ND Assistive Loan Library: More Options Through Collaboration!
Since October of 2020 when we eliminated the Loan Library fees, the number of loans for assistive technology has increased dramatically! In fact, the number of device loans from October 1, 2020, to today, June 24, 2021, is 99% higher than the same time period last year. AND this increase was during COVID! Fantastical! Due […]
Claro ScanPen for Android: Scan & Read Text on Objects for Free!
Software and apps that scan and read aloud standard printed text in books and on paper have been around for decades. The Claro ScanPen App for Android can scan and read text just like its predecessors, but it is more of an expert at reading text on objects and in non-standard printed documents. While it […]
Blind Shell Classic Phone is Simple to Use
Candy Lien (former employee from ND Vision Services/School for the Blind) recently wrote an article for the ND Association of the Blind’s newsletter, and she agreed to allow us to use it for this blog. Candy describes her experience with the new Blind Shell Classic phone and I thought it would be beneficial for our […]
Can You Put Price on Independence?
What if you suddenly lost the ability to do something due to an accident or illness, something that you loved? What if you were not able to use your phone or computer, drive a car, work at a great job, go to college so you could have a great job, continue to stay in a […]
Independence with Assistive Technology: The Best Gift Ever!
The ability to search for a movie like the “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” all by yourself on Netflix may seem insignificant to those without a disability. To someone with paralysis, however, it can be the BEST gift EVER! At ND Assistive, we are reminded every day about how precious it is to have the […]
Accessibility Means Electronic Documents, Too!
For over 20 years, laws have been in place requiring websites to be accessible for people with disabilities. Although many web developers, business owners, and government officials are aware of this, they may not know that the electronic documents on their websites must also be accessible. Think about all of the documents available for download […]
$6 Scan and Read App of My Dreams?
The Amazing Power of Assistive Technology-10 Years Later!
The POWER of assistive technology to change a life and provide lifelong benefits was never more evident than in the story of Hannah. In 2007 at age 15, she was involved in a car accident and acquired a severe traumatic brain injury. She could no longer walk, talk, or even hold up her head. After […]
Using the Phone after Laryngectomy
Earlier this month, the area Laryngectomy Support group met at ND Assistive to learn about the new TeliTalk Electrolarynx Phone and other types of assistive technology to help them communicate on the phone. The group indicated that they learned a lot, and I thought others might benefit as well. The following methods were discussed: TeliTalk Electrolarynx […]
Living Happily with the Gift of Sound
Watching someone get the gift of amplification after years of diminished hearing is a great part of our job here at ND Assistive. The usual playful banter of “Can you hear me now?” “YES!” is sweet music to our ears. Kemo, a Veteran and member of the Lakota Nation, lost a portion of her hearing […]