Service Dogs and Technology Collide As One

With today’s assistive technology, Canine Companions for Independence collides with technology in that service dogs can be used with a variety of different power chairs and scooters. Service dogs can facilitate individuals with disabilities just like assistive technology.

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), established in 1975, is a philanthropic organization that provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities. They provide four distinct types of service dogs (service, assisted service, hearing and facility) for individuals with a plethora of disabilities. The dogs are proficient in an array of different commands and tasks that coincide with the client’s specific needs. Some examples include, but are not limited to, opening doors, retrieving items, and pulling a wheelchair. One of the most beneficial features of being paired with a service dog is its ability to provide emotional support.

Applicants who may qualify for CCI services can enlist by requesting an application online. Those who qualify must undergo a phone and in person interview to receive a dog. Once approved, in order to become more acclimated with the dog, recipients must attend a two-week training with the dog at a CCI facility.

Having the privilege to know a CCI volunteer puppy raiser and having done my research has given me the credentials to understand what the organization has to offer. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a CCI dog in training named Midnight. She is a Labrador retriever with a docile demeanor who is extremely obedient. She answers to a variety of commands and engages in basic skills in order to facilitate her future companion.

 I strongly recommend this organization to anyone who is in need of the service dog. It is the oldest and most reputable organization that provides dogs free of charge. Individuals who are disabled do not have to compromise their independence or security when having a service dog.

For further information on how to obtain a dog or offer to volunteer for CCI please contact CCI at 631-561-0200 or you can visit the website at www.caninecompanions.org

Alexa has ‘skillz’

Since, the Amazon Echo is such a conducive and sophisticated tool it is serviceable in so many different outlets. This allows for spontaneous and lucid access. In order to reap the advantageousness of the Echo, the user must download the Alexa app to their phone, which features an infinite amount of skills. Users who have difficulties accessing their phone may have trouble adding skills. The Echo skills are similar to phone apps. They can do a plethora of tasks such as; rehash data, notify people, play music, and give direction among an incredulous amount of other capabilities.

One skill of Alexa that behooved me was the enormous amount of meditation skills. I found them to be quite relaxing, therapeutic, and enjoyable given that I do yoga on a daily basis. I highly recommend the meditation skills Peaceful Meditation and ZenMood to anybody who is depressed or overwhelmed with anxiety.

Ask My Buddy is a complementary service that works on the Amazon Echo, similar to a ‘Life Alert’ emergency contact system. People who are physically impaired can now live independently and alert their personal contacts with the sound of their voice if in need of help or medical attention. The app will send an expedited message via phone and/or email. When I first accessed Ask My Buddy, it had a difficult time understanding my voice, but as time progressed it became familiar with my voice. When my contacts were alerted, they were flustered since I did not explain the program ahead of time. I strongly recommend you do!!! Overall, I think it’s a wonderful service in which people do not have to compromise their independence or security. Please be advised that Ask My Buddy should not be used in place of 911.

These are two of many skills that Alexa has to offer. Do you use any Alexa skills that you find interesting or beneficial and would like to share?

Let’s meet Alexa!!!!!

The Amazon Echo and Echo Dot are intricate devices that use smart technology and a personal assistant named Alexa to carry out a plethora of mundane tasks. Some of the positive attributes include news, reminders, time, alarms, music, calculators, and more. The system is controlled entirely by the user, primarily by saying the word Alexa. In order for Alexa to run properly you must have an Internet connection and an Amazon account.

When the Echo first permeated the market in November 2014, people were not cognizant of how it would facilitate disabled people in their everyday agenda until individuals were able to try it out for themselves. For example, my uncle who is blind uses Alexa in everyday life. The Echo helps him with a myriad of tasks such as listening to the news and getting the date and time. At first he was very reluctant to explore Alexa but after he used it he felt it was the best thing he ever tried. He now has everything at his fingertips which was once a struggle.

Based on my voluminous research and ongoing experience I can honestly say that I strongly recommend the Echo to anyone who’s interested in the technology. Given all its functions and features, the only setback that I find with it is the quality of the speakers. What entices me the most is its ability to send reminders to my phone given my hectic lifestyle.

If you are interested in what the Echo has to offer please click below to check out my video:
Fallon meets Alexa!