Gadgets that Support Independence
by Lisa Schmidtke
As
a follow up to June’s column on aids for daily living, I’ve
decided to highlight different technologies that can help people
who have a disability or are elderly live full, independent lives.
And, of course, they can all be used and delivered right to your home.
The most obvious technology is computers.
From the privacy of one’s
home (and possibly in their pajamas) a person can run a business,
do their banking and stay in touch with loved ones, all because of
the internet and personal computers. But what happens when that lifeline
known as the computer breaks down? Most of us have seen the black
and white beetles driven by the Geek Squad. They are a computer repair
service that makes house calls. Other options are Chips Computer
Services and The Computer Specialist that Comes to You. Be proactive
and call one of them to give your computer a “tune-up” and
install virus protection software. To prevent your computer from
becoming another knick-knack, hone your skills at Gladys Green SeniorNet.
These learning centers, designed for adults 50 and over, teach classes
on the latest software. Wow your family with your knowledge of the
latest software updates!
Adaptive technology has become so prevalent in the disability community
that non-profits have been formed just to help people understand
and select the right solution for them. At Assistive Technology of
Minnesota, they provide access to life changing equipment for people
with disabilities by creating a lifeline to financial assistance,
education, information and resources throughout Minnesota. Ability
Hub will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods
available for accessing computers such as speech recognition software
and mouse alternatives. ABLE-DATA is a federally funded project whose
primary mission is to provide information on assistive technology
and rehabilitation equipment. Their database contains information
on more than 29,000 assistive technology products from emergency
alert systems to adaptive office equipment. These nonprofits do not
sell any products directly, but they can help you locate the companies
that do. So, what kind of companies are out there selling products?
Infogrip, Inc. was founded in 1986
with a mission to develop and market products that provide people
with a healthier and more productive way to interact with computers
such as ergonomic product and training. They can completely adapt
a work environment with adjustable desks, touch-free switches and
large track-balls. If either arthritis or Parkin-son’s disease
limits your dexterity, Chester Creek Technologies has developed
numerous versions of the mouse and keyboard. Their VisionBoard
keyboard has oversized keys, large-print letters and high-contrast
lettering. They have a great selection of colorful keyboards and
a tiny mouse for kids with little hands. EnableMart started out
by developing educational software and is now an all inclusive
source for assistive technology and assistive living devices. To
keep people outside and active, Just Two Bikes, based in Hugo,
MN, developed a side-by-side tandem bike, and Fishing Has No Boundaries,
with chapters in Bemidji and the Brainerd Lakes area, was created
to open up the great outdoors through fishing for people with disabilities.
Whatever your limitation, these companies will find a solution.
Even if you’ve never “surfed
the Web,” been a
gadget person or even learned how to work your VCR, don’t be
afraid to try a technologically advanced solution to your daily living
issue. There are many resources to help! ![]()
Resource Contact Information
Chips
Computer Services: www.chipscs.com
Geek Squad: www.geeksquad.com
Enablemart: www.enablemart.com
Gladys Green SeniorNet: www.seniornet-mpls.org
The Computer Specialist that Comes to You:
952-200-0921
Assistive Technology of Minnesota: www.atmn.org
AbleData: www.abledata.com
Ability Hub: www.abilityhub.com
Chester Creek Technologies: www.chestercreektech.com
Infogrip: www.infogrip.com
Just Two Bikes: www.justtwobikes.com
Fishing Has No Boundaries: www.fhnbinc.org
Lisa Schmidtke is the President
and Founder of House-calls Network. Their Web site, www.housecalls-network.com,
contains a directory of resources that can help the growing population
of seniors, disabled people and their caregivers live independently.
Housecalls Network also sells aids for daily lving and adaptive clothing.
Lisa Schmidtke can be reached by e-mail at lisa@housecalls-network.com or by phone at 952-221-0722. Housecalls Network does not endorse
any particular provider. They assume no responsibility for transactions
between the readers of this article and listed organizations.
