Your Smartphone Can Now Alert You to Important Environmental Sounds
With the recent releases of the iOS 14 and Android 11 operating systems, your iOS and Android smartphones can now alert you to important environmental sounds such as doorbells, fire alarms, and dogs barking. These accessibility features have been specifically designed for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing users. Home alerting systems, such as the Clarity […]
My Favorite Assistive Technology for ADHD
I have ADHD and in honor of ADHD Awareness Month, I would like to tell you about my personal favorite assistive technology (AT) for ADHD. They are, in order: Noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones Digital reminder lists Apple Watch Noise-canceling Bluetooth Headphones Like many with ADHD, I’m easily distracted by noise. A comfy pair of over-the-head, noise-canceling Bluetooth […]
Use Voice Commands to Control Your TV Without Touching a Remote
Recently, I have been approached by several clients with various physical disabilities with the same question, “How can I independently control my TV when I can’t physically access the remote?” This is a complex question with numerous possible solutions. Because I’m not in the novel-writing business, I’m going to keep it short and sweet. In […]
Back to School with Assistive Technology
As we head back into the barely-charted waters of educating our children during COVID times, it’s good to remind ourselves that there are many, many assistive technology buoys out there that can help us avoid some of those big underwater rocks and keep on sailing. In this blog, you’ll find a compilation of assistive technology […]
Through the Mask: Clear Communication with Lip Readers and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals during COVID-19
The Issue COVID-19 has brought about the need to wear masks when interacting with others who are not in our households or pods. The CDC has recommended that all who are able to wear cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, cloth face masks can make communication difficult for individuals who […]
Chrome Extensions for Focused Reading
When it comes to reading articles on the web, visual distractions abound. For those who have difficulty staying focused while reading in general, reading on the web is a whole different beast. It’s like trying to read with a shiny, sparkle-vested squirrel dancing the tango on the sidelines. Except all that visual clutter isn’t really […]
Emergency Preparedness for Assistive Technology Users
Just like 2018, 2019 went out with a bang in Fargo, North Dakota, where I am writing this from. By bang, I mean blizzard. Woohoo, 13.5+ inches of snow! As a born and bred North Dakotan, being prepared for a blizzard is something I was trained on from a young age. When this most recent […]
Sleeping Beauty? Snooze addict? There’s an alarm for that.
Do you “sleep like the dead”? Do you snooze your alarm about forty thousand times? You definitely aren’t alone. Fortunately there are numerous assistive technology solutions to help you get up on time! Challenge Your Mind Mathe Alarm Clock – Free for iOS I described this app to my husband, a night owl and chronic […]
Pain in your hands, wrists, or shoulders? You might need a new mouse!
If you are experiencing pain in your hands, wrists, or shoulders it might be time to consider switching up your computer mouse to see if it eases the pain. When switching to a new mouse, be patient with the process. It takes a while to become accustomed to a whole new setup! It may take […]
AT for Time Management: One Woman’s Quest to Finally Be On Time, Part 1
About Me I was born 11 days early. It often feels as though that was the last time I was early for anything in my life. I’m turning 30 in May. 30 years later, I’m ready to be early. I’ll settle for being on time. I was diagnosed with ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, as an adult at […]