TECLA

TSF and Tecla have been proud partners since April 2019, when they partnered to help more individuals have access to the Tecla device giving individuals living with physical disability’s the ability to communicate, control and connect with the world.

Tecla has been sharing Tyler’s story with the goal to encourage individuals to begin using assistive technologies to become more independent. While Tyler’s story has been shared, Tecla has referred individuals who can benefit from this technology to the TSF where then the TSF team takes over and helps with funding, installation and training.

TSF is a Washington state Tecla rep (if you are in the Washington area and need help setting a Tecla up let us know).

TSF has been involved setting up Tecla’s for MXT Reality and the University of Washington robotics lab.

For more information, please visit their website.

MXT REALITY

TSF and MXT Reality have collaborated on many exciting projects since the beginning of 2019.

Here are some project highlights:

• Wheelchair training in virtual reality. This wheelchair allows any individual who uses a wheelchair to continue using their existing drive controls but rather than controlling their wheelchair in the real world they control in a virtual reality environment. Interfacing the wheelchair drive controls with virtual reality also opens opportunities for gaming, safety training and many more.

• Projects such as trials using virtual reality to reduce stress, pain and general escape for relaxation.

• Virtual office which would allow the individual with a disability to have control over several computers and several monitors through augmented reality. This could cut the cost of purchasing various expensive computer equipment as well as saving space in the individual’s environment.

For more information on MXT Reality’s work please visit their website.

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

TSF has been working with the University of Washington’s Personal Robotics Lab since 2018 on a completely autonomous robot that can feed someone with motor impairments. As a “community researcher,” Tyler has piloted the robot, shared his expertise on how best to design the robot and its associated app, recruited participants, co-run interviews with participants, and recommended and lent assistive technologies to use with the robot.

Tyler and the team were recently awarded a Best Paper Award at the 2023 International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction for their work “Design Principles for Robot-Assisted Feeding in Social Contexts.” You can find more about this project, including all publications and videos, by clicking here.

Interested in learning more? Just send Tyler an e-mail and he will connect you to the appropriate parties.

MICROSOFT

Tyler and the TSF have been involved in several projects at Microsoft helping make hardware and software accessible and inclusive! Projects have ranged from two day inclusive design sprints to a more involved participation on a 2019 Hack-a-Thon.

The TSF would also like to thank the awesome group of Microsoft employees who participated in the 2019 United Way Day of caring. The TSF and this group of volunteers began laying the groundwork for an interactive product catalog to help individuals find out how assistive technology can help regain independence.

Tyler was joined live by Kaitlyn Jones OT from Warfighter Engaged and Brannon Zahand Program Manager Xbox Accessibility showcasing the Microsoft adaptive controller. We will did a live installation and discussion of an adaptive gaming set up followed by questions and answers from you, our honored guests! Video below.

Tyler was honored to be joined by Jessica Rafuse, who is an accesability superstar at Microsoft. Jessica answered many questions about inclusive hiring at Microsoft, and touched on key advice for any disabled person seeking employment in the tech industry. Video below.

Also a special thank you to these three Jonathan Fuentes and Michelle Buswinka, Microsoft employees who are part of the TSF team. Click here for more information about Microsoft’s work in the accessibility and inclusion fields.

Harborview AT Lab

Tyler Schrenk is a proud member of the Harborview assistive technology advisory board.

WATAP

Tyler serves on the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program advisory Council where he attends quarterly meetings with other community members to discuss assistive technology. TSF and WATAP have also worked on several projects together including:

• Seattle Inclusive Design Festival

• Updating WATAP’S loaner device library

• Recommendations on AT

• Attending community events

• TSF and WATAP are hoping to receive funding to work on a peer support network dedicated to assistive technology

For more information about WATAP please visit their website.

GOOGLE

Assistive Technology, Google home and independence! Tyler was joined by Kiran Kaja, Search and Assistance Accessibility Lead (and AT User!) fro Google. They discussed, showcased and did a live Q&A on how Google products can provide greater independence. Also Kiran provided excellent advice on getting hired as a disabled individual!