DOUBLE SPATULA TURNER

Description: Nylon coated joined spatulas.  Detachable for single spatula use.

To Operate: Squeeze handles to close other spatula head on top of food item.  Flip food item while squeezing handles together.

Application:  Good for those with limited hand use and vision who lack the coordination and/or vision to locate or flip food items when cooking with a standard spatula.  Dark spatula provides good color contrast for frying and serving light colored foods.

Vendor(s):  Independent Living Aids     Approximate Cost:  $10.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

HOME COOKING COOKBOOK

Description:  Fully laminated, spiral bound picture cookbook with 37 recipes for conventional and microwave ovens.  Also available in a black and white "color your own" version and a non-laminated version.                      

To Operate: Follow the simple, clear illustrations to prepare the recipes.  Measuring cups and spoons, as well as oven settings are consistently color coded, giving the user the option to similarly color code their kitchen for ease of use.

Application:  Simplifies food preparation for those who are unable to read.  Marking each completed step on the laminated pages is very useful for those with limited memory/organization skills.  Provides color coding option for those with poor vision who cannot discern standard measuring cup and spoon sizes. 

Vendor(s): Attainment Company   Approximate Cost: $59.00(Laminated version)
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

MEASURING SPOONS WITH COLOR CODED HANDLES

Description:  Standard sized measuring spoons.  Each measurement is a different colored spoon.

To Operate: Color code items in a recipe to match the appropriate measuring spoon.

Application:  Useful with those with limited vision who can’t read the measurement indication on standard measurement spoons.  Also helpful for those with memory/organization problems who are confused by standard forms of measurement.

Vendor(s):  Maxi Aids, Inc.     Approximate Cost:  $4.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

ONE SWITCH SINGLE-APPLIANCE UNIT

Description:  Cordless control unit for enabling switch users.  Provides remote, on/off operation of an AC appliance of up to 600 watts (lamp, fan, food blender, hair dryer, etc) from a distance of up to 20 feet.  Comes with receiver and a transmitter that accepts an adapted switch.  Requires 2 AA batteries.

To Operate: Plug the appliance into the receiver and the receiver into a wall outlet.  Plug the enabling switch into the transmitter.  Activating the switch will run the appliance until the user turns it off by activating the switch again.  Transmitter does not have to be pointed directly at the device to turn it on/off.

Application:  Gives enabling switch users with  limited hand use the opportunity to turn on/off a wide variety of AC appliances and equipment.  Simple to operate transmitter may be helpful for individuals with limited memory/organization or limited vision.

Vendor(s):  Enabling Devices   Approximate Cost: $83.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

SINGLE SWITCH LATCH & TIMER

Description:  Control unit that allows user to activate a battery-operated device using an enabling switch.  Unit has 3 settings (timed seconds; timed minutes; latch on/off).  Settings determine the amount of time the device operates once the individual activates the switch.  Must be used with a battery device adapted or a pre-adapted toy/device.  Requires 9 volt battery.  Other models are available offering more features, such as dual switch input.

To Operate: Plug the individual's enabling switch into the control unit.  Plug the control unit into the battery-operated device.  Turn dial to the desired setting (timer; latch).

Application:  Control unit gives users with limited hand use, vision, and memory/organization the ability to operate any battery-operated device with an enabling switch.  Settings enable an activity to be set up in a variety of ways to help each individual.  For example, using the timer provides multiple opportunities to use the switch to activate a favorite device.  Unit can also make sensory activities more effective for individuals who benefit from visual, auditory and tactile stimulation.

Vendor(s):  AbleNet, Inc.   Approximate Cost: $72.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

TIME TIMER

Description:  A "visual timer" that displays elapsed time. Eight inches in diameter.  Available in additional sizes.

To Operate: Set the timer for 1 to 60 minutes by moving the translucent red disc to the desired time.  As the time elapses, the red disc slowly disappears.  The time is over when the red display is gone.  The timer has no final auditory signal.

Application:  Provides a concrete representation of the passing of time which is helpful for those with poor memory/organization.   Unlike most timers, it provides a visual rather than an auditory signal when the "time is up", beneficial for people with limited or no hearing.  Good contrasting colors are helpful for those with limited vision.

Vendor(s): North Coast Medical, Nasco    Approximate Cost:  $25.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library