Temple Grandin has long been a familiar name among people in the animal science and autism communities. With the release of HBO’s new feature-length documentary, “An Open Door,” on August 12, people around the world and in all walks of life now have the opportunity to learn about Grandin’s extraordinary life and unique contributions.
Directed by John Barnhardt and developed in partnership with Colorado State University, “An Open Door” is currently available for streaming on such platforms as Amazon, Apple TV, Kanopy, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and YouTube.
“An Open Door” chronicles Grandin’s life—from her childhood near Boston to her groundbreaking innovations in humane livestock handling, to her long and distinguished teaching career, to her accomplishments as an author, speaker and autism advocate.
Born in 1947, Grandin was diagnosed with autism at a time when little was known about the condition and stigma against people with disabilities was common. In fact, doctors initially recommended that her mother institutionalize Grandin. Fortunately, her mother ignored those doctors’ advice. Instead, Grandin’s mother made sure she was well cared for and that she received the support and educational opportunities she needed to reach her potential.
Nevertheless, life wasn’t always easy for Grandin. She faced challenges with social interaction, communication and sensory issues. She processed information visually instead of verbally, and this difference made schoolwork difficult. In time, though, Grandin’s superior ability to see patterns and notice details contributed to her professional success.
From an early age, Grandin was passionate about animals. She earned a Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Illinois and later became a professor at Colorado State University. Her most innovative work focused on livestock handling and welfare. Grandin had an uncanny ability to recognize how animals react to stress and she used this ability to design more humane systems for cattle handling. Nowadays, approximately half of the cattle in North America are handled in facilities built in accordance with Grandin’s designs.
Beyond her work in animal science, Temple Grandin has become a leading advocate for autism awareness and acceptance. Her books, including Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain, encourage readers to see the value of neurodiverse thinkers in various settings. Her advocacy has helped to increase recognition of different learning styles, reduce stigma against individuals with disabilities, and promote inclusiveness in schools, workplaces, and communities.
So put “An Open Door” on your list of films to see this fall and learn about this remarkable woman.
Residents of the United Kingdom can now purchase Enabling Devices’ most popular switches and communicators from Liberator Ltd at https://www.liberator.co.uk/. Already a top supplier of assistive technology in the UK, Liberator has added the distinctiveness of Enabling Devices offerings to its product line.
Currently, more than 30 different switches and communicators are certified for sale in the United Kingdom at the Liberator website. These products are suited for individuals with motor skill issues, sensory processing disorders, visual and hearing impairments, and more. They are at the core of Enabling Devices’ mission to bring joy, inclusivity, and accessibility to those most in need.
Seth Kanor, President and CEO of Enabling Devices, said, “We could not be happier about our partnership with Liberator Ltd. While only a small percentage of our products are currently available, we’ll continue to add to that list in the months and years ahead.”
Click the links below to see what is available by category at Liberator Ltd.
Auditory development is the ability to identify speeches and sounds within continuous sound input. This development starts at birth and is refined throughout childhood. Spoken language — both using and understanding words — grows out of this experience.
Auditory learning is critical, especially for children and adults with functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs). Individuals with conditions like Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), hearing dyslexia and hearing impairment often have difficulties recognizing and interpreting sounds.
Music is a tool that parents and teachers can use to encourage auditory learning for people of all actual and developmental ages. Auditory music toys, tools and activities can help users recognize and understand sounds as well as carry these skills into other areas of their lives.
Understanding Auditory Learning Disabilities
APD impacts a person’s ability to process and understand sounds. They may be able to hear a sound but have trouble understanding or identifying it. APD can cause challenges with:
Processing sounds: Those with APD may have limited phonemic awareness that makes it difficult to process sounds.
Social and emotional experiences: Since individuals with APD have difficulty understanding others, they may experience feelings of isolation or anxiety in social situations. They may feel embarrassed when talking with others and not want to participate in group activities. These experiences can impact their sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
Attention and focus: Since it takes more effort for people with APD to process auditory information, they can feel mentally exhausted. This can create challenges with paying attention and staying engaged, especially during verbal activities.
Reading and writing: Children and adults with APD can find it challenging to recognize sounds in words, so they have difficulties recognizing and understanding words. This can lead to reading fluency and comprehension challenges.
Neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change in response to stimuli — is the key when it comes to APD. For example, since a child’s brain is still developing, auditory learning helps them learn how to process sounds and language. As a result, music is one of the most effective ways to develop auditory processing skills for children with functional needs.
How Auditory Music Learning Works
Music is an effective tool for improving cognitive, physical and auditory skill development. Many elements of music directly connect to development — for example, singing can improve speech, and rhythm develops fine and gross motor skills.
Listening to music can help children and adults with APD do the following:
Identify patterns: Music encourages the brain to look for patterns. Songs have different tones and speeds and play multiple sounds at once. Children and adults can process these sounds to identify the melody.
Sort layered sounds: Listening to music helps individuals sort meaningful musical sounds from other sounds, like background noise. This skill can help students develop music appreciation and process language.
Improve memory: Music changes the physical structure of a child’s brain by strengthening the connections between hemispheres. This development improves memory and executive function.
Enhance attention and focus: Music strengthens the connection between the brain’s auditory and language centers. This ability helps children filter out auditory distractions like background noise, so they can direct their attention and focus on what matters.
Benefits of Music for Children and Adults With Functional Needs
Integrating music into your child or student’s routine can help them understand and recognize sounds in the world around them. As their brains learn how to process noise by listening to music, a neural framework is created, supporting growth and development in other areas.
Music can help individuals with auditory processing needs:
Enhance gross and fine motor skills: Playing instruments, tapping out a rhythm and moving with the music improves motor coordination and motor skill development.
Develop cognitive skills: Music stimulates various areas of the brain, improving problem-solving, attention and memory skills. These cognitive skills can help individuals learn and think critically about the world around them.
Improve language and communication skills: Music stimulates neural connections in the brain that lay the foundation for language development.
Express and regulate emotions: Some people with functional needs have difficulty verbally expressing their emotions. Music is a way for children and adults to express their feelings without talking to support their overall emotional well-being.
Develop social skills: Group music sessions encourage students to communicate, interact and work together. These activities provide opportunities to practice listening to others, cooperating and sharing their thoughts with their classmates or teacher.
Strategies for Incorporating Music Therapy at School and Home
Music therapy uses music to achieve a goal. For children and adults with functional needs, music therapy can help them acquire and develop auditory processing skills. The following are some strategies for encouraging auditory learning through music:
Adaptive instruments: Adaptive music instruments are designed so individuals with functional needs can play them in a way suited to their abilities.
Multisensory activities: Make music therapy a multisensory experience by combining visual, kinesthetic and auditory learning. This approach reinforces auditory skills, enhances comprehension and keeps students engaged.
Visual cues: Use visual aids like pictures or diagrams to cue your students. This visual support in music therapy can help individuals comprehend what they are learning and be more independent.
Tailored activities: When considering how to bring music therapy into your classroom or home, think about your student or family member’s abilities and tailor the activity to suit their unique needs and interests.
Products and Toys That Enhance Auditory Learning
Enabling Devices has a wide range of toys for auditory development. These toys use music and sound to encourage exploration and play during music therapy sessions. Many of our toys are activated with an adaptive switch, so users of all actual and development ages can play.
Our selection of auditory development toys includes:
Musical instruments: Our musical instruments are adaptive, so anyone of any ability can play and make music. Tap out a beat on a Drum, play notes on a Musical Snail or get a band together with the Adapted Music Kit.
Music boxes and speakers: Play recorded tunes to improve listening skills and teach music appreciation. The Music Box plays four tunes and flashes lights. Activated through an external capability switch, our Music Master plays notes to make a unique song.
Switch-adapted stuffed animals: We have many adorable stuffed animals that talk, sing songs or dance via an external switch. These toys improve auditory attention and development. Dance along with Let Loose Lenny or make Tabby Kitten meow.
Shop Auditory Toys and Devices at Enabling Devices Today
Enabling Devices has auditory learning toys, products and assistive technology to help children and adults with APD identify and understand sounds. We are passionate about helping individuals with functional needs live fulfilling lives by sparking joy and unlocking potential.
Play is an important part of a child’s early life. Besides getting active and having fun, playtime is critical for developing speech and language skills. Language development is how children understand and communicate using language. Some children with functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) need more support to develop their vocabulary as well as encouragement to express themselves through language.
Combining play and development in play-based learning helps support children with special needs when it comes to language development. Play-based learning is built on children’s innate desire to play. Parents and teachers provide materials and suggest goals, and children initiate the play, using their creativity and curiosity to learn and develop.
Play provides a fun, stress-free environment that helps children with functional needs acquire and use language. Language development toys and activities are helpful tools to enhance language acquisition.
How Play Is Connected to Speech and Language Development
While playing seems like a break from learning, playtime significantly impacts a child’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Since playtime isn’t structured, children with functional needs can learn naturally, discovering new things at their own pace based on their interests.
Playing gives children an opportunity to understand the world through hands-on experience as well as practice their communication skills by:
Expressing thoughts and ideas: Conversations during playtime teach children how to articulate and share their thoughts with their peers and teacher. They will also have practice understanding others’ thoughts and ideas.
Listening and responding to others: Interactive play requires communication. Children can practice their listening skills and taking turns when speaking. For games with structured rules, following instructions has several language development opportunities.
Cooperating in groups: Playing with others teaches children how to cooperate with their peers by working together and taking turns with toys.
Increasing vocabulary: Playing with other students, parents and teachers introduces children to new words. They can learn these words and use them when expressing their thoughts.
Building sentences: During conversations, children can understand grammar rules, like how to form sentences.
Storytelling and narration: Pretend play usually involves telling a story, so children can use their imagination to think of a narrative and practice communication skills to share the play scenario.
Playtime offers many opportunities for children with functional needs to talk to and work with their teacher and other students, developing social skills in the process.
Types of Play for Speech Development
The following types of play provide ample opportunities for children with special needs to develop their language and speech skills:
Pretend play: Imaginative play is effective for oral language development because it is a fun way to practice speech. This type of play encourages children to use their imaginations to create pretend scenarios and act out a role. As kids act out the scene, they use communication to explain the scenario and interact with others.
Independent play: Independent play allows children to play on their own with their parent or teacher nearby for support and safety. This type of play gives children the freedom to explore and express themselves.
Open-ended play: Open-ended play provides children with toys that can be used in various ways, so they can use their imagination to explore and learn. Toys like art supplies, balls and building blocks encourage open-ended play.
Rule-based play: Examples of rule-based play are games and activities that require children to follow instructions. This type of play strengthens language comprehension and cooperation with peers, like working on puzzles or sorting objects together.
Toys That Enhance Language Skills Through Play
Games, activities and lessons designed around playtime create impactful ASD language development opportunities for children of all actual and development ages. Some toys that build speech and language skills include:
Play food: Play food increases vocabulary as kids learn the names of various foods. Children can also practice action words and following directions by acting out making a recipe.
Building blocks: Building blocks encourage kids to use their imagination and be creative. They can practice short phrases and learn to take turns when building structures with other children.
Dolls and action figures: Children can use dolls to play out activities of daily living and practice using short phrases, actions and emotions.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators to Support Their Child’s Language Development
Parents, caregivers and teachers can incorporate play-based language activities into daily routines to encourage language development using these strategies:
Model language use: When playing with your child, model language and give them an opportunity to respond. Describe actions or have them describe their experience.
Adapt the activity as needed: Every student learns at a different pace and displays different levels of development during play. Adapting playtime to meet your students’ needs aids their language skill development progress.
Ask open-ended questions: Ask your child about the toy or game to promote thinking.
Read together: Read books aloud to your child to help them recognize words and promote language development. Choose a story your child will find interesting and ask for predictions about what will happen.
No matter how you incorporate oral language development into your child’s daily routine, it’s important to:
Provide positive feedback and encouragement: Encourage your child to communicate and celebrate their efforts, so they feel supported and use their language skills in everyday life.
Be patient: Give your child the time they need to process their thoughts and respond.
Language Development Toys at Enabling Devices
Enabling Devices has a wide selection of toys to support communication and encourage interaction. These toys engage children during play, encouraging them to explore, have fun and develop their language skills. These games are also adapted, so children of any actual and development age and ability can play.
Examples of these toys include:
Adapted Pie Face:Adapted Pie Face is a fun and delicious game where you score points every time you activate the switch without getting whipped cream on your face.
Tic Tac Toe:Tic Tac Toe uses an external capability switch to set X’s and O’s in a line. Children can interact with each other while following directions and taking turns.
Bingo:Bingo includes a switch-activated bingo cage, so everyone can play this classic game.
Hi Ho Cherry-O:Hi Ho Cherry-O is a fruitful game where kids can pick cherries to practice counting and basic math skills while playing together.
Improve Your Child’s Speech and Language Development With Enabling Devices
Enabling Devices designs language development toys and assistive technology to help children with functional needs practice and improve their communication skills. Our devices, toys and tools help build more joyful, fulfilling lives for people with disabilities.
Sensory input allows us to experience the world through our emotions — it’s why we cry during a sad scene in a movie or like smelling our sheets fresh out of the dryer. These responses exhibit sensory awareness, or the ability to receive sensory input from your environment, process it and respond accordingly.
Some individuals with sensory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs) have challenges with processing and responding to sensory input. While some are hypersensitive to noises and smells, others have a dampened response to sensory input and seek stimulation elsewhere.
ASD awareness sensory activities and toys support different sensory skills, aligning with specific skill developments and mannerisms, so your child, student or family member can get the sensory input they need to feel stimulated or calm.
Understanding Sensory Processing
We experience the world and get sensory input from these seven senses:
Visual: The sense of sight
Auditory: The sense of hearing
Tactile: The sense of touch
Olfactory: The sense of smell
Gustatory: The sense of taste
Vestibular: The sense of balance to detect motion and understand the body’s movements
Proprioceptive: The sense of body awareness to understand the body position, like knowing where body parts are and recognizing your strength
Sensory awareness is crucial for development. As children and adults experience and respond to different stimuli, they:
Individuals with sensory processing disorders have challenges organizing and integrating sensory input, making it more difficult to filter and respond to sensory stimuli. Sensory processing challenges can lead to:
Sensory seeking: Sensory-seeking behavior is when people need sensory stimulation. For example, they may like lots of hugs or wearing tight clothing.
Sensory avoiding: Sensory avoiding is when people avoid sensory stimulation. Children or adults with functional needs who don’t like handshakes are displaying sensory-avoidant behavior.
Sensory Awareness Activities and Toys by Sensory Skill
These activities, grouped by sense, can help your child or student feel in control of their body. You can set up these activities in your home or classroom for regular exposure or as needed if they are feeling bored or overwhelmed.
Visual Sensory Activities
Visual sensory toys are designed for children and adults with visual processing disorders. These devices engage the sense of sight, supporting the development of:
Listening to white noise: Listening to a sound machine with various sound options or the hum of an LED Fan can help your child, student or family member feel calm and relaxed.
Tactile Sensory Activities
Individuals with special needs seeking tactile stimulation may obsessively touch objects or pick at their bodies. Tactile sensory toys allow them to:
Practice touch tolerance for tactile hypersensitivity.
Try these tactile sensory activities with your child, family member or student:
Sensory bin: Set up a sensory bin with various tactile materials, so anyone can play with different textures. You can include squishy materials like play dough and smooth textures like a Textured Marble Fidget Board.
Textured balls: Encourage them to explore new textures with a variety of textured balls or fabrics. A Therapeutic Balls Kit can include balls of various levels of firmness, textures and sizes to provide different tactile experiences.
Olfactory Sensory Activities
Olfactory sensory activities engage the sense of smell to develop olfactory discrimination and sensory regulation. Stimulate the olfactory sense with these activities:
Scent exploration: Gather various essential oils and spices and have them smell each to recognize and experience different scents.
Scented markers: Coloring and drawing become olfactory-engaging activities with scented markers.
Aromatherapy dough:Aromatherapy products like dough have fragrances that calm or stimulate.
Gustatory Sensory Activities
Gustatory input stimulates the sense of taste, and toys designed for this sensory input support oral motor skills and taste exploration. Some activities you can do together include:
Taste testing foods: Have them taste foods with different textures and flavors, so they can experience different taste sensations, like sour and sweet. Keep safety precautions and allergy considerations in mind.
Making smoothies: Blend different fruits and vegetables into delicious smoothies. Create flavor combinations by using flavor-infused straws.
Vestibular Sensory Activities
Children and adults with vestibular challenges may exhibit behaviors like tilting their head frequently or avoiding movement. Any type of movement will stimulate the vestibular receptors, including jumping, running and spinning. Vestibular sensory toys provide information on:
Balance
Coordination
Spatial awareness
Movement
Positioning
Some ways you can stimulate the vestibular sense include:
Swinging on a therapeutic swing: Swinging, rocking and spinning on a therapeutic swing or a Calming & Fun Sensory Rocker allows individuals to experience movement and understand spatial awareness. Be sure to supervise your child when swinging.
Rolling on a therapy ball:Weighted Balance Balls and Ball Chairs engage the mind and body. As they move around, they’ll build strength and develop balance skills.
Proprioceptive Sensory Activities
Individuals with proprioceptive challenges may play roughly with their peers or use too much force when picking up objects. If your child or student bumps into things or wants hand squeezes frequently, they’re seeking proprioceptive input. Proprioceptive sensory activities involve pulling, pushing and lifting for:
Body awareness
Motor planning
Sensory regulation
Here are some activity ideas for proprioceptive input:
Activities involving exercise: Your child or student can get proprioceptive stimulation from activities like pushing a cart or carrying books.
Obstacle course: Use chairs, furniture, boxes and soft play cushions to build an obstacle course. Moving, lifting, jumping and running will help them understand their body’s position in space.
Tips for Selecting Toys for ASD Awareness Sensory Activities
When deciding which sensory toy to get for your child, family member or student, consider their:
Skill development needs: Certain sensory toys support specific developmental milestones. For example, stacking toys allow kids and adults to practice fine motor skills.
Mannerisms: Individuals with specific mannerisms may enjoy toys designed for the stimulation they seek, like chewable jewelry for oral input.
Preferences: Every person has unique preferences for toys they like. For instance, those with sensory-seeking behaviors prefer intense sensory experiences, while individuals with sensory-avoiding behaviors may be sensitive to specific inputs.
Shop Sensory Products at Enabling Devices Today
Sensory awareness activities help children and adults with functional needs regulate their sensory input while promoting cognitive and physical development. Enabling Devices has a wide range of sensory products available — explore our different options to find what works best. Shop our sensory toys, or contact us to learn more.
Fine motor skills are the coordination of small muscle movements — usually those made by the fingers and hands — with the eyes. These skills are necessary for activities like buttoning a shirt and holding a pencil. Children develop these skills through play activities, and their abilities increase over time. Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, or fine motor skills disabilities have difficulty doing things that require these skills, like holding objects or stacking toys.
Stimulating sensory activities can enhance the development of fine motor skills in children by increasing their engagement in play and providing opportunities for practice. Fine motor skills toys that provide sensory experiences can also help develop these skills.
The Sensory-Motor Connection
The primary senses are vision, auditory, tactile, olfactory and gustatory. Sensory stimulation happens when these senses are aroused or invigorated. Sensory play is activities that engage these senses, offering numerous benefits, including the development of fine motor skills.
Sensory activities also stimulate the following two sensory systems:
Proprioceptive system: The awareness of your body to know where body parts are and how much force to use when manipulating objects.
Vestibular system: Maintain balance while engaging in activities.
Sensory activities encourage different motions like mixing, pouring and building. These actions build new nerve connections in the brain, and this brain development allows children to complete complex tasks and learn about their environment.
How to Improve Fine Motor Skills Through Sensory Activities
Sensory play is one of the many ways children with ASD or fine motor skills disabilities can develop their fine motor skills:
Mobility and stability pattern: Activities like pouring and mixing encourage them to use their dominant and nondominant hands.
Grasp patterns: Sensory activities allow kids to use hand patterns like lateral grasp, three-jaw chuck, pincer grasps, grasp and palmar.
Hand awareness: Children can explore textures and learn the differences between oily, grainy, slimy and fluffy surfaces. As children feel these textures, their hand and finger muscles develop.
Proprioception: Children can learn how much pressure is needed to manipulate objects and get feedback about the pressure they’re applying to an object.
Visual-motor coordination: Actions like mixing, pouring and dipping help children make the connection between their body movements and sense of vision.
As children play with fine motor skills toys, they learn how to use small muscle groups and coordinate movements. This development during playtime carries over to activities of daily life, so kids can become more independent and have confidence doing things like:
Zipping a coat
Buttoning and unbuttoning a shirt
Writing with a pencil
Coloring a picture
Brushing their hair
Picking up food and bringing it to the mouth
Holding a book and turning the pages
Keeping Kids Engaged for Skill Development
Engagement and concentration are critical in helping your child or student learn fine motor skills. They need support and time to practice and learn these skills. Sensory activities capture your child’s attention by stimulating the senses and encouraging play. Being engaged for longer periods increases their learning and development, helping them increase their fine motor abilities. The variety and stimulation of sensory play also reduces boredom and frustration and encourages your child to succeed.
Examples of Sensory Activities for Fine Motor Skills Development
Parents and teachers can use a variety of sensory activities to develop fine motor skills at home or in the classroom. Some ideas include:
Fingerpainting: Fingerpainting is a fun sensory experience that allows children to feel the texture of paint and express themselves through art.
Water play: Splashing and playing with water in a bowl or during bath time stimulates the sense of touch. Bubbles can also increase visual tracking and encourage grasp patterns as they poke and pinch them.
Stringing beads: Feeding string through beads requires children to use both hands to hold the string and place the beads. This activity improves visual-motor coordination.
Peeling and placing stickers: Peeling a sticker helps children develop their pincer grasp and use visual-motor coordination to place the sticker on a surface.
Sensory bins: Fill a container with objects of various textures, like pom poms, cotton balls and buttons, so your child can explore different textures.
Tips for Adding Fine Motor Skills Sensory Activities to Your Routine
Children with fine motor skills disabilities can practice grasping, eye-hand coordination and other skills during activities of daily living as well as playtime. Here are some tips for building fine motor skills through sensory activities:
Add more senses to playtime: Amplify your child’s sensory experiences — and fine motor skills development — by engaging as many senses as you can when playing. For example, they can sit on a pillow to engage their vestibular system while playing with blocks, which is helping them practice grasping and movement.
Keep sensory experiences engaging: Mix up your typical activities to stimulate different senses. Give them different toys with unique textures and introduce them to a range of sensory experiences to keep sensory play interesting.
Participate with your child: When you create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child or student, they can develop more than their fine motor skills. Sensory play with a parent or teacher improves communication and helps them practice taking turns.
Fine Motor Skills Toys for Playtime
Enabling Devices has a wide selection of toys designed to develop fine motor skills. These sensory toys have various activities, colors and textures to engage children in play. Actions like moving beads, pulling levers and fitting shapes into cutouts help them practice different fine motor skills, so kids can develop these abilities while playing.
Some of our sensory toys that enhance fine motor skills include:
Therapeutic Balls Kit: The Therapeutic Balls Kit includes several balls with different textures to provide a tactile sensory experience while strengthening hands and fingers.
Activity Wall Panels: The Activity Wall Panels have a variety of activities, like an abacus, maze, cog system and geometric shapes to improve motor skills while engaging kids in play.
Sensory LED Bubble Tubes: The Sensory LED Bubble Tubes have floating bubbles and several color and lighting options. This sensory toy stimulates the senses while encouraging reaching and pointing.
Shop Enabling Devices for Toys, Adaptive Products and More
Since 1978, Enabling Devices has created sensory products and adaptive devices for people with disabilities. Browse our online store for sensory toys that help develop fine motor skills. You can also learn more about activities for fine motor skills and ask questions about our products by contacting our team today.
Most people outside the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities have never heard of the Deaf President Now movement.
But, thanks to a new documentary by the same name, many more will know about it soon. “Deaf President Now!” premieres May 16 on Apple TV.
In 1988, students at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.—the only university on the planet that serves deaf and hard-of-hearing students—were shocked and outraged to learn that the school’s board had chosen to hire a hearing president over several equally qualified deaf candidates. They sprang into action. What followed was eight days of rallies, boycotts and protests that ultimately led to the termination of the new hire and the hiring of Dr. I. King Jordan, the university’s first deaf president.
According to Apple TV, the Deaf President Now movement is the “story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard of.”
“The protests marked a pivotal moment in civil rights history, with an impact that extended well beyond the Gallaudet campus and paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” says Apple’s announcement of the documentary.
The film is the latest widely distributed full-length documentary to focus on social justice movements that changed the course of history for disabled Americans. “Crip Camp” (2020) and “Change Not Charity” (2025), both directed by Jim LeBrecht, also explore groundbreaking actions that eventually led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Co-directed by screenwriter, producer and novelist Davis Guggenheim and Gallaudet alumni, actor and deaf activist Nyle DiMarco, the film uses archival footage, scripted elements and interviews with members of the so-called “Gallaudet Four”—then students Jerry Covell, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Tim Rarus and Greg Hlibok—and the former university president I. King Jordan, to tell the movement’s story.
In order to provide hearing viewers with a sense of what it’s like to be deaf, the film uses a technique known as Deaf Point of View, which uses “impressionistic visual photography and intricate sound design” to simulate the Deaf experience.
“Deaf President Now!” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January of this year. The film won “festival favorite” at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival.
In an interview with Disability Scoop, DiMarco said he hopes the film “inspires people to see Deaf people not as something to fix, but as something to celebrate, value and fight for.”
Photo: The Gallaudet Four at a screening held at the university in April 2025.
Established in 2003, the Schneider Awards honor “an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.”
Awards are given annually in three categories: younger readers ages 4-8; middle grade ages 9-13; and young adults ages 14-18. Here’s a rundown of this year’s winners and honorees.
Younger Readers Winner
“A Little Like Magic”
Written and illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel
Rocky Pond Books
The young protagonist in Kurpiel’s new picture book is a wheelchair user who dislikes cold weather and winter clothing. But she must brave all of this to attend an ice sculpting festival with her mother. As she views the ice sculptures on display, she realizes how magical they are, and comes to treasure her memories of the experience. The book teaches children how going outside of one’s comfort zone can really pay off.
Younger Readers Honorees
“Monster Hands”
Written by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan
Nancy Paulsen Books
Best friends Milon and Mel, use rhyming ASL to cope with their fear that a monster is under Milo’s bed. This is a sweet story about the importance of friendship.
“You’re SO Amazing!”
By James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Joe, a boy with limb differences is tired of everyone telling him he’s amazing just because he can do the same things that other kids can do.
Middle Grade Readers Winner
“Popcorn”
By Rob Harrel
Dial Books
It’s picture day at school, and Andrew if hoping to take a photo that his mother will love. At the same time, he’s plagued by all kinds of anxieties, chief among them, that he may have a panic attack in front of all his classmates. “Popcorn” is a poignant story about a boy who lives with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety.
Middle School Readers Honorees
“Louder Than Hunger”
By John Schu
Candlewick
Based on a fictionalized account of the author’s experience with an eating disorder, this book is written in verse. It’s a story of healing and triumphing over our critical inner voices.
“Shark Teeth”
By Sherri Winston
Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
Winston’s new book chronicles a young girl’s efforts to keep her family together despite its many difficulties.
Young Adult Readers Winner
“Chronically Delores”
By Maya Van Wagenen
Dutton Books for Young Readers
After being diagnosed with a chronic bladder condition, Dolores feels like her world is ending. A friendship with a beautiful and talented girl on the autism spectrum changes everything.
Young Adult Readers Honorees
“Light Enough to Float”
By Lauren Seal
Rocky Pond Books
Another selection that deals with the topic of eating disorders, “Light Enough to Float” chronicles Evie’s stay in a residential treatment program and her eventual hard-won recovery.
In 2005, successful builder Gary Hartman and his wife Maggie founded the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) committed to supporting people with disabilities.
In line with the foundation’s goals, they developed Morgan’s Wonderland, a fully accessible theme park in San Antonio, Texas, in 2010. The park was named for the Hartmans’ daughter Morgan, who was born with physical and cognitive disabilities. Since it was built, the park and Gordon Hartman’s goals have expanded exponentially.
In 2017, Hartman added Morgan’s Inspiration Island, a fully accessible splash park; and in 2021, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports, an inclusive sports facility, and Megan’s Wonderland Camp, an inclusive summer camp debuted. That same year, Hartman opened the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland, a $45 million one-stop shop where individuals with disabilities and their families receive comprehensive medical care, social services and even beauty treatments!
According to Disability Scoop, Hartman founded the nonprofit Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative to “coordinate planning, fundraising and communications among the entire Morgan’s Wonderland ‘family’ of ventures.”
Beginning in 2026, visitors to any of Morgan’s Wonderland facilities will have the opportunity to stay in what’s being called an “ultra-accommodating” hotel. According to morgans.org, the hotel will “far exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards and be easily accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.”
The innovative hotel will feature “wider doorways and wheelchair-accessible furnishings, audio cues for guests with visual impairments, and even sensory-calming elements. …Specialized services will include staff trained in disability etiquette, assistance with mobility devices, and accommodations such as hearing aid loops and sensory-sensitive colors and lighting.”
Hartman says he is committed to making the hotel affordable so that all families can enjoy the hotel’s many amenities.
Proceeds from the hotel will be used for initiatives that benefit the disability community. Currently, hotel chains such as Marriot, Hilton and Hyatt are competing to have the hotel under their umbrellas.
“I am confident that this new hotel concept will remove barriers and tremendously enhance the lodging experience for everyone,” said Gordon Hartman. “This will certainly be a hotel for everyone including those with disabilities who, going forward, will feel more included, valued and fulfilled.”
While Hartman’s hotel will be the first ultra-accommodating hotel it is not expected to be the last. “Morgan’s Hotel™ will do for the hospitality industry what our other venues have done — create spaces where everyone feels welcome and included,” said Hartman.
We offer specialized mounting devices and mounting systems for people with disabilities. Choose from a selection of wheelchair mounting systems and attachments to hold adaptive switches, iPads, communicators and more.
For those living with disabilities that affect mobility and grip, tabletops and wheelchairs can be important for holding items. When it comes to accessing anything from an e-reader to a book, a mount can be a useful way to hang onto the item hands-free — and Enabling Devices has a range of options to choose from!
What Are Wheelchair Mounts?
Wheelchair accessories unlock more possibilities by helping those with disabilities hang onto items like:
Wheelchair mounts are an extra set of hands for individuals with mobility issues and other disabilities that can affect grip and movement. Some mounts are designed to hold multiple items and heavy devices to prevent discomfort and fatigue, while others are engineered to provide a secure grip on lighter and more delicate items like iPads. Wheelchair mounts and similar accessories can be secured to most surfaces, such as:
Tabletops
Chairs
Wheelchairs
Floor stand
Bedrails
By securing the mount to one of these locations on a tabletop or chair, everything needed can be close at hand!
Types of Wheelchair Mounts and Accessories
There are a range of wheelchair mounts and attachments to meet different needs. This diversity allows the user to focus on using the wheelchair and their device without holding on to it. Some mounts also have adjustable arms.
Arms
As their name suggests, extendable arm systems are flexible solutions that bring items close to the user without them having to move forward. Arms can help place phones near your face for calls or a cup at your lips for a drink. They can position items and hold them steady, making them useful for people with paraplegia, ALS and other conditions that mean moving the body to accommodate a device may not be simple.
Attachments
Wheelchair attachments are useful for helping users grip specific items. Some examples of wheelchair attachments and accessories include:
Gooseneck tubing
Easy Flex mounts
Clamps
Mounting trays
Tray adapters
Mounted switches
Mountable communicators
Attendant call systems
These attachments allow you to convert mounts and mounting systems based on individual needs. For example, you can use a gooseneck tubing attachment to position a switch on your wheelchair.
Clamps
Sturdy clamps are vital for mounts because they attach them to a desired surface. Clamps are also important for ensuring your mount can handle the weight of the item. Heavy-duty clamps are ideal for customizing mounts and other wheelchair accessories to a user’s unique needs.
For example, clip clamps let you see devices, photos and reading materials at eye level. They easily attach to a wide range of surfaces like wheelchair trays, bedrails and tabletops.
Mounting Plates
Mounting plates are accessories that hold the item you wish to mount. They are often used for AAC devices or iPads, but they can also hold photos, phones, tablets, e-readers, papers and cards. Mounting plates position and set these items at eye level or another comfortable angle. They can even be used for Eye Talks or icons to help those with speech impairment communicate easily.
Mounts and Mounting Systems
While you can purchase arms, attachments, clamps and plates separately, mounting systems offer everything you need in one package. Mounting systems are engineered to work well together as a unit and attach devices and items to a wheelchair, so you never have to second guess whether you’re buying the right parts. Some wheelchair mounting systems and attachments will let users hold multiple items at once, allowing for virtually hands-free operation.
Individuals can also use one plate for a switch to operate the wheelchair and another to hold their phone, for example. Some systems are even designed to hold a specific item, such as an iPad, to ensure it fits perfectly and sits at the correct angle.
How Do Wheelchair Mounts Help With Special Needs?
Wheelchair mounts offer a second set of hands for those living with disabilities or functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs). The many benefits of wheelchair mounts include:
Hold items steady
Prevent damage or breakage to delicate devices
Foster independence by keeping essential items within reach
Reduce user discomfort, strain and fatigue
Provide multiple arms for holding items, allowing the user to focus on operating their wheelchair
Enhance communication by allowing users to make use of Eye Talks and other communicators
Help improve positioning and sitting posture
Wheelchair accessories, grips and holders can customize a wheelchair for maximum functionality, providing the user with more comfort by keeping items right where they can see them.
Considerations for Finding the Right Wheelchair Mount
Selecting the right wheelchair mount or accessory is important for maximum comfort and accessibility. Whether you’re looking for wheelchair mounts for yourself or someone else, consider what items need to be mounted and how the user will access the device. For instance, will they specifically need an AAC wheelchair mount for communication, or an iPad for leisure and drawing? The right mount and accessories keep items secured while providing enough flexibility to move them out of place when not in use.
Shop Enabling Devices Today
Browse the full selection at Enabling Devices to see what would be most useful for your wheelchair. You’re also welcome to contact us if you’d like personalized help.
Children and adults with disabilities can use adaptive technologies to complete tasks, relax and engage in their hobbies by removing barriers to access. For example, individuals with a cognitive or physical impairment might use adaptive devices or electronics to supplement their progression in learning or help them interact with the world in a new way.
Choose from a variety of switch-adapted Boom Boxes, CD Players, MP3 Players, Remote Controls and Computer accessories. These options allow people with disabilities to control and enjoy their music, TV and computers independently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Electronics
Adapted electronics can enable many different tasks and activities like communication, entertainment and exploratory play. Here are some FAQs about adapted electronics and how they can benefit a variety of users.
1. What Are Adapted Electronics?
Adapted electronics are electronic devices that have been modified to make existing technology or products accessible to individuals with disabilities. While many devices, toys and products can be adapted for a variety of needs, examples of adapted electronics are:
Computers
Televisions
Radios
Speakers
Mobile devices
Appliances
Game consoles
Adaptive electronics, like other adaptive devices, are specifically designed to assist individuals with a disability by tailoring the product to their needs. For example, electronic braille readers, large monitors and keyboard modifications allow users to interact with these technologies.
2. What Are the Types of Adapted Electronics?
Today, customers have more choices than ever before when it comes to adaptive electronics, with options such as:
CD Players and Boom Boxes
Adaptive technologies for boom boxes and CD players allow users to listen to their favorite tunes with switch-adapted functions like:
Turning the music on and off
Fast forwarding
Changing radio stations
Skipping tracks
These devices often have switches to allow users with visual impairment, limited mobility and other conditions to enjoy music. Some switch-adapted boom boxes and CD players work with an AC adapter, while others run on batteries. In both cases, they can help users build listening skills, foster an appreciation for music and enjoy independence.
Computer Aids
Computer accessibility is essential for individuals of all actual and development ages for learning and play, as well as enhancing communication and independence. Adaptive computer aids like mice and mouse interfaces allow computer users with limited mobility or vision impairment to surf the internet and use computer programs.
These devices have a larger-than-standard size and feature a T-handle and joystick ball to make it easier for people with limited motor control to use them. These adapted electronics work by mimicking cursor movements, key strokes and mouse clicks. There are also interactive mice that can be used with a caregiver or teacher. The teacher moves the mouse, and the user activates a switch at the appropriate moment to make a selection.
Some wireless mouse interface electronics also come with software where specific buttons can be configured to a mouse click or keystroke.
iPad Accessories
iPads already have features that allow users to increase text size and more. Adaptive technologies for iPads allow users to take photos by activating a switch from a distance and allow them to dock their iPad easily on a mounting system. There are also devices to help users listen to music through Bluetooth and switch interfaces to access compatible apps through their iPads.
Remote Controls
Remote controls for televisions already offer accessibility for those with reduced mobility. Adapted remotes for people with reduced fine motor skills or impaired fine motor coordination provide further support by holding traditional remote controls in place, allowing TV watchers to access the buttons more easily. Adaptive remote controls for people with limited mobility are oversized and clearly labeled with words and symbols for various actions. These remotes offer larger strike surfaces so that individuals can easily:
Flip to their favorite program
Adjust the volume
Turn the TV on and off
Change channels
Speakers
Switch-adapted speakers allow users to enjoy listening to music independently. Adapted speakers feature large, clearly labelled buttons to perform the following functions:
Turning the speaker on and off
Adjusting the volume
Changing tracks
Playing or pausing the music
Some speakers are specifically for use with Bluetooth players.
3. How Do Adapted Electronics Help With Special Needs?
For people with disabilities, adaptive electronics offer independence through switch-adapted controls and other features. These devices make electronics truly accessible to more users and can be operated in conjunction with the accessibility features found with many electronic devices.
The internet, music, TV and other technologies offer many opportunities. They allow for relaxation and give viewers and listeners a way to connect with the world and stay up to date. Computers allow people to communicate and even work from home. For people with functional needs, commonly referred to as special needs, adapted electronics can promote improved self-care, inclusion and participation.
By making communication, education and entertainment more accessible, adapted electronics empower those living with a disability to enjoy many other benefits, such as:
Access information through the news, the internet and communication channels
Complete work and homework assignments online
Listen to music to relax
Pursue music as a hobby
Learn cause and effect
Watch their favorite movies and TV shows
Play games or browse the internet independently
Connect with others online
Use guided mice to work with a teacher or caregiver
4. Who Benefits From Adaptive Electronics?
Individuals of any actual and developmental age can enjoy adaptive electronics. Like any adaptive device, these electronics are intentionally designed to help children and adults with disabilities unlock their potential to learn, play, interact and engage with the world.
For years, music and television have provided us with inspiration, education, joy and connection. The internet has enabled us to work, study and communicate with others. Thanks to adaptive devices, those living with mobility issues, vision impairment and other conditions get to enjoy these benefits of electronics too.
Browse Our Adaptive Devices and Products Today
Enabling Devices offers exceptional products that allow children and adults to enjoy music, television and computers independently through external capability switches. If your family member or student is living with a disability or medical condition that prevents them from using electronic devices, browse our selection to find solutions engineered for their unique needs.
With more than 40 years of experience helping people with a range of conditions, Enabling Devices is dedicated to empowering and offering independence to people all over the country. If you’d like a free consultation to discuss our products, contact us today.
Whether you’re thinking of upgrading an existing iPad or gifting a new one, adaptive iPad accessories enable exciting possibilities. Choose from our Wireless iPad Ability Switches, iPad Mounting Systems and five different iPad Styluses.
iPad Accessories for People With Disabilities
iPads are designed to help users complete tasks, communicate, learn, create and play. These versatile tablets combine the power of a computer with the convenience of a mobile device. iPads also offer various accessibility features and customization options, such as AssistiveTouch and Guided Access, to create an inclusive experience for all users.
At the same time, accessing apps and navigating the touchscreen can be challenging for children and adults with limited mobility or visual impairment. Adaptive devices and accessories from Enabling Devices can help.
Our iPad accessories have been adapted to enable accessibility and ease of use by addressing the needs and abilities of individuals with movement limitations or poor extremity control.
What Are Adaptive iPad Accessories?
Adaptive iPad accessories include a variety of products that enable maximum flexibility and reach, supporting users with mobility or visual impairment. For example, a mounting system secures the iPad to different surfaces, such as a wheelchair armrest or tabletop. Adaptive switches allow users to activate and navigate apps on the tablet. Adaptive styluses provide writing and touch utensils so users can write and draw on their iPads.
These accessories are specifically designed and engineered to improve iPad accessibility for people with limited mobility or functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs).
Types of iPad Accessories for People With Special Needs
Limited mobility or functionality can impact a user’s ability to hold or use an iPad. Fortunately, adaptive accessories allow users to take full advantage of the iPad for greater independence.
An iPad mount can attach the device to a tabletop or wheelchair to keep it firmly in place. This is an ideal solution for anyone who has limited use of their arms or hands. Some mounts also have arms that can move the iPad around, so users can access it easily from different angles. This feature can also be useful in helping users see the screen easily in either portrait or landscape view. Some mounts may be dedicated for iPads only, while others can be used with e-readers, tablets or other devices.
Adaptive wireless switches can help adults and children with limited motor skills to navigate the small icons on a touchscreen. Switches activate compatible apps, so users can:
Scroll through screens
Activate music
Increase volume
Use apps
Our iPad switches use Bluetooth, a popular technology used in wireless accessories like headphones, making them compatible with a variety of mobile devices.
Adaptive iPad styluses allow users to access a tablet using their mouths, hands or heads. Adaptive styluses enable the user to operate, draw on and write on the touchscreen with the parts of their body they can move most easily. Replaceable stylus tips are also available as needed and are compatible with other adaptive styluses.
How to Use Assistive Technology for the iPad
iPads open up a world of possibilities by allowing users to communicate, write, draw and play. With accessories from Enabling Devices, iPads can be even more accessible for those with limited mobility, allowing more users to access all the features possible.
As a parent, caregiver, therapist or teacher, you can help users navigate the assistive technology on the iPad for an enhanced experience. iPads come with a range of features to support different mobility, vision, hearing and learning needs, including:
Voice control
Live captions
Closed captions
Personalized audio
Audio descriptions
Headphone accommodations
Sensory alerts
Background sounds
Spoken content
Personal voice
Live speech
Magnifier
Point and speak
Customizable display settings
Reduced motion
Popular features like AssistiveTouch enable users to adjust the touchscreen to their dexterity capacity by changing the gesture controls. Guided Access helps users stay focused by keeping the device on one app at a time.
How Do Adaptive iPad Accessories Help People With Disabilities?
Adaptive accessories can place an iPad and all it can do within reach. With this technology, users can contact others, work, learn and play. These accessories also enable iPad users to:
Gain independence
Pursue creative projects
Focus on apps and using their iPad
Learn new information from the internet
Express themselves by making art or music with an iPad app
Communicate with others
Avoid discomfort caused by using an iPad that’s not properly adapted
Activate compatible apps
Adjust their device to meet their needs
If you have a student, patient or family member with a disability that impacts their ability to interact with an iPad and its features, adaptive accessories are a great option.
Unlock the Inclusive Power of Technology With Enabling Devices
iPads and other tablets are excellent devices for users with a wide range of abilities. With adaptive iPad accessories, individuals with mobility limitations can enjoy maximum accessibility and functionality when using their tablet.
At Enabling Devices, we specialize in exceptional products that enable children and adults with disabilities to play, learn and interact. Our adaptive devices include extensive categories to meet each individual’s needs, including iPad accessories, electronics, toys and games, communicators and sensory products.
