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Customized Devices
A number of people at Options use a wide variety of assistive technology to help get the job done. Some devices are available commercially. Some are custom designed and created for us by RCRV, a local organization of retired engineers, http://www.collinsclubs.com/rcrv.
Here is a list of the customized devices we use.
Rivet Dispenser (Motorized)
This device was designed to enable an individual with limited fine motor control to distribute small rivets to a peer to help assemble an industrial item. Since this version is motorized, individuals with even severe disabilities can participate with the touch of a switch.
Wobble Switch (Bracket Mounted)
This is a switch that allows people to activate electrical devices. Using a design by RCRV, Options partnered with the 6th Judicial District in producing a number of these switches. Produced at $5 per copy, this switch performs the same function as switches available commercially at $40-60 each. The switch can be mounted on a wooden or metal bracket to allow customized access to this technology for people with limited range of motion.
Turntable
This is a device that allows an individual with limited range of motion to be more independent in his work by giving him a continuous workspace within his reach. It is used specifically for aligning pens to be packaged for a business.
Sticker Dispenser
This device expands our consumers’ ability to participate in contracts involving mailings, advertising inserts and newsletters. The closure stickers we use are often clear, making them hard to see. They also require a great deal of fine motor skill to manually remove them from the roll. This device improves the people’s productivity and makes them less dependent on staff assistance.
Paper Tri-Folder
We have people in community job sites who prepare business correspondence for mailing. This device helps these individuals fold paper quickly and accurately.
Pen Tightener
People at a community job site assemble advertising specialty pens. They used a machine provided by that company that loosens and tightens the pens, thus, speeding production. When the need arose for more machines, the business would have needed to spend $260 for each additional machine. RCRV stepped in and designed a device that ran more efficiently and cost less than $25 each. That allowed Options to increase the number of people at that work site while significantly stretching the dollars invested in the project.
For more information, contact Wayne Clayton at Options at (319) 892-5800.
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