'TIS ALMOST THE SEASON
Gift ideas for every room in the house

by Tara Wood

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STUDY/DEN

TouchFree Switch software by Edmark allows a computer mouse click to be activated by large or small body movements.

TouchFree combines a digital video camera and easy-to-install switch software with flexible and customizable click capabilities enabling those with limited ability to use traditional equipment. $249.

Edmark
(800) 362-2890
www.edmark.com

Turning Point Therapy & Technology makes computer keyguards that, by providing a larger surface, can enhance accessibility. The clear acrylic keyguards fit any make of computer, including laptops and desktop models, and can be customized. Prices begin at $130. Turning Point also makes acrylic trays for wheelchairs and gait trainers (starting at $110) and protectors for communication boards and popular software accessories (starting at $28).

Turning Point Therapy & Technology
(877) 608-9812
www.turningpointtechnology.com

Tech Table by Tech Able Inc. combines a lap table and carrying case for walker, wheelchair and scooter users. Tech Table features a sturdy, removable work surface, with cushioned foam to make it comfortable on your lap. Other features include a large, padded storage compartment with a removable divider and five pockets for organizing items such as papers, pens, business cards and more. Secures easily to wheelchair and comes in four colors. $59.95.

Tech Able Inc.
(888) 222-3778
www.techableinc.com

GARAGE/ OUTSIDE

Freedom Motors makes the rear-entry KneelVan and can convert an existing minivan to rear-entry for wheelchair access.

Passenger-entry or self-driver options are available, and the lift system can also accommodate scooters.

The KneelVan can seat up to seven passengers plus two wheelchairs. Conversions begin at $10,000.

Freedom Motors
(888) 625-6335
www.freedommotors.com

Leisure Travel Vans makes the Independence, a completely wheelchair-accessible van with a full kitchen and sleeping area. Standard equipment includes transfer bars and upright posts for assistance. Options include a wheelchair lift, transfer seat and wheelchair storage area. Starts at $70,000.

Leisure Travel Vans
(877) 288-8088
www.leisurevans.com

StandUp Gardens Ltd. offers flower gardens for people with physical limitations. The gardening systems are table-height units on wheels; some models include a lower cabinet with storage, and all models have wooden arbors and trellises. A variety of wood finishes, accessories, seed collections and kits is available. Starts at $649.

StandUp Gardens
(800) 867-8263
www.standupgardens.com

PriorityStart! Mobility by BLI International is a device that monitors, detects and automatically disconnects any unnecessary battery drain to leave starting power for vehicles such as wheelchair-accessible vans. PriorityStart automatically reconnects the battery when you start the vehicle, and requires no hardwiring to install. Replaces the need for dual batteries, jumper cables or battery starters. $82.95.

BLI International
(800) 780-8276
www.prioritystart.com

The De-Bug all-terrain wheelchair by Deming Designs allows users to travel over grass, gravel, dirt trails, sand or snow. The chair features an articulating suspension system to allow all four wheels to remain in contact with the ground. Other features include adjustable leg rests, tilting seat, 22-inch ATV front wheels, stainless steel frame and an optional ratcheting self-propulsion system. $1,750.

Deming Designs
(850) 478-5765
www.beachwheelchair.com

The EZ Chair is a mobile chair that can be pedaled with 8 pounds of force, and users don't have to be able to walk or stand to use it. The EZ Chair exercises muscles while providing independent mobility. Constructed of powder-coated aluminum, the EZ Chair weighs 30 pounds and will fold to fit in any trunk. A junior-size model is also available. $1,995.

EZ Chair
(800) 438-5630
www.ezchair.com

STOCKING STUFFERS & OTHER FUN GIFTS

Mother's Third Arm by InnoVentions attaches to wheelchairs, strollers, scooters, tables, car seats and more to hold drinks or provide other unique uses. It's made of flexible, lightweight materials and bends for many convenient positions. $19.95.

InnoVentions L.L.C.
(888) 540-7070

Edmark has unveiled eight new puppets that are characters from its Early Learning and Let's Go Read Series of computer software.

Puppets can encourage an active multisensory learning experience. Characters include Millie from Millie's Math House (ages 2 to 5) and Sammy from Sammy's Science House (ages 3 to 6). Puppets are $14.95 each.

Edmark
(800) 362-2890
www.edmark.com

The Scalamobil by Frank Mobility Systems Inc. is a stair-climbing device for wheelchair users. The Scalamobil enables wheelchair users to go up and down stairs without transferring from their own chairs. The device is portable, includes a patented braking system and doesn't cause wear on stairs. Manual wheelchairs can be adapted for use with the Scalamobil. $6,500.

Frank Mobility Systems Inc.
(888) 426-8581
www.frankmobility.com

Scan Medical's Safety-Sure Transfer Pivot Disc is designed for use by people who are able to stand but can't move their legs. The disc is ideal for transfers between wheelchairs, beds, toilets and chairs. $69. Also from Scan is the SafetySure Transfer Belt, ideal for assisting someone to walk, get up, sit down or make transfers. $40. The belt and disc are part of Scan's line of transfer devices, which includes lightweight slings and boards.

Scan Medical Co. Inc.
(888) 593-0377
www.scanmedical.com

Frog Legs Inc. makes shock absorbers for manual and power wheelchairs, new and old models alike. Frog Legs polyurethane shocks absorb about 75 percent of the vibration a wheelchair incurs, resulting in potential reduction of lower back pain, decrease in muscle spasms and greater mobility over varied surfaces. Starts at $279 per pair for manual chairs.

Frog Legs Inc.
(800) 922-2129
www.froglegsinc.com

Open Sesame unlatches, opens and closes a door with the touch of a button. Designed for the home environment, it operates with a chair-mounted transmitter and other environmental controls. Open Sesame allows remote and manual use of a door and features a built-in battery back-up. $1,600.

Open Sesame Door
(888) 973-7263
www.opensesamedoor.com

Alley OOP Maxi-Sport Ramp by Erickson's Creative Enterprises enables people with disabilities to enjoy a variety of games, from bowling to targeting. Alley OOP's ramp and two support legs are designed so that a bowling ball rolled off the ramp will generate enough speed to knock down pins in a traditional alley. Accessories are available for games like Roll-a-Putt golf, carpet pool and target roll. $215.

Erickson's Creative Enterprises
(815) 962-6224