Success Stories
(Click on a product below)
Darren Gabbert, U.S.A.
Life changing technology! Very impressive!
I have been using HouseMate to control my Samsung Galaxy S3 for the past four years. It is important for me to have full access to all device features via my single switch and HouseMate has proven capable of doing just that. The crosshairs feature is excellent for efficiently tapping touchscreen targets, and the swipe feature actually gives me the feel of using my hand. HouseMate has greatly increased my independence. Developer very responsive to questions and suggestions.
Lindsay Adams, U.K.
Awesome application and hardware.
As a C3 quadriplegic of 17 years this app is simply the best thing since sliced bread and gives me 100% access to my Samsung S3 and Note 10.1 (with built-in mobile). We were particularly impressed by the developer who took note of all of our comments and even managed to implement some changes to suit our particular needs. It’s quite simply the only solution available for 100% access to a modern-day smart phone for a hands-free user.
Thierry Boinay, Domodep, France
HouseMate has become the top environmental control in France
HouseMate has allowed so many people to control their environment with ease and pleasure.
By allowing them to use a smart-phone, like so many other people do today, HouseMate does not stigmatize a user, like a traditional disability product. They can use apps like Facebook and listen to music alongside environmental control and communication.
The Housemate control opens new horizons and gives autonomy and pleasure.
Bryan Boyle, Occupational Therapist, Ireland
A single system for security, independence and communication.
Having a single system for security, independence and communication makes it easier to install, set up and support a person with a disability and their family at their home.
Because the HouseMate Pro can be accessed by touchscreen, alternative pointing device or by switch it makes it suitable for those whose physical functioning may be changing or deteriorating.
Using a SmartPhone at the heart of the system makes it a desirable technology for people with disabilities. They have become tired of using specialized, disability products. My favourite piece of user feedback so far is “it brings home control to your home screen!ew horizons and gives autonomy and pleasure.
Martine Rujiter, Occupational Therapist, The Netherlands
Benefits many of our clients on a daily basis.
The HouseMate, in combination with the Click to Phone app, gives our clients a lot of autonomy in their lives. With a switch or wheelchair integration they can, in spite of their disabilities, use their entire smart-phone. In addition, they once again can control, for example, their doors, lights and television. In other words, a great aid that benefits many of our clients on a daily basis.
Petteri Jämsä Kajo, Apuvälineet Oy, Finland
HouseMate has become the leading system in Finnish environmental control business.
HouseMate has given us the opportunity to help end-users stay independent and in contact with friends and family.
HouseMate makes it possible to call and text others. For younger users the HID function allows them to maintain connections with others through emails and social media applications like Facebook and WhatsApp. HouseMate has become the leading system in Finnish environmental control business and most of end-users have HouseMate.
TwoXTen
Bryan Boyle, Occupational Therapist, Ireland
A core element of any Assistive Technology Professional’s toolkit
The TwoXTen is one of those products that deserve to become a core element of any Assistive Technology Professional’s toolkit. It works as a simple, easy to use, programmable environmental control device and is suitable as an entry-level solution for those less experienced or skilled using AT. It can be used to support the development of switch skills, scanning, learning cause and effect and sequencing within a therapeutic context. The option of having recorded voice feedback also makes it very useful for those working with people with sensory or intellectual disabilities.
The beauty of this device is however, its simplicity. It can be set up to just do the things that you, as a person with a disability want to do. For example, if all you need to do is have a device that turns on and off your tv and changes the volume, this provides the ideal, easy to use solution.
Point-It!
Morwena Pleines, Student, Holland
Getting to grips with a Point-It! joystick
Morewena Pleines uses a Mini Point-It! to access educational material on a MAC at the Rijndam Institute in Rotterdam. The ball knob has been replaced by a sponge ball to give her a better grip and allows her to move the mouse pointer more easily. A Spec switch is plugged into the Point-It! and attached to the side with Velcro. To make a click Morwena presses the spec switch with the side of her hand. An on-screen keyboard is used to type letters and predictive text helps her write sentences quickly. The Point-It! enables Morwena to carry out her lessons and keep up with the curriculum.
Nadine Farris, Inclusive Technology, UK
Suitable for a wide range of clients
The Point-It! Joystick continues to prove a high quality, rugged, proportional mouse for a wide range of clients. An advantage (with the Interchangeable Ball Knob model) is the option to easily change the type of knob. This can make a key difference to the client using the joystick, often allowing them to anchor their hand more effectively, or even use it as a chin joystick. Each joystick can be readily positioned using standard mounting systems and there is no limit in terms of the mouse functions that are accessible to the user.
Karin van Dijk
What an invention! Play an instrument without using your hands!
Three years ago I became a student at the Mytyl school in Rotterdam. After I had been there for about two weeks, we celebrated because previously-stolen instruments were returned. At this party, there were some students who played an electronic saxophone. I was quite disappointed because I could barely move my fingers and couldn’t press the keys on the instrument.
After that event, I went to My Breath My Music to ask if I could play an instrument. A week later, my good spirits returned when they said, “I have something new that I want you to try.” I was excited! At the session, they took the Magic Flute out of the box and installed it so I could play it straight away. What an invention! Play an instrument without using your hands!
Marleen
The Magic Flute is the only instrument I can play.
Seven years ago I started playing the Yamaha WX5 during respiratory therapy with Ruud van der Wel at the Rijndam Institute. It took us a long time to work out how I could best play the instrument. We tried all sorts of things. Especially how to get my hands onto the keys. It finally worked when we used a straw instead of a mouthpiece.
Recently I switched to playing the Magic Flute. This is because I can play a lot faster and it’s easier for me to use.
I have already performed several times and get nice comments. The Magic Flute is the only instrument I can play.
Glenn
Where it all began. Glenn and the Magic Flute.
Our son Glenn was born with a physical abnormality. He was born without arms, his hands connect directly to his shoulders. His legs are also abnormal, making him unable to walk. The first year after he was born, he was also very sick. It is a small miracle that he has come through so well.
In August 2006 we were asked at the institute whether Glenn had some extra time to try a new musical instrument that was being developed. Glenn thought it was pretty cool, took a gulp of air, blew , and the first notes came out of the speakers. I’ve never seen such a mixture of amazement and surprised expression in one happy moment! Glenn might have been surprised, but I was too! My tears rolled down, because the moment was so intense! Glenn showed that making music was possible for him.
Ruud van der Wel, Music Teacher/Therapist, Holland
A device I use everyday in my music therapy workshops
The Quintet is well-suited for working with a group. All participants can play their own role within a piece of music. But it’s also a therapeutic aid. One application allows a therapist to introduce a child to the concept of using switches. It’s also a valuable aid in Forced Hand Use training. Most importantly, the Quintet is convenient and easy to use. It has a built-in speaker and operates with a battery. Just switch it on and you’re ready to play. No valuable therapy time is lost, and it’s easy to take it along to other therapy rooms. The Quintet comes with a book full of fun activities.
Quezaida , 8 years
I really like to make a selfie and then blow up this photo. The game FairHammer I like the most!
Irma, Physiotherapist, Rijndam Institute
The results of each training session are saved automatically. This makes it fun for children who need to keep practicing on a regular basis.