Wednesday, June 24th

Thursday, June 25th

Computer Applications and Communication

Platform Session #3
Moderator: David L. Jaffe, MS - Stanford University

Two-Dimensional Cursor-to-Target Control Based on Single Muscle Contractions
Claudia Perez-Maldonado, BS
Presented by: Sanjay S. Joshi
University of California, Davis
Slides - 386 Kb pdf file

Abstract: For severely paralyzed individuals communicating with their assistive technologies is often incompatible with their social interactions. To help remedy this, we investigated the extraction of two control channels from the surface electrical signals (sEMG) of a single muscle, which may be used in a variety of human-machine interfaces. We simulated sEMG signaling to help understand the best ways to extract multiple separate simultaneous control channels. We then acquired the sEMG signals of a facial muscle in 4 able-bodied subjects and trained them to place computer cursors at different (X,Y) spots on a computer screen by simultaneously generating different powers in two frequency bands. This method could be adapted to allow simultaneous control of multiple degrees of freedom of a single device, such as an environmental control device or a powered wheel chair.

Design of NJIT-Robot-Assisted Virtual Rehabilitation System to Train the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity of Children with Cerebral Palsy
Qinyin Qiu
Presented by: Soha Saleh
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Slides - 2.0 Mb pdf file
Audio -

Abstract: This paper describes the design of NJIT-Robot-Assisted Virtual Rehabilitation System (NJIT-RAVR), which combines adaptive robotics with complex VR simulations for the rehabilitation of upper extremity function in children with CP. Five game-like simulations were developed to facilitate improvement in forearm pronation/supination and arm interjoint coordination during three-dimensional reaching and placement tasks. Arm kinematics and forces were recorded in real time to drive the interaction with virtual environments. In a pilot study, four subjects have been trained for three weeks to examine the proof of concept. Clinical testing was performed before and after the training to assess motor control and real-world upper extremity function. Subjects showed increase in movement speed and in smoothness of the hand trajectory. This ongoing study establishes the feasibility of the system for use by young children with mild to moderate hemiplegia.

Telerehabilitation Web-Based Portal for Community-Based Rehabilitation
Jamie Schutte, MS
University of Pittsburgh
Slides - 4.6 Mb pdf file
Audio -

Abstract: Using web-based technology to build information management infrastructure to support telerehabilitation (TR) applications can potentially improve the quality and consistency of services provided in community-based rehabilitation. A methodology for developing an information management infrastructure to support TR, the PITT model, has been adapted to fit the needs of the Cognitive Skills Enhancement Program (CSEP), a community-based pre-vocational cognitive rehabilitation program. A web-based Portal that includes participant information and progress reports, an interactive calendar, session and activity information, and methods to improve the quality of staff communication, has been created and implemented. This Portal is user-friendly, inexpensive, and has potential to improve the quality of services provided in many community-based rehabilitation programs.

Using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device to Program and Control Lego Robots
Kim Adams
University of Alberta
Slides - 4.3 Mb pdf file
Audio -

Abstract: A Speech Generating Device (SGD) was used by a 12 year old student to participate in a Lego robot programming activity as part of a school curriculum. The infrared capability and mouse emulation capabilities of the SGD were customized to allow the participant to send commands to a car-like robot and control the screen based icons in the robot software to create programs. The fine cursor control required for some programming tasks was difficult for the participant, but she was able to write a simple program, download it into the robot and then test its operation. This experience allowed her to access a portion of the school curriculum that her peers were studying and also taught her problem solving and logical thinking skills. The study also revealed underlying challenges that exist when using a SGD for tasks such as programming and control of external devices.

Developers Forum

Host: Mark Bresler, MBME, PE, ATP - Woods Services

Presentation Title
Presenter
Affiliation

Abstract:

Friday, June 26th

SIG-11 Computer Applications Show and Tell

Workshop #30
Host: Jamie Arasz Prioli, ATP

The SIG-11 Computer Applications Show and Tell provides an opportunity for RESNA professionals to present photos and/or video on unique cases, technoques, or tools involving computer applications in assistive technology. Topics inlcude; but are not limited to, adaptations made to computer devices or software, tips on the use of new computer hardware or software, little-known products, unusual combinations of different devices or programs, and unique ways to use computers as assistive technology. Presentation topics will also include little-known Windows XP, Vista, or Mac settings that can help assistive technology practitioners in their daily practice.

Scheduled Presentations:

Microlight Switch Mount for Bluetooth Headset
Andy E. Lin, MS
Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology
Audio - 10:46 - 2.50 Mb mp3 file

The Look-At/Look-Through Interface
Denis Anson, MS, OTR
Assistive Technology Research Institute

Using Wireless Microphones for Both Computers and Telephones
Ray Grott, MA, ATP, RET
San Francisco State University
Slides - 1 Mb pdf file
Audio - 11:16 - 2.57 Mb mp3 file

A Method for Differentiating Homophonic First Names when Using Speech Recognition Technology
Alan Cantor, MA
Cantor Access Inc.
Audio - 12:59 - 2.97 Mb mp3 file

Handout

Rapid Fire Presentations:

Pixel Sniffing
Alan Cantor, MA
Cantor Access Inc.
Audio - 4:17 - 980 Kb mp3 file

Collecting Simple Data Using Compass
Heidi Koester
Koester Performance
Audio - 6:36 - 1.51 Mb mp3 file

Sip / Puff Wheelchair Microcontroller Simulator & Impulse Switch Operation
John Anschutz, BS, ATP, RET
Shepherd Center
Audio - 5:46 - 1.32 Mb mp3 file

Visual Morse
Denis Anson, MS, OTR
Assistive Technology Research Institute
Audio - 3:10 - 742 Kb mp3 file

Awards

RESNA Awards

Slides - 7.9 Mb pdf file

Student Design Competition (SDC)

The Student Design Competition is open to students from any discipline who have a creative and innovative design that will assist an individual with a disability to function more independently.

Entries are judged on originality, quality of design, and usefulness to persons with disabilities. The RESNA SDC has a long history of providing a forum for the work of energitic students representing a wide variety of disciplines including mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering. computer information science and architecture.

Slides - 3.1 Mb pdf file

Student Scientific Paper Competition (SSPC)

An important way for students to participate in the conference is through the Student Scientific Paper Competition, sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The five winning papers were presented in a Platform Session at the conference on Saturday 06/28/3008. Other qualifying student papers were included in the Interactive Poster Sessions and the RERC Student Platform Session on Day.

The purpose of the Student Scientific Paper Competition is to promote high quality scientific and engineering research in the field of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology. The competition encourages students from a variety of disciplines to address contemporary issues in these fields through research and submit their papers for presentation at the RESNA Annual Conference. It focuses on the rigorous use of research methods in the filed of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology and is based on the scientific and engineering merit of the research.

Slides - 817 Kb pdf file

Saturday, June 27th

Digital Photographs on Flickr

DJ's photos

Jodie Stogner's photos

Audio from Keynote and Plenary Sessions

Coming soon