Volume 12, No. 1, Winter 2004	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
	PDF Version (for printing) Large Print (pdf) Text Version

The Assistive Technology
Bargain Basement

Marvin Williams, AT Specialist Kent County ATRC

Seasons greetings everyone, and welcome to the holiday edition of the AT Bargain Basement. For those of you who are new to this column, this is where I, your humble AT Specialist, give you the info on some great assistive technology that is available for under $100 and is usually found in local area stores.

During my flight to Minnesota for this year's Closing the Gap, I found a great AT catalog, provided by the airline. It was Sky Mall. Sky Mall is a catalog that features products from stores such as The Sharper Image, Smart Home, and Impressions. You can purchase products through Sky Mall or use the catalog as a starting point to find the products at the stores that distribute them. For example, I found the second product I am going to discuss in Sky Mall and then went to The Sharper Image Website for more details on the product. In doing so, I found another variation on the product that was not listed in Sky Mall.

My first product is the PageMark Electronic Dictionary (Figure 1). This device is a compact electronic dictionary that clips to a book. It is great for anyone who would benefit from a dictionary, but does not have the space available to use a standard pocket dictionary. The PageMark also features a clock, calculator, Rolodex data organizer, and crossword puzzle solver. With a price tag of $39.95, it is certainly competitive with other pocket electronic dictionaries. The device is available from The Sharper Image and Sky Mall. While there are no Sharper Image stores in Delaware, there are stores in Baltimore; Annapolis; Camden, New Jersey; and Philadelphia. You can also order via their catalog or Website.

Figure 1

My next product is actually three products. They are "Talking Picture" Photo Albums. There are three sizes of albums: 5-, 24-, and 36-photo carriers. Each album allows you to record a short message for every photo. The length of the messages ranges from 12 seconds per picture for the 36-photo album to 15 seconds per photo for the five-photo album. These albums can be used as simple communication devices or as devices that provide both visual and auditory cues to complete tasks. For example, loading a dishwasher could be broken down into the necessary steps an individual is able to comprehend and successfully perform. Once these steps are defined, pictures of each step can be taken and slipped in order into the photo sleeves. Messages for each photo can then be recorded, making essentially a talking instruction manual. These albums are available through Sky Mall and The Sharper Image. The prices range from $19.95 for the five-photo album to $39.95 for the 36-photo album.

The next two items are from one of my favorite sources for AT, Radio Shack. The first is the LifeWise Pillbox Timer (Figure 2). It comes complete with a flashing LED and four count-down style alarms that serve as great reminders. The unit is compact enough to fit in a purse and retails for $14.99. However, I have seen it on sale for $9.99.

Figure 2

The second Radio Shack find is the Gossip Gismo Sound Amplifier (Figure 3). It features headphones for the user, and a compact base unit which acts as the microphone/receiver. The extremely compact unit is only $9.99. However, as the base unit acts as the microphone, it will amplify everything around it. While this is nice for watching TV or conversation in small groups, it is not a replacement for a hearing aid or other assistive listening device. The Gossip Gizmo is a bargain for anyone who may need a little amplification. As with any device for the hearing impaired, make sure you have your hearing checked by a licensed professional before pursuing this or any assistive listening device.

Figure 3

My next product can be purchased or made, depending on how handy you are. It is the Seat Saver (Figure 4) from Sky Mall and Improvements. This is a seat cushion rigidizer for a chair, sofa, or love seat. The rigidizer prevents a cushion from swallowing up the individual sitting on it. It provides a firm base of support, making it easier to get up, and it may also reduce back pain in individuals who cannot tolerate sitting on something that is "too soft." The sofa-sized Seat Saver is priced at $14.99. However, if you are handy and can get some ABS plastic, you can make your own seat rigidizer. I recommend ABS plastic, as it is fairly harmless and easy to clean. If you are interested in making your own rigidizer and have the tools and skill to do so, please contact me for any additional tips or recommendations.

Figure 4

Those using a communication device with X10 transmission capability can use the device as the master remote control unit for the convenient Plug ‘n Power Environmental Control System. The three piece system is available from Radio Shack for $29.99. However, I have seen it on sale for $19.99. The system includes a master remote, lamp dimmer and control module, and an appliance module. Additional lamp and appliance modules may be purchased for $11.59 each. Make sure to check the power rating of all appliances to that of the module. Contact the manufacturer of the device and the control system before connecting them if there are safety concerns. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Well, that does it for this installment of the Bargain Basement. If you find any bargains you think others might benefit from, please pass them along to me and I will spread the word. If you want to check out any of the bargains listed here, you can find them on the Internet at Radio Shack's Website, www.radioshack.com, Sky Mall's Website, www.skymall.com, The Sharper Image's Website, www.sharperimage.com, and Improvement’s Website, www.improvementscatalog.com. Join me next time and I will have more bargains for you.