Tutorial eight: Assisstive Technology

Assisstive Technology is defined as "any item, piece of equipment or system, whether acquired commercilly, modified orcustomozed, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with dissability (http://www.cio.noaa.gov/Policy_Programs/508_Glossary.html).

Definition of a Wii:
A popular video game console from Nintendo http://www.nintendo.com) introduced in 2006. Pronounced "wee," it runs Wii and GameCube software and features a wireless motion sensing controller that looks like a TV remote rather than a game controller. After a sensor bar is placed in front of the screen to orient the Bluetooth-based remote via infrared signals, the unit is strapped to the wrist and swung like a tennis racket, golf club or other sports equipment. Dubbed the "Wiimote," its internal accelerometers sense the motion on three axes, and up to four players can have their own controller. The speaker built into the device sounds a "thwack" when hitting the ball.
It is a gaming device that needs to be connected to a TV. It can be purchased for around $300.-- and can be played in a variety of settings including home, hospital, rehabilitation wards, rest homes etc. A lot of the games are orientated towards promoting physical activity, such as requiring the user to stand and move their whole body while participating in a virtual sports game or activity. Like the majority of computer games, it has a highly addictive component to it, and players tend to spend a large amount of time trying to improve their previous scores.
The article "Wii rehab gets seniors into the healing game" on http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/03/fun_factor_of_wii_rehab_gets_s_1.htlml gives a nice example of a 75 year old male who uses wii as a rehabiliation tool to get him back on his feet.

The use of wii can be useful for arm exercises, dexterity, coordination, leg exercises, general fitness, balance, reaction speed, memory, postural control, perception, mobility for adolescents with CP, balance and strenght in adults, mental health, children with behaviour disorders and many more.
http://www.wiihabilitation.co.uk/