Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Newsletter July 1999 Volume 2, Issue 1 A Monthly Newsletter for Local Branches of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library PRODUCT FOCUS: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN RECREATION Assistive Technology to Promote Recreation and Leisure by Dr. Rosangela Boyd, Assoc. Professor Recreation & Leisure Studies, Institute on Disabilities, UAP/Temple University In a work-oriented society such as ours, recreation is often taken for granted. Although our identity is often defined by the type of job we hold, most of us would have a hard time imagining life without leisure. How would we relax, socialize with friends and challenge our minds and bodies in a non-threatening atmosphere? Individuals with disabilities derive the same benefits from recreation as non-disabled peers. Recreation contributes to the maintenance and/or improvement of health status, functional capacity and overall quality of life. In addition, some aspects of life with a disability make recreation particularly beneficial for persons with disabilities. For example, a number of people with disabilities do not work full time. Participation in meaningful recreational activities can fill out unobligated time and produce a sense of productivity. For persons with recently acquired disabilities, loss of control is often a challenge to overcome. Having to relearn how to negotiate the environment and perform activities that once seemed so simple can generate frustration and impact self concept. Recreation can provide a sense of normalcy, and offer opportunities for achievement. It is also a venue for community inclusion and development of social relationships. Recreation may be the ideal domain for introducing assistive technology because of the non-threatening nature of leisure activities. Most people are willing to experiment with recreation because the standards for success or failure are usually less rigorous than those set for other life activities. When a person learns that there is another way to have fun bowling, doing needlework or enjoying a movie, he or she may become more open to exploring adaptations in other life domains. Assistive technology can facilitate independent recreation participation for individuals with various types of disabilities. As in other areas, it exists on a continuum, from low tech adaptations such as tape around a racket to increase grip to high tech devices such as racing chairs. It is available as generic items such as colored dominoes to facilitate visual contrast to individualized items such as bi-skis designed to fit a particular person. It can be found in different environments, such as the adapted exercise equipment of a rehabilitation center, the computer with adapted accessories and software in a school setting or the beach chair now available in most seashore locations. It may be used to allow persons with disabilities to participate in activities alongside nondisabled peers or family members, as in the case of an electric fishing reel. Or it may offer the challenge of competition among individuals with similar functional skills, such as sport chairs used in quad rugby, adapted tennis or basketball. Leisure activities span a lifetime; from very young children who learn cause and effect through activating switches to operate toys to adult activities such as sports, arts and crafts, gardening, or photography. Unfortunately, often times, recreation goals are left out of habilitation or rehabilitation plans. As a result, individuals with disabilities often lack leisure skills and knowledge of community resources available to them. Frequently, persons with disabilities must rely on their own peers for information on how to obtain assistive technology devices and services related to leisure and recreation. It is important that agencies providing services to persons with disabilities and their families help disseminate information regarding AT and leisure. Resources are available in a variety of formats, from the World Wide Web, to community organizations, to magazines, books and catalogs describing AT devices and providing information on how to engage in different adapted recreation pursuits. A number of organizations maintain web sites on adapted sports and recreation. Most provide information or links to other national and local groups. (See organization section below) Even a search through a search engine such as Yahoo can yield a wealth of information on specific recreation pursuits available to persons with disabilities. If specific information on AT devices is being sought, Abledata's website (http://www.abledata.com) may be a good start, or simply call Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology. Magazines covering disability issues frequently advertise AT devices, including recreation equipment. Occasionally, they also run articles on recreation. Other magazines focus specifically on sports and recreation for people with disabilities. They feature articles, review videos and devices, provide lists of resources and carry ads on recreation equipment (See list of magazines further on in document). An updated list of sports and recreational videos is periodically published by Sports 'n Spokes. Whether they teach specific skills or simply depict individuals with disabilities enjoying adapted recreational activities, these videos may raise awareness of the opportunities available and provide the motivation for gathering further information. One of the most comprehensive sources of information on specific recreation equipment and regulations utilized in adapted sports is called "Sports and Recreation for the Disabled," by MJ Paciorek & JA Jones (Benchmark Press, Inc; Indianapolis, IN 46214). Another excellent book is “Time Out! I Didn't Hear You,” by CV Palmer, SL Butts, GA Lindley & SE Synder (1995, published by The Sports Syndicate, Pittsburgh, PA). Catalogs are another excellent source of ideas for activity adaptation. They are free and available in various categories. An excellent source of information on local community organizations is the recreation department of major rehabilitation centers. Most have developed lists of available resources and are willing to share this information. A good example is Children's Seashore House's annual publication, entitled "Special Kids: The Resource for Families with Special Needs." This publication offers a directory of resources in many areas, including recreation. There are various community organizations which can assist persons with disabilities of all ages in pursuing adapted recreation and sport activities. The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports is a growing enterprise which provides information and referral regarding recreation opportunities, in addition to sponsoring events in areas such as skiing and rowing. A number of agencies can be contacted for horseback riding, such as Thorncroft, Pegasus, and Special Equestrians. Hospitals such as Magee Rehab and disability organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy also have sports programs including bowling, track and field, quad rugby and basketball. Lekotek, a play library for children with special needs, is available throughout the country. Through play sessions, families learn to stimulate their children with disabilities. Adapted toys used during play sessions are available for families to borrow for a limited amount of time. Also available in the Philadelphia location is a computer center with adapted accessories and a variety of educational games. Other organizations focus on specific recreation areas. For example, the Kardon Institute on Music provides music and dance instruction for children and adults with disabilities. Nu-visions and Very Special Arts of Pennsylvania are organizations of amateur and professional artists with disabilities which provides instructional workshops and sponsors art exhibits. Other possible venues for cultural activities include the Library for the Blind (books on tape) and Descriptive Video Services (narrated descriptions of TV programs and movies on videos). The best resources, however, are the individuals who have experimented with different devices and accessed various organizations. Although each individual will have a unique set of needs and interests, putting persons with disabilities in contact with their peers may be the best service agencies may provide. By calling local and national organizations, it is usually possible to locate individuals willing to share their experiences and/or provide support to those seeking to increase their recreation involvement. (E-mail Dr. Boyd at rboyd@nimbus.ocis.temple.edu) Adapted Sports Organizations National Sports Center for the Disabled (http://www.nscd.org) Disabled Sports USA (http://www.dsusa.org) U.S Association of Blind Athletes (http://www.usaba.org) U.S Deaf Sports Federation (http://www.usadsf.org) CUSTOMER FOCUS: MEET DAN Dan Drach, an avid rugby player and sports enthusiast does more in a day than I could ever dream of! A recreational therapist and peer mentor affiliated with Magee Rehabilitation, Dan has met life head-on as a person with quadriplegia. In doing research for this newsletter, I was privileged to be introduced to Dan and learn just how much he enjoys living life. His pragmatic approach to environmental adaptations is very refreshing. For example, I asked Dan to share with me what technology he utilizes to access recreation. He stated he enjoys lots of recreational activities but his mainstay is simply 'rubberized gardening gloves'. A lift and hand controls in his van is as high tech as it gets! I probed further trying to determine just what technology he used. Once again, Dan shared how he relies heavily on these 'rubberized gardening gloves' to increase his grip in rugby, to grasp tools in doing his home repairs, to even write with a pencil. I still wanted to hear something related to “technology” oriented devices. I asked Dan for further explanations about other types of sports. Dan persisted with his rubberized gardening gloves! He explained that when he needs a firm grasp on a racket for instance, he uses an ace bandage or white athletic tape over the glove and handle to insure it remains firmly intact. I laughed and then asked Dan where to purchase these gloves: The rubberized gardening gloves are inexpensive and readily available at your local gardening departments of mass merchandisers. It took me a while to accept creativity over technology, but I finally asked Dan what other great ideas for simple and inexpensive adaptations he might have to share. We discussed playing cards, board games and reading. For holding playing cards, Dan suggests taking an old phone book (about 2“ thick), cutting off all the pages clear through, leaving approximately 1” with the binding. If you then turn it up, so the binding is on the table, the pages offer multi-levels for holding cards vertically. For page turning, Dan suggests using the eraser on an unsharpened pencil. For picking up the money laying flat on a table in Monopoly, a pencil or the rubberized gardening gloves will work equally as well! The phonebook binder will work to hold the bills or properties upright as well. As I was so well reminded by Dan, simplicity and good 'ole fashioned common sense will never replace technology as the single most important resource we have to adapt in a world that is certainly not designed for people with disabilities at work or at play! - AKM PRODUCT FOCUS: Assistive Technology in Recreation and Leisure NEW! Polaroid® Impulse Camera Take instant photos for school projects. Use this adapted camera with a switch to create stories with pictures, make a permanent record of field trips, photograph people being interviewed for school newspaper or document steps in a classroom activity. Approx: $104; Inventory Code: New item, please call for code. From: Ablenet Inc Musical School Bus Enjoy bump 'n go bus ride to “It's A Small World.” Bear goes in and out when door opens and closes. Approx: $39.95; This item comes with other switch activated toys, a switch and the Al-Turn-It Spinner listed to the right, in a kit. Request Inventory Code: RE-TOY-1 or 2 From: Crestwood Company Large Print Bingo Cards The numbers on these large (6 - 3/4" x 7") heavy-duty bingo cards are 5/8" high. They are black against a white background, making them easy to find when your numbers are called. 10 cards for approx: $9.95; Inventory Code: VIG-BINGO; From: Maxi-Aids Inc. Beeping Foam Balls These safe-to-use foam balls are easy to find by following their high-pitched beeping. They operate on an internal rechargeable battery that works for 12 hours on one 8 hour charge. The beeping can be easily turned off. Approx: $40.00; Inventory Code: VIG-BBALL; From: Independent Living Aids Inc Action Life Glove This double tunnel looped glove features two loop straps. The smaller hook strap enables you to grip objects such as pool cues, ping-pong paddles, fishing rods, brushes, etc. The larger strap, when run through the single palmer loop, forms a closed fist which enables you to exercise on machines such as free weights or a universal gym. Available in different sizes and sold individually (I.e. left/right). Approx: $49.95; Inventory Code: RE-AGLL; From: Access to Recreation Spin 'N Spell Activity Set A fun, curriculum activity set includes: On a roll to spelling and more, featuring 64 motivating games to teach language arts activities in grades K and up, preprinted overlay letters A-Z, and instructions for play with the All-Turn-IT Spinner (also available for loan). This item is included in Toy Kits 1 $ 2, Inventory Code: RE-TOY-1; Approx: $22; From: AbleNet Inc Fishing Pole Holder This clamp-on fishing pole holder keeps a good grip on the pole and makes the reel available for one hand operation. A rigid, heavy walled PVC plastic tube 1.6” inside diameter x 6” long, holds the fishing rod handle while a slot in the side supports the reel and keeps it from moving while your fish is reeled in. The pole is easily removed from the holder. A clamp with screw and large wing nut make it adaptable to any tubular wheelchair bar 7/8” to 1-1/8” diameter. The holder also fits on lawn chairs, beach chairs and sport wheelchairs. Approx: $29.95, Inventory Code: RE-UNI-FISH; From: Access to Recreation Uni-mount System This device holds a camera, fishing pole, rifle, adjustable work tray or field glasses securely. The system begins with a universal bar that attaches to the frame of the wheelchair just under the knees. The universal bar adjusts to fit any width wheelchair and has a receiver to hold a variety of attachments. Inventory Code: RE-UNI-CAM Approx: $244.00; Available through: Access to Recreation Strong Arm The Strong Arm is a versatile fishing rod holder. This is an excellent device for anyone with limited or no grip. With this holder even lower level quadriplegics can cast by them selves. Made of leather, it can be worn over or under most clothing. One size fits all. Right or left available. Approx: $35.95, Inventory Code: RE-STRARML or RE-STRARMR; From: Access to Recreation NEW! Microlite Switch by TASH For students who need to activate the surface with a feather-light touch. Size: 1-3/4" x 1/2" x 3/4"; Can be used with toys, spinner shown above, etc. Approx: $55; Inventory Code: New item, please call for code. Available through: AbleNet Inc All-Turn-It Spinner This switch-activated spinner adaptive device so that individuals with the most severe disabilities can be active participants in numerous commercially-available and AbleNet-designed games (See Spin 'N Spell Activity Set below). Approx: $89.00; This item is included in Toy Kits 1 & 2, Inventory Code: RE-TOY-1; From: AbleNet Inc Automatic Card Shuffler Eliminates the need to shuffle cards by hand, a job sometimes made impossible because of injury or arthritis. At the press of a lever, the unit thoroughly shuffles the cards. Dimensions: 8" x 4-1/4" x 3-1/2". Can shuffle up to two decks at a time. Inventory Code: VIG-SHUFF; Approx: $14.95; From: Independent Living Aids Inc Jumbo Playing Cards Cards have 1-1/2" numbers and letters and to assist in identifying the suits. Cards measure 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". Inventory Code: VIG-ICRD; Approx: $2.95; From: Independent Living Aids Inc TV Magnifying Glasses These lightweight glasses will make your TV screen and everything on it appear twice as large. They are not designed for close-up use, so you must sit at least 3 ft. away from the TV set in order to get best results. Each side can be individually focused. Inventory Code: RD-TVGLASS; Approx: $49.95; From: Independent Living Aids Inc A Special Welcome to our Newest Local Branches! Community College of Allegheny County Contact person: Ellie Shirley Center on Hearing & Deafness (CHAD) (Chester Co.) Contact person: Rainy Wesel Bricktown Senior Center (Huntingdon County) Contact person: Joanne Simpson Duncannon Community Center (Perry County) Contact person: Georgia Lepperd Wayne Memorial Hospital (Wayne County) Contact person: Sally Warren Wyoming County Senior Center (Wyoming County) Contact person: Kathleen Dwyer Yorktown Senior Center, Inc (York County) Contact person: Catherine Leininger RESOURCES REFERENCED IN FEATURE ARTICLE: Children's Seashore House: (215) 895-3600 Thorncroft: (610) 644-1963 Special Equestrians: (215) 340-9242 Magee Rehab: (215) 587-4783 United Cerebral Palsy of PA: (717) 761-6129; Call for your local affiliate Lekotek: (215) 578-3616 Kardon Institute on Music: (215) 925-5439 Nu-visions: (215) 265-6179 Very Special Arts of Pennsylvania: (717) 232-9540 Blind Outdoor Leisure Department: (412) 882-3965 http://trfn.clpgh.org/bold/ Descriptive Video Services: (800) 333-1203 Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped: Eastern PA Ph: (215) 683-3213 Carnegie Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped: Western PA Ph (800) 242-0586 Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFBD): (609) 452-0606 or (800) 221-4792 November 1999 is Assistive Technology Month. Plan an event to celebrate! RESOURCES Catalogs: Crestwood Company* Ph: (414) 352-5678 Fax: (414) 352-5679 http://www.communicationaids.com E-mail: crestcomm@aol.com Independent Living Aids* 27 East Mall, Plainview NY 11803; (800) 537-2118 http://www.independentlivingaidsinc.com AbleNet Inc* Ph: (800) 322 0956 http://www.ablenetinc.com Don Krebs' Access to Recreation* Ph: (800) 634-4351 Nasco Activity Therapy Catalog Ph: (800) 558-9595 Seabay Games Co Ph: (800) 568-0188 Activity & Recreational Therapy Ph: (800) 247-2343 Fun & Achievement T.F.H. (USA) Ltd. Ph: (412) 446 6400 Kapable Kids Ph: (800) 356-1564 Jesana Ph: (800) 443-4728 Carolyn's Products for Independent Living Ph: (800) 243-9232 Special Populations, Flaghouse Ph: (800) 793-7900 Sportime Abilitations Ph: (800) 238-5700 Gould Athletic Supply Ph: (800) 571-1113 S&S Worldwide Games Ph: (800) 243-9232 The Lighthouse Catalog American Foundation for the Blind Ph: (800) 829-0500 Things from Bell Ph: (800) 543-1458 Enabling Devices Ph: (800) 832-8697 Wims Aquatics Specialists Ph: (800) 426-9460 Sprint Rothhammer International (Aquatics) Ph: (800) 541-5330 Langonbach (Horticulture) Ph: (800) 362-1991 Plow and Hearth (Horticulture) Ph: (800) 627-1712 Magazines: Exceptional Parent Ph: (800) 247-8080 Mainstream Ph: (619) 234-3155; http://www.mainstream-mag.com New Mobility Ph: (800) 543-4116; http://www.newmobility.com Enable Ph: (888)462-2253 Ability Magazine Ph: (714) 854-8700 Palestra Ph: (309) 833-1902, http://www.palaestra.com Active Living Ph: (905) 309-1639, E-mail:activeliv@aol.com Sports 'n Spokes Ph: (602) 224-0500, http://www.pva.org/sns * Asterisks indicate companies identified in device section of this newsletter as suppliers. Interested in a particular product demonstration? Contact your Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) and ask if one can be arranged through the local vendor or sales representative. NEXT MONTH: AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION #2 CONTACT INFORMATION: Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Institute on Disabilities UAP/ Temple University Room 423 Ritter Hall Annex Philadelphia, PA 19122 Call toll-free: 877-PA AT LEND (voice/TTY) [ 877-722-8537 ] http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/atlend E-mail: piat@astro.ocis.temple.edu Editor: Anne Macleod E-mail: RMACL49796@aol.com