The AT Bargain Basement

Marvin Williams, AT Specialist
New Castle County ATRC

Hello, True Believers, and welcome to yet another edition of the AT Bargain Basement! I'm Marvin Williams, your host for this assistive technology bargain jamboree. This is the place where I try to find you all of the lovely assistive technology bargains I can that cost $100 or less. Also, if you happen to find something that you think would be of value to the group, please feel free to send it along to me. I'll put it in a future issue of the Bargain Basement.

Sometimes I get people asking me about the items I have listed. They'll say, "Hey Marvin, I like the stuff in The Basement, but how exactly is it assistive technology?" To answer that, let's look at the working definition of assistive technology we use here at DATI, which we get from the amended AT Act of 1998. In the Act, an assistive technology device is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities. As much of a mouthful as that is, it's a very broad definition for a good reason. By leaving the definition so broad, it can cover a large number of items. So, while this does cover a $30,000 wheelchair, it also covers the $1 roll of shelf liner that is used as a place mat for the one-handed diner who, without it, would be chasing a plate all over a table. The big point of the Bargain Basement is to get everyone thinking about the different pieces of assistive technology we see every day but take for granted because they're in Target or are advertised on TV without an "AT" label on them. I hope that helps to clear up any of the confusion, and if it hasn't, let me know and I can see if I can help make things more clear. So without further ado, let's get to the bargains!

My first item is the Page Up Porta-Book. Now, you may not be able to guess what it is from the name, but it is a pretty handy little device. It's actually several devices in one. First and foremost, it's an angled book holder. It folds in on itself, creating almost a pyramid effect. You can lay a book on one side for reading. You can also use it for writing if you have difficulty writing with the paper flat on the table or desk. Next, you can use it as a clip board, providing a firm writing surface when one isn't readily available. You can also use it to hold pens, papers, rulers, and other little things you may need to take with you on the go. Do know that the more you use this for storage, the harder it becomes to use the angle function. The device is nice, and at $5 (not including shipping), it's a deal. The Porta-Book can be ordered from Portables Plus. They have both internet and telephone ordering available.

My second item is the Jumbo Universal Remote Control. Now, this one was brought to my attention by DATI's own Beth Mineo. It's a nice little—I use that word loosely as it is anything but "little"— find from Innovage Products that can control up to eight devices. The buttons are large and easy to press, and the price is reasonably low at $9.99.

Now, Beth found ours at Bed Bath & Beyond; however, I've seen them at Home Depot, Ross, Happy Harry's, and RiteAid. The prices at the different stores have been pretty consistent. If the buttons on that remote aren't big enough, there is the Tek Partner Universal which is a little more expensive, but it does have buttons that are a little bigger and light up, too.

This remote retails for $39.99 and is available from Radio Shack as well as online retail outlets. DATI has both remotes available in its inventory if you'd like to try them before buying one.

My next item is a timer for the hearing impaired— the Triple Tell Timer by Shake Awake. This nifty little timer not only rings when it goes off, but a light flashes on the top of the unit, and it vibrates for a tactile alert.

The display on the unit is nice and large and the buttons are pretty easy to use. While it isn't useful at a distance, it's great if you don't mind putting your timer in your pocket or keeping it otherwise close to you. It comes with a magnetic clip for easy storage/carrying options. It is battery operated, and a nice little bargain at $14.99 from MaxiAids. MaxiAids offers both telephone and Internet ordering for its products. The DATI Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) also have these available for loan if you'd like to see if it might make the difference for you or someone in your life.

My fourth item is WordTalk, a free plug-in for Microsoft Word that allows it to change text into speech. This can be handy for someone who needs text read to them for comprehension. The software will read text by the word, sentence, paragraph, or selection, depending on what the user needs. It also highlights the text as it reads along, allowing a user to visually follow along with the text. Unfortunately, this product does not feature speak-able menu items, so it's not of much use to those with severe visual impairments. Still, this software is very handy for the user with a learning disability who may need the assistance of having text read for comprehension. The price (free!) can't be beat either! The software is easy to use, and the user interface is pretty intuitive so it doesn't take a long time to figure out how to make it talk. For more information on the software and to download it, go to www.wordtalk.org.uk.

And that will bring to a close another informative installment of the AT Bargain Basement. Join us next time when we'll be looking at more bargains and trying to discover the secret to really great coffee. In the meantime, if you know of any great bargains, hints, or tips, please send them along. Until next time, remember... just because it's a bargain doesn't mean it's cheap!

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