Assistive Devices Page 1

Assistive Devices Page 1

Introduction

Assistive Devices for Short Term Loan

Devices for Persons with Vision Loss

Magnifiers
Four Track Cassette Players for Using Talking Books
Talking Products
Games Adapted for Persons with Vision Loss

Devices for Persons with Hearing Loss

Devices for Using the Telephone

Other Assistive Devices
Book Stands and Holders

Assistive Devices for Use in the Library

Other Library Resources for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

Local Agencies Serving Persons with Disabilities

Vendors

INTRODUCTION
The library system has a range of assistive devices available for use in its libraries and for short term loan to persons who wish to try out this technology in their homes. Assistive technology is any equipment, product or device (purchased directly, modified or customized) used to increase, maintain, improve or replace functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive technology makes life easier for persons with disabilities in working, playing, communicating and living independently. Devices include high-tech items such as closed circuit television magnifiers (CCTVs) and closed captioned television decoders as well as low-tech devices such as large-print playing cards.

LOAN AND PICK UP: Devices check out for a four week period. They may not be renewed. Patrons may call their local branch library and request a specific device or they may place a hold themselves using the public access computers. Most of the devices are housed at the Talking Books Library, but they may be picked up at any Lee County Library System branch.

PURPOSE: We encourage individuals to try out devices to help them clarify their needs, identify available products, evaluate comparable devices, and formulate questions for product vendors and health professionals. This is not a substitute for the services and advice of health care and rehabilitation professionals such as audiologists, occupational
therapists, and low vision specialists.

VENDORS: The library system will supply information on vendors of assistive technology, but does not recommend any specific vendors or products. Patrons should check with different vendors regarding pricing, return policies, and features of the devices.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR SHORT TERM LOAN

DEVICES FOR PERSONS WITH VISION LOSS

Abacus
Abacus designed for use by persons with limited manipulative and tactile skills. Felt backing prevents beads from slipping.

Tactile Abacus
12 1/2 x 3 1/4" abacus

Writing Guide (Marks Script Guide)
designed to help the process of guiding longhand script. Consists of a clipboard with 2 metal rods across to act as a guide while writing. Margin
held by metal block which slides on notched rod. Guide notched every 3/4" down the left side.

Aluminum Writing Guide
8 1/2" X 11" template with 1/2" openings designed to assist persons with low vision to write in straight lines.

Beeping Ball
7" foam ball that emits a loud high pitched beeping noise when turned on.
Loud signal permits good direction identification. Requires one 9 volt battery.

Audible Ball
9" diameter ball contains internal bell for easy location by persons with low vision.

Backtalk
Telephone dialing accessory that speaks the number as you dial. Works on all telephone extensions. Plug into power and a telephone jack.

Bedspecs
Prism glasses that allow reading while lying down. May be worn with or without eyeglasses.

Braille Slate & Stylus
27 cell/4 line slate used to take Braille notes. Aluminum slate has a wood stylus and has slots for labeling tape use.

Brailler (Perkins Standard Brailler)
used to create Braille. Adjustable margin stops, large paper feed knobs.

Coin Purse/Key Holder
leather purse with separate slots for pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters for easy identification of coins.

Measuring Tape
5' fiberglass tape measure marked every 1/2" with small eyelets, every 1" with larger eyelets, and every foot with double eyelets.

Television Screen Enlarger (CT scope)
Adjustable stand on casters. Curved lens for distortion reduction. Blue color to enhance image. Enlarges a 25" screen to a 37" picture.

Television Screen Enlarger (Beamscope)
directional fresnel lens magnifies the picture on a television screen. 19" x 25".

Large Number Clock (Radio Shack #63-766)
clock with a jumbo LED display, 1.8" numbers, alarm. AC powered. Battery backup.

Wall Clock (Radio Shack #63-805)
12/24 hour wall clock with digital LED 1.8" display. AC powered. Battery backup.

Mini-Beeper
small device designed to offer new ways for mobility, recreation and obstacle location. Loud beeping sound when turned on. Easy access to on/off switch. Battery powered.

Large Print Rotary Telephone Dial
large print, raised numbers to place over rotary telephone dial.

Large Number Timer
easy to read bold, black numbers on a white background. 8" across. Set for any interval up to 60 minutes.

Large Numeral Push Button Telephone Attachment
large white numbers on black background. Fits directly over standard touch tone telephone models.

Large Button Telephone
extra large number keypad makes it easier for persons with low vision to dial. Volume control and amplifier on handset. Hearing aid compatible.

MAGNIFIERS

Lighted Magnifiers

Hand held, rectangular, 100 x 50mm, 3X magnification, with halogen lighted, battery powered handle, Eschenbach #1580-3.
Hand held, round, 50mm, 6X magnification, with halogen lighted, battery powered handle, Eschenbach #1552-3.
Hand held, round, 70mm, 4X magnification, with halogen lighted, battery powered handle, Eschenbach #1554-3.

Standing Magnifiers

Rectangular, 100 x 75mm, 3X magnification, Eschenbach #2623.
Round, 80mm, 4X magnification, Eschenbach #26-910131.

Hand Held Magnifiers

Round, 70mm, 4X magnification. Eschenbach #2655-70
Round, 80mm, 25X magnification. Eschenbach #2320-80
Round, 50mm, 6X magnification. Eschenbach #2655-50

Edanalite VIP Masterlens
illuminated stand magnifier. Spreads bright, glare free illumination uniformly over reading area. Lens size 6" x 8". AC powered. 3X magnification.

Chest Stand Magnifier
4 1/2" hand magnifier with neck strap for handsomer viewing.

FOUR TRACK CASSETTE PLAYERS For Using Talking Books

Bit Talkman III
pocket-size, four track cassette player. Auto-reverse. Variable speed. Use only with headphones. Runs on AC adapter or two AA batteries. 4 1/2" x 3 1/2".

Panasonic (RQ-2102)
four track cassette player. Table model. Runs on AC adapter or four C batteries. Auto-stop. 5 1/2" x 10".

Sony Four Track Cassette Player With AM/FM Radio (TCM-959T)
table model. Runs on AC adapter or four C batteries. Auto-stop. 6" x 9 1/4".

Sony Four Track Cassette Player Without AM/FM Radio (TCM-919)
same as above without the radio. Runs on AC adapter or four C batteries. 6" x 9 1/4".

Radio Shack Four Track Cassette Player (CTR-73)
table model. Runs on AC adapter or four C batteries. Auto-stop. 5 1/2" x 10 1/2".

TALKING PRODUCTS

Travel Talking Alarm Clock
electronically synthesized voice speaks the time when you press a button. Uses three AAA batteries.

Talking Alarm Clock Calendar I Can Talk
by Spartus. Electronically synthesized voice speaks the date or time when you press a button. Bright, easy to
read LED display. Dual alarm. Battery backup. Voice volume control.

Talking Alarm Clock Calendar
Vox Clock 3 - electronically synthesized voice speaks the date or time when you press a button. Large, easy to read 9" LED display. Dual alarm. Battery backup. Voice volume control.

Talking Calculator
electronically synthesized voice speaks the numbers and shows 1/2" numerals on an eight digit LCD display. Voice volume control. Memory keys. Automatic shut-off. Ear piece included. Uses two AA batteries.

Talking Dictionary/Thesaurus (Franklin Language Master)
electronically synthesized voice reads every entry out loud. Spells any word letter by letter. White keys on dark background. 1/4" letters. Adjustable screen contrast. Volume and speed control. Instructions available in print and cassette. Uses AC adapter or four AA batteries.

Talking Scale (Technasonic Weight Talker)
Electronic talking scale with memory settings for five people. Controls for volume, memory, pounds or kilograms, and salutation. Uses seven AA batteries.

GAMES ADAPTED FOR PERSONS WITH VISION LOSS

Back Up Three
board game with special pegs in four different shapes and colors.

Backgammon
game board has raised dividers. All game pieces and dice are tactually marked.

Chinese Checkers
classic game with special pegs in six different shapes and colors.

Connect Four
Commercial board game adapted for players with low vision. Black checkers have a hole drilled in the center for easy identification.

Checkers
12" square, molded, plastic game board with 1" alternating recessed squares. Red checkers are square and black checkers are round for tactual difference.

Chess
wood 13" square game board with raised black squares. Chess pieces with pegs stay securely in place for each move. Dark pieces are pointed on the top for easy identification.

Dominoes
tactual dominoes with raised black dots on white background.

Braille Bingo Board
plastic board with recessed and numbered squares. Card has large, black raised numbers and is marked with Braille.

Cribbage
scoring holes marked with raised metal eyelets. Pegs are tactually marked for easy use.

Scrabble
game board has recessed squares, large print letters, and is marked with Braille.

Othello
magnetic game board has raised ridges. Tactually marked black pieces and smooth white pieces.

Megaword Cross-Word Board Game
18" square game board in large print letters and marked with Braille. 32 yellow foam letters marked with Braille.

Braille Playing Cards
playing cards marked with Braille.

Dice
two 3/4" dice with raised dot design.

Large Print Playing Cards
playing cards with oversize numbers.

Poker Chips
chips have three distinct shapes for easy identification.

DEVICES FOR PERSONS WITH A HEARING LOSS

DEVICES FOR USING THE TELEPHONE

Amplified Telephone Handsets

AT&T G-6 - for persons with moderate hearing loss. May amplify volume up to 20 dB. Compatible with hearing aids equipped with a telephone switch. May only be used with AT&T telephone.
AT&T G-66 - for persons with extreme hearing loss. For use only with AT&T telephones. Adjustable volume control.

Auxiliary Tone Ringer (AT&T W1A)
may be used as an extension ringer or in conjunction with modular telephone sets. Four loudness settings.

Auxiliary Bell Ringer
(AT&T) - may be connected to any indoor or outdoor jack where added ringing sound is desired. Adjustable volume.

Clarity Telephone
telephone designed for people with moderate to severe high frequency hearing loss. Volume control boosts incoming sound by 18 dB. Easy to hear low frequency ringer. Lighted large number key pad.

AT&T Signalman
connects to a lamp and a modular telephone jack. When the telephone rings, the lamp will flash on and off.

Fone Flasher (Radio Shack)
connects to a lamp and a modular telephone jack. When the telephone rings, the lamp will flash on and off.

Fone Flasher 2 (Radio Shack) -
connects to a lamp and a modular telephone jack. When the telephone rings, the lamp will flash on and off. Will ring, flash, or both.

Sonic Alert
connects to a lamp and a modular telephone jack. When the telephone rings, the lamp will flash on and off.

Portable Telephone Amplifiers

AT&T - amplifies incoming portion of a telephone call. May be used with or without a hearing aid. Fits on most telephone handsets. Uses one AAA battery.
Radio Shack - attaches to telephone ear piece with rubber strap. Significantly increases the volume of any telephone handset. Works with most hearing aid compatible telephones. Uses one N battery.

Text Telephones (TTY)
device with a standard keyboard that allows people to type messages back and forth over the telephone lines.

MINICOM IV (Ultratec) no printer
MP 20 (Krown) - printer
PV20 (Krown) - no printer

Assistive Listening System (Phonic Ear Easy Listener)
wireless FM listening system amplifies and clarifies sound sources in any large hall, home, school, or meeting room. Consists of an FM transmitter, FM receiver, headsets, and neckloop.

Audio Link Infrared System
personal listening system with a lightweight headset and a compact transmitter that connects to your television or VCR allowing you to watch television without disturbing others.

Closed Caption Decoder (Telecaption 4000)
Connects to TV or VCR to allow the dialogue, narration and sound effects of a television program or home video movie to be printed on the television screen in a manner similar to subtitles. May be used on any television.

Closed Caption Decoder (Telecaption VR 100)
same as Telecaption 4000, but designed to be used with any television connected to a VCR, cable converter, or satellite receiver.

Infrared Wireless Headphone System
(Radio Shack) - uses invisible light to send audio signals from a television or radio with audio output jack to special headphones with a built-in receiver. Will send sound signals up to 20 feet. Headphones use a nine volt battery.

Infrared Wireless Stereo Headphone System (Radio Shack)
sends stereo signal from your audio source with an audio output jack to your stereo headphones without wires. Headphones not included. Battery operated receiver.

Personal Listening Device (Mega Ear)
mini-personal amplifier with microphone. Select high/low frequency range. Uses one AAA battery. Adjustable volume.

Personal Listening Device (PockeTalker)
provides portable amplification for one-on-one conversations and television and radio listening. Helps reduce background noise. Useful in restaurants, cars, or small groups. Hearing aid compatible. Uses one 9 volt battery.

Personal Listening Device (Radio Shack Stereo Amplified Listener)
device may be used for one-on-one conversation. Uses two AAA batteries.

Personal Listening Device (SuperEar)
device may be used for one-on-one conversations. Microphone swivels 180 degrees. Uses one AAA battery.

OTHER ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Amplified Speech Telephone Handset (AT&T G-7)
modular telephone handset for amplifying speech for persons with difficulty projecting their voice. Adjustable volume. May only be used with AT&T telephones.

Door Opener (Leveron)
lever easily attaches to any doorknob, and changes it to an easy-to-use lever-grip without removing existing hardware. This is for persons with limited hand strength.

FM Wireless Microphone (Radio Shack)
clip on microphone that connects to FM radio. Speaker's voice is projected over the radio. Uses one RM-675 mercury type battery.

Newspaper Holder
allows full, open display of newspaper for persons with restricted mobility or limited use of hands. Designed for easy mounting on a table, wheelchair tray, or freestanding base.

Reacher
extends your reach by 30". Use to reach items on the floor or light items on high shelves.

Speaker Phone
allows full use of the telephone for persons with restricted mobility or limited use of their hands. May be customized with assistive switches such as a touch switch, foot switch, or a puff and sip switch. Uses one 9 volt battery.

Turning Knob Operator
provides extra leverage in turning knobs and handles of an irregular shape such as those found on stoves, faucets, or some television sets.

Wireless Remote Control Switch (Radio Shack)
on/off switch works on most electrical appliances. Uses one 9 volt battery.

BOOK STANDS AND HOLDERS

Roberts Book Holder
props book in upright position for hands-free reading. Folds flat for storage. Pegs hold book open.

Easy Reader
combination reading stand and clipboard. Page holder keeps books open. Choice of six positions. Folds flat to form legal size clipboard.

Book Mate
useful for persons who have difficulty holding a book because of weakness or hand limitations. Holds books or magazines in open position. 15" x 10 3/4" with a 2 1/2" ledge. Adjustable height. Adjusts to any angle.

Easi Reader
adjustable arms hold everything from paperbacks to large magazines.

Maddak Model #73229
sloping back and bottom support. Good for use on bedside table.

Maddak Model #F73228
two piece lightweight snap together book holder.

Nielsen Low Vision Book Holder
clipboard type book or paper holder on freestanding base.

Reading Stand (American Printing House for the Blind Desk-Top Reading Stand) large, portable, desk-sitting stand will hold reading material at five different positions. Two easily adjusted clamps for holding pages open. 18" x 23 3/4".

Go To Page 2

visits since 9/14/01.