Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click on the question to see the answer.

General

1. Can AbleData tell me what product or device is best for me to use?
2. Can AbleData help pay for my device?
3. How can I see information on assistive products from the AbleData database?
4. Does AbleData produce a catalog?
5. Are AbleData publications available in alternative formats?
6. What is AbleData?
7. How often is AbleData updated?
8. Why does the information about a particular product not include a price?
9. Why does the information about a particular product not include a picture?

MyAbleData for Companies

1. How do I get my products listed in AbleData?
2. Once my products are listed, can the information be updated?
3. How can an assistive technology company add or revise information on their products in AbleData?
4. What kinds of products are included in AbleData?

Search

1. Are there products specifically designed for people with use of only one hand?
2. How do I find products for children?
3. I have an aunt who is prone to falling. She is still in her home and I need to find a way to purchase a device that will allow her to signal us. Is there such a device?
4. I need an outdoor lift for the back of the house.
5. I am trying to find information on colostomy supplies. If possible, I would like to get an e-mail address.
6. I am a therapy assistant and am looking for information on feeding utensils or techniques for a 4-year-old child who is blind.
7. Are there mounts available that enable a camera to be attached to a wheelchair?
8. Can you direct me toward firms that convert cars for hand-controlled gas and brake?
9. I recently attended a horticulture therapy conference and was surprised that there were no vendors of accessible gardening guides and/or tools. Any ideas for sites where they might be located?
10. I recently attended a horticulture therapy conference and was surprised that there were no vendors of accessible gardening guides and/or tools. Any ideas for sites where they might be located?
11. Are you familiar with a device that can lift a manual wheelchair into the trunk of a car?
12. I am looking for a computer desk that I can use from my wheelchair. Are there any resources?
13. I am looking for information on Quickie wheelchairs. How do I find it?
14. How do I find information about manual wheelchairs?
15. What about powered wheelchairs?
16. I would like to find a resource for a hospital bed for home use. Do you know if such a thing exists?
17. I am looking for a telephone for my father who is hard of hearing and would like to find out what is available for him. I have a relatively
18. I am searching for a line of apparel designed for women with disabilities, especially those with difficulty raising their arms.
19. Where can I find a recliner chair to help me stand up?
20. Are there any links to companies that have fully opening boots for wheelchair users?
21. Are there adaptive keyboards for one-handed users?
22. I was wondering if there is a computer mouse that someone could operate with his/her mouth.
23. I am looking for voice activated programs that will control the television, turning it on and off, changing channels, etc, for someone with very little movement.
24. Do you have a listing for a computer program that enables a person to speak and have the speech typed automatically? How much is it?
25. I am looking for a page turner.
26. A friend needs a white cane. How do I find one?
27. I am looking for a braille printer. Where can I find one?
28. I am seeking software that will allow me to talk through my sound card microphone and listen through my sound card speaker, while on the phone.
29. My mother has multiple sclerosis, and she needs a telephone that is a headset, instead of a hand piece and maybe has a button on the headset from the

General

Can AbleData tell me what product or device is best for me to use?

No. Although the AbleData staff is well versed in assistive technology and several of us use assistive devices, we are not qualified or permitted to prescribe or recommend items. You will need to talk to your therapist, doctor, or other medical professional for that. Once you know what kind of product(s) you need, we can help you locate options.

Can AbleData help pay for my device?

No. AbleData is a small project designed to provide information and referral only. We do not have the funding to help pay for devices. We can, however, refer you to organizations within your state that may know of programs to help.

How can I see information on assistive products from the AbleData database?

The entire database is available for searching here on the AbleData website. You can search for products on any page of the website by typing a word or phrase (including a company or product name) in search box in the upper right corner and clicking on the adjacent button. You can also browse products in 20 major categories by clicking on the "Products" link at the top of the page. If you have questions or need assistance, call the AbleData offices at 800-227-0216 or 301-608-8998 and speak with an information specialist who can perform a database search for you. Written requests may be emailed to abledata@macrointernational.com, mailed to AbleData, 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or faxed to 301-608-8958. Information specialists are also available by appointment for on-site assistance from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays).

Does AbleData produce a catalog?

Because pur product listings are constantly being updated with new products and changes to existing product records, and because of the sheer size of the database (it would require more than 60,000 pages to print!), it is impossible to produce a catalog or print-out of the database. However, you may download a specific search from the website and print it out from your computer. An information specialist can also provide a printed copy of a specific product search for a nominal charge ($5 for 50 or fewer product listings; $10 for 51 to 100 entries; and $5 for each 100 entries thereafter). There is no charge for information provided over the phone. AbleData does not sell the assistive products listed on our website. They can be purchased from the manufacturer or distributor listed in each product's record.

Are AbleData publications available in alternative formats?

Most AbleData publications, including Fact Sheets and Informed Consumer Guides and database printouts can be printed from your home computer in the format you need free of charge. If needed, most documents can be provided in alternative formats (Braille, large print, tape) at cost. Call 800-227-0216 for more information.

What is AbleData?

AbleData provides objective information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. We serve the nation's disability, rehabilitation, and senior communities. AbleData's most significant resource is the AbleData database of assistive technology, which contains objective information on more than 36,000 assistive products. For each product, we provide a detailed description of the product's functions and features, price information (when available), and contact information for the product's manufacturer and/or distributors. We also offer information on non-commercial prototypes, customized and one-of-a-kind products, and do-it-yourself designs. AbleData is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), part of the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, click on the "About AbleData" link at the top of the page.

How often is AbleData updated?

The information on our website is constantly updated by the AbleData staff. New products and updated information for existing product records are added daily.

Why does the information about a particular product not include a price?

Not all companies provide pricing information. If a price is available, it will be given.

Why does the information about a particular product not include a picture?

In some cases, pictures are not provided by the company. Often, information about products that have been in the database for some time was entered before the ability to include pictures was available. When we update product information, we add pictures if we have access to them. Most product information added in the last five years includes pictures unlesss they were not provided by the company.

MyAbleData for Companies

How do I get my products listed in AbleData?

MyAbleData offers a company the quickest way to provide information on the products they make or sell to AbleData. To get your company's unique login and password, send an email requesting them to abledata@macrointernational.com. All new products submitted will be reviewed by project staff before being available to the public on the AbleData site. If a manufacturer or distributor chooses not to use MyAbleData, they may mail catalogs, brochures, sell sheets, or other product write-ups to: ABLEDATA, 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Please be certain to include as complete a description of the product as is possible, including applicable technical specifications, dimensions, colors, standard features, options and accessories, etc. We also need complete addresses and phone numbers for the manufacturer and distributor of the product(s), as well as retail pricing information.

Once my products are listed, can the information be updated?

Yes! If information about your product(s) changes, please let us know! MyAbleData offers a company the quickest way to provide information on the products they make or sell to AbleData. To get your company's unique login and password, send an email requesting them to abledata@macrointernational.com.

How can an assistive technology company add or revise information on their products in AbleData?

While companies have always been able to submit new or revised product information by mail, MyAbleData offers a company the quickest way to provide information on the products they make or sell to AbleData. Manufacturers and distributors have different rights in MyAbleData. Since we base our product listings on information received from the manufacturer, only manufacturers are provided with the ability to suggest revisions to product information and to revise prices. These changes will be reviewed by project staff before being available to the public on the AbleData Web site. Distributors are only able to designate which products they sell. If a distributor wishes to revise or augment a product’s description, they can email abledata@macrointernational.com with the additional information. If that information meets the project’s guidelines and is verified by the manufacturer, it will be added to the product’s description. All companies can revise their contact information.

What kinds of products are included in AbleData?

AbleData includes any product or device designed specifically for people with some type of disability or seniors. Also included are general market products that have a specific application for people with disabilities. We do not include nutritional products, medications, bandages, etc. The final decision as to whether a product is appropriate for our listings rests with the AbleData staff.

Search

Are there products specifically designed for people with use of only one hand?

Yes. Many of those types of products have the indexing term "one hand" attached to them. To find all such products, use the search box and search on one hand.

How do I find products for children?

Most products listed in the database intended for or that have models forchildren have the indexing term "pediatric" assigned to them. To find all such products, use the search box and enter pediatric. To specify a particular kind of product (e.g., powered wheelchair, bath seat, etc.), use the "advanced" link at the top of most pages to tailor your search by including or excluding words along with pediatric.

I have an aunt who is prone to falling. She is still in her home and I need to find a way to purchase a device that will allow her to signal us. Is there such a device?

Click Products and then scroll down to Safety and Security. Under Alarm and Security Systems, you'll find a link to Emergency Alert System. Click that for a list of products.

I need an outdoor lift for the back of the house.

Click Product and then Architectural Elements. Scroll down to Vertical Lift and select Stair Lifts. Choose either Exterior Wheelchair Lift or Exterior Seat Lift, depending on your needs.

I am trying to find information on colostomy supplies. If possible, I would like to get an e-mail address.

Click Products and then scroll down to click Personal Care. Scroll down to Toileting and select Ostomy supplies. From there, choose the kind of product in which you are interested. Each individual product record includes company contact information, including an email address if one is available from the company.

I am a therapy assistant and am looking for information on feeding utensils or techniques for a 4-year-old child who is blind.

There are a few manuals on eating skills included in the database. To locate these, click on Products and then on Blind and Low Vision; under Blind and Low Vision General, scroll down to Manual on Eating Skills for Blind. There are also many adaptive utensils and dishes listed which may be helpful. To view these records, choose Personal Care and scroll down to Eating. Choose either Dishes or Utensils.

Are there mounts available that enable a camera to be attached to a wheelchair?

To find the camera mounts listed in the database, click on Products and select Recreation. Scroll down to Photography and click on Camera Mount for Wheelchair.

Can you direct me toward firms that convert cars for hand-controlled gas and brake?

Yes. Click on Products and then on Transportation. Scroll down to Vehicle Accessories and click on Driving Controls. Select those that interest you from the list.

I recently attended a horticulture therapy conference and was surprised that there were no vendors of accessible gardening guides and/or tools. Any ideas for sites where they might be located?

There are indeed adaptive gardening tools available. Use the search box at the top of most pages and search on Garden* (be sure to include the asterisk). You'll get a list of relevant products, related companies and organizations, and another information we have related to gardening, including conferences and frequently asked questions.

I recently attended a horticulture therapy conference and was surprised that there were no vendors of accessible gardening guides and/or tools. Any ideas for sites where they might be located?

There are indeed adaptive gardening tools available. Use the search box at the top of most pages and search on Garden* (be sure to include the asterisk). You'll get a list of relevant products, related companies and organizations, and another information we have related to gardening, including conferences and frequently asked questions.

Are you familiar with a device that can lift a manual wheelchair into the trunk of a car?

Yes. Click on Products and then on Transportation. Scroll down to Vehicle Accessories and click on Wheelchair and Scooter Carriers.

I am looking for a computer desk that I can use from my wheelchair. Are there any resources?

There are a number of accessible computer desks, tables, and workstations. Click Products and then select Workplace and scroll to Work Stations. Under Desks you'll find Height Adjustable Desk, Tilt Desk, and Wall Mounted Desk. Under Specialized Work Stations are Computer Workcenter and Computer Table.

I am looking for information on Quickie wheelchairs. How do I find it?

Use the search box and enter Quickie. The first section of the search results are products.

How do I find information about manual wheelchairs?

Click on Products and scroll down to Wheeled Mobility. Under Manual Wheelchairs, you'll find links to all the various types of manual chairs.

What about powered wheelchairs?

Click Products and then scroll down and click Wheeled Mobility. Scroll down to Powered Wheelchairs and then select the kind of chair in which you are interested. For standard power chairs, click Powered Wheelchair.

I would like to find a resource for a hospital bed for home use. Do you know if such a thing exists?

To find the various hospital-sty;e beds listed in the database, click Products and then Home Management. Scroll down to Furniture, click on Bedroom and then on Manual Adjustable Bed or Motorized Bed.

I am looking for a telephone for my father who is hard of hearing and would like to find out what is available for him. I have a relatively

Click Products and then scroll to Deaf and Hard of Hearing and click Telephones. Check under Amplifier Telephone, Amplifier, and/or Handset Amplifier. For information about hearing aids, check under the Hearing Aids heading.

I am searching for a line of apparel designed for women with disabilities, especially those with difficulty raising their arms.

Click Products and scroll down to click Personal Care. Select Clothing and then choose Women's Clothiing. From there, choose the items in which you are interested.

Where can I find a recliner chair to help me stand up?

Click Products and scroll down to and click on Home Management. Under Furniture, click Chairs and scroll down to and click on Recliner Chair.

Are there any links to companies that have fully opening boots for wheelchair users?

To find these products, click on Products and select Personal Care and scroll down to Clothing. Click on Shoes and scroll down to Boots.

Are there adaptive keyboards for one-handed users?

Type "one hand keyboard" (without quotation marks)in the search box.

I was wondering if there is a computer mouse that someone could operate with his/her mouth.

There are a wide variety of adapted mice and mouse emulator programs available. Click Products and scroll down to click on Computers. Under Hardware select Input and then scroll down to Mouse and Track Ball. This search will lead to a list of mice and mouse programs that operate in various ways. Clicking one of the items gets the list of the specific products of that type.

I am looking for voice activated programs that will control the television, turning it on and off, changing channels, etc, for someone with very little movement.

It might be helpful to investigate the various environmental control units available. Click Products and scroll down to Controls. Under Environmental Controls, click Environmental Control unit.

Do you have a listing for a computer program that enables a person to speak and have the speech typed automatically? How much is it?

Yes. Click on Products, then on Computers, and then on Software. Scroll down to and click on Motor Disability Access and choose voice input program. This gets all the programs of this kind we have listed. The information for each individual product includes its price if the company provided it.

I am looking for a page turner.

Click Products and then Communication. Scroll down to Reading and select Page Turners.

A friend needs a white cane. How do I find one?

In the products section of the Web site, click on Blind and Low Vision; scroll down to Orientation and Mobility and click on Travel Canes. Click on White Canes.

I am looking for a braille printer. Where can I find one?

Click on Products and then on Blind and Low Vision. Scroll down to Computers and select Hardware; click Braille Printer.

I am seeking software that will allow me to talk through my sound card microphone and listen through my sound card speaker, while on the phone.

Some environmental control units and programs include this capability. Click Products, scroll down to Controls. Under Environmental Controls, explore the Environmental Control Units and the Environmental Control Unit Programs.

My mother has multiple sclerosis, and she needs a telephone that is a headset, instead of a hand piece and maybe has a button on the headset from the

There are a number of headsets, adapted telephones, and voice activated telephones listed in the database. To get an idea of the range of products available, click Products and then scroll down to and click on Communication. Click on Telephones and select either Special Dialing Telephones or Special Transmission Telephones. From there you can explore the various types of phones available. Under Telephone Accessories, scroll down to Reception Accessories to find Telephone Headsets.