Working on a computer with a traditional mouse never came easy for 8-year-old Isabelle Dapkus, who has developmental disabilities. However, Isabelle is now able to access her schoolwork online, all thanks to a fidget mouse (减压鼠标): the Hoglet—a multisensory device that resembles toy. "She's never been able to use a mouse before, and it wasn't for lack of trying, but it was just not the appropriate tool," said her mother, Julia Dapkus, 41, of Michigan.
As virtual learning has become a common option for families during the COVID-19 pandemic, online schooling has also become a struggle for students with developmental disabilities.
The Hoglet—which takes its name from its resemblance to a baby hedgehog (刺猬)—is specially designed with elements from a fidget toy to increase focus for those with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (自闭症). The Hoglet is wireless and minimizes clicking sounds as to not annoy those with autism spectrum disorder.
Parker Lynch, creator of the Hoglet and CEO of Hedgehog Health, met Dapkus at a fundraiser, and he eventually asked her and her daughter to test the mouse out. Children who use a fidget device have an increase in concentration, are not as restless and are more likely to complete tasks in treatment and education, according to a study. The Flushing Hospital Medical Center in New York, which performed the study, found that fidget toys can be academically beneficial for all students, including those with learning disabilities.
Because of research of his own that saw similar results, Lynch decided to create a tool similar to fidget toys that could provide the same functionality. After five years of research and testing, Lynch founded Hedgehog Health and released the company's first product, the Hoglet.
Lynch is now working on a removable and washable cover for the Hoglet as well as another mouse that will stimulate all five senses.
