Activity #1 Response

Flashing Door Bell & Phone Alert
A flashing light and loud ring alert you to a ringing telephone or a visitor at your door. An economical solution to two common frustrations.

- attach a lamp for a flashing alert
- plug speaker into any outlet
- attach transmitter door bell to your door
- included phone module permits connection of a telephone
- 80 dB chime
- 150 foot range
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnhb0rgm_jY

That is a wonderful AT for independent living. Thank you, Gerry.

Pouring Cup on Flex Mount

Pouring Cups let you pour liquids, flour, or sand into any container you choose. Allows users of all ages to participate in cooking or engage in dramatic play. When you activate the first switch, the cup pours into a bowl, pail, or sandbox. The second switch returns the cup to the upright position. The cup is removable for easy cleaning. The flexible mount is easy to attach to flat surfaces, bars, or table legs. It runs on 4 AA batteries.

https://enablingdevices.com/catalog/useful-devices/household-products/pouring-cups-accessories
Cost: $179.95

This is a great idea that is very useful for independent living at any age. Thanks!

Wheelchairs come in different varieties including powered/electric, manual, sports, standing wheelchairs, adaptive stroller, etc. They can range from couple hundred dollars to a few thousands.
Having a wheelchair provides individuals with immobility to have a mean to move. It will open up his/her opportunities to independent, socialization, employment, and entertainments. It also frees up their caretakers/parents so that they don’t need to carry the person everywhere.
However, having a wheelchair doesn’t solve all the problem, because the wheelchairs are heavy and bulky, the family who has an individual in wheelchair, they need to have a car big enough to allow the wheelchair to go up (including a power ramp) or a trunk to place the wheelchair once it is fold up.
During my training at Children’s Hospital, I had the opportunity to experience in a wheelchair. I learned that when in wheelchair, every little thing can be an obstacle. For example, pulling the door open can be difficult when I had to pull on the door while pushing my wheelchair backwards. Another example, chair that was not pushed under the table could block my way going around the room. I now be more aware of these potential obstacles so that my co-workers have not trouble moving around in the office.

Here is a cute video of a young child using her wheelchair the first time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmHKqTRrTGs&feature=related

This is definitely a device we should all of seen around, but many problem don't think of all the little things that are involved. Thanks for sharing.

I have not personally worked with or seen this piece of technology, however I thought it was interesting and could definitely help a person with disabilities live independently, or improve their life skills.

VIP Talking Thermostat For The Blind or Low Vision: is the first digital thermostat with audio playback of day, time, indoor temperature, temperature setting and programming instructions so blind and visually impaired users can precisely and easily manage their indoor comfort. The VIP Series talking thermostats combine the latest technology to promote independent living with its verbal setup instructions and verbal announcements of the day, time, room temperature and temperature setting. The VIP is truly a talking thermostat that was designed to provide a comfort solution, and energy management for senior citizens and persons who are blind, visually impaired or disabled.

FEATURES and BENEFITS:
- Product Reliability - free lifetime warranty
- Very User Friendly - built in voice instructions guide the user in setting the day, time, weekly and weekend temperature settings
- Built in Loud Speaker - announces the current day, time, room temperature, set point and programming instructions when the appropriate button is pressed.
- Push button Convenience - easy to use control panel, receive voice confirmation after each button press
- Arm chair programming - program your VIP before mounting to the wall
- Program Choice - programmable 5plus2 setback schedule or non-programmable mode
- Multiple programs - up to four time and temperature settings per weekday and separate weekend settings in the 5plus2 programmable setback mode
- Easy installation - can directly replace most 2, 3, 4 and 5 wire analog and digital thermostats
- Freeze protection - turns on heating system at 40 degrees if thermostat is off or is inoperative
- Memory Backup - assures that all programmed data will be retained in the event of a power failure
- Low Battery Alarm - announces when the battery is low
- LCD Display - for the sighted person, visual time, temperature, and system status display to supplement voice announcements
- For 24-volt gas or electric heat with or without air conditioning
- This thermostat will only work with 1 stage heating and 1 stage a/c units.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrQYodsvAWg&feature=related

Thanks, MacKenzie. The Talking Thermostat is very helpful and ensures that they have the heat or A/C turned on to the right temperature.