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Integral Adapted Silverware Set

Feb 14th, 2020 by

 Hi guys,

I just wanted to highlight some affordable low-tech AT for individuals with fine motor, dexterity and/or grip strength challenges.  This particular bit of kit is a set of silverware that is weighted, features built-up handles and designed with excellent ergonomics.  The set is from Amefa and can be ordered via www.thegrommet.com

Close up of white plate with fork, spoon and knife in silver with fatter handles on plate.

The set consists of a very solid spoon, knife and fork.  What is very different about this set is the rounded built-up handles that are easier to grasp than a flat handle. 

Close up of two hands holding fat handled silver fork and knife. Fork has piece of potato on it.

This great bit of kit is currently retailing for $89.95 plus shipping.  .If you would like to learn more about the product, please check out the website highlighted earlier in the post.

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Drummond

 

 

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Posted in Assistive Technology | No Comments »

ID NYC

Feb 11th, 2020 by

Hi guys, some awesome news coming out of New York City this month as it relates to accessibility.  The government of NYC has decided to release an updated identification card that incorporates Braille embossing.  This will be the first locally issued official identification that incorporates Braille anywhere in the US.  For those don’t know it or just learned it while reading this post, NYC has a comprehensive city ID program for all New Yorkers.  The card acts as ID anywhere within the state for obtaining government services, making age-restricted purchases, entering age restricted establishments, identification during police interactions and a range of other matters.

Close up of NYC Identification Card. It has a picture of a women with Braille on top of picture.

The ID card has been existence since 2015 for New Yorkers and the increase in its uptake/usage has steadily increased from what I can gather. I think this is a very exciting development no matter how fast inclusive or assistive technology moves it has always been clear that Braille is a key communication modality for those with non-visual access needs.  The card will be steadily rolling out over the next few weeks – really hoping I get to see one in person!

Man standing at podium with sign saying "Renew Your ID" and second sign with blow up of ID card.

 

To learn more about NYC’s ID program click the link below:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Drummond

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT and the Law, AT News, Blind/Low Vision Aids  | No Comments »

US DOT Seeks Input

Feb 7th, 2020 by

DOT Seeks Input on Proposal to Make Airplane Lavatories More Accessible


The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks public comments on a new proposed rule to improve restroom access for passengers with disabilities on single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more seats. The rule is based on negotiated rulemaking undertaken by DOT’s Advisory Committee on Accessible Air Transportation, which included aviation industry representatives, disability rights advocates, and other stakeholders.


The proposed regulation addresses lavatory interiors, on-board wheelchairs, and training of flight attendants.


Comments are due by March 2, 2020. 


Read the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and submit a comment.


Stay tuned: In the near future, DOT plans to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit comment and gather information on the costs and benefits of requiring airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft larger, equivalent to that currently found on twin-aisle aircraft.

Posted in AT and the Law, AT News | No Comments »

ATIA

Jan 31st, 2020 by

Hi guys, this week is a huge week for those in the assistive technology community; it’s the week of ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) conference in Orlando, Florida.  One of our veteran AT specialists is currently at the ATIA conference learning, engaging, consulting, educating and collaborating with folks in attendance.  Denise Schuler will be part of an esteemed panel discussing matters related to mobile device deployment.

Blue screen with with letters ATI and Assistive Technology Industry Association

The ATIA conference is a world-renowned AT conference and they have participants and presenters from across the globe in attendance each year.  ATIA is also one of the primary organizations for the progress, discussion and the ongoing development of AT here in the US.  This group consists of manufacturers, sellers, resellers, and service providers of AT products, equipment and services in the US.  

Blue and white ATIA 2020 logo on screen with words 'share, learn, connections" and dates January 28 - February 1

Finally, to learn more about ATIA, AT or digital accessibility feel free to reach out to us at MDTAP or if you wish to take the lead, hit the link below.

https://www.atia.org/atia-2020/

Again, guys thanks so much for reading!

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT Events, Conferences, Education, Information Technology, Weekly Wrap-up Friday | No Comments »

Wayzn Pet Door Access

Jan 30th, 2020 by

I wanted to introduce an awesome new smart home device that can aid with independence for pet owners with disabling physical conditions.  Owning a pet is a wonderful life experience and especially owning a rescue dog.  For those with certain physical disabilities owning a pet can be tricky to navigate independently.  The fantastic folks from Wayzn have come up with an innovative solution to getting your dog outside to your garden or yard so they can handle their toileting needs.  Let me introduce the Wayzn – a smart home setup for opening/closing sliding doors that includes a sophisticated smart locking system, smart speaker with camera/sensor for secure entry/re-entry, a smart dog collar and other sensors (pending release).Dog sitting next to sliding glass door with "Wayzn" in blue letters above door.

Wayzn allows the user to let their dog out from wherever they happen to be via their smart phone app and whenever is needed without the needs of human intervention e.g. a pet walker.  Wayzn securely controls the sliding door through the use of an easily installed piston locking system used in conjunction with the smart camera and the smart dog collar.  The user has numerous options to determine how and when the dog enters/re-enters the home via the sliding door!  Finally, when not in use, the device, can be easily stored in the entry way and therefore disabling the device returning the doorway to its original functioning, if desired.

Brown dog walking in open door into house.

Personally, I think this would be a great smart home setup for pet owners that have sliding doors in their who have limited mobility and those with physical dexterity issues that means owning pets can be challenging.  The Wayzn appears to be a fantastic product that can definitely impact the lives of those with disabling conditions that own or wish to own pets.  I am excited to see the Wayzn in person and I am considering ordering this product for a family home in New York.  On a final note, a think the starting price point of $399 is very reasonable when you compare it to making other permanent alterations to your home such as dog doors.  It should be noted that not all of the tech in this post will come with the device for the base price of $399!

Screenshot of Wazyn app front page with picture of dog outside sliding glass door.

To learn more about the product, please visits the link below:

https://wayzn.com/

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Drummond

Posted in Assistive Technology, Information Technology, Mobility Aids, Things to Know Thursday | No Comments »

Nonvisual Access Conference Proposals Sought

Jan 28th, 2020 by

Ever thought  “there should be an app to do that!”? Well, now’s your chance to meet with Apple & Google to learn all about how to make that app you always dreamed about, and more importantly, how to make it accessibly.

Hold the dates for NFB’s upcoming conference “Teaching Access Technology Using Structured Discovery Techniques” from April 14th-16th. You won’t want to miss this opportunity.

Follow the link to read all about the conference. And who knows, you might feel inspired to submit a proposal?!

Proposals for the Teaching Access Technology Using Structured Discovery Techniques seminar are being accepted. We encourage you to share your expertise! Presentation topics may include:

  • Training techniques
  • Self-guided learning
  • Theory of Technology Education
  • Any additional relevant topics

Presentations can be thirty or sixty minutes in length. Interactive elements are encouraged.  Deadline for submission of proposals is February 14, 2020. 

https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/teaching-access-technology-using-structured-discovery-techniques.

Posted in Assistive Technology, AT Events, Blind/Low Vision Aids , Conferences, Education, Information Technology, Tech Tip Tuesday, Web Accessibility | No Comments »

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