Disability Project

Disability Project: Jacqueline Stefco

Interview Summary:

• main problem is old age
  • hearing, has trouble distinguishing sounds
  • vision, needs glasses
  • arthritis especially in the knees
  • unbalanced, falls
  • trouble carrying any excessive weight
• job
  • helps individuals who need home modifications (ex. ramps) because of their disability
• assistive technology currently used
  • lift chair
  • grab bars and toilet rails in bathroom
• hobbies
  • theatre
  • traveling
• ideal assistive device
  • something to alert change in elevation/type of surface
  • doesn't like harsh light, glare

Need:

• ablility to discern when a change in elevation occurs
• solution for carrying excessive weight
• a way to minimize harsh and glaring lights

Patent Research:

• elevation change
  • cane that alerts user of elevation changes by emitting a beep
    • especially for people who are blind
    • http://www.google.com/patents?tbs=bks%3A1&tbo=1&q=alert+change+in+elevation+disabilities
• carrying excessive weight
  • harness specifically designed with people who have disabilities in mind
    • especially for amputees
    • http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=RNZvAAAAEBAJ&dq=carrying+excessive+weight+disabilities