Kristin Sali has been the Neil Squire Society (new window)’s Assistive Technology (new window) (AT) Specialist and Manager of Business Development for Neil Squire Solutions in the Prairie Regional office for 2 and half years. As an Assistive Technology specialist, Kristin understands the importance of assistive technology (new window).

Kristin spends the majority of her work time providing a variety of AT and ergonomic assessments, all of which include comprehensive reporting. Through these assessments, Kristin determines what types of assistive or ergonomic technologies may be useful in preventing pain or injuries to her clients at their jobs.

Kristin spends on average 75% of her total work hours on the computer so she was struck by a recent epidemiological study she read. In this study, researchers followed 632 newly hired computer users for up to 3 years and found 50% of them reported repetitive strain (new window) symptoms during the first year of their new job.

In order to avoid similar problems herself, Kristin uses a Comfort Curve Keyboard (new window) and an Evoluent Vertical Mouse (new window). The Comfort Curve (new window) concept provides a slightly curved orientation to the keys which helps to reduce ulnar (the ulna is a bone) deviation at the wrists. The Evoluent Vertical Mouse (new window). supports Kristin’s hand in an upright, neutral, handshake position that eliminates forearm twisting and minimizes the effort required to use the mouse. In addition to these devices, Kristin also makes sure to get up from her computer and stretch every 40 minutes. The stretches are designed to benefit different areas of the body affected by daily computer-related muscle stress: Neck & Shoulders, Upper Extremities, Lower Body and Back.

Its good to know that Kristin, an expert in the field of assistive technology (new window), follows her own advice!!