NAIL CLIPPER BOARD

Description:  Nail clipper and emery board mounted to a polyethylene board with  a suction cup base.

To Operate: User simply files nails against the stabilized, emory boards.  Nails are clipped by placing a nail in the clipper and then using the other hand to depress the clipper.

Application: Stable design allows those with weak or uncoordinated hand use to more safely and independently care for nails.

Vendor(s):  North Coast Medical   Approximate Cost:  $16.00
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

POWERLINK 3 CONTROL UNIT

Description:  Environmental control unit that allows user to  operate up to 2 electrical appliances using a single enabling switch. Provides 1700 watts of power.

To Operate: Select the mode of switch control (direct, latch, or timer) to match the individual's need. Plug the switch and appliance into the control unit. Plug the control unit into the wall outlet.

Application: Control unit gives single enabling switch users with limited hand use and memory/organization the opportunity to participate in many activities. Unit also helps users who enjoy visual, auditory and tactile stimulation to activate sensory stimulation devices. Examples include cooking (turning on/off a blender), work (operating an electric stapler), recreation (listening to music on a tape recorder) and self care (operating a blow dryer).

Vendor(s): AbleNet Inc    Approximate Cost:  $182.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

SPYROLACES

Description:  One size fits all, “spring” shaped shoe laces. Available in a variety of colors.

To Operate: Remove original laces and lace shoes with Spyrolaces.  “Spring” tension holds laces and shoes in place without tying.  Tension can be adjusted by pulling on Spyrolaces.

Application:  Allows for independent donning and removal of shoes by those with limited hand use. Helpful for those with poor memory/organization skills who cannot tie shoes in conventional manner.

Vendor(s): Sammons/Preston    Approximate Cost:  $8.00

Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

WIRELESS PERSONAL PAGER

Description:  Compact, wireless pager system allows an individual to contact caretaker within a 100 foot range. Caretaker wears receiver module which chimes or vibrates (depending on the model) when the individual pushes a button on the transmitter. Switch adapted transmitter version also available.  Uses a 12V and 2 “AA” batteries.

To Operate: Press the button on the transmitter or use an enabling switch (adapted version).  The receiver will then sound or vibrate, depending on the model.

Application: Useful way for individuals with limited mobility/balance, speech and memory/organization to call for assistance.  Switch adapted transmitter is useful for someone with limited hand use or reaching/lifting ability. Vibrating model is helpful for caregiver with limited hearing.

Vendor(s):  Enabling Devices (adapted version), LS&S Group  
Approximate Cost:  Auditory Pager- $34.00; Adapted Auditory Pager $41.00; Vibrating Pager- $40.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

ZIP GRIPS

Description:  One inch black plastic ring that attaches to an existing zipper tab.

To Operate: Ring easily attaches to any zipper tab with a hole in it, such as on clothing, luggage, etc.  User may either grasp the large ring or hook a finger in the ring to move the zipper.

Application: Provides a large, black target for those with limited vision.  Easier to grasp than a regular zipper tab for those with limited hand use.

Vendor(s): North Coast Medical     Approximate Cost:  $4.00 for pkg of 6

Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library