Dynamic Controls' new Accessibility application enables easy

Dynamic Controls’ new Accessibility application enables easy iPhone, iPod and iPad operation for wheelchair users

Christchurch, New Zealand – July 21, 2011 – Dynamic Controls, the world’s leading manufacturer of electronic controls for powered wheelchairs, today announced the release of new functionality for its iPortal solution, providing people living with a disability unparallelled access to features on an iPhone and iPod Touch via the DX and DX2 wheelchair control systems.

The pioneering technology behind the iPortal Accessibility application enables power wheelchair users with limited or no hand function to not only be able to make calls from an iPhone, but also surf the net, play music, read ebooks, write text notes, emails and text message and use assistive technology apps via their chair’s joystick or head control. Users will also have access to all the mainstream apps on iTunes.

“Most of us take making a phone call for granted, but for someone with limited hand control it can be an impossible task,” says Dynamic Controls CEO Charlotte Walshe.

“To be able to control an iPhone or iPod Touch through the Dynamic Controls DX and DX2 systems represents a quantum leap in functionality for wheelchair users. We are very excited to bring the iPortal Accessibility application to the market.”

“Users will now be more independent and connected with family and community by being able to stay in touch more easily, something that may not have been possible before. Social networking has become a part of everyday life for a lot of people, and now this is no exception for those living with a disability,” Walshe says.

Two methods of writing text and numbers are offered with iPortal Accessibility which broadens access to education and vocational information, thereby creating opportunities with potentially life-changing effects for wheelchair users.

A field trialist in the United Kingdom, Andy, says he has used Dynamic’s iPortal Accessibility constantly.

“Every moment I’ve been in the wheelchair it’s been in constant use,” Andy says.

“I use the phone a lot, and other apps. And my phone goes off very busily – it will probably happen while we are talking right now. So I am constantly using it if I’m not in meetings or up to other business.”

iPortal was launched in August 2010 connecting, for the first time, powered wheelchairs to the internet using an iPhone or iPod Touch in a special mount. The device displays wheelchair information in real time, alerting the user to things such as the speed range indicator, compass heading, a seat adjustment indicator and the battery state. It also features an emergency call function and diagnostics that interpret any problems with the wheelchair and enables clear communication with support services.

“We are already delivering a unique approach to wheelchair displays that not only shows information in an exciting, easy-to-read way, but also brings the latest mainstream technology to the chair," Walshe says.

“We are really proud of the latest enhancement to the product and the opportunity it provides for powered wheelchair users who lack fine motor skills to participate in mainstream, technological developments.”

Also included in the solution are a Bluetooth connection, an adjustable mounting for iPod and iPhone, Apple USB charging, and a second USB charging port. Using existing applications and hardware, iPortal can also work in conjunction with users’ environmental surroundings such as DVDs/TVs, curtain openers etc.

The iPortal supports iPhone 4, 3G, 3GS, iPod touch V2, 3 and 4. It can easily be fitted to any new or existing Dynamic Controls DX2, DX or Shark wheelchair control systems without reprogramming the wheelchair.

The iPortal Accessibility upgrade is now available exclusively on the DX and DX2 and can be purchased from mobility dealers worldwide and will soon be available for download on iTunes.

To view the iPortal and iPortal Accessibility visit http://www.dynamiccontrols.com/iportal/

ENDS

© Scoop Media