I really wish we had some Lil’ Suckers, one of a few of the new products from Naidex 2008.
Naidex 2008 is the UK’s premier exhibition on homecare, disability and rehabilitation, opened this year from April 29, 2008 to May 1, 2008 at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) in Birmingham, England. It features a lot of universally designed products which I always dig.

Below are some of the cool new products that were featured at this years event.

Lil’ Suckers Drink Holders

I’m always a fan of universally-designed products, especially the ones that make me want to kick myself and say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Lil’ Suckers are drink holders designed to keep cups where they belong, great for people with dexterity and mobility issues but also awesome for babies, boaters, drivers, and generally klutzy people like myself. I’ve had friends give custom koosies away at their weddings, but I think these are way cooler! They come in a variety of sizes from “paint-can” to “nail polish bottle”.

Just Checking System

Just Checking is a home monitoring system for seniors with dementia and other people who live at home alone that allows an authorized person to check-in on their friend or loved one via the internet or smart phone. The system can tell when a person went to bed, got up, had a meal, etc.

One Touch Jar Opener

Definitely an “as-seen-on-tv” product, but one that is useful too, especially for those who have low hand and wrist strength. This device takes up a lot less space than counter-top models.

StairSteady Handrail

At this years event, Ruth Amos, an 18-year-old student and inventor from Sheffield, England, presented the StairSteady handrail, a device that helps people climb stairs without the use of a chair lift. The device is comprised of a track and a bar that extends in front of the user that can be moved up and down a track but will stop moving when pressure is applied.

Amos won the Young Engineer for Britain Award for her invention and set up StairSteady, LTD. to sell the product when she was only 16.

TomCat Travel Bed

A travel bed for children that is easy to assemble and transport and works with standard mattresses so that you don’t have to bring one along.

In February 2008, the system became a finalist in the UK National eWell-Being Awards.

But while the New York Times is raving about its application to musicians around the world. I am imagining the possibilities for those who can’t hear. I’m thinking live transcriptions of symphonies or music on TV. Deaf musicians would certainly appreciate it; so would Deaf students trying to learn music. Or maybe, songs performed with string and wind instruments could be converted to rhythms for a greater appreciation by the Deaf. Who knows?

Direct Note Access - Cool Video Demo

Sorry, no captions…Yell at YouTube…will ya?

Instead of hearing an auditory description or using a tactile graph, students can use a system of ticks and tones to hear the graph. In theory, these graphs can provide more information than auditory descriptions and take less time to create than tactile graphs. The data can be entered manually or using a Microsoft Excel .CSV file. I encourage you to try it out and send me any feedback!

Try the Software!

The SciTrain section on auditory graphs provides a brief introduction to the software as well as a link to download the software(beta) for free.

• Register/Log into the FREE SciTrain - Accessible Math Course Note: there is also a SciTrain - Accessible Science Course
• Under the “Resources” section in the right navigation, select “Auditory Graphs”
• Use the “Next” and “Previous” links to navigate through the tutorial
• Post feedback here!

Yesterday, they featured an blind gentleman who defended himself against an intruder using wrestling moves he had learned nearly 30 years before. It made me really think…what do you do when you can’t see your attacker coming. I’ve taken a self-defense course and they often cover how to handle attacks from the rear…so you’re good there. But what about when the attacker comes from the front? What if you are blind or visually impaired and weren’t ever a championship wrestler?

Burglar loses fight with blind homeowner

Below is a list of tips from various sources as well as from some of what my father taught me about Ninjitsu many years ago. These tips are useful for anyone, regardless of whether or not you are visually impaired.

12 Tips for Self-Defense

1. Stay alert.
   Do not assume that because you are using a cane or guide dog that you are safe. Some criminals target individuals with disabilities because they perceive them as easy targets.
2. Consider carrying a personal alarm.
   Personal alarms make loud noises that draw attention to situations. They are often used by joggers.
3. Inform someone about where you are going and when you are expected to return.
   That way, someone can notify the policy if you do not arrive at your destination and they can tell the police exactly where you were supposed to be.
4. If you are leaving somewhere after dark, consider asking a security person for an escort.
   Make sure that you know the security person or that you locate them at a security desk.
5. Avoid short cuts through less traveled areas.
   There is always more safety in numbers than alone on a street.
6. Try to identify the age, gender, number and location of the people around you.
   This will minimize the surprise if someone chooses to attack you.
7. Carry a cellphone with emergency 911.
   Even if you can’t afford a cellphone, all phones are required to be able to dial 911…so get one!
8. Get comfortable using the objects around you as weapons.
   A cane can be a useful weapon in a fight although different techniques are used for solid canes and collapsible canes. This is where learning a martial art like Ninjitsu comes into play. My father trained under Bud Malstrom at the Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo.
9. If someone grabs you by the wrist, break their grip by pulling away toward the thumb.
   The thumb is the weakest part of the hand and therefore the easiest part of the grip to break. The same can be done if they grab both hands.
10. If you are grabbed from behind and your hands are pinned, use your heel to attack their knees and feet.
    The knee is a very unstable joint and the bones in the feet are very vulnerable to breaking so these are good locations to attack. Make sure that you strike as hard as you can with the heel of your foot and not the ball or instep. Note: The groins is also a good location to strike on a man, although not as obviously effective for women.

11. Buy a book on self-defense.
    Safe Without Sight (SELF) - National Braille Press, $14.00.

12. Enroll in a specialized self-defense course
    I hesitate to give too many more self-defense techniques because its always best to learn from a qualified instructor who can show you how to perform the techniques correctly.
    • Courses from the World Seido Karate Organization
    • Blind Justice System - Self-defense system created by Cory MacDonald, a legally blind martial artist. Includes “street smart” tips.

Video: Self Defense for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Sorry, no captions…Yell at YouTube will ya?

Live stream: SUNY New Paltz student radio station

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