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Assistive Technology Focus: Sip and Puff Devices
19 Oct 2020
Most types of assistive technology we’ve outlined in previous posts, require the use of one’s hands, motor capacity or mobility of another part of the body in order to use computer devices and the internet. That’s why, for our next post in our Assistive Technology Focus series, we’re going to discuss Sip and Puff devices.
Sip and Puff (or SNP) devices allow folks who are unable to use a manual device access computers and other vital technology. Users “take a sip” or “blow a puff” of air into a wand that resembles a straw to create air pressure. This air pressure sends a signal to the device and ignites certain commands–just like a keyboard or mouse. Depending on the type of SNP and how a user calibrates it, a puff may allow them to navigate through elements on a webpage, and then a sip may open links and activate buttons.
Here’s a video that outlines the incredible technology that allows folks with motor disabilities to access technology and have independence:
Courtesy of the Pacer Center via YouTube. Captions available
Read Video Transcript
Hi I’m Charlotte and I’m Jared’s mom. Jared is an [...]