Day 6 (Wednesday July 13th)

MY FAVOURITE IDEAS FROM DOLLARSTORE AT PRESENTATIONS

Stretch bands!! We did not come across these on our own mission and I'm thrilled to know that they are available at the Dollarstore as there are so many uses for these bands beyond a fidget around a chair legs. Strengthening exercises are another great example that they can be used for on a variety of levels.

Soap dispenser, water bottle, shoe, etc...as a way to help secure a roll of toilet paper from continually spinning as someone who has use of only one arm attempts to rip off what they need. My dad recently had surgery on one of his hands and I immediately thought of what a great idea this would have been!

Sand paper for creating storybooks for visually impaired is such an innovative idea...loved the example that was brought in for this by Terry.

Flashing bike lights (one red and one green) were another neat idea that could be used for hearing impaired to demonstrate when to go/stop or what is correct/incorrect, etc...

Scarf hanger and balls to use for pattern/colours to help with fine motor...though I will need to buy another one for home at the same time that I buy one for school as I have run out of space on the two I already have 

Medicine bottle magnifier is such a beneficial item for the elderly or anyone with a visual impairment.

Velcro should join duct tape and become a duo of items that one can't live without. There are so many uses for both that I feel like you could do just about anything if you had both of them...

AAC apps in various platforms:
Microsoft Web Store

*AlphaCore: 
-4 different keyboards for varying physical and visual impairments
-Supports a wide-range of access methods including mouse, touchscreen, trackball, joystick, touchpad, and head or eye tracker.
*TalkTablet: 
-allows users to wirelessly share buttons/ pages with other TalkTablet users whether they are using Windows, iOS, Android or Kindle devices. ($92.99/FREE TRIAL)
*BrainControl: 
-Communicator Touch includes a sentence selector. The system scans through choices, using a single touch anywhere on the screen to select the highlighted choice. Sentences are fully customizable by the user, including positioning, levels and cell content. Scanning speed and the time needed to make a selection can both be adjusted. The application includes audio feedback so it can also be used by people with visual impairment. ($34.89)
*TalkingTiles: 
-For individuals, their families, and their professional care team (therapists, educators and care workers) that support them. Individuals can include those with autism, learning disabilities, stroke, aphasia, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other cognitive related disorders. (FREE)
*PoscoAAC: ($11.59/FREE TRIAL)

Google Play - Android

Chrome Web Store
iTunes Store - iPad
Macintosh software App

Trip to the Dollarstore AT style

Our excursion to the Dollarstore in search of low tech items that could be used for assistive tech was enlightening to say the least. I was amazed at the number of ready to use items that they already have for purchase that I hadn't noticed before. Pencils with grips on them, iPad/tablet support cushion, luminescent stickers for switches and remotes, etc... It also has given me a new perspective in looking at just about everything else. We left the store with more than enough pictures and then began the challenging task of choosing our top 20 which are found below with some of their suggested uses...enjoy! 

Low Tech Assistive Technology

Chelsea Pottinger & Christine Stavert

Item	Who can use it	How it can be used
Tennis Balls	Physical disability Executive functioning concerns	Strengthen hand muscles “feeding the mouse. Pencil grip Quiet the chairs Jar Opener Toothbrush grasp Helps a walker glide.
Elastic Bands	Physical disability Hand eye coordination concerns Executive functioning concerns	Strengthen hand muscles. Pencil grasp support Toothbrush grasp Grip to hold a glass Pencil Grip
Pool Noodle	ASD Physical disability Hand eye coordination concerns Executive functioning concerns	Gross motor marble game Card holder Pool noodle stringing. Fine motor Card holder Foot fidget Large grasp
Car Wash Mitt	ASD Physical disability Hand eye coordination concerns Executive functioning concerns	Weighted lap buddy Clean whiteboard large grasp Calming tactile item Paint brush Fidget Toy
Velcro Strips	ASD Physical disability Hand eye coordination concerns Executive functioning concerns Non-verbal individuals	Attach AAC materials Attach AAC materials Velcro button Add to shoes to Velcro together Velcro strap for switch access Velcro straps to grasp Velcro grasp for hairbrush
Towel	Physical disability	Bracing for balance Bracing head Making a large grasp Handgrip strengthening exercises Stretching device Wrap around crutches for support
USB Computer Light	Visual impairment	Illuminates the keyboard Can use is a darker setting that is less stimulating
Monkey Zipper Keychain	Physical disability Hand eye coordination concerns ASD Executive functioning concerns Non-verbal individuals	Fidget toy Practicing hand eye coordination (zipper motion) Motivation incentive
Hairbrush	ASD Physical disability Executive functioning concerns Non-verbal individuals	Use to display flashcards Back scratcher Fidget toy
Binder	ASD Physical disability Executive functioning concerns Fine motor and visual motor concerns	Slant board ACC pictures display Computer Slant
Baking Sheet	Physical disability Hand eye coordination concerns ASD Executive functioning concerns Non-verbal individuals	Flat surface for lap/alternate work space Magnetic Activities: Alphabet Rhyming Beginning/ Ending Sounds Counting Making Words
Pointer	Physical disability Hand eye coordination concerns ASD Executive functioning concerns Non-verbal individuals	Follow along with reading Word association
Pick Up Device	Physical disabilities Hand eye coordination concerns	Getting things off the top shelf Picking things up off the floor Getting dressed
Repositionable Stick Pad	Anyone with mobility issues where bending over to pick something up might be difficult Physical disability	Keep small items (pens, pencils, usb, paper clips, etc…) from slipping off work surface
Collectable Card Holder	ASD Communication disorders	Visual cue cards Phonetic practice, etc...
Large Print Books	Visual impairment	Provides larger text to enable reader to see writing clearer
Finger Puppets	ESL students Communication disorders ASD	Exposes students to more English Supplies immediate visual support for meaning Creates opportunities for natural repetition of language Encourages student to try and use more English to communicate Students feel less afraid to speak in English
Elastic Utility Straps	Physical disability ASD Executive functioning concerns	Stretching exercises Desk or chair legs for fidget or movement purposes
Luggage Strap	Communication Disorders Physical Disabilities Executive Functioning concerns	Strap to wear communication binder Safety belt Buckle practice Stretching exercises
Emoticon Glass Charms	Communication disorders Social concerns	Choose emoticon to demonstrate current feelings Use a basis to do social story/ association work with emotions