Abstract
The Drop Point is an improved pointing stick for use by people with quadriplegia and other disabilities that prevent them from using their arms/hands. Pointing sticks are used to type, operate cell phones, and otherwise manipulate objects. The current limited pointer options on the market have many problems in form and function. Existing pointing sticks are either gripped in the user's teeth or mounted, helmet-like, on the user's head. Either approach presents problems: a mouth-held pointer prevents the user from speaking and causes jaw problems, and a head-mounted pointer requires assistance to put on or take off. My pointing stick is designed to be put on or taken off with a shrug of the user's chin. I came up with the approach after spending time with a law-student, Jonathan, who has quadriplegia. I saw that to Jonathan, the pointing stick was his arms and hands, and he had to ask somebody every time he wanted to use his hands - that seemed absurd to me. By attaching the pointing stick to a cup, which is in turn attached to a strap that loops around the user's neck, the user is able to freely engage the pointer as he/she wishes. The Drop Point is more discreet in color and size, lowers cost of manufacturing greatly compared to current designs, ensures greater independence through use, and allows the user to simultaneously speak and use the pointer. This tool for independence is, in fact, finally independent.
