AbleSoft Assistive Technologies

The idea behind starting AbleSoft Assistive Technologies originated in 2007 when a family member was diagnosed with ALS, (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). It quickly became obvious that his needs to maintain quality of life could not be met by the existing assistive technology available. It also became quickly apparent that much of the existing technology was not only nonexistent but what there was was not affordable. We’ve developed assistive devices and environmental controls that remain adaptable to his deteriorating condition. Our goal was and is to continue developing assistive technology that is adaptable to the changing conditions being dealt with, accessible in a user friendly fashion and most of all affordable to anyone experiencing the difficulties of physical limitations and disabilities. AbleSoftAT™ provides individually adaptable solutions that make assistive technologies more accessible to those who need them. AbleSoftAT™ provides affordable solutions for those who have difficulty accessing or controlling their surroundings and struggle with independent daily living. AbleSoftAT™ offers independence, peace of mind, security, and a sense of control. As a result, AbleSoftAT™ also relieves stress from family, friends, and caregivers. AbleSoftAT™ controls one or more assistive devices that allow the client to perform various tasks such as turning lights or heaters on and off, which allows environment control that is especially important during nighttime. AbleSoftAT™ also allows access to controls for many devices including, but not limited to, door locks, intercoms, adjustable beds, audio/video cameras for monitoring, televisions, internet access for communication and web browsing, etc. With AbleSoftAT™ caregivers can also monitor a client from their office, home, or anywhere with internet access at any time. Our motivation for AbleSoftAT™’s continuing development is to create an affordable system that is flexible and diverse enough to meet the unique needs of any client, depending on their disabilities. AbleSoftAT™ can currently help perform these tasks: Turn devices on and off, such as lights or a heater. Access intercoms placed throughout the house, allowing you to call or speak to someone to help during the night. See who is at the door and speak to them using audio/video cameras. Lock and unlock doors with deadbolt. Access HelpCall, the emergency helpline. Works if unable to wear the wristband or press the button yourself. Turn the television on and off, change channels, control volume and record programs. Select and listen to audio books or music on the computer or through internet radio. Use word processors with speech recognition and mouse pointer control to compose letters and other documents. Access the internet, allowing you to send and receive e-mails and browse the internet. Family and caregivers can monitor and speak to you from anywhere with internet access, using audio/video cameras. Control an adjustable bed using to raise or lower head or feet, or turn on available vibrator settings. There are many possible ways to compensate for a disability. AbleSoftAT™ can provide increased independence, peace of mind, security, and can return a sense of control. As a result, it can also relieve stress on family, friends and caregivers as well. What we have created can be used to help many others with different disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, anyone with any neuromuscular diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Spina Bifida, and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). These systems and devices could also help people who are elderly, have lost limbs, are paraplegic, have been crippled or paralyzed in an accident, or have been immobilized in any way. Through hard work, determination and creativity we have done our best to counter the progressive difficulties that disabilities bring into our lives and those around us every day with remarkable success. We understand and appreciate the struggle that life can become when affected by a disability. We would like to see these systems and devices available and affordable for all who are disabled.