An Inspirational Story

Home is Where the Heart (and Assistive Technology) Is
written by Shannon Blankenship, Tapping Technology, April 1995

Alberta McGregor is an active grandmother with a zest for life. An avid bird watcher, Alberta enjoys spending time indoors and out. Multiple surgeries on her right arm have drastically reduced the use of her limb. But due to creative occupational therapy, a thorough home assessment and inclusion of simple, low-tech assistive technology strategies, the limited use of her right arm hasn't slowed her down.

Everyone, including Alberta McGregor uses assistive technology day to day. Low and high-tech devices can and do make everyday jobs easier, and quicker. But for folks like Alberta, who have disabilities, are aging or who are limited in their abilities to perform specific tasks, assistive technology is the gateway to independence.

Many low-tech devices like those Alberta uses, can be purchased at the local K-Mart or Radio Shack. For example, she uses an extra broad pen which steadies her grip, and allows her to write out her own checks. A card holder and automatic card shuffler are both widely available items that give her a hand during a high stakes poker game. Other items are easily hand-made or modified with materials found around the house.

Alberta is a whiz at using assistive technology to increase her independence. With the help of an occupational therapist (O.T.), she was able to select and use a variety of assistive devices. She and her O.T. carefully and thoughtfully toured her home identifying specific problem areas to target for modification, or adaptation.

Alberta's kitchen was fitted with large, easy-grip utensils. A knife with an extra broad handle makes chopping easier and safer. A pan holder allows her to stir on the stove without losing control of the pan.

Personal care is a priority. When heading out for a brisk morning walk, Alberta uses a zipper pull to help her bundle up. The button hook, used for shirts and jackets, she describes as "beyond reproach." These simple devices easily blend in with the home environment, and are often adopted by family members as well. Assistive technology devices are not only for people with disabilities. Many homes contain remote controls for televisions, speaker phones, shoe horns and VCRs. People of all ages wear eye glasses and use electric can openers.

Alberta is currently living at Sunrise of Towson, an assisted living facility -- social model. Both she and the staff have enthusiastically adapted to using all of her devices in the new setting. Alberta enjoys living, and socializing with her peers. She also enjoys public speaking and making appearances to promote the inclusion of assistive technology in the home setting. She is a firm believer in aging in place successfully, and safely.

A Special Note

The Easter Seal Society has named Alberta McGregor one of two 1995 Ambassadors. Alberta will be promoting Senior Tech, a program born out of a partnership between the Maryland Technology Assistance Program and the Easter Seal Society. Senior Tech provides assistive technology training, information and services to older adults, care takers and service providers. For more information about assistive technology and Senior Tech, call (800) 862-1377.

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