Learn about assistive gadgets for your home.

ASSISTIVE GADGETS AT HOME

The following devices, recommended by Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, can help people with special needs in their homes and beyond. From better reading, security and cooking to sensory-friendly products that help you with everyday tasks, there are many options.

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1. AMAZON BASICS SMART MICROWAVE

Simplifies cooking by letting the user microwave using their voice and an Echo device. amazon.com

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5. WATCHMINDER 3 WRISTWATCH

Can be programmed to set up discreet vibrating reminders. Offers a maximum of 24 individual timers, each with an assigned text displayed on the watch face and includes a countdown. watchminder.com

2. C-PEN READER PEN DIGITAL

Reading tool designed for individuals with reading difficulties, including dyslexia. It can read text out loud in English, Spanish or French and has built-in English, French and Spanish dictionaries. It also can scan lines of text for upload to a Mac or PC. cpen.com or check amazon.com

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3. SECRUI WIRELESS DOOR OPEN CHIME

Provides the user with the ability to monitor doors and other points of egress. It has a 500-foot range that is enough to cover every door and window in the home. Each wireless doorbell receiver can pair up to 20 magnetic door alarm sensors and each sensor can add unlimited receivers. amazon.com

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4. HALLWAY/DESK ARLO PRO CAMERA SYSTEM

A system of indoor/ outdoor cameras with two-way communication, night vision and live streaming video. arlo.com/en-us/ cameras

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6. LIFETONE HLAC151 BEDSIDE VIBRATING

FIRE ALARM AND CLOCK

An alerting device for the deaf and those with limited hearing that listens for fire alarms and then triggers its audible alarm, voice prompt, and bed shaker. diglo.com

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7. EASI-GRIP CARVING KNIFE

Makes preparing meals easier for those with poor hand control. The soft, non-slip upright handle provides improved control, a more comfortable grip, and features a stainless steel serrated blade. especialneeds.com/ easi-grip-carving-knife.html

8. BUSY FINGERS GEL PAD/BUSY

FINGERS GEL FIDGET

Keep fingers busy when stressed, bored or seeking sensory input. Children love playing with this cool, smushy fidget toy and as an added benefit, it helps to boost their concentration and focus, as well as fine motor skills. funandfunction. com/busy-fingerstm-gel-fidget.html

9. STEADY SPOON

Has a multi-feature design with counter weights to keep the spoon bowl-level and prevent food spillage.

The hook and loop strap and built-up handle eliminate the need for a strong grasp. performancehealth.com/ steady-spoons

Looking for more products? Search the Cuyahoga DD CLE Virtual Tour Filming Guide at cuyahogabdd.org or check livespecial.com for more resources.

Allison Rose Foundation Dedicated to changing the lives of food allergy families through education, awareness, research and advocacy, the Allison Rose Foundation, in collaboration with its medical advisors, developed a physician-driven, evidence-based, food allergy curriculum. Designed for those with or without food allergies, it’s proven to be a lifesaving lesson for students, faculty and staff. allisonrosefoundation.org

Autism Society of Greater Akron The Autism Society of Greater Akron focuses its efforts on providing connections and support to improve the lives of all affected by autism within Summit, Medina, Stark, Portage, Wayne counties and beyond, with their free Help Line, programs and supports, education, awareness campaigns and advocacy. Learn more at autism akron.org or contact ASGA at info@autismakron.org or call 330-940-1441.

Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. Call its Autism Response Team at 888-288-4762 or visit autismspeaks.org for information and resources.

Beck Center for the Arts Each participant in Beck Center’s Creative Arts Therapies program receives attention that is individualized with personally-designed goals tailored to meet their needs. Staffed by board certified arts therapists and professional adapted instructors, Beck Center’s program is the first of its kind in the state of Ohio. 216-521-2540 x34, beckcenter.org Connecting for Kids provides education and support to families in Cuyahoga, Lorain and surrounding counties who have concerns about their child. It serves all families, including children ages 12 and younger with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers presentations by professionals and support groups. Its staff works one-on-one as part of the “Ask Us” program to provide local resources and connections to other families. Resources also are available on its website, online service provider directory and fairs. 440-5705908, connectingforkids.org

The Cuddy Law Firm, PLLC

A law firm dedicated to helping families secure better resources for their children by assisting families navigate the special education system. The team of professionals is dedicated to ensuring that a child’s school provides the education required by the law. Contacting a special education lawyer may be the best way to protect your child’s future when your child’s school isn’t providing them appropriate services. Office in Independence. 216-730-8773, cuddylawfirm.com

Cuts N Curls

Cuts N Curls is an unique adult and children’s hair salon, retail store and birthday party venue that prides itself on being sensitive to your family’s needs. The specially trained staff makes sure your experience is both safe and fun. Solon, 440-542-1750, cutsncurls.net Cuts N Curls is an unique adult and children’s hair salon, retail store and birthday party venue that prides itself on being sensitive to your family’s needs. The specially trained staff makes sure your experience is both safe and fun. Solon, 440-5421750, cutsncurls.net

Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center For 100 years, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center has been the premier provider of programs and services to those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have difficulty speaking, or have other language or literacy delays and disorders. Its vision is a community where every individual communicates effectively. www.chsc.org Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities proudly supports and empowers people with developmental disabilities of all ages to live, learn, work and play in the community. For more information on services and resources, call 216-241-8230 or visit cuyahogabdd.org.

Education Alternatives

Education Alternatives provides special education services to hundreds of K-12 children in eight sites throughout Northeast Ohio. EA uses a trauma-informed approach to treat intensive behavioral challenges and incorporates the ACE scores of each child into their individualized plan. Children receive both group therapy and academics, and may also access individual counseling, behavior supports and psychiatry. REACH Behavioral Health provides the therapeutic services in each Education Alternatives site. easchools.org

Eisner Gohn Group, LLC

Eisner Gohn Group is a leading resource for life insurance, long-term care insurance and disability insurance. Its team has subject matter experts in each of these disciplines so it can craft and deliver the most cost effective and efficient plans for clients. eisnergohngroup.com

Fine Arts Association Guided by its values of equity, integrity, growth and community, The Fine Arts Association (FAA) seeks to create and discover beauty to foster a community empowered by the arts. FAA offers arts education programming in dance, music, theatre, visual arts and Creative Arts Therapies for all ages and ability levels. In addition to arts education, The FAA Performance Department creates opportunities for members of the community to be involved in every aspect of the theatrical experience. From family musicals to performances by professional musicians, the dynamic performance season has something for everyone. 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org

Pizza Box Flyer Example

Because every child deserves a friend… Friendship Circle sparks friendship, connection and support for all exceptional children, their families and Jewish teens. Exceptional children (ages 5-22) are provided a unique opportunity to make friends and enhance their social skills, while teens are given a unique opportunity to experience joy and fulfillment from helping others. Children are uplifted through group activities and the one-on-one attention they receive from teens. Serving children with a wide range of disabilities. Multi-sensory activities and special features including light and tactile experience rooms. Experienced and professional staff. Support programs for families. Contact siva@friendscleveland.com or 216-377-3000 ext. 1008, friendscleveland.com

Help Me Grow

Help Me Grow is a system of supports for pregnant women, caregivers with new babies, and families with young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Call: 216-930-3322, 440-389-3322, or 1-800-755-GROW, or visit helpmegrow.org

Julie Billiart Schools With campuses in Akron, Lyndhurst and Westlake, this network of K-8 private, Catholic schools educate and empower children with learning differences. Students with mild to moderate autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety and other learning differences thrive with JB’s small class sizes, onsite therapies and direct intervention. Visit the website to apply, register for an open house, or learn more. juliebilliartschool.org

KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center

At KidsLink, they have a full team of professionals to link the pieces of treatment, for total care of your child. They believe that children with neurological and psychological diagnoses need a coordinated team of medical and related service professionals to provide total care for their diverse needs. 330-963-8600, kidslinkohio.com Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities is the community resource responsible for connecting, coordinating and funding services for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. It helps with everything from early intervention and education opportunities for children to employment and community inclusive living for adults so they can live, learn, work and socialize in the community. Call 330-725-7751. mcbdd.org

Milestones Autism Resources Milestones Autism Resources improves the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum by educating, coaching and connecting the autism community with evidence-based information. Providing an annual autism conference, a free helpdesk, consultations and training, and a website with more than 1,400 resources, Milestones is here to support individuals at every age, stage and ability. For more information, visitmilestones.org or call the autism helpdesk at 216-464-7600 ext. 200. To connect with a Spanish speaker, call 216-464-7600 ext. 5.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes What will you discover when you unplug and reconnect with the outdoors? Step into our outdoor classroom nestled in the heart of the Shaker Parklands on Cleveland's east side. Unleash your curiosity and explore all that Northeast Ohio native habitats have to offer. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is free and open to the public. With over two miles of trails, ADAaccessibility, and connecting trails throughout the Shaker Parklands, outdoor adventure and discovery await for all. shakerlakes.org

Northeast Ohio Food Allergy Network NEOFAN’s mission is to minimize the impact of food allergies in families’ lives. Established for all ages and stages, NEOFAN provides tools to the newly diagnosed and the community at large. NEOFAN promotes education, supports research, builds public awareness, and promotes advocacy. For more information visit neofan.org or email info@neofan.org

Interested in copies of LiveSpecial for your school, organization or business? Contact wendy@livespecial.com

psi Affiliates, Inc.

For more than four decades, psi has been committed to meeting the health and educational needs of children in Ohio’s schools. psi’s psychological, health, speech and educational programs now serve tens of thousands of children each year. psi-solutions.org Stark DD helps more than 3,900 Stark county children and adults with intellectual disabilities by “supporting choices and creating opportunities” for them and their families. By leveraging federal, state and local funds, we provide cost effective assistance with service coordination and monitoring, early intervention, school age programs, residential support and employment. 330-477-5200, starkdd.org

Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) Summit DD is the resource that makes meaningful connections for more than 5,000 children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities in Summit County. Those connections become part of a person’s journey. With each connection, a person’s network grows, helping them on a path to becoming their own strongest advocate. Summit DD believes that people have the right to direct their own journey. Its service coordinators are here to assist each person in creating a self-directed plan to meet their goals and build a team around them to help set them up for success. 330-634-8000, summitdd.org

UCP of Greater Cleveland The mission of UCP of Greater Cleveland is to empower children and adults with disabilities to advance their independence, productivity and inclusion in the community. UCP serves individuals with a broad range of disabilities through two Centers of Excellence: LeafBridge for children and OakLeaf for adults. Visit ucpcleveland. org or call 216-791-8363 to learn more.

Vitalxchange

Vitalxchange is a safe and private network where parents can find practical and affordable parenting solutions. Vitalxchange provides access to VitalGuides including parent mentors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, behavior coaches, special needs advocates, special ed teachers, disability financial planning and caregiver wellness coaches. Vitalxchange thinks about parenting as a journey, where all can find affordable solutions and enrichment for kids and parents along the way. Sign-up for the Vitalxchange community is free and there are many free resources. When you choose to engage with a Vitalguide and purchase their services, you will pay them directly. vitalxchange.com