What is the purpose of assistive technology?
Assistive technology allows people to live healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lives, as well as engage in school, University, the workplace, and social situations. Assistive technology can decrease the need for formal health and support services, long-term care, and the need for caregivers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 billion people across the world need at least one piece of assistive technology, showing just how essential it is.
What are the benefits of assistive technology?
Assistive technology can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of a person and their family. Some benefits of assistive technology include:
- Assistive technology can monitor a vulnerable person’s safety in their own home 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering peace of mind for both the individual and their family. This is especially useful when having professional caregivers available 24 hours a day is neither desirable nor economical. This is becoming known as Smart Home Technology.
- Assistive technology can help elderly people stay at home longer and delay or prevent the need for long-term care.
- Increased service consumers’ choice, safety, independence, and sense of control
- Improved living quality
- If a significant emergency arises, personal alarms and telecare can help to ensure a faster response. A faster reaction can decrease the long-term negative effects of an incident such as a fall or a medical emergency such as a stroke.
- Caregivers’ load is decreased.
- Improved support for persons with chronic illnesses
- Reduced home accidents and falls
Who can benefit from assistive technology?
Assistive technology can be beneficial to many different people. The following people are the most in need of assistive technology:
- People with learning disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
- The elderly
- People suffering from noncommunicable illnesses like diabetes and stroke
- People suffering from mental illnesses such as dementia and autism
- People experiencing progressive functional deterioration
How do you choose the right assistive technology?
Most of the time, the selection is made in collaboration with a team of specialists and consultants that are trained to match certain assistive technology to individual needs. An assistive technology team may include family doctors, regular and special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, and other professionals, as well as consulting representatives from assistive technology manufacturers.
How can Wyvern help with assistive technology?
At Wyvern Business Systems, our team of specialists offer both assistive technology products and assessments and training for assistive technology.
We have a specialised staff of trainers that specialise in one-on-one training to guarantee that students understand their assistive technology completely. We have trainers all around the country who have been carefully chosen for a variety of talents and attributes that we believe make them outstanding Assistive Technology Trainers.
Wyvern Business Systems are on hand, to provide a wealth of Assistive Technology products, from hardware, software, accessories, ergonomic furniture and aids to fully support the individual.
- Published in Wyvern
4 best ergonomic products for offices
When investing in the workplace, it is critical to ensure that your employees are both comfortable and pleased. Ergonomics is one technique to ensure your employees’ comfort. If your staff are not working in optimal settings, they are more likely to get exhausted, frustrated, and incapable of functioning to their full potential. Given that many individuals now work from home, it may be smart to investigate ergonomic products that enable a comfortable workweek for your remote staff, as well as your office.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics works to place the least amount of stress on your body throughout the time you are seated in a posture. To some sense, it is about creating a working environment that is tailored to an individual rather than asking them to adapt to what is already in place. We are all distinct as humans, with varying heights, weights, forms, and sizes; no two persons are the same, therefore no two workstations should be either. Many elements should be addressed when it comes to the layout and design of an employee’s desk set-up to maximise the ergonomic benefit accessible to them.
What are the best ergonomic products for offices?
Office chairs
When choosing an ergonomic office chair, there are many options out there to consider. It can be overwhelming to decide which ergonomic office chair is best for you, so here are 4 things we look out for and consider when choosing a good ergonomic chair.
Adjustable seat: This will assist you in maintaining proper posture so that you can type and write while sitting up straight. Those who sit up straight can concentrate better and perform better consequently. For additional information, see our blog on how to sit properly throughout the workday.
Lumbar support: Support for the lower back is crucial. A chair that properly supports the lower back will keep the user from slouching, which can create pain and long-term stress.
Back rest: To support the spine’s natural curve, this should be 12-19 inches broad and adjustable. To prevent the user from leaning back and losing support, a locking mechanism must be in place.
Arm rest: The armrests of the chair must also be adjustable so that the user may rest their arms comfortably and at the proper height while typing.
Adjustable Height Desks
Companies are increasingly purchasing ergonomic adjustable height desks for their staff. The height-adjustable desk provides significant long-term health advantages as it allows you to sit or stand whilst working. The human body was not made to be sat for extended periods of time and standing while working will aid in the prevention of pains, injuries, and will increase cardiovascular activity throughout the body.
Electric height-adjustable, sit-stand desks are available from many suppliers of workplace ergonomic equipment. You can modify the height of your desk with the touch of a button, depending on whether you wish to sit or stand.
Ergonomic Keyboards
A keyboard is an essential component of workplace equipment that we often overlook. A good ergonomic keyboard will alleviate your fingers and wrists of any discomfort caused by needless straining and can boost your overall effectiveness. Long-term usage of conventional keyboards can potentially cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Antimicrobial keyboards that can be machine cleaned are also available on the market. These are ideal for any workplace where bacteria, crumbs, and other contaminants might persist.
Ergonomic Mice
While we may take them for granted, incorrect mouse and keyboard usage can be harmful to your health. Over time, using the improper mouse, for example, might result in a variety of unpleasant ailments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury. A good ergonomic mouse will prevent these injuries and allow for a more comfortable workday.
Wyvern Business Systems can offer a Full UK D.S.E. Ergonomic Assessment Service to discover what ergonomic products will improve your workspace. From specialist seating to adjustable desks, we offer equipment that can make a significant difference to your health and well-being.
Call Wyvern today or use our online enquiry form and a member of our team will be happy to assist you in booking your D.S.E Ergonomic Assessment
- Published in Ergonomics
5 Mindfulness Exercises for Students
Being at University is rapidly becoming a large source of stress for many individuals. Multiple classes, a job, a social life, and a million other things to juggle is a lot to handle all at once. Don’t let yourself become too overwhelmed by everything. Instead, try these five student-friendly mindfulness methods to assist in relieving the stress. These mindfulness strategies may be used anytime and anyplace to fit around your busy schedule.
1. Breathing Exercises
In stressful times, even taking a moment to observe your breathing might be beneficial. Breathing exercises might help slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Breathing can also convey a relaxation signal to your brain, which can help your whole body relax. Try one of these breathing exercises the next time you need to take a break:
Deep Breathing: Simply breathe gently in through your nose and out through your mouth. If it helps, take four seconds to inhale and exhale for the same length of time.
Resonance Breathing: While laying on your back inhale gently for six seconds, then exhale slowly for six seconds. Repeat for another 10 minutes, or as needed.
Alternate-Nostril Breathing: Close one nostril and take a deep breath in. Before exhaling, open your closed nostril and seal the other nose. Repeat the procedure as needed.
Affirming Phrase: Say anything you’d want to manifest while you take a breath. “I breathe in serenity,” for example. Say anything you want to get rid of as you exhale. “I breathe tension out.” This activity should be repeated several times until you are relaxed.
2. Physical Exercises
When you’re anxious or overloaded, another mindfulness practise to try is physical exercise. Physical activity does not have to be strenuous; often the most beneficial physical activity is just getting out of your chair and moving around for a few minutes. Try one of these exercises the next time you need to get up and move:
- Take a stroll
- Do a simple activity like getting the mail or take out the bin
- Perform a “body scan” from head to toe, concentrating on how your complete body feels.
- Do some simple yoga positions.
- Dance along or sing to your favourite music.
3.Sensory Exercises
Sensory exercises are an excellent approach to cultivate mindfulness by focusing on immediate, physical sensations. This is a technique for bringing oneself back to the current moment and space. Try these sensory activities:
- Put your hands in warm or cool water
- Hold some ice in your palms, or rub it on your wrists
- Something soothing to touch or hold like a soft blanket, a stuffed animal
- Enjoy a smell you like, for example, light a candle, brew a cup of tea, or spray some of your favourite perfume
- Pay attention and listen to your surroundings
4. Anchoring Phrase
Try repeating an anchoring phrase if you need something short and relaxing to keep you anchored. Your anchoring phrase can be consistent (an inspiring quotation or remark) or it can be about something present. Repeat whatever brings you comfort. An anchoring sentence may look like this:
“My name is…” “Today is…” “Right now, I’m feeling…”
5. 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
5-4-3-2-1 is a simple mindfulness practise that can be performed anywhere and takes only a few minutes. This workout uses the five senses to help you to focus on your environment and your body. The steps for the 5-4-3-2-1 technique are as follows:
- What are 5 things you hear?
- What are 4 things you see?
- What are 3 things you can touch?
- What are 2 things you can smell?
- What is 1 thing you can taste?
Mindfulness with iView Hub
At iView, we are excited to introduce our brand-new Mindfulness Video Series. By carefully following the Mindfulness for Study book, a series of informative and engaging courses will help you enhance your mindfulness, study, and workplace abilities. Each video corresponds to a particular chapter in Mindfulness for Study, guiding you through the text with interactive features, activities, and quizzes. You may pause the videos at any time and resume where you left off when you are ready, using your printed copy to take notes and underline key areas.
Our interactive Mindfulness for Study tutorials were created in collaboration with our friends at Loughborough University. The videos are designed to help those struggling with mental health and anxiety, as well as provide excellent advice for anyone on the Autistic Spectrum or who is simply finding life a bit more challenging. This educational series is based on the best-selling book, Mindfulness for Study. Please contact iView to acquire the Mindfulness for Study e-book.
- Published in iView Health
How do ergonomic products improve productivity?
We often hear the term ergonomics being used in work environments, but what are ergonomic products, and how are they used to improve productivity?
What are ergonomic products?
Ergonomics is the study of how humans interact with system parts to improve efficiency and compatibility. Ergonomic concepts may be applied to goods used in corporate and personal contexts by understanding the human shape, muscular systems, and human limits. The term ‘ergonomic’ refers to a design that has been given careful consideration to ensure that it is the best possible fit for the person, the environment, and the work. Ergonomic products are any items that are meant to make things easier to use and less likely to cause injury.
In its simplest form, ergonomics is working in a way that puts the minimal amount of stress on your body, for the period that you are sat in a position. To this extent, it is about designing a working environment around an individual, rather than expecting them to adapt to what is already there. As humans, we are all different, heights, weights, shapes, and sizes, no two people are the same, and as such no workstation should be the same either.
Why is ergonomics important?
Ergonomics is important because when you are doing a job and your body is stressed by an awkward posture, extreme temperature, or repeated movement your musculoskeletal system is affected. Your body may begin to have symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, and pain, which leads to reduced productivity, welfare, and job satisfaction.
What are the risks of poor ergonomics?
A lack of harmony between the environment, task, and equipment is referred to as poor ergonomics. An upright dining chair, for example, may not be considered ergonomic, but it serves its purpose wonderfully in the correct setting, such as a seldom-used dining room. The same style of chair, with its lack of lumbar support and rigid, static position, might present issues in an office atmosphere where individuals must sit for long periods of time.
Poor ergonomics can cause injury. Common ergonomic injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ganglion cysts
- Raynaud’s disease
- Tendonitis
- Lower back problems
- Other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
How do ergonomic products improve productivity?
Using ergonomic products in your workstation can improve productivity and working environment.
You may simply continue working without worrying about potential pains if a workstation is designed with wrist, foot, and back rests to make them feel more comfortable. Moving about during the day might help you feel better. Using a fully height-adjustable sit-stand desk guarantees that your employees remain active and moving throughout the day.
Monitor risers can help place computer screens at the correct position and therefore avoid neck pains. Adding equipment such as this to a desk can improve health and avoids high rates of non-attendance.
Using ergonomic products produces a more efficient workstation with fewer motions and fewer posture difficulties, resulting in a better work environment and increased productivity.
How can Wyvern Business Systems help with ergonomics?
In relation to the layout and design of an employee’s desk set-up, there are many factors that should be considered to maximise the ergonomic benefit available to them. From specialist seating to adjustable desks, we offer equipment that can make a significant difference to your health and well-being.
Wyvern Business Systems offer a Full UK D.S.E. Ergonomic Assessment Service. Staff spend extended periods of time sat at their desk or workstation, and this prolonged position can trigger all manner of afflictions, from bad backs to repetitive motion pains, and can lead to pain, discomfort, and time spent off work.
Please download our Ergonomics Brochure for more information on ergonomic products Wyvern offer.
- Published in Ergonomics