Apparatus and method for developmental and/or rehabilitative sensory substitution

A sensory substitution apparatus for augmenting a low-functioning sense, a non-functioning sense, or both, of a user, the sensory substitution apparatus comprising:

• a housing comprising a processor;
• an input module communicatively coupled to the processor, the input module comprising at least one interface, wherein the at least one interface is configured to detect an engagement of the user, whereby responsive to an engagement of the user, the input module is configured to produce at least one signal;
• an output module communicatively coupled to the processor, the output module comprising at least one light;
• wherein responsive to receiving the at least one signal from the input module, the processor is configured to activate the output module;
• wherein responsive to the output module being activated, the at least one light is configured to output the sensory feedback response proportional to the engagement of the user;
• wherein an electric current supplied to the output module is configured to increase or decrease, in real-time, in direct response to changes in the engagement of the user with the at least one interface;
• and
• wherein the sensory feedback response augments the low-functioning sense, the non-functioning sense, or both, of the user, thereby optimizing development, rehabilitation, or both, of the low-functioning sense, the non-functioning sense, or both of the user.

A method of producing a sensory substitution apparatus for augmenting a low-functioning sense, a non-functioning sense, or both, of a user, the method comprising:

• providing a processor;
• communicatively coupling an input module to the processor, wherein the input module comprises at least one interface, and wherein the at least one interface is configured to detect an engagement of the user, whereby responsive to an engagement of the user, the input module is configured to produce at least one signal;
• communicatively coupling an output module to the processor, wherein the output module is configured to provide a sensory feedback response to a user;
• wherein responsive to receiving the at least one signal from the input module, the processor is configured to activate the output module, whereby the output module provides the sensory feedback response proportional to the engagement of the user;
• and
• wherein an electric current supplied to the output module is configured to increase or decrease, in real-time, in direct response to changes in the engagement of the user with the at least one interface.