Disability Videophone

An enabling

Video Phone for Disability

The Konnekt Disability Videophone is the world’s first purpose-built 15-inch video-call terminal with high-quality video and voice calls, designed specifically for those with disabilities that prevent use of a regular video phone or seniors tablet:

  • Deafness and partial hearing loss
  • Dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease, MCI, Acquired Brain Injury and Learning Impairments
  • Physical disabilities that restrict mobility, including support for those who are bed-ridden / chair-bound
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy, CIDP, Osteoarthritis and chronic medical conditions that severely limit dexterity or hand-eye coordination

University of Exeter, United Kingdom

study by the University of Exeter Medical School in the U.K. increased the daily social interaction of nursing home residents from 2 minutes to 10 minutes. The selected residents all had dementia, which is a recognized disability. The study involved 280 UK residents and care staff in 24 care homes over nine months.

Resident wellbeing improved measurably. Benefits endured even 4 months after the trial.

Daily face-to-face social interaction is vital!

Results were accepted by the 2018 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. The authors noted that out of 170 UK nursing-home training programs, only 3 programs are evidence-based.

Video phone with buttons set up for a dementia patient

Konnekt designed the Disability Videophone system specifically as a Communications Aid for use by those with one or more disabilities.

Based upon the successful Konnekt Videophone, the Konnekt Disability Videophone has specific hardware and innovative software capabilities that enable social inclusion and increase independence.

Designed to cater specifically for disabilities

Revolutionary features

A powered, high-decibel, bass-contoured speaker provides adjustable and switchable sound output for the hearing impaired. There is support for a remote alert device during ringing for those with total or near deafness. Integrated software enables use with compatible disability pointing devices such as a “head mouse” for users with disabilities impacting mobility or dexterity. For dementia patients, auto day-night switching reinforces correct sleep patterns while enabling and encouraging social interaction during the day, without introducing a potentially confusing screen-saver.

Headset

Hearing impairments

For deafness, impaired hearing or speech:

  • Powered high-decibel speaker*
  • Support for a visual/vibrating incoming-call alert, or use of your mobile phone as an alerting device
  • Configurable volume and ringing
  • Audio sockets to support hearing-aid amplifiers
  • Optional handset or high-quality headset

Enables extra high volume, lip reading, sign language, use of communication cards, and the ability to be alerted about incoming calls throughout the home.

Vision impairments

For low vision, cataracts or colour blindness:

  • Support for an external vibrating alerting devices (incoming-call alert)
  • Flashing screen during incoming call ringing
  • High-contrast colour schemes
  • Up to 6-inch buttons

Enables video & audio calls for those whose eyesight precludes the use of tablets or regular phones.

Grandpa sleeping

Cognitive impairments

For dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, MCI, learning impairment or acquired brain injury:

  • Auto day-night switching reinforces correct sleep patterns*
  • Named call buttons, including optional relationship with Contact: “Tim my son”
  • Simplified user interface
  • Display of caller’s name and optionally face

Enables face-to-face conversation, shown in studies to improve cognitive function.

Dexterity impairments

For Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, CIDP, Cerebral Palsy, osteoarthritis or prosthetics:

  • Improved touchscreen de-bounce*
  • Resistive pressure-sensitive touch-screen
  • Hands-free talking
  • Wall-mount or table/desktop mount

Enables one-touch assist calls to family & health professionals using any pointer or telescopic wand.

 

A joystick for those with a disability

Mobility impairments

For bed-ridden, wheelchair or chair-bound:

  • Works with accessibility pointing device (such as a joystick, trackball or head mouse)*
  • Works with ability access switch (wired and wireless)

Enables incoming and outgoing calls from chair or bed. Reduces social isolation (linked to depression, dementia, blood pressure, poor sleep). Promotes social inclusion.

All

  • Auto-answer, customized for each contact

Incoming calls from trusted contacts can be answered automatically (after a ringing period, customized per contact, that allows the call to be answered or declined). This enables remote visual check-in but helps maintain independence and reduces privacy intrusion.

United Kingdom UK Government disability definition: You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

Europe EU Court of Justice disability definition: An impairment that is “long-term” and which, in the field of professional life, “hinders an individual’s access to, participation in, or advancement in employment.”

Rest of World UN CRPD disability definition: Those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

*Unique to Konnekt Disability Videophone

  • Powered high-decibel bass-contoured speaker: Super loud, user-adjustable for the hearing impaired
  • Support for remote alert device during ringing: Ideal for hearing loss or deafness
  • Integrated compatibility with disability pointing devices: Designed for mobility/dexterity disabilities
  • Auto day-night switching: Reinforces correct sleep patterns for cognitively impaired and low vision

In common with Konnekt Videophone

This list shows only key features. There are too many to list!

  • LARGE 15-inch touch-screen. Wheelchair friendly.
  • HUGE 6-inch buttons. TALL 200+ point text-size.
  • Includes setup, personalization, testing with your contacts, support, remote changes.
  • Share voice-to-text screen from any computer, to hearing-impaired users
  • VESA-100 for attachment to wall, desk, extendable arms, chair and bed mounting systems

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