Let's Blog Ability

Choosing the Right Communications Device

AMDI offers speech with touch of a button

For many individuals, speaking can be difficult or impossible due to conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, ALS, developmental disability, stroke, or traumatic brain injury.  AMDi (Advanced Multimedia Devices, Inc.) provides a solution to this problem with a line of communications devices that generate speech at the touch of a button.  With a wide range of options and configurations, AMDi offers devices that are tailored to fit the specific communication needs of a given individual.

The Basics

AMDi’s communicators are structured around cells that can be pressed to play recorded messages.  For example, a cell can be assigned to the word ‘Drink.’  The user, or a friend or family member, speaks the word ‘Drink’ into the device’s recorder and programs that recording to correspond to the chosen cell.  The cell has an overlay where a picture can be placed to identify the cell, such as a person drinking a glass of water along with the word ‘Drink’.  Each time the cell is pressed, the communicator plays the ‘Drink’ recording.  Cells can be programmed with individual words, phrases, or sentences.

 

Device Variations

AMDi’s communicators range from 1 to 128 cells.  The original message recording for each cell is referred to level 1 communication; however, many of the AMDi devices offer additional communication levels. By sliding the device’s switch from level 1 to level 2, a second message recording may be used along with a new corresponding picture and/or word overlay.  AMDi offers messaging devices in several categories: single, four, eight, thirty-two, and multi-message.  Within each category there are variations of the device, including:

• A ‘Plus’ product in the eight message and up devices features an additional 4 buttons on the device with a recorded message that remains the same on all levels of communication.

• A ‘Smart’ product has overlay recognition.  Rather than manually sliding a switch from level 1 to level 2, the ‘Smart’ technology recognizes the picture overlay and automatically adjusts the communication level to match the overlay in use.

Available Models

• Single Message: AMDi offers two single cell models.  The Partner/Plus records an up to 30 second message that plays when the cell is pressed.  The Partner/Plus Stepper records a sequence of messages up to 60 seconds.  Each time the cell is pressed, the device will play the next message in the sequence.

• Four Message: All AMDi four message devices have 2 communication levels.  Additional options to choose from include LED lights for visual feedback and/or vibration capabilities for tactile feedback.

• Eight Message: AMDi’s eight message devices are offered with the choice of 6, 8, or 12 additional communication levels.  The eight message devices can also be customized with the ‘Plus’ and ‘Smart features.

• Thirty-two Message: The thirty-two message options available are 6, 12, and 32 communication levels, along with ‘Plus’ and ‘Smart’ models.

• Smart/128: In addition to overlay recognition, AMDi’s 128 cell model has unlimited messaging and a removable transparent grid.  The removable grid allows the user to communicate through visual scenes opposed to picture cells.  The picture below displays a farm scene.  Different messages may be recorded to correspond with pressing a particular object in the scene such as the horse or barn in the farm scene.

• Environmental Control Units (ECU): ECU devices give the user more control over their environment with the ability to control up to 8 electrical devices and/or lights simultaneously.  ECU devices are available combined with the eight and thirty-two cell Tech/Talk and Tech/Speak series and are compatible with radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) devices.
  

• Scanning: AMDi also offers scanning communicators that combine switch controls with the features of their Tech and Smart series models, in addition to environmental controls.  With switch controls, the user can scan the available cell options in multiple ways:

                Linear Mode:  By pressing the switch down, the LED automatically scans

                    through the cell messages in sequence. Pressing the switch again selects a

                    message to speak.

                Single Switch Scanning Mode: The LED advances sequentially to a new cell

                    each time the switch is pressed.  When the user reaches the desired message and

                    does not press the switch again within a short time period, the recording is

                    played.

                Double Switch Scanning Mode: Switch 1 is used to advance the LED through

                    the message options, and pressing Switch 2 selects the message to be played.

 

With such a wide array of features, AMDi’s devices can be customized to fit a wide range of communication needs.  To shop for the device that is right for you, click below:

 

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

 

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

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.

 

 

National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month where we appreciate the 65 million individuals who play a vital role in caring for a family member unable to manage daily living alone. EnableMart celebrates Family Caregivers who unwaveringly support a relative with disabilities.

Throughout this month, the National Family Caregivers Association encourages us to:  

• Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
• Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
• Educate family caregivers about self-identification
• Increase support for family caregivers

 Assistive Technology can aid in creating a healthy care giving environment while enhancing day to day activities for individuals with disabilities.  

• Simple Communication Aids such as the Step-By-Step Communicator or more sophisticated tools like the Tech/Scan 32 allow individuals with speech challenges to communicate. From simple statements to having an interactive conversation, EnableMart’s AAC devices are fully customizable to meet the needs of individuals of any age or ability.  
• Environmental Controls such as the Mini Relax or Relax II provide those with mobility challenges the means to operate appliances and electronics. Turn a light on, adjust the TV volume and more with the hit of a single switch. 
• Entertainment is made simple with items like the Flip Page Turner or any one of our Accessible Games - play cards with a large print deck or a ball game with an accessible Goalball.  
• Enable those who struggle with hearing to have active conversation with the help of personal hearing devices like The Pocketalker or with an amplified telephone like the Clarity 4200 Series cordless phone.

All AT Caregiver aids can be found online at EnableMart.com.  For additional information about National Family Caregivers Month and caring for family members with disabilities, visit the following resourceful sites:

• Caregiver
• The Family Caregivers
• Caregiver Support Resources
• CDC Disability And Health

2010 EnableMart Catalog is Mailing Now!

After many long hours, a lot of diet Coke and tons of research, I am happy to announce that our 2010 catalog is finally ready here! Of course, there's no way that we could show everything we have to offer in one little book but we have compiled a comprehensive collection of our best selling & most requested items from each of our categories into one easy to use guide available in print or as a downloadable PDF.  The new catalog contains 36 pages of Assistive Technology with vivid full-color pictures and simplified descriptions & explanations, making it a great tool for educators, therapists, non-profit assessment centers and home users.

Download the PDF or request your copy by mail today:
http://www.EnableMart.com/Catalog-Request

Educators Guide to Assistive Technology

In a world where new technologies and innovations are thought up and released almost daily, finding just the right solution for each specific student can be a pretty daunting task. What we have found however, is that there are some common building blocks that will work across multiple abilities and skill levels and can be built on or tailored to meet individual student's need fairly easily.

To help simplify this process for parents and educators, the Assistive Technology Specialists at EnableMart.com have put together this buying guide, highlighting the products that educators & therapists rely on the most, broken down by critical skill sets. We welcome your comments and questions on this guide and invite you use these links to learn more and to speak to the trained specialists at Enablemart by calling (888) 640-1999 anytime Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (MST).

Some of our top recomendations and best sellers are listed below.
You may also download this guide as a PDF by Clicking Here.

Reading
click image for larger view	Edmark Reading Program One of our all-time, best selling items, the Edmark Reading Program is designed for students with learning or developmental disabilities and those who have not succeeded with other reading methods. For 30 years, this trusted program has been highly regarded by teaching professionals as "the one that works", allowing most nonreaders to master basic reading skills. This program is available in two levels in both Printed and Software based Curriculums. Click to Learn More... Edmark Reading Program - Print (Choose from Level 1 or 2) Edmark Reading Program - Software (Choose from Level 1 or 2) Edmark Reading Program Bundle - Print (Levels 1 & 2 Inclusive) Edmark Reading Program Bundle - Software(Levels 1 & 2 Inclusive) Price: $489 - 4,329 (depending on licencing options)
click image for larger view	LeapFrog Tag™ School Reading System The Tag School Reading System brings state-of-the-art technology together with good old fashioned teacher-led instruction. This system is comprised of specially designed books and electronic reading pens that allow students to get on-demand pronunciation for individual words or entire sentences, in the voice of the book's characters, creating a multi-sensory reading experience that will lead to a lifetime love of reading. The electronic readers are connected to the teacher's computer where you can assign individual student ID's, monitor student's time on tasks, correct & incorrect answers and even view and print progress reports. The portability of these units also make them perfect for after-school and home-school connection programs. Click to Learn More... LeapFrog™ School Reading System LeapFrog™ Tag School Phonemic AwarenessBook Set LeapFrog™ Tag School Book Packages LeapFrog™ Tag Activity Books (Single Copies) LeapFrog™ Tag Junior Book Pal (For Early Learners) Price: $13.99 - 519
click image for larger view	ClaroRead ClaroRead is a highly effective multi-sensory software solution for supporting individuals who struggle with reading and writing. Designed with maximum simplicity & closely integrated with Microsoft Word & Internet Explorer, ClaroRead can assist users of any age and ability to deliver high quality documents using automatic proofreading, visual highlighting, audible read-back & research capture fuctionalities. Click to Learn More... ClaroRead Standard - Windows ClaroRead Standard - Mac ClaroRead Plus - Windows ClaroRead Plus - Mac ClaroRead Premium - Windows Only Price: $195 - 395
Communicating
click image for larger view	GoTalk Picture Communicators GoTalk Picture Communicators are low cost, introductory recording communication devices which are useful for beginning augmentative communicators. These models are capable of up to 105 messages over a generous 15 minutes of recording time, a built-in handle, and level changing and volume keys on the face of the device. And the GoTalk Overlay Software makes it a breeze to tailor messages and pictures to specific classroom or social/environmental settings and situations. Click to Learn More... GoTalk 4+ GoTalk 9+ GoTalk 20+ GoTalk Overlay Software Price: $79 - 214
click image for larger view	Step-By-Step Communicators Touted as the recorder that gets students in on conversations, these simple yet effective communicators make communicating with friends, teachers & family members a richer, more meaningful experience. Record up to 4 minutes of song or peom verses, steps in a recipe, or short social scripts that encourage conversational turn taking. The Step-By-Step with Levels allows you to record an unlimited number of messages on each of 3 separate levels so you can prerecord grocery lists on level one, knock-knock jokes on level two and the events of the day or any other set of sequential messages on level three. Click to Learn More... LITTLE Step-by-Step communicator BIG Step-by-Step Communicator Step-by-Step Communicator with Levels Price: $160 - 197.33
click image for larger view	BIGmack & LITTLEmack Communicators BIGmack & LITTLEmack Communicators are similar to the Step-By-Step communiators but offer only one pre-recorded message at a time. These simple, easy to use recorders offer up to 75 seconds of recording time over a single message recording slot that can be recorded over and over again as needed. Click to Learn More... BIGmack Communicator LITTLEmack Communicator Price: $115
Writing
click image for larger view	Texthelp's Read & Write Software This award-winning software is an easy-to-use, customizable, floating toolbar that works with ANY Windows or Mac based application and allows students to be more fully included while maintaining their own independence. Integrated tools include auditory feedback, phonetic spell checking, word prediction & homophone support. Read & Write Gold for Windows is also available as a mobile (USB) format that allows students to use THEIR own specifically customized toolbar on any windows-based computer! Click to Learn More... Read & Write Standard - Windows Read & Write GOLD - Windows Read & Write GOLD - Mac Price: $355 - 645
click image for larger view	WordQ 2 & SpeakQ Add-On WordQ is a word prediction software that works with all your standard writing applications including Word, Notepad, Outlook and more. When you type a letter, WordQ predicts what you might want to write and displays a list of words for you to choose from. Individual words can be read out loud before choosing and entire sentences & paragraphs can be read back upon completion. WordQ even learns how YOU use words so that it improves over time! SpeakQ does everything WordQ does PLUS you can write just by speaking! You have the choice at any time to use the keyboard & word prediction or speaking straight into your text. Speech recognition & word prediction work together to enhance each other and improve accuracy. Click to Learn More... WordQ2 SpeakQ (Add-On for WordQ) WordQ2 & SpeakQ Bundle Price: $99 - 199
Math Skills
click image for larger view	Sci-Plus 300 Large Display Talking Calculator The Sci-Plus 300 is the ONLY large display scientific calculator in the market that also has speech output for visually impaired users. Featuring a large, high contract 8 digit LCD display & long life lithium battery, technical capabilities include mathematical, trigonometric & scientific functions, and even fractions. Click to Learn More... Sci-Plus 300 Large Display Talking Calculator Price: $325
click image for larger view	Show Me Math Software A bundle of three basic math programs appropriate for all ages that features assessment & instructional modes to help teachers assess deficits and write relevant IEPs. Students learn in four basic areas (addition, subtraction, multiplication,division) and problems are presented in numeric formulas or animated 'movies' that help students to visualize solutions and make sense of math! Click to Learn More... Show Me Math CD Price: $99 for one, or $249 for a 5-Pack
click image for larger view	PCI Real-World Math Real-World Math helps students learn strategies for dealing with math problems found all around them in every-day life including how to adjust recipes, calculate nutritional content, figure sales tax & tips, manage schedules, plan travel, determine sale prices, handle banking transactions, manage budgets, and so much more; Putting an end to the inevitable question "When am I ever gonna' use this?" Click to Learn More... PCI Real World Math (Real-World Reading & Writing are also very popular among educators) Price: $51.39
Critical Thinking & Study Helps
click images for larger view	Inspiration, Kidspiration & InspireData Kidspiration was created to help K-5 learners develop confidence as they learn to organize information, understand concepts and connections create stories, and share their thoughts using memorable illustrations and common organizational principles like webs, concept maps & Venn diagrams. Inspiration, created for grades 6-12, helps older students develop ideas and visually expand concepts with diagramming & outlining features designed to help students think, organize, and learn. Highlights include video & sound integration as well as drag and drop multimedia capabilities. InspireData helps students formulate questions and make connections between data and its visual representations to interpret information, solve problems and draw conclusions. Highlights include integrated table and plot view to allow students to move instantly from data collection to data interpretation, and multiple plot types to represent and analyze data including Venn, Stack, Pie & Axis formats. Click to Learn More... Kidspiration Inspiration InspireData Price: $69 - 79
click image for larger view	Leapster Portable Technology Center The Leapster Portable Technology Center (PTC) is part of the Leapfrog School Series which has been rapidly gaining recognition and acclaim from educators everywhere. These handheld units provide engaging multi-sensory instruction that adapts to student's skill levels and rates of progress, allowing students to work at their own pace, in the classroom or at home. Teachers are able to download and monitor students' progress using the included administrative software that comes with the kit. Optional Expantion Kits allow remedial or advanced students to join in the activities and Story Explorers delves further into vocabulary, phenemic awareness, syntax, & comprehension Click to Learn More... Leapster Portable Technology Center Price: $405 - 965
click image for larger view	Leapfrog Crammer Study & Sound System The LeapFrog Crammer is a pocket-sized study system that kids students can take with them wherever they go. New content can be selected and downloaded to the unit including content from today's most popular school textbooks! Teachers & Parents can use the online learning path to track their child's progress and time spend on various subjects and skill areas. A great tool for reinforcing the day's lessons. Click to Learn More... LeapFrog Crammer Study & Sound System Price: $71.25 - 75 (based on qty purchased)
Hand Eye Coordination & Motor Skills
click image for larger view	Magic Touch Add-On Touch Screens These innovative add-on touch screens turn any everyday monitor into an intuitive touch screen. These screens open a world of learning opportunities to students with cognitive and motor disabilities that make using a desktop keyboard more difficult. Click to Learn More... Magic Touch Add-On Screens Price: $169 - 439
click image for larger view	BIGtrack Trackball Mouse The BIGtrack is the largest trackball available on the market. The 3" trackball requires far less fine motor control than a standard mouse or smaller trackballs and the click buttons are located behind the trackball to help avoid unwanted clicks. Also available in a switch adapted model for Mac or PC, these are definitely a favorite among educators & parents too! Click to Learn More... BIGtrack Standard BIGtrack Switch Adapted Price: $75 - 105
click image for larger view	SAM-Joystick The SAM-Joystick acts just like a mouse, only when you push the stick the cursor does not go flying, no matter what the user does. The cursor simply moves at the speed preset by the user or supervisor from a switch located underneath. Available for Mac or PC. Click to Learn More... SAM-Joystick Price: $229-239

And remember, our specialists are availalble via live chat or telephone during regular business hours to help answer all your questions. Government & School District proposals & bids are welcome. Reach us online at www.EnableMart.com to access our live chat feature or call (888) 640-1999 anytime Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (MST).

People With Disabilities Contribute to Record Voter Turnout

Many states across the country reported record numbers of votes cast in the presidential election yesterday. With the election over, many people with disabilities were just grateful for the opportunity to vote. 

At EnableMart, we are happy to have contributed to the electoral process in Oregon wit accessible voting stations.

The Help America Vote Act, HAVA, was passed by President Bush on October 29, 2002 - just over six years ago today. HAVA's goals include making the voting process more accessible to people with disabilities. To comply with the act, states are finally implementing assistive technology at the polls.  

Oregon is one such state that came to EnableMart to update the process to include all of their voters. Our sales rep, Cristian, spent a few weeks this past summer setting up voting stations for people with disabilities at polls throughout the state. 

The updates make it possible for people with disabilities to vote from home and to vote at polling places without an assistant. 

Each voting station consists of traditional computers components including a mouse, keyboard, printer, as well as specialty items for accessibility like a trackball mouse, joystick, Intellikeys custom keypad, and USB switches. The set up gives those with low vision, limited muscle control, and other disabilities an easy alternative to traditional voting methods.

The stations are used at polling places but are also portable so many people were able to vote from home this year. This easy access for people with disabilities contributed to a record voter turnout in Oregon with over 80% of those registered actually voting.

EnableMart commends the state of Oregon for creating accessible voter stations that helped many Americans cast their votes this year.