More storage and less stress!!!

Since 1988, The SanDisk Company has been providing us with award-winning memory and storage technology. The iXpand USB flash drive is different from previous technology since it predominantly functions on smartphones and computers. The iXpand phone app guides individuals in organizing their videos, music, photos and more. This exquisite software frees up space and allows you to share your material securely. You can instantaneously transfer files and conveniently have everything readily available. The drive is compatible with various file formats. It comes in 16 to 256 GB depending on what you are looking for, with a price tag from $30- $200.

This device can eradicate stress for persons with physical disabilities since it is lightweight, yet wide in size so people might be less inclined to misplace their drive. Given its rugged metal exterior, it’s less likely to disassemble or break. Individuals with challenging dexterity can now handle and maneuver the drive fluidly, taking it in and out of their computer and mobile devices efficiently without the need for assistance. The newer model is much more compact and difficult to maneuver for people with dexterity difficulties.  As a tech savvy person who has physical challenges, I validate the legitimacy of this product

For me, using a flash drive is no longer an arduous task, but a breeze. I can save material at the click of a button. The feature that I find most crucial is its ability to automatically back up personal photos since I’m always on the go. I now have my vital information such as my resume at my fingertips. Since SandDisk is a reputable and reliable company you should try out their flash drives first hand. This way you always have what you need.

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When Grammar and Technology Collaborate

Individuals with an array of disabilities and abilities use proofreading applications to bolster their writing skills. Engineers design this software to ameliorate spelling, grammar, punctuation, style,,and structure errors. Three specific applications I will highlight are WhiteSmoke, LanguageTool and Microsoft Word. Each software application provides a free version that is accessible to anyone who wants to get a taste of some of the things it has to offer before purchasing. We reviewed the free versions.  Even though these programs have a conventional purpose, they are very diverse in many ways.

Language tool and WhiteSmoke are web-based applications. LanguageTool corrected four of seven errors, including homonym, verb tense, spelling and capitalization mistakes. It provided an explanation and offered a solution.  It missed three errors regarding verb tense, run on sentences and over-capitalization. WhiteSmoke identified a similar amount of errors, but also reported some mistakes inaccurately. The writing window was small and difficult to navigate.  I also felt that it berated the writer, by stating that their work was poor. Throughout the duration of using these websites, I found them to be quite stressful and frustrating. Overall, I felt that each of the websites performed below par, but LanguageTool was better.

 Microsoft Word is a word processor with built-in proofing software. When using the program, it corrected five errors that included capitalization, verb tense, homonym and sentence structure mistakes. Unlike the web-based applications, it helped me to improve the strength of one of my sentences. Even though it is not one hundred percent accurate, their suggestions were more helpful and easy to understand. One of the built-in features that behooved me the most was the text-to-speech read back. It allowed me to edit my work in a timely fashion. I highly recommend this software to anyone who needs assistance with their writing. The practical aspect about using Microsoft Word is that their proofing services are free and there is no need to download anything.

Please share your experiences with proof reading services below!

Utilizing Technology to Live a Well-Balanced Holistic Lifestyle

HoMedics® sleep solutions™ Sound Soother
The HoMedics enterprise, established in 1987, is one of the leading manufacturers in health and wellness merchandise. Their products include massagers, sound machines, and fitness trackers. Their Sleep Solutions Sound Soother machine is like no other of its kind. The machine is travel friendly, reasonably priced, ($50) and has a variety of twelve different earth sounds.

Since the sound machine has a placid effect, individuals with a variety of disabilities and needs can benefit immensely from this technology. Individuals with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and attention deficit now have another alternative to using medication. Adopting this holistic approach allows users to manage their symptoms effectively without the harmful side effects of prescription drugs. In order to reap what it has to offer, the machine should be used on a consistent basis in conjunction with light exercise. People who utilize this tool in recreational settings do so for yoga and meditation to better be mindful of their surroundings. When the mind, body, and soul function at their full potential, people live healthy constructive lives engaging in lucrative tasks.

Given people’s hectic, chaotic lifestyles, I profoundly endorse the sound system for anyone who needs a peaceful and calming environment to decompress and have time to themselves. One of the qualities that is most crucial is its compact size, since units like these tend to be quite cumbersome. Whenever overwhelmed with melancholy, I put the device on campfire and I drift off into sleep that lasts for hours. Individuals with dexterity issues might have difficulty manipulating the device. These consumers can use the Amazon Echo, which is voice controlled and discussed in one of my previous blogs.

If you are interested in listening to the intricate sounds or learning how to operate the device, please check out the video: https://youtu.be/aiecNXcQuF8

Switch Adapted Play with Pups and Pals!

With our Fall FUN Fest coming up on Sunday Oct 15 (9am-1pm), we decided to have some fun switch adapting a GoDogGo ball launcher for our favorite Canine Companion in training, Midnight! Connecting an adapted switch, like the red one in the pic, to the remote enables anyone to use any body part to throw a ball to their favorite pup or friend!

This adaption can be completed in three simple steps:
The first pic shows everything you need:
a soldering iron, solder, wire cutter, battery interrupter, and adapted switch.

1) Peel back the sticker face to unscrew the remote box
(don't even ask what we tried before we saw this!)












2) Use a wire cutter to clip off the  copper end of a battery interrupter cord,  and then strip/expose the wires at the end that you cut off -
(alternatively, you can make your own receiving jack/wire less expensively by using speaker wire and a 3.5 female jack -http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Solder-Battery-Interrupter/)

3) Solder the wire to the terminals shown below inside the remote- You can test the connection by simply holding the wires on these terminals before soldering.We snaked the wire back out the top screw hole (before soldering, but maybe after we had cut that screw trying to get into the box ;/

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That's IT! Put it all back together, connect any adapted switch, and HAVE FUN PLAYING BALL!

If you need more specific instructions or help, feel free to contact us at: kvanden@wihd.org

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!