The Adapted Activities Library

The Adapted Activities Library is a collection of over 300 commercially available products for use by individuals with mental retardation.  The collection is unique because all products have been researched and selected for their proven usefulness with this population.  Products are loaned on a trial basis so that they can be evaluated for use by an individual in their home, day program or work environment. The library has been in operation since 1987.

The Adapted Activities Library is a program of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (D.M.R.), Metro Region, Occupational Therapy Department.  It serves the entire Metro Region as well as the Fernald Center.  The library is located on the grounds of the Fernald Center in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is open part time by appointment only.

All products and resources are funded through grants and donations solicited by the Occupational Therapy Department.

Products

Click on each category below to see a sampling of products.
 

ADAPTED SWITCHES AND DEVICES TO OPERATE EVERYDAY APPLIANCES   COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES   COMMUNICATION AIDS

SELF CARE AND DAILY LIVING AIDS   RECREATION AND LEISURE PRODUCTS

Services

Our occupational therapist can assist in the following ways:
 

	Matching an individual's skills and interests to the right product
	Researching, purchasing and determining safety, reliability and usefulness of new products.
	Developing strategies for training an individual to use a product, such as a switch or a cooking aid.
	Making recommendations for adapting the home or work environment, such as improving the lighting or the height of a work surface, so that an individual  can effectively use a product.