BEAD CHAIN CURTAIN

Description:  Strands of small metal beads hang on a sturdy plastic frame with suction cup base. Provides gentle sounds and a soothing tactile sensation when the user touches and moves the bead chains against each other. Other designs come with an attached mirror, a music box, or adapted switch capability.

To Operate: Use hand or arm to move the bead chains back and forth.

Application:  Engaging sensory activity for individuals who enjoy visual, tactile and auditory stimulation.  Beads are easily put in motion, good for those with limited hand use.

Vendor(s):  Enabling Devices   Approximate Cost:  $54.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

BIRDY ON A PERCH

Description:  Plush, battery-operated bird on a perch.  Moves left and right, blinks his eyes and sings a song.  Adapted for use with an enabling switch.  Uses 2 "AA" batteries.

To Operate: Suspend bird near the individual.  Plug an enabling switch into the bird's external jack.  Use the switch to operate the bird.

Application:  Engaging sensory activity for those who enjoy visual and auditory stimulation.  Activity can be further enhanced by using a timer (each time the switch is activated, the bird stays on for a preset time, such as 20 seconds).

Vendor(s):  TFH   Approximate Cost: $27.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

FOLDING FAN

Description: Folding, battery operated fan. Fan blade is behind a vented screen.  Can be used with or without an enabling switch (not included).  Uses 4 D-cell batteries.

To Operate: Use an enabling switch or the fan's on/off switch to activate the fan. With an enabling switch, the fan will stay on as long as the switch is depressed.

Application:  Soothing sensory activity provides gentle breeze and humming sound to users who enjoy auditory and tactile stimulation.  Attach small streamers to the fan to further engage those who enjoy visual stimulation. Those with limited hand use can operate it using an enabling switch.

Vendor(s):  Enabling Devices    Approximate Cost:    $30.00
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

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

VIBRATING LIGHT

Description:  Large plastic textured plate lights up and vibrates when the plate is depressed. Uses batteries.  Another model is available with music.

To Operate: User applies moderate pressure on any part of the plate to activate the light and vibration.  It remains activated as long as the plate is depressed.

Application:  The vibration, light and texture on the plate provide a multi-sensory experience for individuals who enjoy visual, tactile and auditory stimulation.  The large target is beneficial for those with limited hand use.

Vendor(s):  Enabling Devices   Approximate Cost:  $70.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library