Other Projects
Online Learning and Community Building
Download a PDF information sheet on this topic
Imagine being able to have access to learning and skill-building materials any time of the day or night. Imagine also, being able to share your triumphs and challenges with your friends in Prince George, Vancouver, or in fact, any part of the world. This is the vision of an ambitious project being developed in collaboration with the Garth Homer Society and funded by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Our initial goal is to develop an online pilot program for adults with developmental disabilities. However, our long term vision is to extend this program to the entire special needs community. Clients will have access to a wide range of educational and skill-building modules – They could learn how to prepare an effective CV and job application, take a course on food safety or even improve their math skills. A critical first step will be to pass a course that deals with all aspects of internet safety.
Clients will have access to a large number of seamlessly integrated tools that will, for example, allow them to exchange photos with their friends, maintain a journal, send and receive emails, or even join a chat room. However, our vision goes beyond this. Parents and caregivers will also have the opportunity to join this "virtual community". They will be able to share their experiences, concerns and expectations. They will become an integral part of an extensive support network.
Another goal is to build a comprehensive online information and knowledge sharing resource and data base that will address all issues and questions related to disabilities. This powerful resource will be modeled on a "Wiki" in that it will allow even non-technical users to freely edit and contribute to web page content.
We have set up a website to gather feedback and opinions from the potential users of this project – feel free to have a look and tell us what you think!
ALS Decision Study
The UVic Psychology Department is undertaking a study to determine the factors that affect an ALS patient's decision to use a respirator. This study will also try to determine how ALS patients will adopt new technology such as the brainwave device that was described in the Communcation section. A questionnaire has been developed and will soon be sent to ALS patients across the country.
Glucose Meter
Many people with diabetes test their blood sugar level several times a day using a handheld meter. Unfortunately, some diabetics have been stricken with blindness so they are unable to read the meter's display. In fact, diabetes is now the leading cause of blindness in adults. UVATT is currently developing a device that will voice the test results for the user to hear. For blind diabetics, this product will greatly increase their independence by allowing them to administer the tests without assistance.