About Assistive Tools and Technology

While many of the devices used by people with disabilities today are advanced, digital, or modern, Assistive Technology (AT) has been around for thousands of years! The oldest AT device discovered is “The Cairo Toe,” a carved wooden toe found on the foot of a mummy in a tomb near the ancient city of Thebes. Some scientists and archaeologists have speculated that the 50 to 60-year-old woman the prosthesis came from may have lost her toe due to complications from diabetes (Click here to read more). Ingenuity is one of the greatest traits we as humans possess, and as they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention!” Inclusion and accessibility are necessities for all of us, so it’s no wonder that we continue to advance in the realm of Assistive Technology.

​Here at NWGA Center for Independent Living, we have partnered with Tools for Life (TFL) to bring our community a wide variety of assistive devices. We have over 20 assistive devices to fit a variety of needs and disabilities. Our staff is trained in the use of these items, and we can demonstrate to our consumers how to use them. While we do not loan or give out any of these AT devices, we are more than happy to educate you on how to use them, discuss approximate pricing, and point you in the right direction to acquire them.

​Below you will find pictures, names, and descriptions of AT devices in our inventory.

 

Adaptive Cutting Board

This Plastic cutting board has prongs to hold food for slicing and a vise to hold a variety of items for one-handed operation. This can be used to hold a mixing bowl for stirring, opening boxes or jars, or for Slicing or grating food. It has four suction Feet to secure the board to the work surface for safe use.

AT Mount Kit

The assistive Technology (AT) starter kit offers all the common parts used in the AT Field giving you the flexibility and option to create hundreds of different configurations immediately. This kit contains clamps and various-sized mounting plates used to affix devices such as phones, tablets, screens, communicator boards, etc.

Dressing Stick

The dressing stick helps individuals with limited mobility or the use of one arm to put on and take off clothes. It has two plastic-coated hooks: a large hook for pulling on shirts, jackets, and pants, and a small hook for zippers and shoelace loops.

Elastic Shoe Laces

Extra-long back and white shoe laces made with an elastic assist in lacing shoes for individuals who have foot swelling, or who have difficulties bending over to lace and tie shoes.

Freedom Dinnerware

This dinnerware had suction pad bases that allow the dinnerware that prevent them from moving. This helps individuals feed themselves without the danger of the dinnerware moving or slipping. They can be washed in a dishwasher(top shelf), while the nonspill vacuumed pad can be simply washed and dried by hand. The dinnerware can be microwaved, however, the base cannot.

Full Page Magnifier

The full-page magnifier is a standard sheet-size plastic magnifier used to enlarge text and picture's on a page while holding it over the object you are trying to read or see. These do come in different sizes and Styles.

Go Talk 9+

The Go Talk 9+ is a lightweight and portable communication tool. It includes nine minutes of recording memory with a 45-message capacity. The Go Talk 9+ has five recording levels and three core messaging keys that remain constant- great for hello or all done.

Google 7 Nexus Tablet

This is a 7-inch tablet that runs on Android and is optimized for Google. This tablet has several onboard Accessibility options such as a screen reader, text enlargement, etc.

Lift-ware Spoon

The Lift-Ware spoon kit includes a stabilizing handle and a soup spoon attachment. The stabilizing handle includes built-in sensors, computers, and motors that sense and counteract the effects of hand tremors. The soup spoon attachment connects to the stabilizing handle to pick up food such as soups, cereals, and other liquids. The soup spoon attachment holds about 1 tablespoon (15mL) of liquid.

Little Mack Communicator

Little Mack Communicator is a single-button communicator that features an easy, single-message recording, and one-touch playback for up to two minutes. It has an external switch jack and interchangeable switchtops. You can connect a toy or battery-operated application for instant positive reinforcement. The Little Mack Communicator requires a 9-volt battery.

The MedCenter

The MedCenter is a monthly pill system organizer with Parking Garages. there are a total of 31 parking Garages, or pill boxes, with four points of the day slots. It is equipped with a loud four-talking alarm clock with a long alarm duration. The pill boxes are easy to open, The timer shows the pill box number and slot. The Pill timer resets every day at midnight, no reset is required.

Personal Pager

The Personal Pager is an activation button and separate receiver that is used to notify an individual who is in a separate room or location from each other. The signals can be sent up to 100 feet and through walls if needed. It is completely wireless and battery-operated. The small compact receiver is about the size of a credit card and has a distinct chime or vibrate signal. It has a clip for attachment to a belt, or it converts to an easel for a stand-up position.

Pocket Talker

The Pocket Talker is a compact device able to be taken anywhere. It is ideal for situations such as 1-on-1 conversations, TV listening, small group conversations, and much more. The Pocket Talker Ultra amplifies sound clearly and easily for better understanding. It holds 100 hours of battery life to ensure long-lasting performance. The Pocket talker can be used with a variety of available earphones and headphones of your choice. For optimal performance, use it with a neck loop and a telecoil-equipped aid.

Reacher

A Reacher is a multi-purpose pick-up tool that is great for use in the home, around the yard, and in the community. The tool provides help for individuals with physical limitations, having a comfortable handle and a rubber jaw that allows for easy retrieval of objects high and low.

Reminder Rosie

Reminder Rosie is an alarm clock that responds to verbal commands, such as record reminder or What day is it?, and allows anyone to set up to 25 reminders for every day, weekly, by day, or annually! So for example, set a reminder for your father to hear in two weeks to remind him of an appointment. hear messages in the comforting voice of a loved one or caregiver. The message can be heard up to 100 feet away and can be turned off verbally or by pressing the button on the back of the clock.

Reaching Shoehorn

A good shoehorn has one purpose and one purpose only, to make putting your shoes on a breeze without bending, back pain, or aches. This extra-long shoehorn does just that. It is 24 inches long, is made from sturdy high-tech plastic and metal, and comes with a big round handle so that your entire hand can wrap around it. This shoe horn is ideal for individuals who have movement limitations.

Sock Aid

The Sock Aid is perfect for people with limited hand function, back problems, wheelchair users, or people recovering from hip or knee surgery. It holds the sock in place while allowing the sock to slide smoothly onto the foot. The patented inside plastic core is specially molded to retain its flexibility even after years of use. The foam grip handles are ergonomic and allow for a better hold of the device from farther away to reduce bending.

Tenura Anti-Slip table Mat

The Tenura Anti-Slip Table Mat creates a firm, secure, non-slip base for plates, cups, bowls, and cutlery on any smooth and dry surface. You can use it on a table, countertop, or tray. It protects the table/countertop surface from heat and moisture while insuring no spills.

UBend it Fork and Spoon

UBend It utensils have a twist in the shaft that allows them to be easily hand bent to either side at any angle for people with upper extremity weakness and reduced range of motion. These stainless still utensils feature built-up handles for people with arthritis, weak grasp, or other hand limitations. Their contoured shape makes them easier to hold and use. They are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Vision Keyboard

the Vision Keyboard was created for anyone who struggles with vision or dexterity issues. Its innovative design reduces eyestrain and improves finger contact and keyboarding control. The Vision Keyboard has big 1-inch oversized keys for better control and contact. The large bold letters and numbers improve readability. The high-contract of back-on-yellow. Lettering is proven to be easier on the eyes. The keys are available in white-on-black or black-on-yellow