Running head: ASSITIVE TECHNOLOGY

Adapt-A-Snap Assistive Technology

Marissa Stendel
Touro University Nevada

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Intended Population and Diagnosis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system
mistakenly attacks the joints (Arthritis Foundation, Rheumatoid Arthritis, n.d.). This type of
arthritis results in inflammation of the synovia, swelling, and pain around joints typically in the
hands, wrists, and fingers. Unfortunately, if left untreated the arthritis can cause damage cartilage
and bones resulting in joint instability, loose joints, joint immobility, and joints spaces becoming
smaller (Arthritis Foundation, What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?, n.d.). The device constructed is for
clients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis with these symptoms.
Device Description
The device was adapted from a Nikon CoolPix L105 digital camera. The camera was then
adapted to meet the needs of a client with Rheumatoid Arthritis by adding an adjustable Velcro
strap, assorted round vinyl bumpers, and Velcro multi-purpose fasteners. The adjustable Velcro
strap was bought and devised to be wrapped around the clients right hand and index finger to
give extra stability while holding the device and to allow for ease of use when opening the flash
and lens cap. The round vinyl bumpers were added to the camera on all of the control buttons to
allow for better grip and a wider surface area. Finally, the Velcro multi-purpose fasteners were
cut and shaped according to the surface that they would be applied. These pieces were added to
several surfaces of the camera. The first was the sides of the lens cap to assist the index finger
Velcro strapping in taking on and off the lens cap. The second were the sides of the flash to lift
up and down in conjunction with the index finger Velcro strapping. The third was the zoom
button to move right and left, again with utilizing the Velcro index finger strapping. The last two
pieces were applied to the right side of the camera to combine with the right hand Velcro
strapping in order to achieve the extra stability while using the device.

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Recommendations for Device Fabrication

In order to attain optimal function when adapting such a device it is important to note that
some camera are better fit for adapting than others. Cameras devised will vary depending on the
specific type of camera being utilized. Therefore, recommendations can be made for the device
depending on the camera being adapted for the client. First and foremost, if the client already
owns a camera it would be most beneficial to adapt and operate the clients camera for best
functional usage and ease of use because they are familiar with the item. The next
recommendation would be to include a neck or hand strap to the camera. Typically digital
cameras come with some form of strapping for stability. Another accommodation that could be
suggested would be to purchase pre-fabricated stick on Velcro pieces for simple application and
removal as needed. Other recommendations may vary depending on the digital camera to be
adapted.
Enhancing Occupational Performance
The purpose of this device is to allow clients with rheumatoid arthritis to restore or
maintain the ability to functionally use a digital camera in order to engage in occupations such as
photography. The adapted device allows for additional stability while holding the camera and
permits for other camera functions by compensating for dysfunction of the proximal
interphalangeal joint of the index finger. Not only does this device allow solo utilization of a
digital camera, it also allows the client to engage in something that is meaningful to them
through the use of occupation in a variety of contexts. Full utilization of this device goes beyond
photography and into occupations that include social interaction, travel, community engagement,
work, play, and leisure while maintaining a cost effective output for the client.

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Compatible Camera Products

With this specific device, I was able to adapt the camera to the needs of a client with
rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the camera or device provided from the client, the
adaptations will vary. If the camera is larger the adaptations will be easier to make because the
camera features will be larger by default. If the camera is smaller, such as a camera that is pocket
sized or does not have an additionally larger lens then adaptations for lens can be adapted.
Smaller devices will have an automatic flash and lens opening therefore, no additional
adjustments will need to be made. A small Velcro strap can be placed on either side of the camera
for comfort or utility purposes for that specific clients condition. Adjustable round vinyl
bumpers can be placed on any button of the camera for added surface area and grip. This adapted
camera is simple in nature and is meant to be an example of what types of adaptations can be
made to a camera for a client with rheumatoid arthritis.
Literature Review
According to their study researching occupational performance modifications and
personal changes among clients receiving services for rheumatoid arthritis, Dubouloz, Vallerand,
Laporte, Ashe, and Hall (2007) attempted to under the experiences of clients with rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) and how they modify their daily activities to promote balance in their own
occupational performance. The research presented by Canadian occupational therapists
Dubouloz et al. (2007) examines how the effects of arthritis are addressed in occupational
therapy interventions. These interventions typically concentrate on recommending assistive
devices to increase participation in activities (Dubouloz, Vallerand, Laporte, & Hall, 2007).
Through transformative learning theory, the social process of adopting a new interpretation of the

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meaning of ones experience to guide action, these researchers wanted to understand how
modification of daily living was achieved with these clients in a retrospective study.
The study included 10 participants, from ages 39-66 years old and was conducted over a
12 month period (Dubouloz et al., 2007). The common treatment found for these individuals was
the adaptation of the participants daily living environment and contexts depending on the extent
of the condition (Dubouloz et al., 2007). Dubouloz et al. (2007) revealed two processes of
personal changeprogressive adaptation, and complex adaptation. With the transformative
learning theory in mind, only with the complex adaptation did this theory occur. Research found
that more difficulties engaging in the modification of occupational performance was reported in
this group (Dubouloz et al., 2007). Understanding the nature of this illness has helped to
understand what clients seek modifications or assistive technology more so than others. With a
higher severity of arthritis symptoms with or without medications the clients that presented with
acute onset of the disease were most affected (Dubouloz et al., 2007). This helps to understand
the need for such adaptive leisure equipment in that occupational performance is affected when
modifications are not made to daily life activities. Not only are home modifications, lifestyle
management and other interventions important to these clients, but assistive technology becomes
a crucial intervention when one needs to achieve something for themselves. Through adaptation
of the physical environment, tasks, and devices patients can still be productive in their daily
lives.
The second article related to this topic discussed the influences of the social environment
on the engagement in occupations for clients suffering from RA. Theoretical models suggest that
a persons engagement in occupations occur when there is an interaction between the person and
the environment that includes all contexts of the pertinent to that person (Nyman, & Larsson

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Lund, 2007). The RA population is a diagnostic group known to have physical disabilities that
require the support of others to perform occupations (Nyman, & Larsson Lund, 2007). Nyman
and Larsson Lund (2007) found that as a result many of these individuals must give up many of
their leisure time occupations outside of the home in order to focus on more physically
demanding occupations at home.
Through their findings, Nyman and Larsson Lund (2007) were able to construct how
engagement in occupations through social interactions was affected in two major waysthrough
constructive collaboration and insufficient collaboration. The constructive collaboration included
when participants caregivers assisted them with their engagement in occupation through
adapting during the occupation, adapting before the occupation, taking on the occupation
completely, or encouraging occupation (Nyman, & Larsson Lund, 2007). Depending on the
occupation, these adaptations would vary such as when adapting before the occupation
participants were able to change their physical environment by perhaps changing the type of grip
utilized on their gardening equipment. Making adaptations enabled the clients to participate in
occupations they would not normally be able to engage in with their current symptoms and gave
meaning to their occupations (Nyman, & Larsson Lund, 2007). .
With the help of others it is simple to see that the person and the environment both play a
crucial part in the independence of a client. By adapting equipment for in home or leisure
activity the client can feel more independent in the activities that they find most meaningful. The
call for adaptation of devices, such as the adapted camera, help to encourage activity and
occupations outside of those that are physically demanding for the client within the home
because of the ease of use lack of physically demanding attributes associated with the occupation
itself.

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References

Cooper, R. (n.d.). Assistive Technology - Remote Link. Retrieved May 24, 2015, from
http://www.rjcooper.com/digital-camera/index.html
Dubouloz, C. J., Vallerand, J., Laporte, D., Ashe, B., & Hall, M. (2008). Occupational
performance modification and personal change among clients receiving rehabilitation
services for rheumatoid arthritis. Australian occupational therapy journal, 55(1), 30-38.
doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2006.00639.x
Nyman, A., & Larsson Lund, M. (2007). Influences of the social environment on engagement in
occupations: The experience of persons with rheumatoid arthritis. Scandinavian journal
of occupational therapy, 14(1), 63-72. doi:10.1080/11038120601124562
Rheumatoid Arthritis. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2015, from http://www.arthritis.org/aboutarthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/

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Table 1
Materials and Costs
Product
Assorted Round Vinyl
Bumpers
Velcro Multi-Purpose
Fasteners
Velcro Strap

Price
.87 cents

Units Used
8

.53 cents

$3.48

Camera
Total

Donation
$4.88

Note. This table is representative of a cost analysis for the units utilized to create the adapted
device.

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Table 2
Name
Switch Adapted Digital
Camera (Cooper)

Price
$249 (add ons at additional
cost)

Product

Note. This table is representative of commercially available products with the name, price, and
product listed. I was unable to locate any similar adapted devices for the population of interest
however, I did locate one commercially available product for clients with a spinal cord injury
and deficits within the hands. This adapted camera is significantly more expensive and consists
of an adapted switch to operate the camera.

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Figure 1. This is a figure with photos of the final adapted device.