Backgrounder: UVic ingenuity goes on display at open house

Among the devices and technologies on display at the Open House:

• A communication system based on brainwaves. “The Claire Project,”named after disabled Victoria teenager Claire Minkley, has attracted national and international attention for its novelty and potential. Although Claire died last December, her namesake project continues to make progress. Has applications for patients with conditions such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
  
• An eye-tracking communication system. This system can also track the twitch of an eyebrow or a lip or a slight hand movement. Useful for people with a “locked-in” syndrome, such as ALS patients or severe stroke victims.
  
• A portable, high-performance EEG/EMG system. A laptop-sized device used to detect brainwave and muscle signals. Current units are very expensive and aren’t portable. Useful for patients with conditions such as ALS.
  
• A musical gripping bar. Designed to teach a three-year-old, developmentally delayed Victoria girl how to grip. When she grips the bars, music plays from the control device (whole device is hidden in a “Tigger” stuffed toy). Can be adapted to assist patients who have had strokes and as a diagnostic and physiotherapy tool.
  
• Tricycles for sight-impaired children. Key features are two ultrasonic “sonar vision”sensors mounted on the handlebars that beep when the rider approaches objects or obstacles. Nine tricycles built and distributed to children in B.C., Saskatchewan and Ontario. Four more being built.
  
• Tricycles for children with dwarfism. Structurally adapted for riders with short limbs. Three trikes have been built and delivered to children in Victoria.
  
• Automatically opening computer laptops. Allows people in wheelchairs to open and close their laptops at the press of an easily accessible button or switch. Otherwise they have to ask for help if they want to move around while their laptop lid is raised.
  
• A lateral-movement rocking horse. Designed to have side-to-side, rather than front to back movement. Used to teach children with developmental disabilities how to balance.
  
• A position and motion detection system. Detects position of hand or head from a transmitter worn by the user. Can be used as part of a communication system or to activate and control a wide range of devices such as lamps, TVs, or a cursor on a computer screen. Useful for people with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, etc.
  
• Ocean kayak assistive devices. Include special rudder control systems and flotation stabilization devices to allow people with lower body impairments to kayak with ease.