Let's Blog Ability

Everyday Tools for People with MS

MS can manifest with a variety of symptoms depending on the person, but some of the long term effects include:

• Numbness
• Muscle weakness, lack of muscle control
• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Difficulty with walking/balance

Many products are available to help cope with these symptoms and make daily living easier for people with MS. Some of the favorite products of people with MS include:

Magnifiers:

Vision loss can come and go with MS, and for some it gets progressively worse over time. Coping with vision loss, especially when it is sporadic, can be difficult. Handheld video magnifiers are convenient: they can be carried in a pocket or purse and used for everyday reading and viewing. Desktop magnifiers are also popular but cannot be transported easily so they are better if you frequently read or view items at home.

Portable Personal Amplifiers:

Hearing loss is less common but still occurs with MS. Hearing aids are sometimes used, but because MS affects the central nervous system, hearing aids are not as effective for MS-related hearing loss as for people with hearing loss from another cause.

Mobility:

Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a voice recognition software that is popular for people with Multiple Sclerosis. For some, the loss of mobility and muscle control can be devastating in their personal and work lives. With Dragon software, the user speaks into a microphone connected to their computer, and the speech is turned into printed text.

For those with less severe mobility restrictions, the Magic Wand Keyboard is an alternative to regular typing and mousing that can be a lifesaver for people who lose some of their fine motor control with MS. With this unique keyboard, a pencil-like wand is held either by hand or in the mouth, and activates keys on contact without any strength or pressure required. It can also be used to perform normal mouse functions to click, drag, and double-click.

Popular and Affordable Amplified Phone : The Ameriphone XL50

If you've been looking for an amplified phone to assist you in hearing your friends and family members, look no further. The Ameriphone XL50 Amplified phone is far and away our most popular model.  It offers all the features of high-end phones at half the price and is known for it's durability and ease of use. 

The Ameriphone XL50 is an ideal solution for those who have low vision and/or moderate to sever hearing loss.  Over-sized buttons make this model particularly easy to use.  This phone also features Ameriphone's Digital Clarity Power technology, giving the user the ability to amplify incoming sound up to 48 dB. You are able to connect headphones or other assistive listening devices to the 3.5mm jack on the phone.  The XL50 is hearing aid compatible, has redial, flash, hold and program functions; capable of functioning as an office phone for the hearing impaired. Keep your friends programmed with one-touch speed dial settings.  The automatic amplifier control can be set to turn on when you life the handset to answer a call.  This unit also includes battery backup for use in the event of a power outage and a 1 year limited warranty!

Reasonably priced at just over $100, the Ameriphone XL50 should be considered by anyone looking for a new amplified phone.  The features are unmatched at this price-point and the fact that this phone is so easy to use, makes it a no-brainer. If the XL50 is out of your price range, also consider the Ameriphone XL30 or the Clarity XL40D, both of which are great options at lower price-points.

2010 EnableMart Catalog is Mailing Now!

After many long hours, a lot of diet Coke and tons of research, I am happy to announce that our 2010 catalog is finally ready here! Of course, there's no way that we could show everything we have to offer in one little book but we have compiled a comprehensive collection of our best selling & most requested items from each of our categories into one easy to use guide available in print or as a downloadable PDF.  The new catalog contains 36 pages of Assistive Technology with vivid full-color pictures and simplified descriptions & explanations, making it a great tool for educators, therapists, non-profit assessment centers and home users.

Download the PDF or request your copy by mail today:
http://www.EnableMart.com/Catalog-Request

Educators Guide to Assistive Technology

In a world where new technologies and innovations are thought up and released almost daily, finding just the right solution for each specific student can be a pretty daunting task. What we have found however, is that there are some common building blocks that will work across multiple abilities and skill levels and can be built on or tailored to meet individual student's need fairly easily.

To help simplify this process for parents and educators, the Assistive Technology Specialists at EnableMart.com have put together this buying guide, highlighting the products that educators & therapists rely on the most, broken down by critical skill sets. We welcome your comments and questions on this guide and invite you use these links to learn more and to speak to the trained specialists at Enablemart by calling (888) 640-1999 anytime Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (MST).

Some of our top recomendations and best sellers are listed below.
You may also download this guide as a PDF by Clicking Here.

Reading
click image for larger view	Edmark Reading Program One of our all-time, best selling items, the Edmark Reading Program is designed for students with learning or developmental disabilities and those who have not succeeded with other reading methods. For 30 years, this trusted program has been highly regarded by teaching professionals as "the one that works", allowing most nonreaders to master basic reading skills. This program is available in two levels in both Printed and Software based Curriculums. Click to Learn More... Edmark Reading Program - Print (Choose from Level 1 or 2) Edmark Reading Program - Software (Choose from Level 1 or 2) Edmark Reading Program Bundle - Print (Levels 1 & 2 Inclusive) Edmark Reading Program Bundle - Software(Levels 1 & 2 Inclusive) Price: $489 - 4,329 (depending on licencing options)
click image for larger view	LeapFrog Tag™ School Reading System The Tag School Reading System brings state-of-the-art technology together with good old fashioned teacher-led instruction. This system is comprised of specially designed books and electronic reading pens that allow students to get on-demand pronunciation for individual words or entire sentences, in the voice of the book's characters, creating a multi-sensory reading experience that will lead to a lifetime love of reading. The electronic readers are connected to the teacher's computer where you can assign individual student ID's, monitor student's time on tasks, correct & incorrect answers and even view and print progress reports. The portability of these units also make them perfect for after-school and home-school connection programs. Click to Learn More... LeapFrog™ School Reading System LeapFrog™ Tag School Phonemic AwarenessBook Set LeapFrog™ Tag School Book Packages LeapFrog™ Tag Activity Books (Single Copies) LeapFrog™ Tag Junior Book Pal (For Early Learners) Price: $13.99 - 519
click image for larger view	ClaroRead ClaroRead is a highly effective multi-sensory software solution for supporting individuals who struggle with reading and writing. Designed with maximum simplicity & closely integrated with Microsoft Word & Internet Explorer, ClaroRead can assist users of any age and ability to deliver high quality documents using automatic proofreading, visual highlighting, audible read-back & research capture fuctionalities. Click to Learn More... ClaroRead Standard - Windows ClaroRead Standard - Mac ClaroRead Plus - Windows ClaroRead Plus - Mac ClaroRead Premium - Windows Only Price: $195 - 395
Communicating
click image for larger view	GoTalk Picture Communicators GoTalk Picture Communicators are low cost, introductory recording communication devices which are useful for beginning augmentative communicators. These models are capable of up to 105 messages over a generous 15 minutes of recording time, a built-in handle, and level changing and volume keys on the face of the device. And the GoTalk Overlay Software makes it a breeze to tailor messages and pictures to specific classroom or social/environmental settings and situations. Click to Learn More... GoTalk 4+ GoTalk 9+ GoTalk 20+ GoTalk Overlay Software Price: $79 - 214
click image for larger view	Step-By-Step Communicators Touted as the recorder that gets students in on conversations, these simple yet effective communicators make communicating with friends, teachers & family members a richer, more meaningful experience. Record up to 4 minutes of song or peom verses, steps in a recipe, or short social scripts that encourage conversational turn taking. The Step-By-Step with Levels allows you to record an unlimited number of messages on each of 3 separate levels so you can prerecord grocery lists on level one, knock-knock jokes on level two and the events of the day or any other set of sequential messages on level three. Click to Learn More... LITTLE Step-by-Step communicator BIG Step-by-Step Communicator Step-by-Step Communicator with Levels Price: $160 - 197.33
click image for larger view	BIGmack & LITTLEmack Communicators BIGmack & LITTLEmack Communicators are similar to the Step-By-Step communiators but offer only one pre-recorded message at a time. These simple, easy to use recorders offer up to 75 seconds of recording time over a single message recording slot that can be recorded over and over again as needed. Click to Learn More... BIGmack Communicator LITTLEmack Communicator Price: $115
Writing
click image for larger view	Texthelp's Read & Write Software This award-winning software is an easy-to-use, customizable, floating toolbar that works with ANY Windows or Mac based application and allows students to be more fully included while maintaining their own independence. Integrated tools include auditory feedback, phonetic spell checking, word prediction & homophone support. Read & Write Gold for Windows is also available as a mobile (USB) format that allows students to use THEIR own specifically customized toolbar on any windows-based computer! Click to Learn More... Read & Write Standard - Windows Read & Write GOLD - Windows Read & Write GOLD - Mac Price: $355 - 645
click image for larger view	WordQ 2 & SpeakQ Add-On WordQ is a word prediction software that works with all your standard writing applications including Word, Notepad, Outlook and more. When you type a letter, WordQ predicts what you might want to write and displays a list of words for you to choose from. Individual words can be read out loud before choosing and entire sentences & paragraphs can be read back upon completion. WordQ even learns how YOU use words so that it improves over time! SpeakQ does everything WordQ does PLUS you can write just by speaking! You have the choice at any time to use the keyboard & word prediction or speaking straight into your text. Speech recognition & word prediction work together to enhance each other and improve accuracy. Click to Learn More... WordQ2 SpeakQ (Add-On for WordQ) WordQ2 & SpeakQ Bundle Price: $99 - 199
Math Skills
click image for larger view	Sci-Plus 300 Large Display Talking Calculator The Sci-Plus 300 is the ONLY large display scientific calculator in the market that also has speech output for visually impaired users. Featuring a large, high contract 8 digit LCD display & long life lithium battery, technical capabilities include mathematical, trigonometric & scientific functions, and even fractions. Click to Learn More... Sci-Plus 300 Large Display Talking Calculator Price: $325
click image for larger view	Show Me Math Software A bundle of three basic math programs appropriate for all ages that features assessment & instructional modes to help teachers assess deficits and write relevant IEPs. Students learn in four basic areas (addition, subtraction, multiplication,division) and problems are presented in numeric formulas or animated 'movies' that help students to visualize solutions and make sense of math! Click to Learn More... Show Me Math CD Price: $99 for one, or $249 for a 5-Pack
click image for larger view	PCI Real-World Math Real-World Math helps students learn strategies for dealing with math problems found all around them in every-day life including how to adjust recipes, calculate nutritional content, figure sales tax & tips, manage schedules, plan travel, determine sale prices, handle banking transactions, manage budgets, and so much more; Putting an end to the inevitable question "When am I ever gonna' use this?" Click to Learn More... PCI Real World Math (Real-World Reading & Writing are also very popular among educators) Price: $51.39
Critical Thinking & Study Helps
click images for larger view	Inspiration, Kidspiration & InspireData Kidspiration was created to help K-5 learners develop confidence as they learn to organize information, understand concepts and connections create stories, and share their thoughts using memorable illustrations and common organizational principles like webs, concept maps & Venn diagrams. Inspiration, created for grades 6-12, helps older students develop ideas and visually expand concepts with diagramming & outlining features designed to help students think, organize, and learn. Highlights include video & sound integration as well as drag and drop multimedia capabilities. InspireData helps students formulate questions and make connections between data and its visual representations to interpret information, solve problems and draw conclusions. Highlights include integrated table and plot view to allow students to move instantly from data collection to data interpretation, and multiple plot types to represent and analyze data including Venn, Stack, Pie & Axis formats. Click to Learn More... Kidspiration Inspiration InspireData Price: $69 - 79
click image for larger view	Leapster Portable Technology Center The Leapster Portable Technology Center (PTC) is part of the Leapfrog School Series which has been rapidly gaining recognition and acclaim from educators everywhere. These handheld units provide engaging multi-sensory instruction that adapts to student's skill levels and rates of progress, allowing students to work at their own pace, in the classroom or at home. Teachers are able to download and monitor students' progress using the included administrative software that comes with the kit. Optional Expantion Kits allow remedial or advanced students to join in the activities and Story Explorers delves further into vocabulary, phenemic awareness, syntax, & comprehension Click to Learn More... Leapster Portable Technology Center Price: $405 - 965
click image for larger view	Leapfrog Crammer Study & Sound System The LeapFrog Crammer is a pocket-sized study system that kids students can take with them wherever they go. New content can be selected and downloaded to the unit including content from today's most popular school textbooks! Teachers & Parents can use the online learning path to track their child's progress and time spend on various subjects and skill areas. A great tool for reinforcing the day's lessons. Click to Learn More... LeapFrog Crammer Study & Sound System Price: $71.25 - 75 (based on qty purchased)
Hand Eye Coordination & Motor Skills
click image for larger view	Magic Touch Add-On Touch Screens These innovative add-on touch screens turn any everyday monitor into an intuitive touch screen. These screens open a world of learning opportunities to students with cognitive and motor disabilities that make using a desktop keyboard more difficult. Click to Learn More... Magic Touch Add-On Screens Price: $169 - 439
click image for larger view	BIGtrack Trackball Mouse The BIGtrack is the largest trackball available on the market. The 3" trackball requires far less fine motor control than a standard mouse or smaller trackballs and the click buttons are located behind the trackball to help avoid unwanted clicks. Also available in a switch adapted model for Mac or PC, these are definitely a favorite among educators & parents too! Click to Learn More... BIGtrack Standard BIGtrack Switch Adapted Price: $75 - 105
click image for larger view	SAM-Joystick The SAM-Joystick acts just like a mouse, only when you push the stick the cursor does not go flying, no matter what the user does. The cursor simply moves at the speed preset by the user or supervisor from a switch located underneath. Available for Mac or PC. Click to Learn More... SAM-Joystick Price: $229-239

And remember, our specialists are availalble via live chat or telephone during regular business hours to help answer all your questions. Government & School District proposals & bids are welcome. Reach us online at www.EnableMart.com to access our live chat feature or call (888) 640-1999 anytime Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (MST).

Stimulus Package Saves Schools?

How many special needs teachers were already facing dire circumstances such as layoffs, budget cuts, etc even before the economy went kaput? Here are some quick facts about the stimulus that may be heartening for teachers and educators:

• $91.3 billion going to health, labor, and education departments . $600 million 
• $29 billion of that designated for "Education Programs" 
• $600 million which may be available specifically for Assistive Technology upgrades 

In spite of the No Child Left Behind Act passed in 2001, the Bush administration has increasingly moved away from federal support for schools and school programs - opting to leave the responsibility with State and Local governments. The stimulus package changes the course of the federal government by increasing the involvement of federal monies in primary and secondary education.

What does this mean for the teachers? For starters, it means relief for those who are worried about massive layoffs. Some of the money can be used to prevent downsizing school staff. Teachers and other staff will also receive further training including proper use of the latest technologies. And money can go to maintaining and expanding the current Assistive Technology tools and programs available to students with disabilities. 

If you would like to read more, there is an article with details about the education aspect of the stimulus package at eschoolnews.com

Assistive Technology Assists Everyone

There was a New York Times article last week about T.V. Raman, a blind engineer who works for Google. Raman has developed several items for himself and for Google with the motto that technology that is helpful to him is helpful to everyone. One of his many current projects is a cell phone that doesn't require sight. He refuses to call it "a cell phone for the blind," because he says the phone would be great for a lot of people without disabilities. Drivers, busy administrative assistants, and others would benefit from the safety and convenience of a cell phone that you don't need to look at to use. 

Raman is a power-user of Assistive Technology; his screen reader is set to 3 times the normal pace of the human voice. But with all the product enhancements out there, he is concerned about the current shift of cell phones and other devices to touch screen technology, which is notoriously difficult for people with disabilities to use. 

The key to Raman's insight about technology is that not everybody uses it in the same way. When products are being developed, Raman asks that developers continually remind themselves to make the products easy for anyone to use in any situation. So, for example, instead of thinking about how to make a product accessible for someone with limited mobility, an engineer might ask, "How could this product work for me if I didn't want to use my hands?" 

Raman is an advocate for change that works for everyone. He insists that technology should be developed with a variety of uses in mind, and that will result in positive changes to benefit everyone. Part of Raman's goal is to get more engineers excited about Assistive Technology. Raising awareness about AT will result in more great products on the market. He says, "If I can get another 10 engineers motivated to work on accessibility, it is a huge win." 

Do you have any ideas for technology that could be improved for people with disabilities that would also help other users? 

The Price of Assistive Technology

A few weeks ago there was a good article on Assistive Technology at TCPalm.com. Many people with disabilities and their families are stuck with the knowledge that there are products available to help them, but their budgets are already stretched to cover necessary medical bills for their disability. This leaves little room for such extras as communication devices and other tools that help people with disabilities to communicate. Autism can carry a high cost on Treasure Coast is about the significant debts incurred by parents who buy the tools their autistic children need to live and learn. Some families are obliged to cover the cost of expensive devices for their children to communicate because insurance won't cover them. 

The family in the article had found a communication device that allowed their son to point to images on a board that would then speak aloud what he wanted to say.  The device was not covered by their insurance company, who considered the devices educational rather than medicinal. The costs for devices are even harder for parents who are already paying thousands every year to cover the co-pays for their children's therapies. 

California, Connecticut, and Indiana, are among the states that have laws requiring insurance to cover autism treatments recommended by doctors, and more states are looking at instituting them. In the meantime, many parents are left to cover the costs or let their children go without. Even for those states with insurance coverage, many parents pay high co-pays of hundreds or thousands of dollars a month for therapy alone. That's not to mention the wrangling that must be done with insurance companies to actually get the coverage. 

 

I know that many of you out there are in the same situation with your children and family members. It is not just families of children with autism, but children and extended family with a variety of disabilities. How do you budget to pay for the devices that help your child? Or how do you decide which devices or tools are essential and which to postpone buying until you can afford. 

If you'd like to read more about autism and insurance coverage, here is a New York Times article available courtesy of washington.edu: 

Battling Insurers Over Autism Treatment