This past Friday, Dr. Therese Willkomm Ph.D. came to Easter Seals Crossroads to show us her “Creating Technology Solutions in Minutes” presentation. Therese Willkomm is the Director of ATinNH, the New Hampshire state wide assistive technology program with the Institute on Disability. Additionally, Willkomm is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. She holds a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Technology from the University of Pittsburg and has over 25 years of experience in providing/managing assistive technology services.
It was a packed house here at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis. Roughly 100 people attended in house and online. The presentation sold out very quickly and was a highly coveted presentation to see and participate in. Willkomm’s presentation lasted from 9:00AM to 3:30PM with an hour lunch break in-between.
Dr. Willkomm shared her personal journey into the Assistive Technology (AT) field. Willkomm has Dyslexia and Turrets which has aided in her desire to make low tech solutions for many of the common every day needs people with disabilities may encounter. Dr. Willkomm discussed many of her low tech assistive technology (AT) creations that she uses in her book, “A.T. Solutions in Minutes.” Her book features over 600 color photographs that illustrate step-by-step instructions on how to design many of her own inventions ranging from iPad mounts to weighted spoons. These solutions feature household items that can be used to construct inexpensive low tech AT solutions at home, work, or school. All of her inventions can be created and used within mere minutes. Her book utilizes over 50 tools and materials that can be purchased at hardware stores for only a few dollars, or basic tools and materials that can be found within the home. Willkomm’s book includes chapters such as, “Epoxy Putty”, “Switch Making and Modifying”, “Padding Material,” and many more.
A few of the items Willkomm showed us how to create were iPad and iPhone mounts, iPad wheelchair mounts, book holders, cup holders, videos of umbrellas attached to cars, a plethora of ways to use a swifter duster for AT purposes and many, many more inventions.
Willkomm was a very engaging and informative speaker. She created and demonstrated how to use many of her inventions on the spot. Each in house attendee was given a small kit comprised of a few of her favorite materials. This allowed in house attendees the opportunity to have hands on experience with many of the products Willkomm was using during her presentation. Willkomm additionally brought pictures, videos, and video tutorials showing how to create and use the products that may require a little extra attention. It was a thorough and fun presentation for all that attended!
We hope to have Dr. Willkomm back again soon. She was a wonderful presenter and a hit amongst our viewers. Thank you again, Dr. Therese Willkomm!