IPads to Treat Spinal Cord Injuries

Patients who suffer from spinal cord injuries and other disabilities can now be treated using iPads.

The tiny, flat screen touch pad is being used at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) by the Occupational Therapy Department researchers, a part of NSU's College of Allied Health and Nursing.

The department is using a 13,000 dollars grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to purchase 20 iPads to treat the suffering individuals.

Since spinal cord injury victims have very limited mobility, using a desktop computer or laptop can be difficult for them.

NSU researchers in occupational therapy believe that the iPad, with its lightweight, portability characteristics, as well as its touch screen, will help patients have greater access to the Internet, applications, social media outlets, music, games, GPS, and other functions.

Additionally, the iPad will also make it much easier for them to read books and newspapers, which they would not have to pick up anymore.

Eight iPads have been distributed so far to patients with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy and an amputee, with another 12 to be given to this disabled population in Broward County.

"The iPad program has been very successful so far," Adrienne Lauer, program director and assistant professor of occupational therapy at NSU said.

"It has really made a positive impact on this disabled population, allowing them to easier get access to mainstream technology they have previously struggled with," Lauer added.

Source: ANI