Super Sensitive Switch in Action

Deedee is three years old and, like most children her age, she likes to play.  Deedee has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, an illness that has robbed her of muscle control and the ability to move her arms and legs or hold up her head. But she still likes to play.

Deedee is able to move her eyebrows and her eyes and she can move her fingers and toes a little bit.  And a little bit is all it takes to control some switches.  Deedee started out using the MicroLight very successfully. But after a hospital stay last February, Deedee’s strength was quite diminished.  Now she uses a Sensor switch, which responds to the lightest of touches.  With it, Deedee can activate her Buzz Lightyear Bubblemaker and play computer games.  The Sensor switch allows Deedee to be in control and to play on her own.

Deedee’s family has been able to borrow a wide variety of switches and equipment from Advancing Opportunities’ Technology Lending Center.  They can test and try switches to be sure Deedee will be able to use them.

Deedee’s mom, Vivian, says, “Through the TLC, Deedee has been able to test diverse items and see which are fit for her needs and which are not viable. Right now we cannot afford to actually buy equipment, so we are very grateful for the TLC’s excellent services. Our family sees a very caring staff that goes through great lengths to help our kids. Thanks for all you do, TLC!”

To see a video of Deedee in action, visit her blog here.

TLC Spotlight - Watchminder2

Did I take my medication today?   Need a reminder?

The WatchMinder2 is a programmable vibrating reminder watch that looks like a standard sports wristwatch - the watch vibrates and a reminder message discreetly appears!

The WatchMinder2 uses a vibration system (similar to that of the common pager) that is easy to feel and privately alerts the person to do a particular task. The watch also has a beeping alert.  The watch is easy to program, the screen is large and easy to read by persons of all ages, and all of the 60 messages have been pre-programmed in the memory of the watch. The WatchMinder2 can be programmed with personalized messages.  The WatchMinder2 has two modes, the reminder mode and the training mode. Both modes can be operational at the same time. The watch has 30 daily alarms. Reminders can repeat daily or can be scheduled for the future dates and times.

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today!

Best note taking app for your smartphone??

Your smartphone is with you all the time, right? Why not take notes directly onto your phone. But which one is best for the iPhone? how about DROID?

Check out this link from Gizmodo. This "APPBATTLE" looks at the top three note taking apps for each smartphone operating system.

Do you use one of these? Do you have a different app you use? Leave a comment below and share.

Web 2.0 Wednesday! List Maker

Do you need a simple way to be reminded of tasks? Try List Maker.


This free web based service will allow you to create lists of reminders and group those under various headings. In addition, you can color code your tasks for visual cues. Check the box when you are done with a task and it moves to the "done" group. The website also provides real time status reports on the number of tasks that need attention.

Try it out and leave us a comment to share your experience.

Podcast: Using Assessment to Guide Intervention: The AAC Profile – A Continuum of Learning

This is one in a series of podcasts recorded live at the Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) Statewide conference this past June. These podcasts feature nationally known speakers talking about a wide range of topics related to assistive technology.

This episode features Tracy Kovach and the title of the podcast is "Using Assessment to Guide Intervention: The AAC Profile – A Continuum of Learning."

Click HERE to listen to the audio podcast.

Click HERE for the interview transcription.

Do YOU have an idea for a future podcast? Leave a comment with your suggestion for either a speaker or a topic. We will work to honor those requests in future podcasts.

Happy Listening!

TLC Spotlight -Tobii S32 Scan

The Tobii32 is an Augmentative Communication (AAC) device that plays pre-recorded messages.

The Tobii S32 is available in two different models, Touch and Scan.   The Tobii S32 Touch is targeted specifically towards individuals who have the use of their hands.  The Tobii S32 Scan is a switch/scan model, made for individuals who have difficulty using their hands, who instead use switches to make their choice in the grids or scenes.  

A recording time of over 60 hours, on 192 levels, in full quality.  It is built for an active lifestyle; the S32 is lightweight and durable, designed to withstand the sometimes rough treatment children can give a device.   Fully integrated with Tobii SymbolMate.
See the Tobii S32 in action.
 

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today!

Web 2.0 Wednesday! Internet Favorites

Do you want a simple solution for saving internet favorites? Do you want to access these stored favorites from any computer? Check out Internet Favorites.

This free service allows you to store favorite websites with just one click. A button is added to your browser that lets you save websites quickly and easily. Your favorites are stored on a website that you can access from any computer. This service also has a built in search engine that will allow you to search through all your stored favorites to find the one you want in seconds.

Try it out and let us know what you think. Post a comment and tell us about your experience.