Volume 12, No. 3, Summer 2004	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
	PDF Version (for printing) Large Print (PDF) Text Version

The AT Bargain Basement

Marvin Williams, AT Specialist, Kent County ATRC

Hello, true believers! Once again we have another unbelievable installment of the AT Bargain Basement. I'm your guide on this tour to find those little bits of AT that go unnoticed because they are inexpensive and right under our noses. As always, the most important rule of this column—the AT presented here has to be priced under $100, otherwise, I can't call it a bargain. I also welcome all of you, dear readers, to participate by letting me know about any bargains you may stumble across. That being said, let's get to the bargains!

Figure 1

Our first item is the IntelaVoice™ Voice Activated Dimmer Switch
(Figure 1). It can be used with most lights and even some small appliances. It's nice because it is a stand alone unit, so just plug in the device to be controlled and it is ready to go. The unit has two modes—speaker independent and speaker dependent. Speaker independent mode can be controlled by any person's voice using four command words: "low," "medium, "high," and "off." Speaker dependent mode allows the user the flexibility of programming customized words in the speaker’s language of choice. This allows the user to employ multiple units in the same room without dealing with command conflicts. This device is not good for soft-spoken individuals and it works best in a low noise environment without a lot of obstructions (i.e., not behind the furniture). This device should not be used to control appliances with a heating element, such as coffee pots, toasters, blow dryers, or space heaters. It is also not recommended for use with a computer because computers do not like having their power levels played with at all. It is also best not to use this device outdoors or in damp areas. This device is recommended for use as a lamp dimmer or as an on/off function for things like a fan, television, or radio. However, do be careful in using the unit with a television as the people speaking on the screen may activate the device! The unit costs $29.99 and is available from Dynamic Living, Inc.

Dynamic Living also has a wall mounted version called the IntelaVoice Wall Switch Dimmer. This is the same thing as the stand alone dimmer switch mentioned above, but this device is permanently mounted to the wall as part of the switch plate. Like the above unit, it has two speech recognition modes and is trainable in one. This unit is also affordably priced at $39.99.

The next bargain recommendation is actually about two stores from which to purchase AT devices—Home Depot and Lowes. Both stores have lots of assistive technology that is useful around the house. Let's start with the kitchen sink. Sometimes it can be difficult to reach the faucet, especially if an individual uses a wheelchair and does not have a sink that the wheelchair can roll under. A pull-out faucet helps address this problem.

American Standard Reliant Bone Single Handle Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet (Home Depot, $99)

A pull-out faucet allows the user to move the faucet to where it needs to be. While there are some wonderful pull-out faucets for well over $200, there are also versions available from both Home Depot and Lowes for under $100. Home Depot has three models, each priced at $99. Lowes has a Moen chrome unit priced at $98. As with every device mentioned in this column, check with the store for availability and current pricing.

Along the same lines as the pull-out faucets, both stores have a wide selection of handheld shower heads. These are great because they bring the force of the water stream close to the bather. The handheld shower allows the user to direct the water flow. If an individual is also using a shower chair or bath bench, this item is worth its weight in gold. Prices range from $14 to $100 depending on the features of the unit.

Moen Chrome 8 Function Hand-Held Shower Massage (Lowes, $36.98)

Home Depot and Lowes are also good places to find bath grab bars. Both stores have many different styles and colors, and quite a few models are priced below $100. As with any type of home modification, make sure that a knowledgeable person oversees the installation. It could save many headaches (not to mention accidents).

Well, that does it for this installment of the Bargain Basement. Like always, I welcome your questions, comments, and bargains! So until next, time remember just because it's inexpensive, does not mean it has to be cheap.

Product Contact Information

Dynamic Living, Inc.
(888) 940-0605
www.dynamic-living.com

Home Depot
(800) 553-3199
www.homedepot.com

Lowes
(800) 993-4416
www.lowes.com