LARGE BUTTON UNIVERSAL REMOTE

Description:  Universal Remote Control for use with TV.  Six large buttons control power, channel change and volume control. Uses 2 AAA batteries.

To Operate: Use manual to program TV to respond to the remote control.

Application:  Large buttons are easier to locate and identify for individuals with limited vision and  memory/organization. May be helpful for some individuals with limited hand use.  Remote control unit is also helpful for users with limited reaching/lifting and mobility/balance who may be unable to access the TV itself.

Vendor(s):  Independent Living Aids   Approximate Cost: $11.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

LARGE KNOB PUZZLES

Description:  Solid wood, 5" by 20" puzzles with extra large knobs attached to each of the pieces.  Age appropriate, realistic illustrations.

To Operate: Grasp knob to remove or replace puzzle pieces into base.

Application:  Knobs allow those with  limited hand use to move, easily lift and orient puzzle pieces.  Large size pieces and illustrations are helpful for those with poor vision.

Vendor(s):  Kaplan   Approximate Cost: $19.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

LOW VISION PLAYING CARDS

Description:  Plastic coated playing cards with large numbers and letters.

To Operate: Cards are sturdy and easy to wipe clean.

Application:  Large, high contrasting numbers and letters are easier for those with poor vision to see.

Vendor(s): Nasco, Independent Living Aids  Approximate Cost: $5.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

MUSIC BLOCKS

Description:  Interactive music activity. Create hundreds of unique, high quality music compositions by manipulating blocks. Comes with a  Mozart Cartridge. Other cartridges also available separately.

To Operate: Place the blocks at random (or by matching them with the corresponding raised shapes) into the recessed areas. Press an individual block to hear part of the composition.  Then press the blue button in front to hear the entire composition.

Application: Extremely engaging activity for a wide range of individuals. Easy to create music is great for those with limited memory/organization. Raised shapes on the blocks are helpful for those with poor vision. Blocks are easy to grasp and place, beneficial for those with limited hand use.

Vendor(s): Abilitations, AbleNet, Inc.
Approximate Cost:  $65.00; Additional Cartridges - $20.00
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

SONY DREAM MACHINE WITH REMOTE

Description:  Stereo AM/FM clock radio with built-in CD player.  Comes with 4 button remote control (snooze, radio, CD, on/off).  CD, radio and on/off buttons are 3/8" wide.

To Operate: Press buttons on remote or on top of unit to operate functions.  Remote control does not need to be pointed at the unit to work.  One-step, press of radio or CD button will turn them on directly; third button turns them off.

Application:  Simplified remote control provides easy way to turn on/off favorite CD or preset radio station for users with limited memory/organization and vision.  Differentiating the buttons by using nail polish or texture is also helpful.  Remote control is useful for individuals with limited mobility/balance and reaching/lifting, who may be unable to access the unit itself.

Vendor(s):  LS&S Group   Approximate Cost: $96.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

SWITCH-ADAPTED TAPE RECORDER

Description:  Tape recorder adapted for use with an enabling switch.  Depending on model, switch will be in momentary, latch or timed mode.

To Operate: Plug an enabling switch into the jack on the tape recorder.  Use the switch to turn the tape recorder on for as long as the switch is activated (momentary), on and off (latch), or for a preset time (timer).

Application:  Great sensory activity for individuals who enjoy music and auditory stimulation.  Also allows those with limited hand use, vision or memory/organization skills to more independently listen to tapes.  Each time the switch is activated, the latch timer model allows the user to either 1) listen to a tape for a preset time or 2) turn the tape on/off.  The standard model requires the user to maintain contact with the switch in order to listen to the tape.

Vendor(s):  Enabling Devices   Approximate Cost: $66.00 (standard model); $90.00 (model with latch/timer)
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library