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Dynamic Arm Support
Hey everyone, check out the dynamic arm support by Kinova Robotics—the same company that makes the JACO robotic arm. This device attaches to your arm and helps neutralize the forces of gravity, allowing those of us with weaker arms to complete tasks such as eating, drinking, brushing hair, brushing teeth, and typing on a keyboard.
This can be mounted to either a wheelchair or table. It might be a good alternative to the JACO, as it appears less invasive, and I assume it’s more affordable. I’m going to reach out to Kinova to get more information, and this will likely be the subject of my next YouTube video.
https://www.kinovarobotics.com/en/products/assistive-technologies/dynamic-arm-supports
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10 Replies
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Hey Ryan! My OT was looking into this for me. If you find out cost can you let me know please?
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Need to know more! Keep us posted with what you find out. I’d be interested for sure.
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I will definitely let everyone know once I learn more.
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I contacted the company to learn more, so we’ll see. Ryan and Kevin, I name dropped hoping for a quicker response. Hope you don’t mind.
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No problem at all!
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Looking forward to this video Ryan. Here’s what I’ve found out. Out of pocket this device costs $28,400! That’s 1/3 of the cost of my entire house! So far they’ve had some success getting it covered by private insurance and managed Medicare/Medicaid. Straight Medicare/Medicaid won’t even entertain the thought (surprise, surprise that’s my situation.) Vocational Rehab is another funding option, but is a lengthy uphill battle. Fundraising is an alternative as well, but I can’t fathom raising that kind of money.
Here’s my dilemma, do I still try to set up a demo even though there’s no way I can possibly afford it? I’d feel bad wasting their time, but I’d love to give it a try. I know I’d fall in love with it. Maybe it’s like the Say Yes to the Dress scenario, don’t even try it on if you can’t afford it. Sigh.
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I emailed and have not heard back yet. That’s still pretty pricey. I’d definitely do a demo for either this or JACO. You might even be able to try both. Hardly anyone can “afford” these devices, and insurance probably won’t cover them, but you can absolutely fundraise. I know it probably seems insurmountable, but it’s not. I raised $53,000 in two months, and Kevin did it as well.
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DeAnn, that’s why my OT and I decided not to demo. She was afraid if I demoed and it even remotely worked, insurance would go for it versus Jaco and Jaco would allow me to do way more.
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Hey guys, I’m so excited, I have a demo scheduled for September 24th! Funding may be a possibility as I guess Minnesota Medicaid has covered them. Fingers crossed!
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Congrats! I was told that insurance is covering them about 50% of the time, which I was pleasantly surprised by. Good luck.
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