Holiday shopping is stressful, no matter who’s on your list. The goal is to make everyone light up with joy when they open your gift, but stores are bursting with so many options (as is the entire Internet) that it’s tempting to throw something fun or random in your cart for everyone and call it a day.
But it’s easy to buy a meaningful gift for the disabled loved ones on your list (especially if you buy yourself a present every year) as there are now so many assistive devices on the market that can improve the quality of our days, even if it’s just by making mundane tasks easier.
So, we’re looking at some new assistive devices you can add to this year’s gift basket for friends and family with disabilities. Of course, further research is required to make sure the gift you select matches the recipient’s access needs, but here are six ideas for gifts that could make an impact on someone’s day-to-day life for years to come.
Eye Blink Switch: For anyone who has trouble manipulating physical switches on Control communicators, toys, or switch-enabled computers, this sensor-controlled device, the Eye Blink Switch, retails on EnablingDevices.com for $189.95. It is mounted to glasses or headbands (sold separately) and can be programmed to perform necessary tasks with one or two blinks of an eye. Here’s the product link.
Pop-up Sensory Dark Den: For anyone who becomes easily overstimulated at home or in school, this pop-up sensory dark den instantly creates a distraction-free setting and can be transformed into a dark, quiet, cooldown room. It retails on Overstock.com for $129.99. Accessories can be added to personalize the experience of someone’s needs. Here’s the product link.
Sensory Regulation Toys: When it comes to creating a relaxed, sensory-controlled environment, a sensory toy can be the perfect gift for someone you love who is on the autism spectrum. Our favorite ideas include the Tranquil Turtle (which starts at $59.99). The stuffed turtle features technology in its shell that emits soothing sounds and projects calming visuals onto the wall, simulating an underwater environment for a multisensory experience. The infinite fidget cube is a more tactile tool to provide a sensory experience in a classroom or public space ($4.99). Both are available at NationalAutismResources.com including the Tranquil Turtle and the Infinite Fidget Cube.
IRIS Pen Reader: For readers and students in your life with a wide range of disabilities, the IRIS pen reader and similar devices help convert text to speech, have a recording device to record speech, can convert photos into editable text, and can scan text and save it as notes. It’s a standalone device, meaning that you don’t need to download extra software to use it. The Pen also doesn’t need Wi-Fi or rely on a foreign cloud to function and save data. The IRIS Pen Reader retails for $149.00 at IrisLink.com.
Xbox Adaptive Controller: The gamer in your life with limited mobility must have the Adaptive Xbox Controller, which retails for $99 at Xbox.com and other electronic sites. The device allows users to customize their gaming experience by connecting different switches, joysticks, and mounts to one controller to adapt the device to their needs. Accessories like joysticks and custom-designed adapted toppers are also available. Here’s the product link.
Adaptive Device Carousel: Small businesses can be an unexpected source of useful, accessible household tools, like the 3D printed adaptive device carousel we found at the Etsy store GF3Designs, which helps users with limited mobility easily grab and store grooming items on a rotating disk. It retails for $75. Here’s the product link.
This gift guide is for informational purposes only. Prices subject to change.