Friday, April 27, 2018

Get a Grip!!!!


Get a Grip
Popsockets are nifty electronic accessories that attaches to the back of a smartphone or tablet. They function as a grip, kickstand, and cord wrap. Individuals can take superb selfies with the click of a button. Pop it twice to expand and collapse it to lay it flat. Popsockets are extremely beneficial when playing games, reading books, and watching movies.

Companies can advertise their business by having their logo printed on Popsockets. In addition, individuals can customize their own personalized grip with their photos and choice of colors. Each accessory has refined designs and colors that accentuate its features. Their prices range from $10-$15. Retailers from across the board sell this wonderful device.

Patrons with Parkinson’s disease and arthritis express infinite gratitude for the product. These consumers see them as “life changers”. They are able to manipulate their phone independently without the fear of dropping it. The Popsocket mount attaches to any surface.  This enables individuals with disabilities to use their phone hands-free especially while driving.

Since I am on a modest budget, I love that they are inexpensive. I enjoy perusing all the snazzy designs and materials. Sometimes, the adhesive does not stick to all iPhone cases or they lose their stickiness over time. In that case, you would have to get a new one. It is extremely lightweight and easy for me to use. Everyone should take advantage of its benefits. I look forward to creating my own Popsocket in the near future

     If you have any questions, please comment below or watch the video at https://youtu.be/k3z2Y4-YUlg









Thursday, April 5, 2018

No Strings Attached!!!!!!


 The Apple AirPods are exquisite wireless Bluetooth earbuds that plummeted onto the market in September 2016. One of the features that makes them different from others alike is that they independently charge in a floss-like case that is compact and advantageous to users. This product permits the user to do a slew of things, which includes, listening to music, making phone calls and talking to Siri. The renowned W1 chip and sensors were developed, so the technology carries out an array of intricate tasks such as determining when the individual is using the AirPods.

The AirPods automatically synchronize with all Apple products. Individuals with mild hearing impairment can progress by utilizing the Apple AirPods to mitigate unnecessary stress. Each AirPod has a unique built-in microphone and sound system, which provides exceptional service to the user.  The sound quality is articulate and sharp making it easy to understand each word thus decreasing the fear of not comprehending perceptible information.

The wireless earbuds are a blessing for many people with physical limitations since they do not have to worry about untangling wires. One minor downfall to the AirPods is that those individuals with severe dexterity issues might have difficulty grasping each earbud to take them in and out of the case as well as putting them into the ears. Whether you are physically or visually impaired, you might require assistance to plug the AirPods in to charge.

Since the AirPods are wireless, they have benefitted me immensely in many ways. Each AirPod fits adequately in the portable case that it comes with, without the annoyance of wires. I like that the AirPods can remain charged for five hours given my hectic lifestyle. I primarily use my pods when I am listening to Spotify, making phone calls, and using a variety of apps. Unlike my past headphones, they are reasonably priced at $160. Prior to purchasing the Apple AirPods, I bought a trendy portable purple outer case that can conveniently attach to my keys. Since the AirPods are a viable tool that can foster independence, I recommend them to people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and disabilities.


If you are interested in learning more about the Apple AirPods or have any questions, I cordially invite you to contact me at techblogspot89@gmail.com.

Friday, March 23, 2018

A good set of ears equals an excellent experience !!!!


Since the 1960s, the Plantronics Electronics Corporation has provided us with versatile and compact headsets that have enlightened us to engage in an infinite amount of responsibilities. The audio computer headset is extremely flexible and accessible no matter the situation. It conveniently connects to the computer via USB - no additional software necessary. The earphones work with all operating systems. Each device comes with a built-in noise-canceling microphone and volume controller that more easily allows the device to understand your speech. With this helpful tool, you can readily input information and enjoy music.

Speaking from experience, consumers with physical constraints can now utilize this technology for business and personal activities. The headset goes hand-in-hand with voice recognition software that allows for easy dictation. The microphone’s excellent quality, assures that almost one hundred percent of the dictated speech, is transcribed accurately from verbal speech to text. In addition, its rugged exterior does not permit it to fracture. Unlike other earphones, they are stowable. However, it should be noted that individuals with speech impediments might have an onerous time at dictating a multitude of information.

First and foremost, this multifaceted headset is a key steppingstone in my professional career.  Since, I have been using the Plantronics DSP- 400 headset in my day-to-day agenda; it has given me the capabilities to prosper effectively. I use it to dictate Word documents and make phone calls. The feature that I find most crucial is its ability to fold and bend. Its sturdy outer shell makes it simple to grasp and manipulate. In addition, the palpable wires tend not to tangle. The clarity of the microphone is superb. I recommend this product for people of all ages and backgrounds who want to revamp their skills. I feel that this apparatus is one of the best investments I have ever made. Without this headset, I think I would be lost. It is realistically priced, at $45 (currently on sale at Amazon.com for $29.99) and comes with a carrying case.

If you have any questions, or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at techblogspot89@gmail.com
                                        







Friday, January 19, 2018

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.






Thursday, January 4, 2018

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!

Friday, November 17, 2017

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

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Switch Adapted Play with Pups and Pals!


Service dog anxiously waits for adapted ball launcher to launch a ball

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.

soldering iron, solder, switch, remote, batter adapter, wire cutter










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










battery interupter with end cut and wires stripped
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 ;/
arrows point to upper right terminals to solder wire to
-



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