spinal cord injury cases
mr chiu
Basic Information
Name: Mr. Chiu
Location: Taipei County
Age Range: Adult
Disability: High level Spinal Cord Injury
Positioning: 100% bed-ridden
Client request: Full computer and internet access
Name: Mr. Chiu
Location: Taipei County
Age Range: Adult
Disability: High level Spinal Cord Injury
Positioning: 100% bed-ridden
Client request: Full computer and internet access
Background
Mr. Chiu suffered a Serious Spinal Injury during military service and had spent 26 lying in bed just watching TV to pass the days. He was very proficient at using a chopstick to control the TV remote and a speakerphone. Seeing a short news article about our assessment service he contacted us to see if he too could have a special device for computer control and internet access. His severe paralysis meant that only his head could be used for cursor control, but this problem was easily resolved with the SmartNav mouse. The difficulty was with the switch control, however we resolved with our 1Click left/right key emulator and a single switch which he operates using a chopstick. At first we did not believe that moving the chopstick to operate the 1Click switch would not cause the cursor to move, but we were proved wrong, pointing out again how important it is to listen to the users needs and advice.
Devices Used
Icebreaker Team Comments
Mr. Chiu was one of our earliest clients to use the SmartNav Infrared mouse, but with amazing success. He is on his computer for hours everyday and has even managed to find employment managing a small business to help disabled people find care staff. As Mr. Chiu was residing at home the computer could be located beside his bed and the monitor affixed to the wall. This would not be usually possible if he had been residing in a care home where a movable computer stand would probably have been necessary.
Mr. Chiu suffered a Serious Spinal Injury during military service and had spent 26 lying in bed just watching TV to pass the days. He was very proficient at using a chopstick to control the TV remote and a speakerphone. Seeing a short news article about our assessment service he contacted us to see if he too could have a special device for computer control and internet access. His severe paralysis meant that only his head could be used for cursor control, but this problem was easily resolved with the SmartNav mouse. The difficulty was with the switch control, however we resolved with our 1Click left/right key emulator and a single switch which he operates using a chopstick. At first we did not believe that moving the chopstick to operate the 1Click switch would not cause the cursor to move, but we were proved wrong, pointing out again how important it is to listen to the users needs and advice.
Devices Used
- Infrared SmartNav Mouse
- 1Click Mouse Switch Emulator
- Screen Keyboard
- Large Cursor
- Single Switch for Mouse Key Control
- Wall mounted Monitor Arm
Icebreaker Team Comments
Mr. Chiu was one of our earliest clients to use the SmartNav Infrared mouse, but with amazing success. He is on his computer for hours everyday and has even managed to find employment managing a small business to help disabled people find care staff. As Mr. Chiu was residing at home the computer could be located beside his bed and the monitor affixed to the wall. This would not be usually possible if he had been residing in a care home where a movable computer stand would probably have been necessary.
