Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor
2022 Year in Review Product Highlights
As we head into the holiday season and think about gifts for others or products and tools to support your work starting out the new year, what a better time to revisit several products the School Health team has highlighted through social media this year. You may find the perfect gift, spark an idea that will enhance your learning, or encourage the success of students you support. All of the highlighted products are related to students with disabilities or Special Education supports, and can be found on the School Health website under the Special Education category. The Special Education category is broken down into the following nine subcategories: Sensory, Motor Skills, Augmentative & Alternative Communication, Speech Therapy, Switches, Computer & Tablet Access, Learning, Living Aids, and Positioning & Mobility.
You’ll find a category and link below from several of the products highlighted this year. Look for videos from Talkin’ Tech with Dr. Ray and some of my Access Angle blog write ups that relate to the products. I hope you will enjoy revisiting these products, videos, and blogs as much as I did!
Sensory
Sensory Space- sights, sounds, textures of a sensory room can affect how students feel when they interact with their space explore products to fit social-emotional and learning needs
Reading Pens- The C-Pen Reader and C-Pen Exam Reader 2- Reader Pen offers reading support in a portable, pocket-sized device. It reads text out loud with a human-like voice and includes a built-in dictionary
OrCam Read- Handheld device seamlessly reads text from any printed surface or digital screen in any environment, including low-light
Lessonbee Health Education Curriculum: Online educational platform that promotes health and lifelong learning of mental health, physical health, substance abuse, and more.
Time Timer Helps students understand the passage of time and stay on track when learning or playing
Visilift+ Interactive Touch Display- Visilift touch display for a variety of learners of all ages and abilities, including individuals with disabilities, visually and physically from a larger display.
Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor
Fall is here and that means the weather is getting colder as we head into the winter months. It’s time to talk about some of my favorite winter apparel items that help keep you warm and dry.
If you or someone you know uses a wheelchair, scooter, stroller, or something similar, you probably also know that finding a way to keep the upper and lower extremities warm and dry can take some additional planning. I have used a wheelchair for a very long time and often found that I’ll be warm and cozy in a flannel shirt or winter jacket, but my legs become very cold. It is difficult sometimes to keep my entire body warm as my temperature fluctuates. If I am participating in an outside activity, I must take along a blanket or wear a few layers of pants. These methods work well, but can be bulky, take extra time to put on, or become too hot.
Several years ago, I was introduced to a couple of great products that I really like. These are worth checking into if you are looking for solutions to this same challenge for your child, student, family member, friend, or yourself.
A couple of years ago, my Aunt Katherine saw the following news story about these specially designed jackets for people that use wheelchairs: 9&10 News WWTY Parents Invent Coat to Keep Kids, Adults in Wheelchairs Warm and Dry. This coat was designed by a mom for her daughter with Cerebral Palsy that uses a wheelchair. She created a prototype attaching two jackets together, making a full bodycoat. My Aunt surprised me that Christmas and purchased one for me. I was very excited; I have never seen anything like this jacket before. It is like wearing a sleeping bag with arms and a hood! Very warm and the zipper runs the length of the coat so I can have it all zipped up, half, or fully open in the front, without having to completely take the coat off. This bodycoat is great for use year-round for kids or adults as they come in different sizes. I have had the opportunity to use this bodycoat on a sailing trip in San Francisco Bay, it was perfect. I could enjoy my time and not be concerned about feeling uncomfortable due to tight muscles from the cold weather.
I’ve been in search of a lap blanket, but not just any lap blanket. I used to have a waterproof lap cover with elastic sewn into the lower part that fits snug around my feet. It was originally part of a stroller used when I was a toddler. I kept that piece for a few decades, but it was misplaced in a move a few years back. This was one of the best tools for guarding against rain and wind. Earlier this year, I was thrilled to find an adult version of this similar item. The company Bundle Bean has a product called Adult fleece-lined wheelchair cosy. Woo hoo! One of my favorite winter apparel items, but made even better – it’s fleece lined! They offer a variety of patterns and colors for kids and adults. I chose black so it would match whatever jacket I decide to wear. What makes this type of item handy is that it is easily folded up and fits in a backpack. It features an elastic that hugs around the foot area, and elastic and Velcro straps on the reverse side keep it from dragging on the ground or getting caught in wheels. It’s very warm and waterproof. In the summer, I participated in a local 5K race to support Shriners Children’s Hospital. This wheelchair cosy was perfect for the early morning race start temperatures. I wear mine covering just my legs, but I can pull it up higher; mine is long enough to cover my feet all the way up to my chest while seated.
These are a few great options to consider for students waiting for a school bus, participating in recess, outdoor physical education classes, sports, and so much more!
Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor
A few months ago I wrote an article about the OrCam Read, which is a smart pen that converts text from any printed surface or digital screen into audio. This device is for people with low vision, reading fatigue, reading difficulties, including dyslexia, and for anyone who would prefer to listen to the text. I recently had the opportunity to try another product from OrCam which is called the OrCam MyEYE Pro. Much like the OrCam Read, the MyEye Pro is a small portable assistive reading device which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). This device is smaller, at 0.59” x 0.83” x 2.99”, it is designed to attach to the frames of any pair of glasses.
Key features of this product include:
Reads text from any printed surface like magazines or books, and digital screens such as a computer
Identifies products, currency, and recognizes faces
Built-in mini speaker
Bluetooth enabled allowing pairing with earphones or speakers.
Adjustable user settings, such as volume, reading speed, and choice of voice
Touch/swipe sensor bar
Operates using several voice commands, such as, “Hey OrCam” followed by the command
Smart Reading”, simply ask and listen. Retrieve and read only the text that interests you
OrCam MyEYE Pro comes with a charger, USB cable, eyeglasses frames, mounting kit, and a carrying case
I was excited to try the OrCam MyEYE Pro because of the hands-free features as compared to the handheld OrCam Read. The device came with an eyeglasses frame in the box since it must be mounted to the frames for use. I already wear glasses and was able to attach one of the magnetic mounts to the arm of my glasses and cinch the straps tightly. The mount magnets allow the OrCam MyEYE Pro to attach in the correct position, ready to focus on text in front of you. When not in use, the mount simply stays on the glasses. I’ve found this mount has not been distracting to me at all. Although it looks like it may be heavy, when mounted the device is hardly noticeable and does not weigh down on the frame contact points on my face.
I decided to test out this device on multiple occasions, including while at the grocery store. Since I have a vision impairment, generally I know the products I like to purchase by their colors on the packaging, the pictures and logos, if the name is printed in larger text, I can recognize that pattern, etc.. I like to check out new products and look for deals. I spent some time cruising the aisles and learning about the various options. Using this device for the first time, I was blown away by the additional detail I was able to learn about all the store products. I never knew there were so many different types of coffee brands, flavors, and roast options in one store. Of course, I can see the packaging, but I am not able to get close enough to read the fine print on the packaging. I was amazed the OrCam MyEYE read the packaging and the price of everything in front of me. I really enjoyed going to the different sections of the store and repeating this same experience in the noodle aisle, the soup aisle, etc. I used the built-in speaker and noticed that I could hear the information clearly and those shopping around me were not really able to hear the device reading all the details of everything, it was fairly discreet.
There are several other features to explore on this device, which could truly be exciting to anyone with a visual impairment or reading challenges looking for this type of assistive technology. A few things to keep in mind if taking this device on the go:
The battery life is up to 2-hours, plan your use accordingly.
Consider carrying a mobile charger to plug the device in and allow the 40-minute recharge as you transition to your next activity.
If the device isn’t verbally responding, a brief touch on the sensor bar activates the device once again.
After prolonged use, the device became warm to the touch. As with any electronics, monitor this and any devices when using for long periods of time.
For more information or to purchase the OrCam MyEYE Pro visit the School Health website. Check out the additional details through the following resources:
Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor
The weather is heating up heading into summer! Hydration is critical to stay healthy. I cannot think of a better product to spotlight than the Giraffe Bottle Hands-Free Drinking System. In 2020, I wrote a product review on this item. Over two years later, I am still using this product as my main hydration source.
I’ve enjoyed using the Original Giraffe Bottle Hands-Free System which features the adjustable modular neck, drinking tube, one-way check valve, and the Clear Tritan Bottle. This is my “go-to” bottle for everyday water consumption.
As summarized on the Giraffe Bottle website, the “Giraffe Bottle Hands-Free Drinking System is a product that allows users with various abilities to stay hydrated. The assistive hydration technology is designed to be flexible and easy to use, with accessories available to mount wherever needed.”
Giraffe Bottle now offers some new bottles and accessories. In addition to the Plastic Clear Tritan Bottle, there is a Stainless Steel Bottle, which is insulated and keeps hot drinks hot for over 10 hours and cold drinks cold for over 18 hours.
There are additional modular neck and tube choices:
Giraffe Bottle Tower: hands-free drinking system is the original system with a rigid neck and integrated check valve.
Giraffe Bottle Tower XL: rigid neck, larger drinking tube than the original Tower, and a bite valve.
Giraffe Bottle Journey Hydration System: flexible drinking tube with a bite valve, includes a clip.
Accessories available, still include the bottle holder, with wheelchair rail bracket and the Aluminum Bottle Holder. In addition, there is now a soft neoprene bottle carrier with an adjustable strap.
I recently purchased the Giraffe Bottle Tower XL Starter kit. This included the journey flexible drinking tube with the bite valve and the larger rigid modular neck that accommodates the journey tube. Here is a side-by-side picture of the original neck and tube (4mm) I was using, next to the larger new neck and flexible tube (6.4mm), which I am now using.
The most noticeable difference for me is the bite valve. This feature allows the user to control the flow of liquid moving through the tube, keeps the water right up to the bite valve, and it doesn’t leak. In my experience, taking a drink is much easier through this drinking tube. I don’t have to exert as much effort to take a sip of liquid, as compared to the original one I was using. One safety item to note, the bite valve is removable and could pose a choking hazard for some individuals.
This is a great drinking solution for the summer months and year-round, for both athletes and anyone looking for a handsfree drinking solution that is designed to provide the user more independence.
Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor
I recently had the opportunity to try out Cat Tongue Grips, a non-slip, non-abrasive, solution for keeping a grip on things. This product line includes adhesive grips for phones and laptops, grip tape rolls/strips, and small grip pads. This company’s mission is to help everyone “get a better grip”. I was impressed to learn more about their perspective of Cat Tongue Grip products and how they have helped people with disabilities, such as Paralympian Chris Waddell. Cat Tongue Grips products are not made with natural rubber latex, they are waterproof, flame resistant, can be easily cut to custom sizes, and more. Additionally, these products come in a variety of colors and design options.
Here are a few ways I have used the Cat Tongue Grips. I have cut small strips of Cat Tongue Non-Abrasive Grip Tape and placed it on the handle of my hand-held shower sprayer for an easier grip. The 8” x 12” clear Non-Adhesive Gription Pad has been handy to use on my wheelchair tray as it is small and grippy to keep items from slipping around. The Non-Abrasive Grip Kit includes 26 small, adhesive-backed, pre-cut grips. I tried out a few small pieces on the back of my TV remote, on a dimmer and rocker light switch that I use the most in my home, and on a tablet stand that holds my iPad in place. I have found that Cat Tongue Grip products are useful for keeping things in place. Another benefit I found is that they provide helpful visual and tactile supports. The pre-cut grips in black can serve as a bold visual cue, while the clear color easily blends into the surface color it is adhered to. The texture is great for providing tactile feedback to know my hand is in the right location of the grip, for example, when using it on a light switch in low light. As Chris Waddell mentions in the Cat Tongue Grip product video, “once you start using this product you start to think about other applications” for its’ use. As someone who uses non-skid material daily, I couldn’t agree more!