluation Form Device or Software Name: Pencil Grippers Device or Software Cost (1 Point): $6.99 from Amazon Identify where this tool falls on AT Continuum (Low, Mid, High) and describe why it fits in that category. (2 Points) - A pencil gripper is considered as low assistive technology. It is very inexpensive, readily available, and no power source is needed for someone to use it. Provide a thorough description of the tool you chose and how it works. (3 Points) - A pencil gripper is a simple device designed to assist individuals, especially children, in achieving a proper and comfortable grip on a pencil or pen while writing or drawing. The pencil grippers I got was made of soft rubber/foam material and was designed to slide onto a standard pencil or pen. They do not require batteries, electronics, or specialized training to use. To use a pencil gripper, you simply slide it onto the writing end of a pencil or pen until it fits snugly, the gripper expands slightly to accommodate the width of the writing utensil, providing a secure and comfortable grip. I then held the pencil gripper as I would hold the pencil or pen directly, with my fingers resting on the textured surface for added stability. The gripper helped to position my fingers in a proper tripod grip, where the thumb, index, and middle fingers form a stable tripod shape around the pencil, facilitating better control and precision while I was writing. List and explain the physical and sensory skills necessary to use this device. (2 points) - Using a pencil gripper effectively requires a combination of physical and sensory skills. Hand-eye coordination is one thing, the ability to synchronize visual information with hand movements. It enables individuals to accurately guide the pencil gripper onto the writing utensil and control its movements while writing or drawing. Secondly, fine motor skills, involving the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. These skills are crucial for manipulating the pencil gripper and holding the pencil or pen with control and precision. Lastly, tactile sensitivity, the ability to perceive such as texture and pressure, through the sense of touch. Sensory feedback from the pencil gripper's textured surface helps individuals maintain a secure grip and adjust their hand position for optimal control.

Name the potential barriers for someone with a disability that this tool can help limit or remove. (2 points) - For someone with a disability, such as muscular dystrophy, or any developmental coordination disorder, they may experience difficulties with fine motor skills, making it challenging to hold a pencil or pen with precision. Pencil grippers provides support and promote a proper grip, helping to overcome fine motor challenges and facilitating better control and manipulation of writing utensils. Individuals with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder or any sensory processing disorder, may have heightened sensory sensitivities that affect their tolerance for certain textures or materials with the pencil grippers. Pencil grippers come in various materials, including soft rubber or foam, and offer a comfortable, non-threatening texture that can accommodate sensory sensitivities, making it easier for individuals to use writing utensils without experiencing discomfort or aversion. Name two specific features/components of this device or software that reduce barriers for specific disabling conditions (different features of the same tool could address barriers for different disabling conditions) and analyze how they reduce the identified barriers. (4 Points) - Pencil gripper’s textured surface and adaptive design are two component I could think of that reduce barriers for specific disabling conditions. The tactile stimulation provided by the textured surface can help individuals with sensory sensitivities feel more comfortable and secure while holding the pencil or pen. Another thing is the adaptive design which allows individuals to customize the pencil gripper to fit their specific needs, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic grip. By providing a secure and supportive grip, the adaptive design of pencil grippers helps individuals with physical disabilities overcome barriers related to hand weakness or mobility impairments. These features reduce barriers for specific disabling conditions like, the textured surface of the pencil gripper provides sensory input that can help individuals with sensory processing difficulties feel more comfortable and regulated while using writing utensils. The adaptive design of pencil grippers ensures a comfortable and secure grip for individuals with physical disabilities, such as limited hand strength or mobility impairments. By accommodating different hand sizes and grip preferences, the adaptive design promotes proper hand positioning and reduces the effort required to hold the pencil or pen. Describe two situations where this tool can help increase, maintain, or improve an individual's functional capabilities. This should go beyond how the tool works to describing a situation where it can be used to provide access (Example: Describe how Amazon Echo can be used to help someone with a physical disability shop, how VoiceOver on the iPhone can help a blind user access their bank information, etc. ) (2 Points) - One situation would be a student who has a learning disability that makes it hard for them to write legibly and their teacher introduces her to a pencil gripper to help her improve her writing and overall experience. With the pencil gripper’s design, the student will find it easier to grasp the pencil and maintain proper grip. From this, their

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handwriting becomes neater and more consistent. Another situation would be with a child who is undergoing an occupational therapy for their muscle weakness to work on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. During their session the OT introduces them to the pencil gripper to help improve their grasp and control while drawing. With the pencil gripper in place, the child finds it easier to hold the pencil and maneuver it across the paper. The therapist guides them through drawing exercises that target specific hand movements and coordination skills, gradually increasing the complexity as they gain confidence and proficiency. Over time, with consistent practice and the support of the pencil gripper, their functional capabilities improve. Identify at least two shortcomings (ex. features that can cause a user difficulty, unexpected issues, areas that need improvement, etc.) of this device or software and analyze how each causes difficulty for a user. (4 points) - Size limits of a pencil grippers, some pencil grippers are designed to fit standard-size pencils and pens. This can be problematic for individuals who prefer or require larger writing tools. For users who have difficulty with fine motor control or gripping smaller objects, the standard-size pencil gripper may not adequately accommodate their needs. They may find it challenging to insert larger writing utensils into the gripper or may experience discomfort when using smaller writing tools, this limitation can hinder the user's ability to access and use the pencil gripper effectively. Some pencil grippers may have durability issues, such as tearing or losing their shape over time with frequent use. People who rely on pencil grippers for daily writing or drawing activities may encounter difficulties if their gripper becomes damaged or worn out quickly. A pencil gripper that loses its shape can compromise the user's grip and stability, resulting in decreased control and accuracy during writing tasks. Compare and contrast features of this device/software or what the device/software allows a user to do to a similar product that addresses a similar issue. Provide at least two similarities and two differences between the products (please avoid cost as a comparison point): (4 Points) - A pencil gripper vs. mechanical pencil with a convenient design. - Both the pencil gripper and the mechanical pencil are engineered to promote comfortable and efficient writing experiences, both products aim to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities or special needs by addressing barriers related to fine motor skills, hand strength, or grip stability. While the pencil gripper is specifically designed to accommodate standard-size pencils and pens, the mechanical pencil with a convenient design is a standalone writing tool. The pencil gripper serves as an accessory that can be attached to various writing utensils. The mechanical pencil typically uses refillable lead cartridges or replaceable erasers, allowing users to extend the lifespan of the writing tool by replenishing supplies as needed. Difference in sustainability and maintenance may influence users' preferences.

What changes to the device or software could be made to help it work better for its target population? (1 Points) - A few changes I could think of are enhancing the variety of sizes and textures for the grippers. Offering a wider range of sizes, shapes so it could fit more wriUng utensils, and different textures for pencil grippers that would accommodate user preferences and sensory needs. Developing pencil grippers with more durable materials, like washable designs that could enhance durability and hygiene, parUcularly for users who rely on the pencil gripper for daily wriUng tasks.