Assistive Technology Review

NFB to Offer Free Canes for the Blind

2008-08-21T10:06:00.003-04:00

Baltimore, Maryland (August 19, 2008)

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people, today announced an initiative to ensure that any blind person in the United States and Puerto Rico who needs a long white cane will have one, regardless of ability to pay. The NFB will provide a free cane to anyone in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico who is blind or has low vision and who uses or desires to use a white cane in order to travel independently. This historic initiative is the largest effort ever of its kind to provide white canes to individuals who are blind or have low vision.

"The white cane is both a symbol of and a tool for independence," said Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "It allows blind individuals to travel whenever and wherever they want, leading to self-confidence and self-sufficiency. With the initiation of this landmark program by the National Federation of the Blind, every blind person who wants the freedom and mobility that a white cane provides can have it."

The long white cane provides an effective means for blind students to get to school, blind adults to get to work, and blind seniors to remain active. Art Schreiber, a retired broadcaster from Albuquerque, New Mexico, said: "As an active blind person and someone who has traveled throughout the world, I know the white cane means freedom for blind seniors everywhere."

Melissa Riccobono, a blind stay-at-home mom and educational consultant said: "As the mother of an active twenty-month-old son, my cane helps me to safely navigate through my busy day from walking to the playground to visiting the pediatrician."

It is estimated that 109,000 of the 1.3 million legally blind people in the United States use a white cane. By supplying canes free of charge, this program provides the opportunity for all blind Americans to have a white cane and to participate fully in society.

The National Federation of the Blind will provide a straight, light fiberglass cane to any blind individual in the United States or Puerto Rico who requires the cane for personal use. Canes are available in the following lengths: 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, or 63 inches. Individuals may only request one free cane in any six-month period. For more information on the use of the long white cane and the National Federation of the Blind free cane program, please visit www.nfb.org.

About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

Teaching Students with Limited Mobility

2008-07-15T11:05:00.004-04:00

Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injury are just some of the mobility impairments that affect students with special needs, and each much address his or her impaired mobility in a different way. Independent Living Technologies has compiled a list of suggestions for teachers who find themselves working with students who have limited mobility issues.

Limited Upper Body Mobility
Students who have limitations affecting upper body mobility may need several considerations in a classroom environment including extended test and exam times, and assistance in taking notes, ie. audiotape recorders or assistance from other students. Teachers may need to provide students with separate exam rooms where they may record their answers verbally into a tape recorder or dictate their answers to another person (an amanuenses or scribe) who can record them on paper.

Additionally, students with upper body mobility issues may not be physically able to raise their hand when participating in classroom lecture or discussion. Always remember to regularly establish eye contact with a student in this position and call on them when they indicate that they would like to participate.

In general - students with mobility impairments will need additional time to perform certain tasks - including getting to class. Some students will be faced with challenges navigating the terrain and architecture of campus and for this and other reasons beyond the their control, will require extra time in getting to class.

Students in Wheelchairs
The most important thing to remember when interacting with a student in a wheelchair is that the chair itself qualifies as "personal space". You should not touch, push or lean on the chair just as you wouldn't touch push or lean on any other student. It is also important when speaking with the student that you sit so that you can maintain eye contact without forcing the student to peer up at you.

The best practice is always to sit with your student or his/her parents to discuss any specific difficulties they have due to their disability. This way any arrangements necessary to accommodate the student can be made well beforehand, and a plan put in place that will insure the student has an excellent learning environment.

Tips for helping Seniors "Beat the Heat"

2008-06-12T11:10:00.006-04:00

Summer is an excellent time for seniors to get outdoors and enjoy some activity after a sedentary winter, but this time of year also carries certain health risks that are known to affect senior citizens much more adversely than they do the general public. Heat is an important concern that needs to be considered and addressed by anyone with an elderly family member or friend.

As We Age
The body's natural defenses to heat - the sweat glands and blood flow through the skin - may not function as well for many seniors as they did in younger years, making their bodies less able to regulate heat. Medications may add to the concern as well, since many medications taken by the elderly to control blood pressure and heart disease actually remove fluid and salt from the body. Combine this with with the sweating caused by 90° temperatures and the result is severe dehydration which in turn leads to discomfort, confusion, damage to major organs, and even death.

Avoiding Dehydration
We all know that we should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water or approximately half our individual bodyweight in fluid ounces to maintain proper hydration. What many people are unaware of is that as we age the thirst mechanism that directs us to consume enough fluid grows weaker. Conditions such as Alzheimer's and other brain disease may also weaken this thirst mechanism even more, as will a previous stroke.

Seniors Living Alone
One of the things that makes heat so dangerous for the elderly is social isolation so it is extraordinarily vital to check in on senior family members during the summertime, make sure their homes are properly ventilated and check that their air conditioners are functioning properly. While you're at it, help them check their medications for heat-related warnings. Most importantly - if your friend or loved one appears confused and disoriented, take them to the doctor or an emergency medical center promptly to have them examined for dehydration and/or heat stroke.

Light Exercise
Additionally, help them take advantage of the summer weather by encouraging light walks and various other forms of easy exercise such as gardening - properly supervised based on the frailty of the individual. Regular exercise helps to lower the blood pressure, improves heart health, builds lean muscle mass and gradually builds endurance, insuring many more happy healthy summers with our family and friends.

What is Full Spectrum Lighting?

2008-06-09T11:49:00.006-04:00

Full spectrum light is that which covers the entire spectrum from infrared to near ultraviolet. In a nutshell - Full spectrum light covers all possible wavelengths to support life - the way sunlight does.

Full Spectrum lighting products work to emulate the light produced by the sun and offer increased clarity and contrast - meaning brighter, more natural light to reduce eyestrain and headaches. Full spectrum lighting may also ease the severity of sight problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Verilux,Inc. has been designing and producing industry-leading full-spectrum lighting products for over 50 years, including light therapy lamps, and full-spectrum reading lights for those who demand optimal lighting for reading, artwork, hobbies and crafts.

Father's Day Sale

2008-06-02T09:34:00.018-04:00

This Father's Day - why not get Dad something he needs?

Through Father's Day - Independent Living Technologies is offering 5% Off select products including; All Verilux reading, therapy and floor lamps, amplified telephones and much more.

Don't forget, we also offer free ground shipping anywhere in the continental United States. Visit www.ILTsource.com for more information!

Assistive Technology Aids Disabled Voters

2008-05-12T11:27:00.003-04:00

Through the use of available assistive technology - The elderly and disabled may finally be getting a helping a hand at the polls.

The use of switch technology, and augmented communications devices similar to laptops are making it possible for those with severe physical handicaps to vote independently using switches, touchpads, and earphones. No longer will these citizens require the aid of a friend or family member to punch a traditional ballot - thereby granting these voters the privacy they desire.

In order to further assist the elderly and disabled - some states are considering - or have already instituted, "Alternative Formal Ballots" which will allow seniors or anyone else with visual, cognitive or physical impairment, to cast their ballot privately and independently using a computer.

These alternative ballots are mailed via CD or e-mailed to qualifying voters who may then use the assistive technology in their homes to make their selections and return their printed ballots in prepaid envelopes.

Some state municipalities have gone so far as to equip laptop computers with all the tools needed, and election staff will be able to bring these portable devices to hospitals and assisted living communities to enable those with transportation issues the ability to cast their votes.

2-Line Amplified Business Speakerphones from Fanstel

2008-04-24T17:23:00.005-04:00

This amplified speakerphone looks exactly like a normal business phone, but has one distinct difference when it comes to functionality.

When you increase the volume it adds frequency-specific amplification automatically, which is vital to those suffering from hearing loss.

Fanstel established in 1990, was one of the earliest pioneers of the Caller ID industry. Since then, they have grown, diversified, and are now offering not only some of the finest analog business telephones, but also telephones taking advantage of cutting-edge VoIP technology to serve PBX, small business, and consumer markets. Click here for more information on Fanstel's fantastic 2-line amplified speakerphones!

Assistive Technology is Becoming More Prevalent in Today's Classroom

2008-04-23T14:09:00.010-04:00

Everyday assistive technology is helping more students with special needs become active participants in the classroom. Software, communication aids, adaptive switches and more are playing a vital role in increasing the quality of education, and therefor the quality of life, for special needs students all over the world. From the Boston Globe:

The children in Dana Romanczyk's classroom at the William Carter School in Boston have severe special needs. They are unable to speak and are in wheelchairs. Yet they can activate a blender in cooking class or tell a teacher they have papers to take home with the help of technology.

At Watertown's Hosmer School, a fifth-grade boy who has reading difficulties works with occupational therapist Beth Lloyd and can participate in his classmates' project on explorers, thanks to a computer program that reads to him.

Click Here for the Whole Article

NC Company Recognized for it's Work with The Disabled

2008-04-18T14:00:00.004-04:00

Shelby Elastics, North Carolina manufacturer of elastic products, has been recognized for it's role in community development and it's employment of the handicapped and disabled. The company was honored last week for its efforts and presented with the Business and Industry Award for 2008 by the Marketing Association of Rehabilitation Centers.

From the Shelby Star:

SHELBY - For seven years, Shelby Elastics has prided itself on its association with community rehabilitation programs that provide work for the disabled. Last week, the company was recognized for its efforts and was presented the Business and Industry Award for 2008 by the Marketing Association of Rehabilitation Centers. It was the company's first time winning the award. MARC represents 14 non-profit community rehabilitation programs in a 23-county region in western North Carolina. At any given time, Shelby Elastics provides work for more than 100 disabled employees through four groups in four counties.

Click here for the Whole Article

We at ILT would also like to commend Shelby Elastics for their work with the disabled. It's always wonderful to see a company reaching out to the handicapped - many of whom want nothing more than to work and contribute, and often find doing so simply impossible.

Amplified Phones and Telephone Amplifiers for the Hearing Impaired

2008-04-11T13:17:00.002-04:00

There's no doubt that choosing the right amplified phone for you or a loved one can be quite a challenge. Amplified phone technology has come a long way and today's telephones are quite advanced, so we at Independent Living Technologies have put together a simple guide to choosing the right model amplified phone for you or your loved one.

By addressing the most frequently asked amplified phone questions that we receive from our customers, we hope that our online guide to choosing an amplified phone will help others find the phone that best suits their needs.

Assistive Technology Reviews!

2008-03-31T12:41:00.000-04:00

The purpose of this site is to share information and reviews on assistive technology products. Assistive Technology products include, but are not limited to: Amplification Systems Artificial Larynx Adaptive Switches Voice Amplifiers Amplified Telephones TTYs Sound Signalers Magnifiers Canes & Accessories Rollators Transport Chairs Walkers and Accessories Wheelchairs and much more... Our goal is to provide the consumer with all of the information he or she needs to make an informed, educated decision when purchasing products that increase qualityof life.