Let's Blog Ability

Holiday Fun with the PowerLink 4 Control Unit

People with physical disabilities can be active participants in the holiday festivities by using the PowerLink 4 Control Unit. 

The PowerLink 4 can be used with any single switch and run up to two different electrical appliances simultaneously.  Now power mixers, blenders, and other electrical kitchen gadgets are manageable to use and can help with holiday meal preparation or in baking festive cookies.

 

Switches

Switches give quadriplegic individuals accessibility to electrical devices that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to use.   They come in various sizes and colors and are easily manipulated through light touch.  There are several variations of switches that suit different physical needs.

. General switch: A general switch is plugged into an electrical device and it is sensitive to a hand’s touch.  Its simple function is to turn a device on and off.

. Foot switch: As the name suggests, these switches are specifically created for those who are physically able to work with their feet. There are several options from a single to a multiple switch in one device.

. Wireless switch: The wireless version gives a little more flexibility in where it can be used, making usage easier to access.

 

 

PowerLink 4 Control Unit

Ablenet has created a clever device for switches called the PowerLink 4 Control Unit.  Instead of functioning in one capacity, the unit offers six different modes of usage.

. Direct: push switch down to activate and release to deactivate

. Count: display the amount of activations

. Two-Switch: use both switches concurrently

. Timed Seconds: specify seconds for device activation (1-99 seconds)

. Timed Minutes: specify minutes for device activation (1-99 minutes)

. Latch: push switch to turn on and push again to turn off

The PowerLink 4 Control Unit also has wireless switch options, the Big Beamer and Jelly Beamer, produced by Ablenet.  These wireless switches will work up to 30 feet in distance and will go through walls or other physical barriers. 

 

 

Toy Ideas for the PowerLink 4 Control Unit

With the holiday season approaching, here are a few ideas of switch adapted toys that are ideal for the PowerLink 4 Control Unit.  All of these adapted toys will bring excitement to any child’s holiday celebration.

.Penguin Race: bright penguins that will continuously climb up the stairs and race down the slide

. Fisher Price Imaginext Dinosaur: an animated dinosaur that will come to life when it lights up its eyes, moves, and roars

. Bubble Machine: enjoy continuous bubbles popping out of the machine

. Train Conductor Bear 15”: lively rendition of I’ve Been Working On The Railroad

 

5 Ways to Make Notetaking Easier Using a Livescribe Smartpen

Technology has just entered your pen.

The Livescribe Smartpen is a pen that contains a camera, microphone, and speaker, and was created to save the user hours of time transcribing notes. Learn 5 ways this pen will make notetaking easier for any user.

1.      Take pictures of notes

Each Smartpen is equipped with a camera behind the pen tip.  It will continually take pictures as you write or draw in your notebook.  The pen will also link any visuals with an audio recording.

2.      Record lectures

There is a microphone within the Smartpen that will record audio.  Simply hold the power button down for approximately five seconds or with your pen tip and press the record button in your notebook to begin your recording session. For larger lecture rooms, you can plug a 3-D dual microphones headset into your pen for a high quality recording.

3.      Replay lectures 

A notebook is provided with the Smartpen.  On the bottom of the paper is a control bar, which contains a record, pause, and stop sign.  There are also options for volume, speed, bookmarks, and jumping to certain lecture points, all done by pressing the tip of your Smartpen to the corresponding sign.  You can also tap your written notes to automatically begin replaying the audio from that point in your recorded session.

4.      Search for key words

All your Smartpen notes and audio can be transferred to Livescribe on your desktop in a digital format called a pencast. Livescribe allows you to further organize, view notes, and hear the synchronized lectures taken from your Smartpen.  You can also look up key words or phrases that are in your notes and it will show a thumbnail of each notebook page that contains your search with the word or phrase highlighted.

5.      Share notes easily with others

Sharing your interactive notes has become quick and simple through Livescribe. It will allow you to display your synchronized notes in its connectors: email, Facebook, Google Docs, Evernote, or a mobile device.  Simply drag and drop the thumbnail of your note page to the connector icon of your choice. 

The Smartpen is very versatile, which allows it to be useful in many different environments.  Office workers, students, educators, and those with special needs will find that the pen is extremely helpful in their daily activities. For further information about the Livescribe Smartpen, click on the button below.

                                    

 

Retaining Progress During Summer Vacation

Contributed by EnableMart's Product Manager and In-House AT Guru, Michele Paley

This past week I had the pleasure of meeting with my 1^st grader’s teacher and several spectacular special ed consultants to review the progress and milestones obtained during this current school year and to set some new IEP goals for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.   Throughout the meeting, the recurring theme that kept creeping into the conversation was how important it was to maintain the progress my daughter had made throughout the coming summer months. So I got to thinking…

“What can I do to include reading, writing and math into our summer activities?”

There must be some creative ways to “sneak” some learning into otherwise summer-appropriate activities.  I mean, what rational 7, almost 8 year-old wants to spend her summer vacation holed up in our kitchen with sight words, right?  So, here are a few of the ideas I came up with that we will be putting into practice at our house this summer.  If you have some ideas of your own, or fun ways to expand on these, be sure to share them with me below.

See-It, Spell-It Hopscotch

One Idea I had was to turn a numbered hopscotch board into a spelling board.  Instead of numbering the squares 1 to 9, use letters and word chunks instead.  This may take a little planning ahead of time if you want to do 5 or 6 letter words like I did for the board above but what a fun way to practice sounding out words and spelling sight words from memory.  It narrows the possible next letter choices down to just 2-4 possible choices, making spelling just a tad easier and LOTS more fun!

In the board I’ve created, pictured above… and yes, I did plan it out in Photoshop because I’m THAT much of a nerd… I can have my Katy spell at least 13 different words using just one letter per row, or I can up the ante and have her spell 6 additional words that contain more than 1 letter per row.  Some of the easier words, I’ve drawn out to the sides including: Shirts, Shapes, Sharks, Water, and Bites.  Some of the more complex words include: Bitter, Sharper, and Winter.  How many more words can you find to spell?

Sight-Words Scavenger Hunt

One of the things suggested during my daughter’s IEP meeting was to include sight-word in everyday activities as much as possible.  Her teacher suggested labeling toys and items in her room and around the house, and requiring her to read 5 sight-words prior to going swimming, enjoying an ice-cream or whatever summer activity she’s set her sights on.

An idea I had along these lines, which my daughter’s already very excited about, is a sight-word scavenger hunt.  I’ve bought a pack of index cards upon the front of which I will print 1 sight-word and on the back, a clue that leads to the next note card.  I will hand her the first card and which, for example could have the word “There” on the front and clue that says “Look under your bed.” on the back.  She will first have to read that sight-word to my satisfaction and then (with my help) read the clue on the back to locate the next step of the hunt.  At the end of the hunt she’ll find a “treasure” or a treat that she can enjoy as part of her summer of fun. 

Inclusion in the Kitchen: Creating & Preserving Holiday Traditions Across Generations and Abilities

As a parent I'm always looking for ways to include my daughter in everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and tending to the day's chores and to-do lists but what additional challenge so parents face when their children (or other family members) have a disability. We hear the term "Full-Inclusion" used all over in our schools and during IEP planning but how do you achieve full-inclusion on your own at home during the holidays? 

Here are a few ideas that have come to mind from my own experiences and a little bit of brainstorming. I've split them into two areas, one for kids and another for adults because we certainly don't want to forget about those incredible individuals who've dedicated so much of their lives to ensuring OUR inclusion while we were in THEIR care. The key in each scenario is to not just assign busy work, or simply to occupy time but to make your loved one feel like he or she is playing an integral role in your holiday preparations.

For Kids:

Name Cards, Helpful & Educational
Cut several unlined notecards in half and make a list of all your guests. Have your child fold each card into a tent shape and practice handwriting by copying each guest's name onto a single card. Encourage creativity, and if appropriate, let your child decide where each guest should sit. This makes them "the boss" and who doesn't enjoy that every once in a while!

Mashed Potatoes.... By Switch!
Cooking is quite possibly the most memorable activity of the holidays and NO ONE should be left out of helping in the kitchen! For full inclusion when mobility and/or dexterity is a concern try connecting a Powerlink & Jelly Beamer Switch to your Countertop Mixer. Mom and Dad can boil and peel the potatoes but there would be no "Mash" without your little helper... Again making them an indispensable part of your holiday staff :)

DJ for a DAY
The very nature of the interactive touchscreens on devices like iPods and iPads make them incredibly accessible all on their own and a little creativity on your part with iTunes setup makes playing DJ easy for everyone regardless of reading ability. Organize a playlist of "approved" holiday tunes, enter the name of the song in both the Song Name field and the Album field and select a picture for the album artwork that your child will associate with that song. Now, when viewing the playlist in album-view mode, children can choose a song from a screen full of images instead of tiny lines of text. 

For Adults:

Recipe Retrieval... What exactly is a "Dollop" Anyway?
We all have those treasured family dishes who's recipe resides solely inside the minds of the family members that make them each year. Get them down on paper now and make touching holiday gifts for next month. Have grandma show the kids how to make her famous pumpkin pie and write down the steps as she goes... or better yet, record the session on on video so you'll finally have a visual record of exactly how much a "dash" or a "dollop" is.

Memory Retrieval... Turn a Simple Conversation into aTreasured Family Record Forever
At my great-grandmother's 90th birthday party my Uncle brought his video camera and recorded a conversation with our guest of honor. OK, so it was more like an interview but she just loved the sincere attention he was paying her and the opportunity to pass these memories on to future generations. This could be a great opportunity to engage your teens and older children too. Let them guide the conversation. A Livescribe recording pen is a great alternative to video for family members that might be a little camera shy.

How have you adapted or created new traditions for full inclusion in your holiday festivities?  Share your ideas with us here or on facebook.com/EnableMart

Lisa Morguess on Becoming Mother to a Child with Down Syndrome

October is a very busy month by way of observances. One of these that's very close to our hearts is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  In deciding what to share with you on this topic, we thought 'Why not ask someone with direct experience to share with us what they would have the world know about being a parent to a child with Down Syndrome?'  

And, that's just what we did...  The post below was guest authored by Lisa Morguess, blogger, wife and mother of 6 children.  Her youngest, Finn was born with Down Syndrome.  Lisa shares with us what it was like to get that  initial diagnosis, how her expectations and reactions have changed over time and what impact Finn has had on their family.

A little over three years ago, my sixth baby was born into loving hands, a planned home birth.  I had, of course, spent the previous nine months imagining what this newest member of our family was going to be like, and dreaming the dreams for him that mothers tend to dream for their babies.  Within the first day after his birth, it became clear that something was wrong, and after a frantic drive to the ER, our tiny newborn was admitted to the NICU where he would undergo major surgery at a day and a half old to correct the intestinal atresia he was born with.  It was while Finn was in the NICU that we learned that he has Down syndrome.

Suddenly it felt as if all the dreams I had dreamed for him were shattered.  I was afraid and angry – what did this mean?  What would it mean for our family?  What did I do to deserve this?  How bad was it going to be?  I was overcome by a grief so deep, it shook me to my core.  There wasn’t a moment I didn’t love my new baby, and I found myself feeling a fierce protectiveness over him – but I felt lost and completely ill-equipped to be one of those mothers – a mother of a child with special needs.  I was just a regular person, often frazzled and short on patience with my “typical” kids – certainly not the special kind of parent that everyone was suddenly assuring me I must be to have been given this special child.

I’ve traveled quite a long way since those early months of grief and fear and sorrow.  Finn has grown into a mischievous toddler who continues to surprise me all the time.  I’ve watched my other kids grow around Finn into sensitive, compassionate children who are accepting of people with all kinds of differences, from all walks of life. 

As for me, I've made my peace with my son having Down syndrome, with his being different. I adore every inch of him, his body, his heart, and his mind, and I wouldn't change him if I could. 

It's changed me, having Finn. Although I am not a believer in some grand, divine plan, I do believe that being Finn’s mother has enlightened me in ways I never really thought about before.  There has been a great deal of introspection, reflection, and reevaluation of what it is I value. What constitutes a happy, full life? Are happiness and success naturally borne out of intelligence and ability to achieve? What are the criteria for a life worth living?

I have a sense of appreciation and perspective that I never had before. I am able to see and accept my fellow human beings with a more open heart and a broader mind; it's made my heart more tender towards those who are different, and harder towards those who are cruel or callous or rejecting of those who are different. It's made me more aware that we all have our trials, and that I and my family are incredibly fortunate and have a trillion things to be grateful for, Finn being one of those.

Sometimes the fear is still there, but I experience moments of fear concerning each of my children when I try to guess at what the future might hold.  Life doesn’t offer guarantees to anyone.  I don't know what Finn will be capable of, but I have very high hopes for him.  Those dreams I had for him that were shattered? They weren't really shattered at all. It just took me a while to figure out that his life is not about my dreams, it's about his dreams, and only he can decide what those dreams are. Only he will be able to show me how his life is going to play out.

What I want people to know most is that this is not a consolation prize. This is not our family just making the best of a sad situation. We do not exist under a cloud of sorrow, and we do not dwell on the fact that our son has Down syndrome. Finn just is who he is, and we're pretty much like any other family. This is just life; it’s rich and full, and it's pretty great.

Lisa Morguess lives in Southern California with her husband and six children. 
She blogs about her adventures at Life As I Know It.

“Handicapped” or “Gifted” – Not as Clear as You Would Think

The scientific geniuses behind the theory of gravity and relativity. The authors of the most enduring American novel and America’s most beloved poetry. The master of impressionism. The third president of the United States and primary author of the Declaration of Independence…

No doubt, the contributions of Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, Vincent VanGogh and Thomas Jefferson can be counted among the most unique and significant in human history.  But few ever mention each of these individuals are all believed to have varying degrees of autism – a disorder the American Association of Intellectual and Development Disabilities (AAIDD) defines as a disease that impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

But as Einstein, Van Gogh, Dickinson and others have shown, that definition does not, in fact, the define the lives of those with autism.  And now, as part of April’s Autism Awareness Month, we recognize the unique contributions, challenges and need for increased autism awareness.

In recent years, much as been done to this end. Extensive medical research has led to a greater understanding of this disorder.  Increased media exposure has fostered discussion about the everyday struggles of autistic individuals and their parents to light.

Still, too often, such individuals are stigmatized and labeled, their disability used as a consistent qualifier before their name throughout their lifetime. As such, many children in the classroom are segregated from their classmates. Those in the workforce keep quiet about their disability in fear they will be demoted or fired, despite their work ethic and qualifications.

Given the right tools, these individuals can delve into new realms of communication and interaction with confidence. What’s more, autistic individuals can provide unforeseen benefits to their classrooms and workplaces, bringing a fresh perspective to projects and encouraging creativity.  Notetaking and study tools like Livescribe’s Smartpen and Texthelp’s Read & Write Gold can offer that extra boost these students need to build confidence and bring this great creativity to light.

I think the moral of this story is to never underestimate the potential of any individual. Sometimes the very things that you and I see as roadblocks are in-fact a great advantage in terms of creativity and individual worth.

 

High School Students To Develop Assistive Technology

The 2010-2011 National Engineering Design Challenge is now in its third round as teams plan their concluding presentations for the finals to be held February 17^th-18^th in Washington, D.C.. 

Held by the Junior Engineering Technical Society, the NEDC is an annual design competition in which students, in grades 9-12, put their creativity and problem-solving skills to use and create a workplace assistive technology device for a person with a disability. 

In this cross-curricular competition, students discover engineering through real-world applications that impact people in their community and change lives. 

The problem statement for this year’s competition is to “design an assistive technology device that enables a person with a disability to improve their job performance, or allow them to obtain a job that they previously were unable to access.” 

Teams first registered for the NEDC back on September 1, 2010. After five long months of teams developing, testing and then presenting on their new assistive technology device, five finalists have been chosen to move onto Washington. 

The top five scoring Round II teams advance to Round III: The NEDC National Finals. These top five teams will give a fifteen minute presentation before a panel of judges and live audience. Presentations will focus on device design, research, function, safety, marketability, construction, testing and presentation. 

This year’s finalists include:

Bishop Kelly High School, Boise, ID - The MagWrite

  

Bollman Technical Education Center, Thornton CO  - The P.A.L.

 

Bollman Technical Education Center, Thornton CO - The  A.L.M.S. 

   

 Gulliver Preparatory School,  Pinecrest, FL with the H.O.L.D.

Hotchkiss High School, Hotchkiss, CO - The Caboose

   

For additional information about JETS, NEDC or the assistive technology devices developed, visit the JETS website here! 

Good luck finalists!

 

Join Us At The ATIA Orlando Conference Tomorrow

Visit our Booth #520 at ATIA Orlando (January 26th-29th) and ENTER TO WIN a  FREE Livescribe Echo Smartpen!  

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is a leading association dedicated to education related to Assistive Technology. ATIA's educational programs include webinars, conferences and leadership events on accessibility. ATIA educational offerings are designed to provide the latest information on AT products, services and best practices from leading regional, national and international presenters. ATIA believes its educational pro grams further increase awareness of the innovative assistive technologies and services that enhance learning, working, and independence for people with disabilities.

ATIA Conferences feature the latest products and services, showcasing mo re than 80 exhibitors in one of the most comprehensive exhibitions in the industry.  Educational programs are organized by strand for at-a-glance content viewing and include best practises, tips and tricks, product updates, demonstrations, research updates and case studies of assistive technologies from regional, national and international  experts.

Last year's conference was a blast and we're excited to escape the blustery cold Utah winter to show off our wares.  Two of our very best AT specialists will be there with all of our favorite tools & toys for you to try out and experiment with hands-on.  All-access admission including the 200+ educational sessions starts at $75 but admission to the exhibit hall is FREE.  

There's still time to register for the educational sessions. Save $30 on an all-access pass with our VIP discount code YSHM5364. To register, or more information visit us online here.

 

 

Just In Time For The Holidays: Accessible Games & Toys

Individuals of all ages and abilities can benefit from accessible games and toys. Not only do these items encourage social interaction and an active lifestyle, users can enhance communication, mobility, vision, and learning skills as well. 

Check out some of our favorite new items, just in time for the holidays!

Accessible Arts & Crafts

Regardless of ability, artists can express themselves by creating fun, unique paintings or drawings.

Musical Swirl Art With Lights:  Let your creativity flow. With the Musical Swirl Art, everyone will have the chance to become the next great artist. By using your capability switch, you will be able to spin beautiful works of art. Perfect for home or the classroom. Now only $92.95!

Color Bug Remote Controlled Art: Create art in a whole new way with the Color Bug. This CSUN 2010 favorite will allow you to create amazing patterns and pictures through the use of a directionality switch. The Color Bug is great for teaching directional skills along with stimulating the imagination. Now only $89.95!

Outdoor & Active Play

Provide endless hours of healthy, active play with sports balls designed specifically for individuals with vision or mobility challenges.

Can-Do Basketball Kit: This package includes a regulation size and weight Wilson basketball with internal bells that ring whenever it is in motion. It also comes with a buzzer (Goal Locator) in a pouch that can be placed on the basket, and an extra bell to attach to the net so that it rings when the ball goes through it. Now only $39.95!

Beeping Foam Soccer Ball: These safe-to-use foam balls are easy to find with their high-pitched beeping.  Whether fully blind or visually impaired, this is a toy enjoyed by everyone. Now only $49.95!

Switch Adapted Toys 

Switch adapted toys are perfect for children and adults of any age. From plush stuffed animals to remote control cars, these assist in developing motor skills while providing hours of entertainment.

Remote Control Corvette: Zip around! Now you can race in all directions in your new fancy Corvette. The smallest touch on the remote control will move the car forward backward, right, and left. This toy is great to help kids improve their motor skills while having fun. Now only $129.95!

Thomas The Tank Track: With this specially adapted Thomas The Tank Track, kids will be able to have full control over their train. Hear engine sounds, air brakes, whistle sounds and Thomas' theme songs all why controlling Thomas through the adapted control center. Now only $159.95!

Tabletop Games

From chess to word puzzles, our line of adapted tabletop games keeps everyone at home or in the classroom involved.

Tactile Chess and Checkerboard Set: The black and white squares on this lovely plastic board provide a very sharp contrast making it easier to see.  The white squares are also lower than the black for tactual differentiation, and to keep pieces from sliding around the board.  The board also has holes in each square to accommodate pegged chess pieces. Now only $39.95!

Franklin Light Em Up Air Hockey: Everyone can enjoy this exciting tabletop version of the Air Hockey.  This specially adapted Franklin Light Em Up Air Hockey tables has flashing lights and arcade sounds bring the excitement up to a new level.  This game is perfect for classrooms to get kids active and interacting. Now only $89.95!

Video Gaming

Ultimate Arcade Game Controller: These adapted game controllers will allow everyone to get their game on. No hand function, grasp, or finger dexterity is required to be able to play your favorite games. Starting at $799.95!

Adapted Guitar Hero Controller: Now you can rock out to your favorite songs with this specially switch adapted Guitar Hero controller. This special tabletop control allows you to play five colored buttons in sync with the musical notes.  Everyone can now enjoy this best selling game. Now only $249.99!

 

For our full line of accessible games and toys, visit us online at http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Accessible-Games or contact us directly at 888-640-1999 to speak with one of our sales representatives about the best accessible games and toys for your needs!

 

 

 

QuickTalker™ Now Available at EnableMart

QuickTalker™
Communication Device Series

EnableMart is proud to feature AbleNet’s new easy-to-use, go-anywhere communicator! With QuickTalker, your students will be ready to start communicating in minutes. QuickTalker features a modern design – ideal for girls or boys of any age in the classroom – yet rugged enough for everyday use.

The variety of message locations - and five available levels - on the QuickTalker™7, 12, and 23 provide the flexibility you need to customize the learning outcomes for each student.

QuickTalker™ is the most affordable multi-message device available on the market today, making it a smart choice for the 21st century classroom. Contact Rob at EnableMart for pricing details and additional information.

 

Key Features

• Easy-to-use
• Durable construction
• Available in 7, 12, and 23 locations
• Built-in handle for easy portability
• Built-in symbols storage

 

Specifications

QuickTalker7

• Static Messages:  3
• Message Locations:  4
• Levels:  5
• Recording Time:  6 Minutes 

QuickTalker12

• Static Messages:  3
• Message Locations:  9
• Levels:  5
• Recording Time:  12 Minutes 

QuickTalker23

• Static Messages:  3
• Message Locations:  20
• Levels:  5
• Recording Time:  20 Minutes 

All QuickTalker™ models feature built-in symbol storage and require 4 AA batteries.