Holiday Gift Guide for loved ones who may have disabilities

For so many of us, gadgets are simply a form of fun. For others, they’re a way of life.

Brian Norton, ATP, CEAS, Director of Assistive Technology, Easterseals Crossroads, shares how some technology is assisting people in ways we never thought it could.

Assistive Technology Holiday Gift Guide

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, experts predicted for months the holiday shopping season would start much earlier this year, as retailers attempt to compensate for a decline in brick-and-mortar shopping and a change in consumer behavior. But now, as the number of confirmed COVID cases in the U.S. continues to surge, that prediction is quickly turning into reality — and it has many experts urging consumers to start (and finish) their holiday shopping early to avoid inevitable shipping delays and product shortages. Here are some ideas of gadgets and cool tech gifts to buy — especially for those people in your life who may have disabilities.

Assistive Technology

• Orcam Read: https://www.orcam.com/en/read/
  • OrCam Read is a first-of-its-kind handheld device with a smart camera that seamlessly reads text from any printed surface or digital screen.
• GrandPad: https://www.grandpad.net/
  • GrandPad is the smartest, simplest and safest way to connect seniors with their loved ones so they never miss another memory
  • Essential apps and services eliminate the clutter, distractions and complications of other devices, allowing seniors to instantly connect with loved ones

Smart Home

• Kids Echo Dot: https://tinyurl.com/y32m5s8k
  • Kids can ask Alexa questions, set alarms, get help with homework
  • Kid-friendly content; easy-to-use parental controls
• Tile Stickers: https://www.thetileapp.com/en-us/store/tiles/sticker-npg
  • Small finder that sticks to anything, like small electronic devices and outdoor gear
  • Bluetooth-enabled devices and Tile app make everything findable

Headphones

• AirPods/Beats Headset: https://tinyurl.com/yyns8njz
  • AirPods Pro: Active Noise Cancellation for immersive sound (Pro); transparency mode for hearing what’s happening around you (Pro)
  • AirPods can be connected to the new Headphone Accommodation feature of iOS14 for persons who are hard of hearing.
  • Beats Solo Pro: The Solo Pro is the first Beats on-ear headphone to feature active noise cancellation and the first full-size Beats headphone to charge via Lightning

Keeping It Clean

• Phone Soap: https://www.phonesoap.com/
  • UV-C sanitizing devices for smartphones and more – the original and clinically-proven UV-C sanitizer; disinfects using ultraviolet light

Fun for Kids

• GoCube Smart Rubik’s Cube: https://getgocube.com/
  • Smart cubes connect to your phone/tablet and track your moves in real time. Learn together how to solve the Rukik’s in a fun and interactive way; STEM toy
• Echo Glo: https://tinyurl.com/y3uwp63l
  • A smart lamp for kids; gives kids the freedom to add color and fun lighting while playing or listening to music; pairs with any compatible Alexa device
• Snap Circuits: https://www.elenco.com/snap-circuits/
  • Teaches basic engineering, electronics and circuitry concepts by using building components with snaps to assemble electronic circuits on a simple “rows-and-columns” base grid

Website: For more information about the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, go to www.eastersealstech.com or call 888-466-1314.