IntelliKeys Open Source Rescue

Great News! Ablenet has open-sourced the IntelliKeys drivers!

Thousands of people use the IntelliKeys programmable USB keyboards to access their computers, communicate, and even speak with text-to-speech.  Recently Ablenet (who now owns the IntelliTools products) decided not to continue producing them.

Thankfully, they have chosen to Open Source the drivers.  This is a huge decision, and we want to do everything we can to make that decision a winning one.  So, we’re looking for some Makers to help port the drivers to Windows 10 & the latest OS/X and perhaps rework the firmware to make the devices more flexible and cross-platform
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How to be a (More) Maker-Friendly AT Vendor

Thank you to all the Assistive Technology vendors out there: the devices you create make everyday activities possible for AT Users every day!

We’d love to work with you to make your products and policies more Maker-Friendly.  To that end, we’ve asked our community of AT Users, Practitioners, Makers and Care-Givers to share their challenges using Assistive Technology products.
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Ella’s first project: driving her power chair!

Miss Ella Hunt (5yo SMA type-1) is a bit of a celebrity in her Indiana town–she’s on the news quite a bit, and even went to Washington to testify before the FDA fighting to get the first effective SMA drug (Spinraza) for everyone who needs it.

But for us, she’s just a kid who need to get mobile, and we’re delighted with the progress this week!  Here’s Ella’s first attempt at using her power chair with just two switches.  More information about links to our in-progress follows the video:
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3D Printed AT Switches

This project is a great way to get those idle 3D Printers running and make something useful for AT Users in your community!

We’ve designed 3D Printed Switches that you can easily download and assemble.  This guide will show you how!  If you’re an AT User or part of an AT team (parent, SLP, ATP, etc.), bring this guide to your local STEM or Robotics team and they’ll know how to put it to good use.

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Easy AT Switch Positioning w/Free 3D Printed Camera Mounts

Positioning switches is critical for folks with severe and profound physical challenges. Getting the AT Switch “just right” reduces fatigue, increases accuracy, and makes communication and environmental control much more successful.

[For those of you on the Maker side who don’t understand AT Switches, check out Max Lasko rockin’ on two switches to control the My Pal Scout we made for him.]
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Helping Makers Help Others