A PowerLink is a game-changer for enhancing access, especially for users who rely on switches to interact with the environment around them. With a PowerLink, users can take everyday, corded, electrical appliances and make them switch accessible. The concept is simple: plug a corded appliance into the receiver of a PowerLink, pick your interaction mode on the PowerLink, and add a switch. With this setup up users can control the on and off function of whatever corded appliance is plugged in. The PowerLink opens the door for participation in a variety of everyday activities.
Enhance Access with the PowerLinkin Classrooms and Offices: Tools commonly used in the classroom or in an office setting are easily made switch accessible using a Powerlink. Try plugging in an electric pencil sharpener, electric stapler, electric hole punch, or paper shredder to allow switch users to become an active participant in vocational training opportunities or classroom jobs.
Enhance Access with the PowerLinkin the Garage: In woodshop class or in your home garage some simple, corded tools like an electric screwdriver or hand held sander can be made switch accessible with a Powerlink.
Enhance Access with the PowerLink in the Kitchen: In the kitchen, plugging in simple appliances like a blender, hand mixer or can opener to a PowerLink can help users increase their participation in cooking activities.
Enhance Access with the PowerLinkfor Self Care: A well-positioned hair dryer plugged into a Powerlink can give users more independence with self care tasks like drying their hair after a shower or fingernails after a manicure!
Looking for fun and creative ways to use your PowerLink? Download these activity ideas:
Over responsive sensory systems need opportunities to take breaks from sensory stimuli through the day. The analogy of a Thanksgiving feast can be used to illustrate an over responsive sensory system. After a large Thanksgiving meal we may get to the point where we simply can not add another bite of food to our very full bellies, doing so would just make us sick. The over responsive sensory systems are filled to capacity with sensory stimuli and can not handle another bit of sensory information. When the sensory system hits capacity you may see things like big reactions to small problems or ‘shut down’ types of behavior. Just like a nap after a Thanksgiving meal does wonders to help digest and reset our full bellies, a break from sensory stimuli does wonders for the over responsive sensory systems. Total elimination of sensory stimuli is nearly impossible but offering a space with dampened sensory stimuli, to retreat to when needed, can help with overall regulation through the day, leading to greater ability to successfully participate and attend. These spaces can often be created with minimal equipment and little space. Check out these ideas:
Cozy Corners: Corners are a great spot to set up a calming space; corners naturally provide barriers on two sides and are a great spot to tack a small blanket overhead to create a roof. These types of spaces are especially great for sensory systems that are easily overwhelmed by tactile input. The walls provide a barrier from unwanted tactile sensations like the accidental bump from another child or the breeze from a fan.
Forts. Forts can be created by simply throwing a blanket over a table or two opposing chairs. Forts are great for sensory systems that are easily overstimulated by visual input because forts are dark and act to eliminate extraneous visual input.
Retreat Space. Occasionally we are lucky to find an unused space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This may be an outdoor area, an accessible attic or basement space, or a nook in the corner of a porch. These types of spaces are ideal for sensory systems who have difficulty filtering out extraneous auditory or olfactory stimuli (so important to consider as we get into the holidays and all the cooking that comes along with it).
The availability of these spaces is often enough to help the overstimulated sensory system regroup and decompress. However, additions to these spaces may be helpful! Some ideas include:
Beanbags. Beanbags are a great way to increase deep pressure input to help organize and regulate an over stimulated sensory system. The High Back Bean Bag Chair is a great option when more support is needed. The HowdaHUGS chair is a great option for smaller spaces or when portability is needed (take it on that trip to grandmas along with a small blanket for an instant retreat space during the holiday hustle and bustle)!
Noise Cancelling Headphones. Headphones help filter out extraneous auditory input allowing the other sensory systems a chance to regroup!
Oral Input. Resistive sucking using a water bottle or through a straw, blowing bubbles, or using a chew all are great ways to provide organizing proprioceptive input.
Sensory Dark DenBean Bag ChairWeighted Turtle
The availability of a space that limits extraneous sensory stimuli can be a welcome relief for those struggling with over responsive sensory systems. Having access to a place that allows the sensory systems to regroup, decompress and re-organizes can lead to greater participation in day to day activities. These spaces can easily be created with everyday items found around the home!
2020 has brought a whole new set of challenges where we as educators need to get creative. Simple low to mid-tech assistive technology tools can make the virtual learning experience less stressful and more productive for all students.
Here are some simple low tech tips and tricks to make virtual learning easier.
Use a visual schedule.
Why? Visual schedules allow students to visually see an overview of their entire day. This can help reduce frustration and ease the anxiety relating to transitions.
What? These schedules should include the time each activity is occurring and a picture or word to represent the activity. These schedules can be created using real photos, images, or icons.
Easy Option: For a ready to go option, our new SchKidules provide these symbol representations for everyday school and home-based activities.
Make sure your laptop is at the correct angle and height.
Why? When a computer is too low, it creates a tendency for the body to lean forward. This causes strain on the neck and discomfort!
How? One great way to create the correct angle and height is by using a slant board and a piece of Dycem. Place the Dycem on top of the slant board and the laptop on top of the Dycem. The Dycem will create a non-slip surface so the laptop does not slide off. Ahhh…relief from neck pain!!
Break down visually overwhelming information.
What? When using worksheets or printed work, the directions and visuals may be visually overwhelming for students who have difficulty filtering out extraneous visual stimuli.
How? We can reduce these visual distractions by using highlighter strips, reading guides, or even laminated index cards. The student can guide these low tech tools across their piece of paper to block out all extraneous material and focus on each sentence they are trying to read.
Use adapted tools whenever needed .
Why? Students with physical disabilities should be supplied with adapted tools to promote the most independence as possible.
EazyHolds and the Functionalhand allow a student who does not have a functional grasp pattern to independently use a pencil, marker, spoon, stylus, etc. The Functionalhand can give a student a sturdy grip on objects while allowing the student to use the object at a functional angle. The Eazyhold can be used in conjunction with the Functionalhand to securely hold the handle of the Functionalhand in the student’s hand. Eazyhold can also be used on their own to support independent grasp of everyday objects (e.g., cups, brooms, spoon, etc.)
Provide alternative access solutions when necessary.
What? If a student cannot independently access virtual work, they should be provided with an alternative way to access the material, whether that is on the computer or via printed materials.
How? A BIGtrack 2 trackball, provides a sturdy base with a rolling ball that can be used in lieu of a typical mouse.
There are many options available to make virtual learning more accessible, we hope you have found a tip or two to make your virtual learning experience successful!
