Innovation in support of disability at Maker Faire Rome 2022
5 inventions that combine technology and creativity to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities
In recent years, the acceleration of the technological innovation in medicine field has given rise to solutions that led to a marked improvement in the quality of life of millions of people with disabilities.
Technologies that, until recently, we could only imagine and now allow people to return to see, talk, hear and walk.
The hope is to achieve an increasingly inclusive future and many protagonists of Maker Faire Rome 2022 are contributing to this cause with projects that can change the lives of disabled people.
Fly Box: the pedalless controller for driving simulations 
Fly Box is a special controller designed to make the world of driving simulators accessible to people with lower limb problems.
The classic simulators are equipped with a pedal board whose controls can be operated with the force of the legs and feet. This represents an obstacle for those who have a disability, are temporarily immobilized or are undergoing rehabilitation. Sim Racing enthusiasts that are in this condition, are forced to use a controller, which is certainly less performing and accurate than a pedalboard.
Maker Francesco Frate has therefore decided to design a controller that can be used exclusively with the hands, but able to offer the same performance and driving sensations of a traditional pedalboard. Fly Box can be connected to the steering wheel and is equipped with an accelerator and a brake operated with the thumbs.
Fly Box is handmade and can be customized on request to adapt perfectly to the needs of the user, an aspect that makes the project even more inclusive and reflects the passion of the Maker Francesco of “Reinventing things by creating new ones”.
DIGICOG-MS: an app to support people with multiple sclerosis
DIGICOG-MS is the first application for self-assessment and monitoring of cognitive functions of people with Multiple Sclerosis.
It is an intuitive, fast and accurate system, customized on the clinical characteristics of the person and reliable for the clinician in the decision-making phase.
Developed by the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), the app consists of several digital versions of cognitive tests that take inspiration from those paper and pencil most used to assess the cognitive functions most affected by multiple sclerosis. For example, the speed of information processing, verbal and visuo-spatial memory and language. You can choose between two modes of self-assessment based on the characteristics and the needs of the user: autonomous or supervised remotely by a clinician.
The benefits of DIGICOG-MS also extend to the clinician as the app provides valuable help in the evaluation and subsequent planning of personalised rehabilitation treatments.
VR & BIOSENSORS for the treatment of stuttering
A project that integrates two cutting-edge technologies: virtual reality (VR) and biosensors to treat stuttering.
On the one hand, virtual reality is able to reproduce situations very close to everyday life that the patient perceives as real. Within the VR experience, the therapist can thus monitor changes in the emotional state of the patient, thanks to the use of biosensors that measure vital parameters.
The combined use of the two technologies allows to collect data that can provide relevant information on the stress state of the patient, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment of stuttering and reducing time and costs.
Kineboard: the tool to make physiotherapy and rehabilitation more effective and fun
Kineboard is a wireless module for proprioceptive platforms based on Arduino. An innovative tool for physiotherapy and rehabilitation that allows you to collect data and interact with specific video games to make therapy fun and more effective. It is an excellent low cost solution for small studios and clinics.
The module can be installed on any platform and provides support for the rehabilitation of the patient through the reading of his movements, then providing specific exercises based on the aspects to be improved. Through Kineboard platform you can also map your progress in therapy, create charts and try new games, all directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Bike Adapter: the device that helps children with
limb problems to ride a bike
Bike Adapter is a device designed to help children with limb problems that make it difficult to hold a handlebar and directing a bike.
This device, fully achievable with 3D printing, once connected to the handlebar allows optimal control ensuring greater safety while riding.
A truly inclusive project that, thanks to its special construction process, allows a complete customization, adapting to the needs of each potential user. Moreover, the flexible filament (TPU) used for 3D printing, permitted to obtain a product that perfectly combines comfort, safety and functionality.
Bike Adapter is an open source project created by e-Nable Italia: a community of volunteers focused on the development and free distribution of assistive devices.
Maker Faire Rome – The European Edition has been committed since its very first editions to make innovation accessible and usable to all, with the aim of not leaving anyone behind. Its blog is always updated and full of opportunities and inspiration for makers, makers, startups, SMEs and all the curious ones who wish to enrich their knowledge and expand their business, in Italy and abroad.
From October 7 to 9 come and visit Maker Faire Rome at Gazometro Ostiense. Info and Tickets: https://makerfairerome.eu/it/biglietti/
