Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
FREE AUDIO AND BRAILLE BOOKS
The Library of Congress has a FREE service to lend Braille and audio books to visually and physically impaired people. This program is called the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. (NLS)
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of Braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
Who is eligible:
- Blind persons or those with visual impairment which prevents them from reading standard printed material
- Other physically handicapped persons who are unable to read or use standard printed material as a result of physical limitations.
Overview
"A network of regional and subregional libraries provides a free library service to persons who are unable to use standard printed material because of visual or physical disabilities. Library patrons can expect to borrow audio or braille books such as they might find in print at a local public library. Books and magazines in audio form (talking books) and braille are delivered to eligible readers by postage-free mail and are returned in the same manner. Specially designed phonographs and cassette players are also loaned free to persons who borrow talking books from their library."
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Choosing The Right Medical Mobility Equipment
The Renaissance Fair was something Annie looked forward to every year but this year she would have to skip it. There was just too much walking and her medical problems had progressed as expected, limiting her endurance. Maybe it was time for her to accept her limitations and put that aspect of her life behind her, OR maybe not.
I recently had a discussion with a neighbor who is a Physical Therapist. She has a blanket rule that she never recommends handicapped scooters. Her thinking is that a walker with a seat provides the same support and helps keep the user active. I would contend that her approach is a "one size fits all" way of thinking. Coming from a position of a person who actually has a disability, I think this approach limits the opportunities available to physically challenged people. For me, because of fatigue due to multiple sclerosis, I had very limited endurance. My scooter helped me live a more active and independent life. If I paced myself, it was amazing what I could accomplish. The independence that it allowed me did wonders for my self image.
I used a full sized scooter with a lift to get my scooter in and out of my van in one piece. With the lift, I only had to be able to walk to the back of the car and push the lift buttons to remove or insert my ride. Not having these aids would have severely compromised my independence. I was able to do my own grocery shopping, which is something I would never have accomplished if I was required to walk up and down all those aisles. This aid allowed me to take a plane trip alone and brave a five hour solo trip by car. In order to continue exercising my legs, I did not use the scooter in the house. My scooter helped me to expand my world and allowed me to continue activities outside my home. I am not saying don't push yourself to be as active as you can be, but when you have come to a wall, don't automatically discourage aids that will help you overcome obstacles. (Because my needs have changed, I now use a power wheelchair. delete: hence the past tense on the scooter.)
Consider the source of advice when purchasing mobility aids. The motivation for that advice could be self-serving. As an example, I present the following actual occurrence. I met a man walking with a cane who was waiting for his new power wheelchair to be delivered. He wanted mobility assistance when any distance was involved. The store selling the mobility equipment advised him to get a power wheelchair saying he might eventually need it and his insurance could possibly not cover a chair and scooter. I doubt a power wheelchair met his needs. It would be too difficult to transport and not available when he really needed it away from home. I believe this recommendation was based on the store's motivation to maximize profit by selling a $5,000+ wheelchair instead of a $3,000+ scooter or even a lightweight scooter for less than $1,000.
With this incident in mind, I want to provide information that will help you determine what is right for you.
MOBILITY EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER:
- Manual Wheelchair - This is easier to transport than any of the power equipment. Power equipment is so heavy that you may be limited in your access to some buildings. If there is no access ramp, a manual wheelchair can be rolled backwards up a few steps. An additional consideration is that a manual wheelchair takes upper body strength and will help you maintain that strength. But if upper body strength is a problem, maybe a power wheelchair is the correct option.
- Power Wheelchair - If you can't move a manual wheelchair independently, consider a power wheelchair. The pros are that a power chair can easily maneuver around furniture and will turn on a dime with the simple movement of a joystick. Cons are that if you stop trying to use your muscles with everyday living, these muscles will get weaker and atrophy. Also, a power wheelchair is very heavy and may limit your accessibility to some areas. If someone has limited body strength, and with poor ability to improve that strength, this may be an option that gives them a fuller life.
- Transport Wheelchair - This wheelchair does not have the heavy side wheels. It is good for getting from point A to point B if you have a helper to do the pushing. Without the side wheels the chair is easier to transport but also cannot be self-propelled. Several models of manual chairs have side wheels that can be removed to make them easier to transport
- Rollator - This is a walker with a seat to use as needed for rests. Many models have a basket or saddlebag to help carry things. With this equipment, many people can obtain the mobility support needed but still exercise muscles to prevent wasting. Of course, it would be much easier to transport then power equipment
- Full-sized Scooter - A full size Scooter has its advantages over a lightweight one. With a car lift, the scooter can be put into your vehicle in one piece. No assembly or disassembly is required. Quick stops are easy, adding to independence. The extra expense of a car lift is a disadvantage and the fact that these lifts are permanently installed, presents a problem when not using your own car. These scooters come in 3 or 4 wheel models. The 4 wheel models are not supposed to tip as easily. Unless you are very heavy, tipping should not be a problem. The three wheel models have a smaller turning radius.
- Lightweight Scooter - These scooters disassemble into 4 or 5 lightweight pieces and can be reassembled within minutes. Because they are so easy to transport, you have more flexibility when using a friend's car, taxis, or when traveling. If you will be alone and making frequent stops, a full-sized scooter and lift may be preferable. Lightweight scooter cost less than $1,000 and may be covered by your insurance. I helped my nephew obtain one through his insurance, but be prepared that that may take time and persistence.
When choosing the right mobility aid you need to take into consideration:
1. Your current ability
2. Expectation for future ability
3. Whether or not you will be using this alone or with assistance
4. Cost and insurance benefits
5. Degree of independence you hope to achieve
Choosing the right mobility equipment is an important consideration. I am not suggesting you give in and choose the equipment that makes mobility so easy that the muscles you have go to mush. On the other hand, used wisely, these aids can help you live a more independent, full life.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
MODIFICATIONS TO MAKE A HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE
What I have observed is that people without physical limitations often do not appreciate how difficult simple everyday tasks can be to someone who is physically compromised. Many times a small modification can remove an obstacle. By presenting these examples of problems and solutions, I hope to raise awareness of problems and inspire people to look for answers.
Problems/Solutions:
Doorways openings are too small/Offset Door Hinges - The obvious answer is through construction - widen doorways. There is a cheaper, less disruptive approach. Offset door hinges will give you an extra 2 inches with very little effort and cost. Offset Door Hinges
Turning round doorknobs/Levered Doorknobs - Round doorknobs can be difficult for people with limited grasp. With a lever, all you need to do to open a door is to push down on the lever. You can replace all the doorknobs in the house with levered ones but this means changing locks and that can get expensive. An alternative approach would be to put conversion lever attachments over existing round knobs. Locks would not need to be changed and the cost would be less with this problem solver. Door Levers Attachments
Standing from a seated position/Furniture Risers or a Lift Chair - Standing from a low level can create problems for someone with limited leg strength. By raising the seat to a higher level, it takes less effort to stand, possibly making the task achievable. Furniture Riser can raise the whole chair from 2" to 5". Another option would be a Lift Chair. These chairs automatically lift the seat of the chair with the push of a button. Chairs online begin at about $600 and go up. My online purchase saved me about $300; I paid $600 when the suggested retail was $900. Shipping was free. An additional feature in many of these electronically operated chairs is that they also can recline with the push of a button. Furniture Riser or Lift Chair
Turning Faucets/Automatic Faucets -Normal aging, a stroke, arthritis, or some other medical problem may cause the simple, everyday activity of turning a faucet to be frustrating. An utomatic faucet can be mounted to your existing faucet. Simply run an object under the faucet and your water comes on automatically. It will then stay on until you move from under the sensor. Automatic Faucet
Grasping and turning a small switch/Touch Lamps - Limited grasp caused by arthritis or other health problems can make the activity of holding a small object like a light switch and turning it difficult. A touch lamp can be operated by coming in contact with a metal surface on the lamp. You can buy new touch lamps or just put a Touch Lamp Converter into your existing lamps. Touch Lamp Converter or Touch Lamp
Opening widow coverings/Motorized Window Blinds - Do you, a friend or relative have a dark house because the blinds were never opened? Sunlight can work wonders on a person's psyche making this an important problem to fix. The inability to reach the controls to operate window coverings is a very common problem. It is not unusual for furniture to block access. With motorized blinds, you use a remote to point and click to open or close blinds. A cheaper fix for those who can reach controls but find it difficult to turn wand controllers is to buy blinds where pulling a cord opens or closes the blinds. Motorized Blinds
Getting over thresholds when using a wheelchair/Wheelchair friendly threshold - Your normal door threshold has a small hump so there is not a gap between the bottom of the door and the floor. Unfortunately, a wheelchair user must be very careful that both wheels hit the hump at the same time or the chair will rock, threatening a collision with the door frame. You can replace the raised threshold plate with a flat one but then must put a weather proofing strip on the bottom of the door to close the gap. This item is available at most hardware stores.
Getting out of bed/Bed Handle - For people with the problem of getting out of bed independently, a bed handle may be the solution. This bedrail gives a person something to pull up with, helps them turn in bed, or can provide support when standing. It is only about 1 1/2 feet long which is shorter than a normal bedrail. This short rail is not effective for keeping someone in bed, however, it provides something to grasp while being short enough to allow someone to swing their legs over the side to stand. M-rail
Many times only minor changes are necessary to bring an obstacle down to size. The first step to problem solving is to recognize the actual stumbling block. Once identified, consider whether an alternative approaches would help you reach the goal.
Problems/Solutions:
Doorways openings are too small/Offset Door Hinges - The obvious answer is through construction - widen doorways. There is a cheaper, less disruptive approach. Offset door hinges will give you an extra 2 inches with very little effort and cost. Offset Door Hinges
Turning round doorknobs/Levered Doorknobs - Round doorknobs can be difficult for people with limited grasp. With a lever, all you need to do to open a door is to push down on the lever. You can replace all the doorknobs in the house with levered ones but this means changing locks and that can get expensive. An alternative approach would be to put conversion lever attachments over existing round knobs. Locks would not need to be changed and the cost would be less with this problem solver. Door Levers Attachments
Standing from a seated position/Furniture Risers or a Lift Chair - Standing from a low level can create problems for someone with limited leg strength. By raising the seat to a higher level, it takes less effort to stand, possibly making the task achievable. Furniture Riser can raise the whole chair from 2" to 5". Another option would be a Lift Chair. These chairs automatically lift the seat of the chair with the push of a button. Chairs online begin at about $600 and go up. My online purchase saved me about $300; I paid $600 when the suggested retail was $900. Shipping was free. An additional feature in many of these electronically operated chairs is that they also can recline with the push of a button. Furniture Riser or Lift Chair
Turning Faucets/Automatic Faucets -
Grasping and turning a small switch/Touch Lamps - Limited grasp caused by arthritis or other health problems can make the activity of holding a small object like a light switch and turning it difficult. A touch lamp can be operated by coming in contact with a metal surface on the lamp. You can buy new touch lamps or just put a Touch Lamp Converter into your existing lamps. Touch Lamp Converter or Touch Lamp
Opening widow coverings/Motorized Window Blinds - Do you, a friend or relative have a dark house because the blinds were never opened? Sunlight can work wonders on a person's psyche making this an important problem to fix. The inability to reach the controls to operate window coverings is a very common problem. It is not unusual for furniture to block access. With motorized blinds, you use a remote to point and click to open or close blinds. A cheaper fix for those who can reach controls but find it difficult to turn wand controllers is to buy blinds where pulling a cord opens or closes the blinds. Motorized Blinds
Getting over thresholds when using a wheelchair/Wheelchair friendly threshold - Your normal door threshold has a small hump so there is not a gap between the bottom of the door and the floor. Unfortunately, a wheelchair user must be very careful that both wheels hit the hump at the same time or the chair will rock, threatening a collision with the door frame. You can replace the raised threshold plate with a flat one but then must put a weather proofing strip on the bottom of the door to close the gap. This item is available at most hardware stores.
Getting out of bed/Bed Handle - For people with the problem of getting out of bed independently, a bed handle may be the solution. This bedrail gives a person something to pull up with, helps them turn in bed, or can provide support when standing. It is only about 1 1/2 feet long which is shorter than a normal bedrail. This short rail is not effective for keeping someone in bed, however, it provides something to grasp while being short enough to allow someone to swing their legs over the side to stand. M-rail
Many times only minor changes are necessary to bring an obstacle down to size. The first step to problem solving is to recognize the actual stumbling block. Once identified, consider whether an alternative approaches would help you reach the goal.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Creating an Accessible Home - General Modifications
PROBLEMS/SOLUTIONS:
Doorways openings are too small/Offset Door Hinges – The obvious answer is through construction - widen doorways. There is a cheaper, less disruptive approach. Offset door hinges will give you an extra 2 inches with very little effort and cost. Offset Door Hinge
Turning round doorknobs/Levered Doorknobs – Round doorknobs can be difficult for people with limited grasp. With a lever, all you need to do to open a door is to push down on the lever. You can replace all the doorknobs in the house with levered ones but this means changing locks and that can get expensive. An alternative approach would be to put conversion lever attachments over existing round knobs. Locks would not need to be changed and the cost would be less with this problem solver. Lever Door Handles
Standing from a seated position/Furniture Risers or a Lift Chair – Standing from a low level can create problems for someone with limited leg strength. By raising the seat to a higher level, it takes less effort to stand, possibly making the task achievable. Furniture Riser can raise the whole chair from 2” to 5”. Another option would be a Lift Chair. These chairs automatically lift the chair with the push of a button. Chairs online begin at about $600 and go up. My online purchase saved me about $300; I paid $600 when the suggested retail was $900. Shipping was free. An additional feature in many of these electronically operated chairs is that they also can recline with the push of a button. Furniture Riseror Lift Chair
Turning Faucets/Automatic Faucets – Normal aging, a stroke, arthritis, or some other medical problem may cause the simple, everyday activity of turning a faucet to be frustrating. An automatic faucet can be mounted to your existing faucet. Simply run an object under the faucet and your water comes on automatically. It will then stay on until you move from under the sensor. Online prices start at around $50. Automatic Faucet
Grasping and turning a small switch/Touch Lamps – Limited grasp caused by arthritis or other health problems can make the activity of holding a small object like a light switch and turning it difficult. A touch lamp can be operated by coming in contact with a metal surface on the lamp. You can buy new touch lamps or just put a Touch Lamp Converter into your existing lamps. Touch Lamp Converter or Touch
Opening widow coverings/Motorized Window Blinds – Do you, a friend or relative have a dark house because the blinds were never opened? Sunlight can work wonders on a person’s psyche making this an important problem to fix. The inability to reach the controls to operate window coverings is a very common problem. It is not unusual for furniture to block access. With motorized blinds, you use a remote to point and click to open or close blinds. A cheaper fix for those who can reach controls but find it difficult to turn wand controllers is to buy blinds where pulling a cord opens or closes the blinds. Motorized
Getting over thresholds when using a wheelchair/Wheelchair friendly threshold – Your normal door threshold has a small hump so there is not a gap between the bottom of the door and the floor. Unfortunately, a wheelchair user must be very careful that both wheels hit the hump at the same time or the chair will rock, threatening a collision with the door frame. You can replace the raised threshold plate with a flat one but then must put a weather proofing strip on the bottom of the door to close the gap. This item is available at most hardware stores.
Getting out of bed/Bed Handle – For people with the problem of getting out of bed independently, a bed handle may be the solution. This bedrail gives a person something to pull up with, helps them turn in bed, or can provide support when standing. It is only about 1 1/2 feet long which is shorter than a normal bedrail. This short rail is not effective for keeping someone in bed, however, it provides something to grasp while being short enough to allow someone to swing their legs over the side to stand. M-rail
Many times only minor changes are necessary to bring an obstacle down to size. The first step to problem solving is to recognize the actual stumbling block. Once identified, consider whether an alternative approaches would help you reach the goal.
I have only touched on a few problems but my website, http://EmpoweredLivingToday.com (ELT), may identify other problems and their solutions. The products in this article can be found by entering the Keyword in the Search Box. While you are there, explore the site. There is a Forum to ask for and share suggestions to overcome barriers, Tips for Empowered Living, and even games to add a little levity to you life.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Understanding Accessible and Universal Design – Creating a Barrier Free Home
By creating a home environment that removes obstacles, we are better able to maintain our independence. Instead of just accepting the loss of some abilities, maybe a few changes can overcome barriers. This essay is the first in a series of articles to address problems causing stumbling blocks to self-sufficiency and possible solutions to these problems.
Let’s start with the basics: The “in” words are Universal Design. With this in mind, I began my research at The Center for Universal Design in North Carolina. It did not take me long to realize I was oversimplifying the solution. There are two types of housing designs that I will address - Universal Design (UD) and Accessible Design (AD). Their purposes are different.
Universal Design (UD) – The intent of this design is to build environments more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design benefits people of all ages and abilities. This concept would be used by someone who wants to build a house that will likely meet their needs for their entire lifetime. People choosing this design do not have disabilities but want features in their house that will work for them during normal aging.
Accessible Design (AD) - People looking for housing features to overcome barriers for specific disabilities need Accessible Design. Accessible Design usually turns out best if a health care professional, such as an occupational therapist, works with the homeowner, the designer, builder, or remodeler to consider the specific needs of the person who will be living in the home.
People looking for architects, designers, or builders with knowledge and experience in Universal Design, or Accessible Design, might want to try contacting their local Center for Independent Living. This is a nationwide network of centers whose job is to be knowledgeable about the professionals and services for people with disabilities in their geographical region.
Resources:
The Center For Universal Design - This website is a wealth of information. Publications that are a must read if you are considering ways to make you home more accessible:
Center For Independent Living - This website will provide a list of Centers For Independent Living (CIL) throughout the country. One of their responsibilities is to be aware of services for people with disabilities in their geographical area. Contact the Center closest to you and ask for names of knowledgeable architects or builders.
National Association Of Home Builders - Another source of professionals who do modifications for accessibility are CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialists) graduates. They are not Universal Design experts but they were interested enough in learning how to make modifications for people with disabilities that they took the CAPS program. For a list of builders or remodelers who have a CAPS certification, go to the website of the National Association of Home Builders Research Center.
Let’s start with the basics: The “in” words are Universal Design. With this in mind, I began my research at The Center for Universal Design in North Carolina. It did not take me long to realize I was oversimplifying the solution. There are two types of housing designs that I will address - Universal Design (UD) and Accessible Design (AD). Their purposes are different.
Universal Design (UD) – The intent of this design is to build environments more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design benefits people of all ages and abilities. This concept would be used by someone who wants to build a house that will likely meet their needs for their entire lifetime. People choosing this design do not have disabilities but want features in their house that will work for them during normal aging.
Accessible Design (AD) - People looking for housing features to overcome barriers for specific disabilities need Accessible Design. Accessible Design usually turns out best if a health care professional, such as an occupational therapist, works with the homeowner, the designer, builder, or remodeler to consider the specific needs of the person who will be living in the home.
People looking for architects, designers, or builders with knowledge and experience in Universal Design, or Accessible Design, might want to try contacting their local Center for Independent Living. This is a nationwide network of centers whose job is to be knowledgeable about the professionals and services for people with disabilities in their geographical region.
Resources:
The Center For Universal Design - This website is a wealth of information. Publications that are a must read if you are considering ways to make you home more accessible:
- Home Modifications and Products for Safety and Ease of Use
- Simple Solutions: Home Automation Technology for Easy, Safe, and Accessible Living
- Universal Design and Accessible Housing Resources
- Home Modifications and Residential Remodeling Resources
Center For Independent Living - This website will provide a list of Centers For Independent Living (CIL) throughout the country. One of their responsibilities is to be aware of services for people with disabilities in their geographical area. Contact the Center closest to you and ask for names of knowledgeable architects or builders.
National Association Of Home Builders - Another source of professionals who do modifications for accessibility are CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialists) graduates. They are not Universal Design experts but they were interested enough in learning how to make modifications for people with disabilities that they took the CAPS program. For a list of builders or remodelers who have a CAPS certification, go to the website of the National Association of Home Builders Research Center.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Help for visual problems
The PenFriend creates a talking label - how ingenious!. Place one of the labels on the object and then record a description into the pen recorder. When the tip of the pen is placed on the item label it will speak the recorded message. This would be a great aid when taking medication, identifying containers of freezer or refrigerator foods, and an assortment of daily living activities.
Click on the picture to link to the product.
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