Breakthrough in Assistive Technology is Changing People's Lives

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Breakthrough in Assistive Technology is Changing People's Lives

19 Apr 2005 Medical News Today

's 4-year old son has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, a

disease that has minimized his movement and muscle control, leaving

him with just the slightest movement in his hands. After trying

several very expensive alternative input devices and being

disappointed with the results, found the SmartNAV from

NaturalPoint. The SmartNAV is a hands-free mouse alternative that

allows for complete control of a computer using only slight head

movements or, in 's case, arm movements. The SmartNAV can help a

wide range of people, from those with physical disabilities like ALS

and quadriplegia to those who are experiencing pain from repetitive

strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Head tracking devices, like the SmartNAV, have been on the market for

years, so while this is not a revolutionary new type of device, the

price is. The industry standard price for head tracking devices is

$1,000, which does not include the software necessary for complete

computer control. If a user wants the ability to perform an actual

mouse click, that software will cost them extra. The SmartNAV product

line ranges in cost from $199 to $399, with the $399 model offering

built in dwell-clicking and on-screen keyboard for truly complete

computer control. These prices allow families and friends to purchase

the device without needing insurance companies or subsidies, which

can be very slow or may not be available. Nearly 80% of SmartNAV

purchases are funded personally without the need for grants or

insurance companies.

A common misconception is that because of the low price the SmartNAV

is inferior to the $1,000+ head tracking devices. Reading through the

product testimonials, one will discover that many users have replaced

their older, more expensive head-controlled mice with the SmartNAV.

When asked how the SmartNAV delivers the same performance as

competitors at a fraction of the cost, NaturalPoint's president Jim

says, " When I was designing the SmartNAV I was driven from

the perspective of what a user would need, including the need to be

able to afford the device. " This focus included incorporating cutting

edge-technology that allowed Jim to eliminate the need for costly

microchips by utilizing the power of modern computers.

NaturalPoint's History

Jim's awareness of assistive technology needs was brought into focus

in 1997 by his cousin who had suffered a debilitating injury and who

provided Jim with his inspiration 8 years ago. Since then the

inventor, company and concept have advanced substantially.

NaturalPoint has grown into an innovative company with a focus on

developing and providing assistive technology that is affordable for

everyone without sacrificing quality or features. Today NaturalPoint

is helping change lives, by providing opportunities for people all

over the globe to open their world and communicate through their

computer. For further information on NaturalPoint products and to

access testimonials about the SmartNAV visit

http://www.naturalpoint.com/smartnav