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accessABILITY: Senior Technology Fair

Assistive Technology Products, Events, Organizations No Responses »

Jun 152010

Handheld Magnifier

WHAT: Senior Technology Fair

WHERE: To be held at the American Legion, located at: 8725 E. 38^th Street

WHEN: Date: June 18, 2010

Time: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

See the newest most innovative technology for legally blind and totally blind seniors.
Learn how accessABILITY and other community partners can help make your life more independent.
Make new friends and get involved in community activities that will keep you in the know.

**Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given to our lucky seniors.

Presenters:

Wade Wingler – Director of Assistive Technology at Easter Seals Crossroads
Bob Roe - Low Vision Community Guide for the accessABILITYs Older Blind Program

Fred Edwards – Blinded Veterans Association

Lee Martin – National Federation of the Blind & Indiana Coordinator for Newsline

IMAG & Indiana Mobility Accessibility Group
Vision Aid Systems/The Low Vision Store, Amy and Bob Frey — Business Representatives

Indiana State Library —Autumn Gonzalez/Regional Librarian

All are welcome. For more information contact: Jean Brown at 317-362-8306 or jb007@iquest.net

Assistive Technology for Older Americans Month

AT Basics, Assistive Technology Products 1 Response »

May 252010

Did you know that May is Older Americans Month? If you know someone facing challenges due to aging, consider assistive technology. Maybe they could use a grab bar for the tub, or some adaptive cooking utensils. We’ve gathered up a list of items from MaxiAids to give you an idea of what might be helpful to a person who is aging.

Low Vision Calender

Low Vision Calender from MaxiAids

“What is today’s date?” This calender is perfect for being able to know the date just by glancing at it. Its large numbers are easy to read and you can hang it on the wall or prop it up on your desk.

Jitterbug J Cell Phone

Jitterbug J from MaxiAids

The more cell phones they come out with, the more complicated they are to use! This Jitterbug cell phone is stripped of all the fancy extras that an older person might not care about anyway. Every choice can be made by pressing the Yes or No buttons, the text on the screen is large print, and the speaker has reduced background noise for better sound quality.

Single Super Grip Handle

Single Super Grip by MaxiAids

This piece of assistive technology can help you get in and out of the tub easily, without fear of slipping. Its sturdy suction cup will attach to a smooth surface by pressing it down and flipping the switch. Get a grip!

Voice Recording Key Finder

Voice Recording Key Finder by MaxiAids

You will never lose your keys again with this great device. All you have to do is whistle and this key chain will beep to help you find it. You can also record short reminders about where you parked, or driving directions.

Tomato/Onion Slicing Guide

Tomato/Onion Slicer by MaxiAids

Slicing up veggies can be tricky if you don’t want to cut your fingers. This guide will hold your food in place and prevent injury while it helps you make consistent slices.

These are just a few examples offered by MaxiAids. Didn’t see anything that suits you? Check out their website and browse the many types of assistive technology devices available!

Click here to learn about the history of Older Americans Month.

Technology for Aging - Device Demo in Evansville, Indiana

AT Basics, AT Loan Library, INDATA Team, News No Responses »

May 212010

Hands at 87 Years

There are an estimated 80 million Baby Boomers in the United States, and more than 8,000 people are turning the age of 60 each day. Aging can cause physiological changes, including vision and hearing loss and decreased mobility.

The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads is hosting a year-long series of free statewide “Demo Days” showcasing assistive technology devices for a wide variety of disabilities. The next “Demo Day” will feature devices that assist people as they age and will take place Thursday, June 3, at Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, 3701 Bellemeade Ave., in Evansville.

To register for your free half-hour appointment during “Demo Day,” contact Carol Girt at 1-888-466-1314. Please register by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2. If you are interested in learning about assistive technology devices for other disabilities, please contact Carol Girt.

A variety of devices will be demonstrated, with a particular emphasis on aging, including: phones, handheld magnifiers, handheld CCTVs, pill splitters, smart shoppers, card holders and TV ears.

The “Demo Day” gives those individuals who make an appointment the opportunity to experience an abbreviated one-on-one device demonstration, during which they learn how assistive technology can increase independence through a hands-on session with the many low-tech and high-tech assistive technology devices available.

In some cases, the assistive technology provided can ultimately determine whether someone is able to work outside of their home or attend a public school. In addition, that technology can be used to help better the interaction and communication between individuals and their families or friends.

Manage Your Medication with Assistive Technology

AT Basics, AT Loan Library, Assistive Technology Products No Responses »

Feb 032010

Did you remember to take your pills today? Whether you’ve got a cognitive impairment or are just plain forgetful, assistive technology can help you stay on track with your medication. Here are a few adaptive aids we have available at the INDATA Loan Library.

Pill Organizer

Pill Organizer – This tray will hold a week’s worth of medication, up to four doses a day. Each compartment is labeled both in print and braille with the day of the week as well as the time of day (Morn, Noon, etc).

MedReady Medication Pill Box Reminder – The manufacturers of this handy device have thought of everything! Not only does this pill tray have 28 different compartments for nearly a month’s worth of medication, it has an alarm! When the alarm sounds, a little window slides open for you to access your pills. You can set the alarm to go off once, twice, three times, or four times a day, and the alarm volume is adjustable.

Voicemate – This portable device monitors blood glucose and will also identify insulin vials. It talks its user through the process of pain-free testing and identifies vial labels. Very easy to use for those with low vision.

Talking Watch – If you don’t necessarily need a container for your medication, a talking watch is a great reminding tool. Set an alarm for whatever time you need to take your medication and hear the time announced by a clear female voice with the touch of a button.

If you found these items intriguing, come see what else we have in store for you at the INDATA Loan Library!

Assistive Technology has Something for Everyone

AT Basics, Assistive Technology Products 3 Responses »

Dec 282009

Assistive technology comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be high tech computer software, or very low tech tools, such as a magnifying glass. These items are not restricted to any one group; all kinds of people can gain independence from using assistive technology. There are technologies that can help with hearing loss, mobility challenges, learning difficulties, vision loss, and communication. These items are available for the young and aging, whether you have a severe disability or just need a little extra help. I know that I myself take advantage of eyeglasses for my poor vision, and am not afraid to admit that I use a jar gripper from time to time!

National Aging-in-Place Week

Events, News 2 Responses »

Oct 142009

Image of woman's hands at 87 years

October 12-18 is National Aging-in-Place Week. The National Aging-in-Place Council has two objectives for this week:

Build lasting coalitions of allied business professionals in communities across the U.S. to assist homeowners with pursuing their long-term care needs, and

Organize educational activities to highlight home and community-based services and products—including healthcare, transportation and housing—that enable seniors to successfully age in place.

Easter Seals Crossroads works year-round to build activities and provide information on how seniors can age in place. A recent brochure from the INDATA project titled “Continuing Independent Living: Assistive Technology and Aids for Daily Living” was published and describes the different kinds of assistive technology that can be useful to the aging community.

Click here for a PDF version of the Continuing Independent Living brochure. The last page has a list of Indiana assistive technology vendors and aging resources. If you would like hard copies, email Sara Croft at scroft@eastersealscrossroads.org.

Now that you know what we are doing for National Aging-in-Place week, it’s time for you to share your events and ideas!