Grip It & Write

Oftentimes individuals with developmental disabilities have fine or gross motor delays. Therefore, writing can be a laborious task as gripping a pencil and writing legibly may be difficult. To combat this challenge an occupational therapist may offer an individual a diverse series of pencil grips depending on their needs and specific disability. Examples of some disabilities that may benefit from using a pencil grip include but are not limited to, dysgraphia, hypermobility, hypotonia, arthritis, and autism. However, not all with fine motor difficulties may choose to use or enjoy using pencil grips

Every individual has their own preference on which grip works best for them. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and materials. Usually they are inexpensive with a price tag not exceeding $3 dollars. Some of the pencil grips include but are not limited to the…

·     Claw- Allows the user to put their fingers in a tripod grasp by placing fingers in the cups.

·     Pinch Grip- Provides comfort and support. Helps the writer put their fingers in the proper aliment simply making use of the indents on the grip.

·     Stetro- Has three contours to place fingers in an efficient position. It has little support. Many people use it incorrectly.

·     Grotto- A ridged grip that prevents displacement of fingers. This can be uncomfortable to some people.

·     Crossover- Has wings that stop an individual from crossing their thumb & index finger when writing Soft and rubbery to the touch.

·     Twist N’ Write- Y shaped lead pencil that teaches children proper finger placement. To write the child must put their index finger, and then their thumb and middle finger through the sides.

·     Monkey- Stabilizes the thumb and index finger on the sides of the pencil while the rest of the fingers hold the monkey’s tail.

·     Handi Writer- Supports wrist while writing.

·     Egg grip- Can be used for individuals with arthritis as it allows them to use a more cylindrical grasp. 

Occupational therapist often see their clients misplace their fingers on a pencil or just press too hard. In this predicament, they have the option to use a pen or mechanical pencil. A mechanical pencil trains the individual to not press so hard because the tip will break. On the other hand, a pen provides fluidity for letter/word formation. Unlike a regular pencil, a pen does not offer resistance, therefore requiring less control and pressure. Whereas this may be helpful for some, others may require a pencil which provides them with more feedback.

Prior to writing this blog I intentionally chose to use the pencil grips for research purposes. However, I found them to be quite uncomfortable to use. That being said, with years of experience I know how to use a pencil without a grip adequately. Though I can see how they would facilitate individuals with daily writing tasks.

For further information or inquires please feel free to contact me at techblogspot89@gmail.com.

Bead Power!

                      

It is not unusual for persons with disabilities to unconsciously drop or misplace their smartphone. This can wreak havoc because an abundance of people are inept to retrace their steps or just simply can’t go through the aggravation of reclaiming their phone. Unfortunately, they can’t depend on the astuteness of strangers to help them in times of need. The average person might undeniably be overwhelmed with his or her own issues incapable of helping others. As a result, everyone has to fend for themselves. The only logical alternative is to contact the phone carrier to request a replacement phone. For individuals who do not carry monthly insurance this can create financial repercussions.

Unlike the Average Joe, the cell phone for patrons with disabilities is not a luxury but a necessity. They require it to sustain their personal independence and cannot live without it. In order to eliminate the austere burden, one can purchase a beaded cellphone case by Susan Marie. She is an independent artist who creates an array of fashion jewelry and accessories. Much of her work is customizable. Upon placing an order for a beaded cell phone case you must let her know what cell phone model you have. They come in an array of vivacious colors, shapes and sizes. It can be worn around the neck or wrist. There is no need to fret about misplacing your cell phone anymore!  The cell phone clutch is a mere $40, a drop in the bucket,  considering how much cell phone accessories cost today.

I received mine as a gift from my parents. When I saw it, I felt it was unique. Since I’m disabled I use it frequently for my phone, keys and ID. I wear it around my neck so I can have the imperative items readily available. If you purchase one, I can promise you will not be disappointed by the quality. Since Christmas is right around the corner, it would make an excellent stocking stuffer.

For further inquiries on how to get a hold of one of these or other inventory please contact Susan Marie at 914.525. 4204. Please tell her I referred you!

911!

 

Oftentimes individuals with disabilities and seniors are susceptible to many medical emergencies. If they don’t receive adequate medical attention within several minutes it can often lead to catastrophic repercussions. For example, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. As a result, many individuals are forced into buying Life Alert or similar products.   There are disadvantages to using Life Alert, which include costly subscription plans, and it can only be accessed with a phone line (mobile or landline). Now there is a cost-effective feasible alternative called SmartGo Waterproof Emergency Alert Pendent.

Help Now Alarm Company, which developed the SmartGo Pendant, stands out from its competitors. The company provides emergency assistance that has complementary service and doesn’t require a phone line. Depending on where the device is purchased it costs anywhere from $99-$150.  The SmartGo pendant is small and lightweight in stature. It has a rubbery waterproof exterior that makes it easy to grasp. Three electrifying color variations that include pink, black and blue make it effortless to keep track of. SmartGo offers 2-way communication that lets you have 911 operators at your fingertips. Just press and hold the SOS button for three seconds and an emergency dispatcher will come on. You can use the device anywhere life takes you. In the blink of an eye, it can save your life! However, this device is inaccessible for the deaf and nonverbal as they can't effectively communicate with the 911 dispatcher. 

Since I’m physically impaired and suffer from migraines I purchased the SmartGo last month on HSN. It lets me go about my business with ease. I don’t have to fret about what can arise during an emergency. For me, this is crucial because my phone is not always charged or on my person.  The alarm comes with a lanyard charging cradle, wall adapter, and USB cord. I wear it around my neck to have it readily available in times of emergency. Hopefully, I will not have to use it anytime soon, but I have it just in case.

Never underestimate what can transpire to you or your loved ones. The gizmo practically pays for itself. I think this technology can be advantageous to anyone. Every household in America should own at least one.

 For further inquiries and testimonials, please go to www.helpnowalarmco.com or email me at techblogspot89@gmail.com 

Prime Time!

Shopping is quite an inconvenience for individuals with disabilities. Barriers can deter patrons from completing their errands. Two major areas of difficulty for individuals with disabilities, that form an integral part of the in-person shopping experience, are traveling and accessibility. Family members then must step in to carry out these mundane obligations. As a result, consumers might lose their sense of self-worth or independence. Online shopping is a feasible alternative to the traditional shopping experience. It can even help to alleviate stress from daily routines. It is not called retail therapy for nothing, and it is unfair to make this supposedly fun experience unnecessarily cumbersome for people with disabilities.

One of the services that can be easily utilized by one and all, no matter any disability, is Amazon.com. Amazon.com is the largest online monopoly in the world. The company provides goods and services to its patrons with the click of a button (toys, clothes, electronics, and video streaming are but a few of the products they sell).  Business mogul extraordinaire Jeff Benzos gave light to the company in 1994. Since then his establishment has grown to meet the demands of the consumers.

When using Amazon, folks don’t have to travel, wait on long lines, interact with sales representatives, get products off the shelf or find a bathroom (that more often than not, is hard to get to). Luckily, everything can be done from the comfort of one’s home or on the go via the Amazon app. Individuals can view the website and find items in a matter of a few seconds. Unlike stores, consumers can shop 24/7.

  

An additional service provided by Amazon, for a fee, is Amazon Prime membership.  For instance, prime members can receive free 2-day shipping and exceptional customer service.

 The Amazon prime membership is an annual subscription service with a slew of benefits. The annual fee costs a mere $119. Some perks with prime include:

·    Prime Pantry is non-perishable groceries delivered to your doorstep for $4.99 a month.

·    Prime Fresh is a grocery delivery service for an additional 14.99 a month. It is only available in select cities.

·    Prime Music offers popular music free of charge

·    Prime Video is an exclusive video streaming service.

·    Prime Reading allows limitless access to a multitude of diverse literature, (magazines, books, comics) even Audible is now a part of the Amazon package.

·    Prime Now is same-day delivery at no extra cost to the consumer. This service is only available in certain locations.

·    Prime Day is a 2-day holiday in July with incredulous discounts on amazing one-of-a-kind items.

In the end, members will recoup that money with all the deals and steals. Amazon Prime is known for its reliability and convenience. Amazon has dominated the retail industry for quite some time. Millennial’s are susceptible to shopping online versus going to the store. On the flipside, one should remember, that when shopping in person, there is a lot of human interaction that is not part of the online shopping experience.  And when shopping online, no physical activity is required.  

I’ve been an ardent member for the past four years. It was one of my niftiest moves. Prime has made shopping extremely easy. I don’t have to fret about people not wanting to help me. I’m no longer subjected to carrying shopping bags on my walker that make it strenuous to maneuver.  In addition, their customer service is very accommodating. If I have a legit issue they are always enthusiastic about making things right. I wholeheartedly endorse Amazon prime and believe everyone should consider becoming a supporter. You will not regret it!

For further inquiries, feel free to contact me at techblogspot89@gmail.com or comment below!

Speak!!!!

"Touchchat opens the world to communication that the person didn't previously have"

Elyse Goldshein MS, CCC, SLP

Touchchat is a multifaceted communications app that improves the lives of those with limited or no verbal ability. With the simple touch of a button, your smart device will speak an array of phrases, sentences, and words. The app is divided into page sets that make it easy to navigate the system. Individuals with ALS, Down's syndrome, and Autism, to name but a few, can now reclaim their independence without an expensive dedicated device. The app is compatible with all smart devices including iPhones iPads and iPods.

The program features eight different page sets that include:

·       4 Basic  Simple vocabulary with four buttons per page (About me, social, clothes)

·       MyCore core words with phrases to make complete sentences  

·       Spelling Keyboard that uses word prediction.

·       VocabPC  Action phrases and sentences 12 buttons per page (I feel happy, Hello, nice to meet you)

·       Aphasia designed for people with Aphasia

·       MultiChat 15  Advanced communication with  (phrases, words and sentences chat question and describe)         

·       MyQuickChat  Quick words and phrases to express basic wants and needs.

·       WordPower a collection of vocabulary files that are organized into diverse groups

Page sets are broken into a myriad of pages that have intuitive buttons. Each page set caters to a broad spectrum of disabilities.

Based on an individuals  preference and/or intellectual needs the pages, buttons, voice messages, photos, vocabulary and layout can all be personalized. Photos are imported into the program with the built-in camera or the Internet Voice messages can be recorded with the voice synthesizer. Buttons can be dragged from one location to another. Unknown vocabulary words can be saved for future reference.

What I found most crucial was its ability to work with various programs such as Dropbox, Gmail and Youtube. For people with communication difficulties, this app is not only essential, but also fun and convenient given all life throws at us. For beginners, I feel that it is extremely easy to learn because they structure the material according to age and ability. The pictures are helpful for those with limited understanding of the vocabulary. The word prediction was excellent for me since I have fine motor delays. Those who are unable to press the buttons might require assistance when using Touchchat. Touchchat is $300, and is often covered by insurance when in a locked format.

For further information, please contact me at techblogspot89@gmail.com or comment below.