Oldies but Goodies: Part 2
Do you remember the oldies station on the radio? You know, the station that brought you those magical groovy tunes of yester-year. Spinning the golden oldies from your favorite bygone era. Consider me the AT DJ at the oldies station. Last month I discussed some oldies but goodies that still hold up in the tech world, this month is a Part II. So drop in, tune out – we’re going on an adventure through some more cool old and simple tech.
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Bump dots
Bump dots are a simple yet effective type of analog tech typically used by those who are blind or visually impaired. Bump dots are raised stickers that come in different shapes, sizes, colors and textures. They serve as a sort of guide to make appliances and other household items accessible. If you are struggling to see the power button on a microwave then you stick a bump dot of any size, shape, color or texture on that button. The next time you need to use that power button you can easily find it by feeling for the bump. Simple, and much easier than breaking out an app on your phone. They come in large variety packs, or you can just purchase the color and shape that you want. A 318 piece variety pack is $16.99 on Amazon.
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Image Description: Small red, orange and clear rubber bumps on adhesive sheets. The bumpy parts peel off the sheet to be stuck on your item.
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Time Timer
The name is repetitive, but don’t let that bother you as much as it bothers me. The Time Timer is a visual timer that looks similar to a standard clock. At the top of the clock is a 0, it then goes clockwise to 55 minutes, 50 minutes and so on. Instead of watching the clock count down with its hands, the face of the clock gets covered by a red disk. As the time passes the disk covers up less and less of the clock. This gives you a visual idea of how much time is left and you aren’t stuck doing math. It’s battery powered and comes in 3”, 8” and 12” sizes. Did I mention that it’s durable plastic? If you’re clumsy like me that’s a huge plus. The original 8” Time Timer is $27.95 on Amazon.
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Image Description: Square clock shaped timer. Visual red disk showing 45 minutes left on timer.
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Fluorescent Light Filters
A lot of people struggle with fluorescent lights because they buzz and cause headaches. People are often asking me for special glasses to block it out, but there’s actually a very simple solution. Fluorescent light Filters are panels of fabric with magnets around the perimeter. They attach to the metal around the light and cover up the light itself. You can still see, but it isn’t nearly as glaring. They come in different colors and in packs of 3 or 4. A 4 pack of just the regular white covers is $34.99 on Amazon.
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Image Description: Soft white fabric sheet covering a fluorescent light. Top corner hanging down to show magnets in fabric.
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The contents of this newsletter were submitted by Caelan Manning; A.T Consultant for HireAbility VT serving the St. Johnsbury, White River Junction, Brattleboro, and Springfield offices. Contact the Vermont Assistive Technology Program by calling 1-800-750-6355 or by emailing dail.atinfo@vermont.gov. For more information visit our website (www.atp.vermont.gov). And if there is a topic that you'd like to see covered, please feel free to let us know!
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