Inexpensive retinal diagnostics via smartphone
27/05/2020
Retinal damage due to diabetes is now considered the most common cause of blindness in working-age adults. In low- and middle-income countries, an eye examination via smartphone could help to detect changes at an early stage. This is shown by a new study carried out by scientists from the University of Bonn together with colleagues from Sankara Eye Hospital Bangalore (India).
A sole mate to prevent diabetic foot ulcers
25/05/2020
A new cooling insole developed by UT Southwestern scientists reduced the foot temperature of patients with diabetic neuropathy by several degrees, diminishing a significant risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers. This new device could eventually prevent thousands of amputations that take place worldwide each year because of this condition.
Knee osteoarthritis: Specially designed footwear reduces pain
20/05/2020
New research by Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), the University of Toronto and the University of Bern Switzerland found: Wearing shoes specifically designed with a novel sole (biomechanical footwear) significantly reduces the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Soft robotic exosuit makes stroke survivors walk faster and farther
18/05/2020
A research study in stroke survivors with chronic hemiparesis shows that soft exosuit technology can bring immediate improvements in walking speed and endurance tests.
Plug and Play: the world’s first ready-to-use bionic arm prosthesis developed and implanted
11/05/2020
Next milestone in the development of bionic arm prostheses: Oskar Aszmann's team in the Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Limb Reconstruction at MedUni Vienna’s Department of Surgery has developed the world's first fully integrated bionic arm prosthesis that is ready to use – in keeping with the motto "Plug and Play".
Robotics in care – care bed of the future
06/05/2020
Physical strains are one of the main reasons for sick leaves and early retirement amongst nursing staff. In order to support workers and give patients more independency, the project AdaMeKoR works on robotic systems and sensor solutions for hospital beds.
Mind-controlled arm prostheses that 'feel' are now a part of everyday life
04/05/2020
For the first time, people with arm amputations can experience sensations of touch in a mind-controlled arm prosthesis that they use in everyday life. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports on three Swedish patients who have lived, for several years, with this new technology – one of the world's most integrated interfaces between human and machine.
Coronavirus crisis strikes Paralympics: Ottobock embraces flexibility and fosters creativity
04/05/2020
Coronavirus has heightened the importance of being flexible and creative. Two strengths that Ottobock, the Official Technical Service Partner of the Paralympics, has leveraged many times at its onsite workshop during the Games and now relies on in these strange times.
Accessible travel: Hotels for everyone
02/04/2020
When people with disabilities plan a trip, accessible accommodations are typically a critical aspect to consider. Both the hotel room and the surroundings should offer all the typical amenities, but also address the person’s special needs. REHACARE.com showcases three hotels that want to facilitate comfort and ease, especially for people with mobility disabilities.
ATTO folding mobility scooter makes self-determined travel possible
02/04/2020
Traveling with a mobility aid should be easy: Simply fold it up if needed and take it with you in the car or even on the plane. The foldable scooter ATTO from MovingLife makes all of this possible. REHACARE.com talked with Marcel Zwart, MovingLife Sales Manager EMEAI (Europe, Middle East, Africa & India), about ATTO being a game-changer for people with mobility impairments when they travel.
Transfer boards by meinHOLTZ: "Assistive devices can be practical, modern and stylish at the same time"
28/02/2020
Is it a skateboard with no wheels? No, it’s a transfer board made by meinHOLTZ! These modern boards help people who use wheelchairs to easily move from one surface to another on their own. Not only does this make transfers easy, but the assistive devices also look stylish and sophisticated.
WheelAir: No more overheating for wheelchair users
30/01/2020
Overheating is a serious issue for people who use a wheelchair. Ice packs and water sprays used to help many of them in order to keep cool. But Corien Staels, Founder & Managing Director of WheelAir, wanted to find a technological solution for the problem of overheating. Since then the WheelAir concept is about to change lives.
Technology-based assistance systems: Aging in place
07/01/2020
Whether it is sensor systems for fall detection or stand assist beds – technology-based assistance systems provide safety and create independence in your own home. The AAL Living Lab carefully studies and even designs new systems like these. That’s because there is a growing demand for so-called Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) technologies.
Standing Ovation facilitates mobility at the workplace
12/12/2019
Sitting while standing up – Standing Ovation makes this oxymoron possible. The rail system with its C-shaped seat bar and seat lifting unit allows Austrian chef Peter Lammer to sustain his job despite an 80 percent disability rating pertaining to his legs. With REHACARE.com he talked about the invention that brought back his zest for life and the feedback he received at this year's trade fair.
Mobility: Overcoming barriers with Wheelblades
28/11/2019
Whether they are on vacation in the mountains or brave winter weather at home – people with mobility impairments want to take precautions to arrive safely at their destination. Patrick Mayer is personally affected by disability and developed two products that enable wheelchair and walking aid users to master these situations: Wheelblades and the SafetyFoot.
Adaptive eating utensils with a Twist: How Bravo Twist by ProWalk outsmarts Parkinson’s tremors
17/10/2019
We all know that food intake is essential for the survival of every living organism. Yet for humans, food can also be a great source of pleasure or even love. At any rate, it is an important part of our social life. But what happens if our own body throws a monkey wrench into our food intake by having a stroke or neurological disorder?
"Assistive devices help to actively join the meal"
22/08/2019
There are various different kinds of auxiliary means at REHACARE. And the drinking and eating aids are definitely among the popular ones. With its assistive devices the company Assistive Innovations bv from the Netherlands wants to help people with different disabilities to become more independent with eating. CEO Arthur Blom tells REHACARE.com more about classic and new products.
SmAccLab: Smart auxiliary means for everyone
28/05/2019
Accessible and realistic – that’s how auxiliary aids should be in the eyes of Professor Carsten Zahout. Students at the Smart Accessibility Laboratory (SmAccLab) are working on technical solutions that fulfill these requirements and lead to increased participation for people with disabilities. REHACARE.com found out how product engineering and inclusion join forces.
"ichó brings people with and without dementia together and provides a way to share stories, experiences, and impressions."
22/04/2018
Like the golden sphere in the fairy tale of the Frog King, ichó (Greek for echo) is meant to bring back lost motor skills and cognitive functions to people with dementia. The project of four former graduates of the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences aims to offer individual support through a person’s favorite music or fairy tale.
"At the TUECHTIG coworking space, people with and without disabilities are working together – and not just next to each other"
22/03/2018
Maximum flexibility to encourage ideas, effectively sharing office space: coworking spaces have become a part of many major cities. In 2017, Berlin featured about one hundred of them, but none of them were comprehensively accessible. That’s something Stefanie Trzecinski from KOPF, HAND + FUSS gGmbH wanted to change. That was the moment, the idea for "TUECHTIG – Raum für Inklusion" was born.
HelpCamps: "Making assistive technology faster, more affordable and personalized"
23/11/2017
In accordance with the slogan "Nothing about us without us", the HelpCamps project aims at developing and implementing concepts and ideas together. To make this a reality, people with disabilities, companies from the assistive technology, care and assistance sectors, as well as stakeholders in the so-called maker movement and researchers, are brought together to network during various events.
"Long cane for children is a 'facilitator'– the chance to independently accomplish something"
17/08/2017
The long cane offers the possibility to be independent and effectively mobile as a person with visual impairment. Children in particular could get used to him in a playful way. The association "Anderes sehen e.V." has co-developed the children's long cane. REHACARE.com spoke to Ellen Schweizer, the founder of the association, about the fact that inclusion is not a burden, but can bring joy.
"Inclusive communication design is both accessible and attractive"
15/06/2017
For many, recognizing and understanding characters is an important prerequisite to social participation. Inclusive communication design helps people with visual impairments to accomplish this. REHACARE.com spoke with designer and expert of the German Association for Blind and Visually Impaired People, Florian Adler. He has developed a digital guide to inclusive communication design.
"Horse riding is a sport people with and without impairments are able to experience together on equal footing"
20/04/2017
More self-confidence and independence – things you can learn from horse riding for example. People with disabilities can take this important step with "Rolli auf Trab" (English: Trotting with Wheelchairs). REHACARE.com spoke with Sandra Glöckler of "Rolli auf Trab" about the lust for life that horse riding inspires and the interaction and experiences with the animals.
Will software automatically describe movie plots in the near future?
18/07/2016
In order to understand the plot of a movie an audio version is very helpful for visually impaired people. Authors watch the whole movies and describe what happens in each scene. But wouldn’t it be possible for a computer software to do this kind of work? Researchers work on developing a program which automatically generates movie descriptions and reads them out.
Blessing or curse? Using robots in the healthcare sector
21/06/2016
In the distant future? – But today already a reality: robot caregivers are designed to make the daily tasks of healthcare workers easier. Today these types of helpers are already being used in Japan. They lift people in need of care out of their beds, play cards with them or cuddle with dementia patients.
"Ability4Refugees platform wants to provide auxiliary means for refugees with disabilities"
24/05/2016
Many people who had to leave their home country traveled in a wheelchair or used crutches. The stress of this escape was at times even more exhausting and taxing for some than for others. REHACARE.com spoke with Sigrid Arnade (ISL e.V.) and Eva-Maria and Andreas Mohn (Andreas Mohn Foundation) about the Ability4Refugees platform that aims to improve the availability of auxiliary means for refugees.
"The robot facilitates and promotes the connection between children"
15/12/2015
A robot that provides a link between hospital and classroom? The project Avatar Kids makes this possible: acutely ill children are able to actively participate in school activities with the help of a tablet computer. The teacher facilitates the communication. REHACARE.com spoke with Philipp Mahler of Avatar Kids about the opportunities this project provides.
"Safe mobility starts with the right choice and adaptation of the wheelchair"
23/07/2015
Whether it’s a wheelchair or a walker – for people with disabilities, it is crucial to control their own mobility in a competent and safe manner. Yet not everyone truly feels confident in every situation with these assistive devices. That’s why REHACARE.com spoke with Nicole Seifert about ways to foster more trust in yourself and others.