For musicians, turning a page in your book or sheet music while staying in time can be a neat trick. Whether it’s a hard copy or a digital document, turning a page can be equally challenging for those living with health issues that impact the use of their hands.

Suitable for people in both categories is the Cicada Bluetooth, an adaptive device that makes turning virtual pages a breeze. Designed with both differently-abled people and musicians in mind, the Cicada allows the user to turn single pages or scroll through documents going forward or backwards using foot pedals which emulate a keyboard. No programming is necessary thanks to its five preset modes: left/right arrow, page up/down, up/down arrow, left/right mouse, and space/enter. The Cicada only turns pages when one of the pedals is tapped, so the user can take as much time as he or she needs on each page. If the user needs to quickly browse the document, simply choose the Autorepeat setting; otherwise, turn it off to avoid flipping too many pages at once. 

Bluetooth technology allows the Cicada to interface with PCs, laptops, and tablets running Windows XP, Vista, or 7; Mac OS X; Android or Linux. Kindle Fire will support it as well. Once paired with the selected device, that’s it--there’s no reason to do it again, unless the need to change devices arises. The unique pairing also allows interference-free usage, allowing more than one to be used in the same location at the same time, such as in classrooms. Two auxiliary switch outlets allow it to accommodate either sip-and-puff or Jelly Bean switches (not included).  It comes with two AA batteries, an adaptor cord, a Bluetooth dongle, and a USB microadaptor and cord. The batteries allow 200,000 turns of the page, or 200 hours of use.  A LED display lets the user know Bluetooth connection status and gives a low battery signal. After ten minutes of inactivity, the Cicada goes into sleep mode to conserve power.      

This ingenious device allows the user to read digital documents in PDF, Word, Powerpoint, iBooks or Kindle for PC, and music reader apps that are compatible with a keyboard such as iGigBook, EBookDroid, Avid Scorch, and many more.  

Robustly designed and constructed to withstand the type of abuse that can happen during practice sessions and performances, the Cicada’s body is made of durable plastic and is easy to clean with  a soft cloth and spray cleaner.

The Cicada is perfect for use by musicians who want to keep the beat during shows and practice as well as people living with challenges which can impede the use of their hands such as neurological issues including strokes, ALS, or MS; rheumatoid or osteoarthritis; and musculoskeletal issues including cerebral palsy. It is suitable for use in rehearsal spaces and concert venues as well as special needs classrooms, rehab centers, and private homes.

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO