AttentoBoard Unlock Autonomy Achievement Board

Feb/March Closing The Gap Resource Directory 2025 Volume 43 - #6

mobility, mounting, seating & positioning

UNLOCK AUTONOMY Achievement Board

My name is Will Pearce, and I’m from Charleston, South Carolina. I’m the founder of Attento Board, a small business dedicated to creating simple yet effective tools for people with disabilities and the elderly. My path to the world of assistive technology isn’t a traditional one—I don’t have a background in medicine or engineering. But I’m a firm believer in keeping things simple and purposeful. On April 1, 2017, my life changed forever. I collapsed from cardiac arrest while running a 10K race in Charleston. Thank- fully, EMTs witnessed the incident, defibrillated me twice, and got me to the hospital in under five minutes. I was placed in an induced hypothermic coma for 3.5 days and given just a 4% chance of survival. Against all odds, I made a full recovery. People often told me, “You’re still here for a reason,” but it wasn’t until a few years later that I discovered my purpose. During the COVID pandemic, a friend and I started making bamboo cutting and charcuterie boards to sell at local markets. Our boards were unique, featuring a peg system that allowed users to secure dishes and transport them with ease. While working at a farm stand, I befriended a woman who was losing dexterity in her hands. I gave her one of our boards, hoping it might help her in the kitchen. Instead, she began using it as a dinner tray, securing her dishes while sitting in her recliner.

Briella uses the Achievement Board to work on her motor skills.

WILL PEARCE, Founder of Attento Board. The name “Attento” stems from the Italian word for “Careful,” and our motto is all about “Helping Achieve Independence”. This journey began when my life took an unexpected turn. In April 2017, I collapsed from Cardiac Arrest and was given a 4% chance of survival while running a 10K race. Defying the odds, emerged with a newfound purpose. In the pursuit of making a positive impact, the Attento Board was started with some “Covid Creativity”. Originally conceived as a cutting board and dish carrier, it evolved into something more significant—a versatile board with incredible potential for people with disabilities, children, and the elderly.

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Briella’s First Use - YouTube Shorts Video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/viHciHB6K18

Her creative use of the board sparked an idea. In June 2023, I decided to create a plastic version that could better serve people with disabilities. This became the Achievement Board—a lightweight, customizable transport tray designed to enhance independence and daily living. In a leap of faith, I brought the Achievement Board to the Abilities Expo in Dallas to connect with the assistive technology community. The response was incredible, and the experience solidified my decision to go all in on this journey.

With all of the expensive and advanced technology, I wanted to keep the design of the Achievement Board simple so that people could find their own customizable and useful ways to use it and the price low. What’s great about the customization potential is that it benefits a wide variety of users. Whether it’s being used for motor skills development, supporting neuro- logical disabilities, or assisting visually impaired individuals, the Achievement Board adapts to the needs of its users. Unlike many assistive technology products that are designed for very specific purposes, the Achievement Board is versatile enough to benefit all. At a price of just $60, it is affordable for all. HERE ARE A FEW FAQ’S Who does the Attento Board help? It’s designed for individuals with disabilities such as cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), visual impairments, Parkin- son’s disease, and autism. It can also be used by therapists and doctors who assist these individuals, helping to enhance their therapy and support efforts. How does the Attento Board help? The Attento Board enhances daily living by supporting various needs. It accommodates traditional plateware for easier eating, integrates with assistive technology like talking pads and tablets to facilitate communication, and aids in developing or relearning motor skills. Meagan, who is visually impaired, uses the Achievement Board to help her while she paints her fingernails.

Vivvi uses the Achievement Board to secure her dinner.

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• A small non-slip pad to stabilize the board. • A cleaning brush for easy maintenance. • Five rubber bands for added customization. • A small parts bag for accessories storage.

At Attento Board, our mission is to “Help Achieve Indepen- dence”. I want to prove that sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest differences.

https://attentoboard.com/home

Briella One Year Later. YouTube Shorts Video - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lwSpk0MJ2eo

Do you or someone you know struggle with balance or fine motor control? YouTube Shorts Video - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DT3aDNNyri8

Build Capacity With State-of-the-Art Training, Tools and Resources Closing The Gap offers a dynamic, online platform of on- demand professional development, resources and tools for individuals, school districts, rehabilitation centers, non profit organizations and universities who are using assistive technologies to support children and adults with disabilities.

Why is the Attento Board important? Attento Board helps people complete challenging tasks on their own, boosting confidence and independence. It reduces reliance on others and promotes inclusivity, making life more accessible for everyone. To enhance its usability, the Achievement Board comes with a few accessories: • 12 pegs, available in black plastic or natural birch wood. The wood pegs are perfect for painting with color combinations that assist the visually impaired or for creative projects. • A carabiner clip to hang the board on power chairs or other items.

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