jadelennox: out of spoons (gimp: no spoons)
jadelennox ([personal profile] jadelennox) wrote in [community profile] accessibility_fail2011-03-23 11:13 am

bad advice from a university

How to select adaptive technology as GIFTS for people.

Explain how the gift can help them pursue their leisure interests. "Help them recognize that they have a need for this technology," York said. [...] "They need to accept their limitations."


I am utterly appalled. Buying somebody adaptive tech as a gift is a nice idea, but it has to be part of a collaborative process. You can't surprise somebody with adaptive technology. You can work with the recipient to find out something they've been wanting, or you could show them some interesting adaptive technology and explain why you think they might like it.

Even at the lowest tier this is true. I have two bottle openers for screw caps: the one somebody bought me as the gift and the one that works with my hands. One of the things this article suggests is buying people "large-print playing cards, playing card holders, talking dice and/or dice with large labels." Which is a great idea! Except there are number of playing card holders on the market and several of them I know I can't use.

In other words, I reiterate, you cannot surprise people with gifts of adaptive technology. Ask us. Work with us.
musyc: Silver flute resting diagonally across sheet music (Default)

[personal profile] musyc 2011-03-23 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
When I finally get around to purchasing a cane (I don't need one yet), I sure as hell am buying the Doctor House FLAMES MAKE ME GO FASTER cane. Don't want to be different or stick out, riiiiiiight.
sporky_rat: Joker running from bad things, Mass Effect 2 (disability)

[personal profile] sporky_rat 2011-03-23 08:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh yes. When I get my cane/'mobility aid' I am totally getting the most badass one in the damn store.
traykor: picture of Barbara Gordon aka Oracle (Default)

[personal profile] traykor 2011-03-23 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I have a bright gold cane with rainbow colored cloisonne flowers (a replica from the Smithsonian shop). Understated it is not, and I use it for special occasions.