A common misconception about assistive technology (AT) is that the device has to be made out of wires, use electricity and be really complicated. This is absolutely not true! AT that does not work off of that principle is called low-tech. Low-tech devices after often found in the supermarket, the hardware store or even in your own home. Today we are going to look at a variety of low-tech devices that require you to use only your own energy. All of these items are available in the INDATA loan library. Clicking on the picture will take you to the item on the loan library database.
Do you play poker or solitaire but are having trouble seeing the numbers and suits on the cards? These LoVision Playing Cards might be right for you. Each card has an enlarged number or letter on them with the suit, making the cards easier to read. Some cards provide a color contrast from number to suit. In the picture below, the cards are able to stay upright because they are placed inside the Playing Card Holder. Small feet on the back of this holder allow it to stay standing up so that you can see your cards without holding them but also without laying them on the table for everyone to see!
If you’ve ever painted in or out of your home, you’ve probably used a paint can opener to pry open the can of paint. Each of these openers work off of the same principle. For those with arthritis, a can opener such as this would act as an extension of your fingers.
This type of can opener is shaped like a handle on a door but it is slightly smaller. The inside of this opener can sit on top of a plastic bottle. Put a little pressure on the opener and turn it to the right to open the bottle. Grooves inside the opener will conform to the bottle, making it easier to detach the lid from the bottle.
If you have any more questions about these items or would like information on other low-tech devices, contact Carol Girt at cgirt@eastersealscrossroads.org.