Technology boosts
independence for those physically challenged
By DEBORAH A. MILES
The goal of the Center for Rehabilitation Technology at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is to assist people with physical disabilities and to increase their independence. The center, founded in 1987, recently expanded with the addition of the Arnold Goldman Center for Assistive Technology.
The new center already has aided nearly 100 people per month since it opened its doors in June. It makes life easier for those who suffered a stroke, amputation or spinal cord injury among other physically disabling conditions.
Patients and visitors are now able to see the options available and have actual hands-on experience trying out devices.
“Being able to actually trial a product is extremely important,” said Debra Zeitlin, director of the center and a PEF Division 226 member.
“Individuals with disabilities often have very unique or multiple needs. The center provides the opportunity to see if a device will work for them before going through the effort and expense of acquiring the device, as it may not ultimately meet their expectations,” Zeitlin said.
“Another goal of the new center is to disseminate the available technological advancements to therapists, vocational counselors, educators and case managers. We want them to be aware of this technology.”
Visitors to the center have direct access to state-of-the-art technology such as the latest power-driven and manual wheelchairs, specialty wheelchair cushions and augmentative communication devices.
Besides helping consumers determine the best adaptive equipment to meet their needs, the specialists at the center evaluate patients, provide therapy and train other health care professionals.
Another exciting development is the partnership being formed with the Wadsworth Center in Albany. PEF Division 205 member at the state Health Department, Dr. Jonathan Wolpaw, is a research physician who has dedicated the last 25 years to finding a way to enhance the quality of life for those with an active mind but helpless body.
Wolpaw developed the software for the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) which translates a person’s brain waves into computer commands such as moving a cursor. A disabled person can use a computer by wearing an electrode cap on the scalp that picks up the electrical activity generated in the brain. The individual can read and write e-mail messages, and even surf the Internet.
The center has been collaborating with Wadsworth for the past two years to bring the BCI technology into the homes of individuals with advanced ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) as part of a research project.
“To date, there are a number of patients using the BCI technology in their homes for communication purposes.
“All these developments at the center help us provide quality and richness into the lives of those who have been challenged,” Zeitlin said.
“My heart is here at Helen Hayes Hospital helping people with disabilities. This beautiful new center is rewarding because it allows us to get this advanced equipment out to the people who need it most.”
The center was made possible through the generosity of a former patient and benefactor, Arnold Goldman. After sustaining a paralyzing spinal cord injury as a young boy, Goldman lived a fiercely independent life. He graduated from Pace University and enjoyed a long career with the New York City Police Department.
By DEBORAH A. MILES
The goal of the Center for Rehabilitation Technology at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is to assist people with physical disabilities and to increase their independence. The center, founded in 1987, recently expanded with the addition of the Arnold Goldman Center for Assistive Technology.
The new center already has aided nearly 100 people per month since it opened its doors in June. It makes life easier for those who suffered a stroke, amputation or spinal cord injury among other physically disabling conditions.
Patients and visitors are now able to see the options available and have actual hands-on experience trying out devices.
“Being able to actually trial a product is extremely important,” said Debra Zeitlin, director of the center and a PEF Division 226 member.
“Individuals with disabilities often have very unique or multiple needs. The center provides the opportunity to see if a device will work for them before going through the effort and expense of acquiring the device, as it may not ultimately meet their expectations,” Zeitlin said.
“Another goal of the new center is to disseminate the available technological advancements to therapists, vocational counselors, educators and case managers. We want them to be aware of this technology.”
Visitors to the center have direct access to state-of-the-art technology such as the latest power-driven and manual wheelchairs, specialty wheelchair cushions and augmentative communication devices.
Besides helping consumers determine the best adaptive equipment to meet their needs, the specialists at the center evaluate patients, provide therapy and train other health care professionals.
Another exciting development is the partnership being formed with the Wadsworth Center in Albany. PEF Division 205 member at the state Health Department, Dr. Jonathan Wolpaw, is a research physician who has dedicated the last 25 years to finding a way to enhance the quality of life for those with an active mind but helpless body.
Wolpaw developed the software for the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) which translates a person’s brain waves into computer commands such as moving a cursor. A disabled person can use a computer by wearing an electrode cap on the scalp that picks up the electrical activity generated in the brain. The individual can read and write e-mail messages, and even surf the Internet.
The center has been collaborating with Wadsworth for the past two years to bring the BCI technology into the homes of individuals with advanced ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) as part of a research project.
“To date, there are a number of patients using the BCI technology in their homes for communication purposes.
“All these developments at the center help us provide quality and richness into the lives of those who have been challenged,” Zeitlin said.
“My heart is here at Helen Hayes Hospital helping people with disabilities. This beautiful new center is rewarding because it allows us to get this advanced equipment out to the people who need it most.”
The center was made possible through the generosity of a former patient and benefactor, Arnold Goldman. After sustaining a paralyzing spinal cord injury as a young boy, Goldman lived a fiercely independent life. He graduated from Pace University and enjoyed a long career with the New York City Police Department.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE — Eddy Ehrlich, a PEF member at Helen Hayes Hospital, demonstrates a voice activated electronic aid for daily living to potential clients. Ehrlich works in the Center for Rehabilitation Technology evaluating patients for computer access and electronic aids for daily living. — Photo by George Mattei