Wiimote IWB for special needs populations

From Smoothboard

A key characteristic of the Wiimote IWB and to a greater extent Smoothboard is its ability to be customised, allowing it to meet the needs of special populations. An individuals physical need can present a range of barriers to accessing IWB's. Wiimote IWB has a range of strategies that can overcome these barriers allowing access to interactive technology for all.

Contents 1 Barriers identified 2 IR-Pen strategies to overcome barriers 3 Setup strategies to overcome barriers 4 Software strategies to overcome barriers

Barriers identified

• Fine motor skill in accessing small IR-Pen Switch
• Complex motor skills in holding IR-Pen and pressing Switch
• Anatomical complexity that prevent normal IR-Pen holding
• Maintaining muscular tone to grip IR-Pen narrow body pen
• Manintaining muscular tone for a length of time
• Reaching IWB from mobility device
• Maintaining a controled and smooth muscular tone

IR-Pen strategies to overcome barriers

• Build a IR-Pen with a large Switch
• Build a IR-Pen with a Switch that meets the individuals needs (Soft touch or hard touch)
• Build a IR-Pen body that meets the users grip (narrow, thick, short, long, etc)
• Use a pressure sensitive IR-Pen like the the Groove IR-Pen from IRPensOnline
• Build a IR-Pen Wand. An extra long IR-Pen so the switch is low but the IR-Led is on the end of the wand

Setup strategies to overcome barriers

• A desk display (see Floor/Table/Horizontal surface) allows users to sit at a table and interact with the Wiimote IWB.
• A floor display (see Floor/Table/Horizontal surface) allowing the user to interact with the Wiimote IWB in a position they find comfortable.
• A Whiteboard or Wall display set at chair height. The user can use a wand IR-Pen and interact with the Wiimote IWB from their mobility device
• Regardless of display surface select a display size and colouring that meets the individuals visual and physical access needs

Software strategies to overcome barriers

• The smoothing feature in Smoothboard reduces the effects of shaking. Setting the smoothing to the maximum will reduce the effect of shaking and undesirable motions when using Smoothboard.