WHO AM I?▪ Krista Opstedal, Program Director of Assistive Technology at Kalix in Minot, ND

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

Assistive Technology (AT) is assistive, adaptive, or rehabilitative devices that help perform a task you struggled to do without the device.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

▪Free apps that make grocery shopping and meal planning simple

▪Techniques to make exercising at home fun.

▪Sensory devices for calming and self-regulation

APPS FOR MEAL PLANNING▪My Plate on Pinterest▪ https://www.pinterest.com/MyPlateRecipes/

▪ Click on Boards to organize recipes into food categories

APP FOR MEAL TRACKING AND GROCERY SHOPPING

Pros:

• Easy to understand grade

system

• Pictures of each product

• Shows alternatives for

unhealthy foods

Cons:

• Explanations can be hard

to understand

APP FOR MEAL PLANNING AND GROCERY SHOPPING

Cons:

No pictures to go along with recipes

Free version doesn’t have calorie

tracker

Pros:

Easy to follow recipes

Automatically creates grocery list

SWITCH ADAPTATIONS FOR COOKING

▪Enabling Devices switch adapted pouring cup

▪Powerlink unit with Hamilton Beach 64650 classic stand mixer or popcorn air popper

SUCCESSFUL DEVICES▪ Liftware Stabilizing Utensil

▪Pot and Pan Stabilizer

▪EZ off Jar Opener

▪Rocker Knife

DEVICES FOR SAFETY ▪Cool Touch Oven Rack Guard

▪HomeSenser automated stove & oven shut off

▪Stove Top FireStop

FITNESS TRACKERS

Things to consider:

▪Display- numbers or dots

▪Waterproof

▪Sleep tracking

▪Goal reinforcement

COOL DEVICE FOR KIDS

Gizmo Gadget- Verizon

Features:

▪ Activity tracker

▪ Ability to make phone calls and texts

▪ GPS tracking

➢Geocaching- real world outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices.

➢Pokémon Go- Yes, it’s still a thing. Great way to motivate walking, interact with new people, and practice patience and pedestrian skills.

➢Bike simulations- look up Go Pro bike trail videos on YouTube to pedal along to on a recumbent bike.

MAKE EXERCISE FUN

SENSORY PROCESSING ▪Sensory processing is the process that organizes sensation

from one’s own body and the environment, thus making it possible to use the body effectively within the environment.

BENEFITS OF SENSORY INTEGRATION

▪ Self-regulation: ability to monitor and control our own behavior, emotions, or thoughts, altering them in accordance with the demands of the situation

▪ Improved function in school, home, and community

▪ Improved independence with activities of daily living

▪ Efficient organization of sensory information

SENSES- VISUAL▪Fiber optic spray

▪ Jellyfish aquarium

▪Philips Hue lights

Apps

▪Gravitarium

▪Fluidity

▪Sandbox

SENSES- AUDITORY

▪Beamz laser musical

instrument

SENSES- TACTILE

▪Vibrating Tube

▪Tactile pens

▪Sequin pillows

▪Bunchems

Memory

SENSES- MOVEMENT

▪Over the door shoulder pulley

▪Wheelchair glider

▪MeMoves

SENSES- OLFACTORY (SMELL)

▪Sentsy wax pairings

▪Essential oil painting

▪State AT program- ND Assistive Possibilities funds

▪Ask about AT programs within disability providers