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Independent Living Journal cover...

Publications

Independent LivingVolume 27 No 2

  published in August 2011

Featured Articles

What is PODD?

- Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display Communication Books

'Listen to me: There is really nothing more important for you to be doing right now than to learn how to express your thoughts and feelings to other people' (Williams, 1996, Words+ Outstanding Consumer Lecture, ISAAC)

The Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) system is a comprehensive method of implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that has been developed in Australia. Pragmatic organisation Dynamic Displays are a method of engineering vocabulary for multiple environments, for the unexpected as well as the expected, to enable autonomous communication by people with complex communication needs. PODD was developed in response to the challenge many aac systems present in saying what you want to say, when you want to say it.

Child Restraints

- A guide to standards and safety

Car travel is an integral part of the key aspects of prescribing a safe childcday for most families, whether it be to and from school, therapy appointments, or the park. The OECD (Organisation for Economic co-operation and Development)(2004)reported that 'parents must be well informed in particular about the safety devices that can protect their children'. Working together with families to provide the most appropriate solution for their individual child is one of the key aspects of prescribing a safe child restraint option.

Children with additional needs, due to a medical condition or behavioural problem, often require special consideration when being transported in motor vehicles. Children with a permanent disability require long term solutions that need to be reassessed as the child grows, while children with a temporary disability require short term solutions.

Adapted Video Gaming Equipment

- Joystick, controller and switch modifications

During the 2009 Spike TV Video Game Awards, Stevie Wonder presented the best music game award to 'The Beatles: rock band'. Then he said, 'throughout the world, an estimated 650 million people, or 10% of the population, have a disability. as one of the 10%, I want to see the companies that make these video games, make them accessible, so people like me can enjoy them to.' (Janger, 2010)

There is a strong push from the general population and those with disabilities to increase accessibility of video games to allow for a broader population to engage in this popular recreation activity.

Home Mods for Children with Disabilities

- Considerations for design and assessment

Growth is an important consideration in home modification for children, which makes it difficult for housing adaptations to address children's needs that continually change. As children grow, different supports and access needs are required. Further, children with disabilities seldom follow typical growth patterns and their needs as they grow may be more variable.

Development of anthropometry about the growth patterns for children with specific disabilities and the incorporation of the concept of adaptable housing into the home design are suggested as strategic solutions.