4 Toys from Melissa & Doug

Last Thursday, I wrote about the Classroom Play Set from Melissa & Doug.  Melissa & Doug is a company that makes toys and other products that offer countless ways to play.  The husband and wife team has been making toys that spark imagination since 1989. Since they offer so many products, it would take far […]

Inclusion Drives Innovation

Inclusion drives innovation. A prime example of this concept lies in the story of Internet pioneer Vinton Cerf. Despite his hearing loss and difficulty speaking, Cerf found himself heavily involved in communications with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the ’70s. His frustration with verbal communication — and his colleagues’ openness to alternatives — […]

Exploring Emotions: Social Tools and the Autism Spectrum

Every year, INDATA hosts four full-day training sessions that take people from all walks of life inside the intricate, ever-expanding world of assistive technology. “These training days open the door to all kinds of important discussions and discoveries,” said Brian Norton, Director of Assistive Technology at Easterseals Crossroads. This year’s slate of sessions concluded at […]

5 Chrome Tools for People with Special Needs

I’ve gotten several requests for Google Chrome extensions for different special needs in recent months.  I did a piece on 7 available extensions for learning disabilities back in November 2015.  However, due to the demand, I thought I’d discuss a few more! While my original post was written primarily for students with learning disabilities, this post […]

WinBridge WB003 Voice Amplifier

WinBridge WB003 Voice Amplifier: You’ve probably seen people using a voice amplifier when they’re giving a tour, teaching a course, or speaking at a special event.  However, did you know a voice amplifier, such as the WinBridge WB003 can also be a vital piece of assistive technology? Individuals with certain conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, may not […]

4 Apps for Aging in Place

Learning how to use a smartphone can be challenging for everyone, especially older individuals.  However, there are many benefits to using a phone, such as apps to keep your meds organized and more. While there are dozens of apps aimed towards individuals aging in place, I wanted to focus on a handful available.  The following […]