Do It Yourself Blind Opener

This video is from the Instructables Assistive Tecnology Group. In the blog entry there is a description of making this device to work with an IR remote control as well as light controlled. If you were to build it as IR remote controlled then you have a $15 enviromental control which can be used via an AAC device like a Dynavox or PRC device.

IR Control of Windows Media Player

I was on Ebay and I saw this IR remote control for Windows Media Center. I immediately thought of how we could use it in the classroom, via the IR settings on AAC devices. It cost me twenty dollars and today I installed the software (which was way more complicated than it needed to be, but I am guessing that some of the name brand IR remotes for Windows would not be as bad). It works great, I started programming it to control Windows Media Player via the Dynavox. As you know from previous post programming the Dynavox to send IR commands is amazingly simple.

Now instead of detaching the Dynavox from the wheelchair and using switches to control Windows Media Player my student can just use her device.

P.S. I know that the Dynvox can control a computer via the Access IT accessory, but we don't have the Access IT accessory.

Adapted TV/VCR/DVD Remote Controls

Let's start off with some off the shelf large button remotes. The largest I found was this super sized one at Brookstone. You can check out Amazon.com for other large keyed remotes.



This remote, the Weemote, is available in the original, senior and DVD version. The original version allows parents to block out all ten of the stations they want their children to have access to. The senior version is a (shown left) is a more mature gray color and allows more access but still has a simple interface.

Enabling Devices offers this very simple wireless remote control with only five very large buttons.



There are also a variety of hands free, voice activated remote controls available. Again Amazon.com is a good place to start exploring the options.



There are less switch activated remote controls out there to look at. Tash offers the scanning Mini-Relax and Relax II. The Advocate II, available from Mayer-Johnson is capable of scanning and can be used as a remote control. Enabling Devices has a switch interface box for a universal television remote that allows a single switch to control a single button on the remote. They also offer a DVD remote with a joystick interface.