Category Archives: Assistive Technology

Therapro's table at 2025 NYC Public Schools Assistive Technology Conference

Assistive Technology Solutions for Schools: Highlights from NYC AT Conference

Therapro recently had the privilege of exhibiting at the 2025 New York City Public Schools Assistive Technology Conference in Brooklyn, NY. This event provided an excellent platform to showcase Therapro’s assistive technology solutions for schools, designed to enhance student independence and participation across various school activities.

Enhancing Grasp and Functional Use with The Functionalhand and EazyHolds

Attendees were particularly impressed by The Functionalhand and EazyHolds. These adaptive devices facilitate improved grasp for individuals with limited hand function. Demonstrations highlighted their versatility in enabling students to hold items such as paintbrushes in art class, drumsticks in music sessions, pencils during lessons, and utensils at mealtimes. Combining The Functionalhand with EazyHolds further amplifies their utility, promoting greater independence in daily school activities.

Empowering Classroom Engagement with Switch-Adapted Tools

The PowerLink 4 Control Unit captured significant attention for its ability to make virtually any electrical device switch-accessible. By accommodating up to two standard switches, educators can adapt classroom tools to meet diverse student needs, fostering inclusivity in learning environments. Additionally, our range of switch-adapted activities demonstrated effectiveness in teaching cause-and-effect relationships and enhancing peer interaction, crucial components in cognitive and social development. These tools are essential assistive technology solutions for schools looking to improve accessibility for students with disabilities.

Facilitating Fine Motor Skills with Adapted Scissors

Our collection of adapted scissors was well-received, particularly the Push-Down Table Top Scissors. Designed for individuals with limited hand strength or coordination, these scissors operate with a simple downward push, allowing one-handed use and promoting autonomy in art and classroom projects. The Dual Control Teaching Scissors also garnered interest for their unique design that enables educators to guide students through the cutting process, providing a supportive learning experience.

Push down scissors assistive technology solution

Improving Handwriting with Raised Line Paper

Experiencing our Raised Line Paper firsthand allowed attendees to appreciate its subtle tactile feedback. The raised lines assist students in maintaining writing alignment and spacing, benefiting those with visual impairments or challenges in handwriting legibility. This simple yet effective tool supports the development of fine motor skills and written communication and is a valuable assistive technology solution for schools seeking to enhance student success.

Participating in the NYC Assistive Technology Conference reinforced the importance of hands-on demonstrations in understanding the impact of assistive devices. Therapro remains committed to providing educators, therapists, and parents with practical solutions that empower students to achieve greater independence and success in their educational journeys.

Creating a Successful, Sensory-Friendly, Learning Environment

As the new school year approaches, setting up an effective, sensory-friendly, home learning environment is essential for your child’s success. A well-organized and sensory-friendly space can enhance focus, reduce stress, and make learning more fun. Adapting a learning environment to your child’s specific needs and learning style are crucial elements for a happy, productive learning experience. Therapro offers a wide range of products designed to meet the unique needs of every child, ensuring a smooth and successful back-to-school transition. Here are 5 strategies that will help your child sail smoothly into Fall:

1.) Designate the Ideal Learning Space: Choosing the right location for your child’s learning space is the first step. It should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions, such as visual clutter and noise. Ergonomic furniture is essential to ensure comfort and proper posture during study sessions. Therapro’s seating solutions, including Kore Kid’s Wobble Chair and Wiggle Seat Sensory Cushions, are perfect for creating a customized learning environment that grows with your child.  Choose from several different sizes of the Wobble Chair to accommodate your child’s height while allowing movement back and forth, front to back, and all around without tipping. The Wiggle Seat comes in 4 colorful shapes to help your child stay focused and stable when seated.

2.) Provide Organizational Tools for Success: Organization plays a key role in effective learning. A consistent routine helps children feel secure and understand what to expect each day. Establishing a daily schedule that includes time for learning, breaks, and play is essential. Visual schedules, planners, and other organizational tools help children understand their daily tasks and manage their time efficiently. Therapro offers a variety of these tools from SchKiDules that are engaging and easy to use. The magnetic 2-Sided Star Board is a versatile tool that unfolds into three 6 inch panels to build a daily visual schedule. Time Timer Original 3-inch timer provides a 60 minute countdown to keep your child on track.

3.) Set Up a Sensory-Friendly Environment to Enhance Focus and Attention: Many children benefit from a sensory-friendly learning environment. Addressing sensory needs can help improve focus and reduce anxiety. Therapro provides a range of sensory products, such as fidgets, weighted items, and sensory materials to create a calming and supportive space for learning. Be sure to check with your child’s occupational therapist to collaborate on what sensory tools would be best for your child. The weighted Sit -Tight Lap Pad’s gentle pressure helps children achieve calm and focus. It easily fastens around the waist with a clip. The adorable Puppy Shoulder Wrap helps active, younger children stay calm and focused as well.

Maintaining focus can be challenging for many children. Simple strategies, like using Noise-Canceling Headphones to block out distractions, or visual timers to manage breaks, can make a significant difference. Therapro’s focus tools, including concentration aids and stress-relief items, are designed to help children stay on task. Universal Bouncy Band for Home and School Chairs is a heavy-duty rubber bungee cord that attaches to chair legs allowing the student to support their feet and move, resulting in greater productivity because they are attending to the task.

4.) Incorporate Assistive Technology: Assistive technology can greatly enhance a child’s learning experience. Therapro offers a variety of technological aids that cater to different learning needs and styles. These tools not only support academic success but also boost confidence and independence. The compact GoTalk Button records a 10 second message and has a built-in magnet for display on the refrigerator or on any metal surface. Teaching Rings is a tool that provides a fun new technique in teaching and keyboarding or touch typing skills for all ages and skill levels. The child wears 8 teaching rings to teach them the “Home Row” of keys where fingers should always rest when not typing. As the child learns all the keys that each finger types, they can remove the rings.

5.) Offer Parental Involvement and Support: Parents play a crucial role on the school team in their child’s education. By being involved and providing support, you can help your child navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Therapro offers resources and products designed to support parents in creating a positive learning environment at home. Ongoing consultation with your child’s teachers and occupational therapists can help guide you in selecting the best tools for your child’s learning environment at home.

A well-organized, sensory-friendly, and technology-equipped home learning environment can significantly impact your child’s academic success. By exploring and incorporating Therapro’s extensive range of products, you can tailor a positive learning space that meets your child’s unique needs and fosters a love for learning.

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired

EazyHold Universal Cuff

Celebrating National Disability Independence Day: Promoting Independence Through Assistive Technology

National Disability Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 26, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This landmark legislation has been instrumental in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, promoting their independence, and ensuring equal opportunities. At Therapro, we honor this historic event and recognize the importance of assistive technology in promoting independence.

The Role of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities, helping them perform everyday tasks more easily and efficiently. Whether it’s through enhancing mobility, improving communication, or providing support for daily activities, these tools are vital in promoting self-reliance and independence. At Therapro, we understand the transformative power of assistive technology and are dedicated to offering a wide range of products designed to meet diverse needs.

Key Products Promoting Independence

As we celebrate National Disabilities Independence Day, we are proud to highlight several key products that promote independence:

  • Functionalhand: This innovative device provides a secure grip for individuals with limited hand function, allowing them to hold and manipulate objects with ease.
  • Eazyholds: These silicone grips attach to various utensils and tools, making it easier for individuals with limited hand strength to hold and use them.
  • Reachers: Designed to help individuals access items that are out of reach, reachers are invaluable for enhancing independence in daily tasks.
  • Dycem: This non-slip material provides stability and support, making it easier to handle objects and perform activities without slipping.
  • Adapted Utensils and Dishes: These specially designed utensils and dishes help individuals with limited dexterity eat more independently.
  • Tools for Low Vision: Products like the Ultradome, Highlighter Strips, and Reading Guide Strips are essential for individuals with low vision, helping them read and navigate their environment more effectively.

Expanding Our Assistive Technology Offerings

Recognizing the importance of assistive technology, Therapro has been actively expanding our product selection in this category. Over the past several years, we have introduced a variety of new tools and resources to better serve the needs of our customers. Our comprehensive assistive technology catalog is a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality products that promote independence and improve quality of life.

As we celebrate National Disability Independence Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities through innovative assistive technology. At Therapro, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently and with dignity. We are proud to offer a wide range of products that empower individuals to achieve greater autonomy and enrich their lives.

Explore our assistive technology catalog today and discover how Therapro can help you or your loved ones achieve greater independence. Together, we can continue to make a difference and promote a more inclusive world for all.