Assistive Devices - WATAP Collection
Aids for Better Living: Tools to help with vision, hearing, mobility, and communication.
“Borrowing Assistive Technology gives you the opportunity to try products in the environment where it will be used and to make the best choice before making a financial investment.”
Assistive Devices FAQs
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The purpose of this small collection of assistive devices is to provide you the opportunity to try out a device you may be considering for yourself or another and to encourage thinking about how assistive devices may promote greater independence.
Assistive Technology includes any device that is used to maintain or improve functional abilities of an individual with a disability. A device can be high or low tech, off the shelf or specially designed.
Try these products at your home, school or work for up to three weeks. They may not be renewed, since the purpose of the service is to let you try them out to see if the device suits your needs.
WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services and is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies
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The device must be picked up in the library of your choice. We are unable to deliver devices via mail out service at this time.
Items must be returned inside any TRL library - do not return in bookdrop.
WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services and is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies
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Checkout is for three weeks only – no renewals.
The purpose of the service is to let you try them out to see if the device suits your needs.
WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services and is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies
Dressing
- Useful for people with limited range of motion, arthritis, or replaced hips.
- Ideal for anyone who has limited reach.
Sock Aid - WATAP
For any size foot, wide top and side extensions hold the sock open and in place until the sock is completely over the foot and up the calf.
Dressing Stick - WATAP
The long handle decreases the need for bending and it can be used for putting on all types of clothing.
Extended Shoe Horn - WATAP
This shoe horn allows a person to put on or remove shoes without bending over.
Kitchen
- Ergonomic devices to alleviate physical strain and minimize hand movements due to tremors while eating.
- Talking timer is designed for people with low vision.
- Devices for people with arthritis or limited hand dexterity to help with opening jars or holding cups.
Weighted Utensil - WATAP
These utensils have built-up weighted handles designed to minimize hand movements caused by tremors.
Utensil Holder - WATAP
Silverware, toothbrush, comb, or small brush are held securely in a pocket on a solid base, while a Velcro strap fastens around the hand.
Talking Timer - WATAP
Announces the time remaining during countdown and continues to count out loud after the timer has gone off.
Weighted Utensil - WATAP
These utensils have built-up weighted handles designed to minimize hand movements caused by tremors.
Utensil Holder - WATAP
Silverware, toothbrush, comb, or small brush are held securely in a pocket on a solid base, while a Velcro strap fastens around the hand.
Talking Timer - WATAP
Announces the time remaining during countdown and continues to count out loud after the timer has gone off.
Household
- Devices designed to promote comfort and support, making everyday activies more enjoyable.
- Voice-controlled devices for individuals who have vision loss or require hands free access to technology or environmental controls.
- Polarized glasses useful for individuals who are light sensitive due to migraines or traumatic brain injury.
Intelavoice Dimmer - WATAP
This standalone unit effortlessly controls a wide range of lights. Simply say 'On' or 'Off' to command various lights in your home.
HandyBar Vehicle Support Handle - WATAP
Insert the HandyBar into the U ring on a vehicle door for a secure handle, aiding safe entry and exit.
Swivel Seat - WATAP
This cushion allows an individual to turn up to 360 degrees enabling them to get on or off a seat, chair, or car easily and comfortably.
Amazon Echo Dot - WATAP
Compact smart speaker with Alexa voice assistant for hands-free tasks, music, news, and smart home control.
Intelavoice Dimmer - WATAP
This standalone unit effortlessly controls a wide range of lights. Simply say 'On' or 'Off' to command various lights in your home.
HandyBar Vehicle Support Handle - WATAP
Insert the HandyBar into the U ring on a vehicle door for a secure handle, aiding safe entry and exit.
Swivel Seat - WATAP
This cushion allows an individual to turn up to 360 degrees enabling them to get on or off a seat, chair, or car easily and comfortably.
Amazon Echo Dot - WATAP
Compact smart speaker with Alexa voice assistant for hands-free tasks, music, news, and smart home control.
Reading and Writing
- Helpful for people who need hands-free magnification.
- Useful for individuals with limited hand control or who experience hand tremors when writing.
- Useful for individuals with low vision.
Magnifier with Cord - WATAP
Magnifying glass provides hands-free assistance for reading, writing, crafts, etc. for people with diminished vision.
Illuminated Pocket Magnifier - WATAP
Compact 3X magnifier that shines light on the area magnified. Quickly and easily read information at the grocery store, bank, etc.
Tilt Stand Magnifier - WATAP
This 3x magnifier provides hands-free viewing for people with low vision. Tilts back and forth for distortion free magnification
Book/Magazine Stand - WATAP
Holds almost any size reading material open and at the correct angle for reading.
Magnifier with Cord - WATAP
Magnifying glass provides hands-free assistance for reading, writing, crafts, etc. for people with diminished vision.
Illuminated Pocket Magnifier - WATAP
Compact 3X magnifier that shines light on the area magnified. Quickly and easily read information at the grocery store, bank, etc.
Tilt Stand Magnifier - WATAP
This 3x magnifier provides hands-free viewing for people with low vision. Tilts back and forth for distortion free magnification
Book/Magazine Stand - WATAP
Holds almost any size reading material open and at the correct angle for reading.
Leisure
- Enjoy card games with devices designed for people with limited grip strength, decreased pinch grasp, or stiff fingers and hands.
- Enjoy gaming with alternative input devices for people who have difficulty operating a standard game controller.
Jumbo Playing Cards - WATAP
Card faces are imprinted with enlarged, easy to see suits, numbers and letters. Standard size deck with 52 plastic coated cards.
Playing Card Holder - WATAP
The foam holder allows a full spread view of the cards while holding them steady. It is easy to remove and add cards to the holder.
Clamp-It Holder - WATAP
Versatile clamp to securely hold items. Works for knitting needles, crochet hook, toothbrush, magnifier, etc. Mounts with 4 suction cups.
X-box Adaptive Controller - WATAP
Controller for limited mobility gamers. Large programmable buttons, connects to switches, mounts, and joysticks for improved accessibility.
Jumbo Playing Cards - WATAP
Card faces are imprinted with enlarged, easy to see suits, numbers and letters. Standard size deck with 52 plastic coated cards.
Playing Card Holder - WATAP
The foam holder allows a full spread view of the cards while holding them steady. It is easy to remove and add cards to the holder.
Clamp-It Holder - WATAP
Versatile clamp to securely hold items. Works for knitting needles, crochet hook, toothbrush, magnifier, etc. Mounts with 4 suction cups.
X-box Adaptive Controller - WATAP
Controller for limited mobility gamers. Large programmable buttons, connects to switches, mounts, and joysticks for improved accessibility.
Communication
- Devices that allows people who have difficulty speaking, communicate basic messages.
- Devices to increase telephone volume or nearby sounds for people with hearing impairments.
Go Talk Pocket - WATAP
Portable six cell communication device: allows caregivers, friends, or family to record up to 30 different messages (12s-1min).
Pocket Talker Pro - WATAP
Amplifies nearby sounds by directing the microphone toward the source. Useful for communication or listening to TV, radio, and more.
Ameriphone Amplified Photo Phone - WATAP
Phone with big print, high contrast buttons. 9 programmable photo-dial memory buttons for easy calling, aiding memory-challenged users.
In-Line Telephone Amplifier - WATAP
Increases incoming telephone volume from corded phones more than 3 times above normal (approx. 2dB to +19dB) with variable volume control.
Go Talk Pocket - WATAP
Portable six cell communication device: allows caregivers, friends, or family to record up to 30 different messages (12s-1min).
Pocket Talker Pro - WATAP
Amplifies nearby sounds by directing the microphone toward the source. Useful for communication or listening to TV, radio, and more.
Ameriphone Amplified Photo Phone - WATAP
Phone with big print, high contrast buttons. 9 programmable photo-dial memory buttons for easy calling, aiding memory-challenged users.
In-Line Telephone Amplifier - WATAP
Increases incoming telephone volume from corded phones more than 3 times above normal (approx. 2dB to +19dB) with variable volume control.
Computer Access
- Useful for people with low vision and those who need larger key targets due to having large fingers or limited coordination.
- Useful for people who have difficulty gripping and moving a typical mouse.
- Helpful for people with limited hand function and wrist mobility.
Kensington Expert Trackball - WATAP
Trackball with programmable buttons that provides an easy-to-use alternative to a standard mouse.
Smart Cat TouchPad - WATAP
Easy-to-use pointing device; typically used as an alternative mouse. Fingertip can be used to control mouse movements and clicks.
Big Keys Keyboard - WATAP
Large print keys with a standard keyboard layout. Useful for people with low vision and those who need larger key targets.
Compact Keyboard - WATAP
Similar in size and feel to a laptop keyboard. Keys have low profile and less space in between, reducing finger movements for keyboarding.
Kensington Expert Trackball - WATAP
Trackball with programmable buttons that provides an easy-to-use alternative to a standard mouse.
Smart Cat TouchPad - WATAP
Easy-to-use pointing device; typically used as an alternative mouse. Fingertip can be used to control mouse movements and clicks.
Big Keys Keyboard - WATAP
Large print keys with a standard keyboard layout. Useful for people with low vision and those who need larger key targets.
Compact Keyboard - WATAP
Similar in size and feel to a laptop keyboard. Keys have low profile and less space in between, reducing finger movements for keyboarding.
After you’ve tried it out:
- WATAP, opens a new window partners with the Northwest Access Fund, opens a new window to offer affordable alternatives for financing Assistive Technology (AT) for education, work, and independent living.
- Find organizations that distribute gently used assistive and medical equipment through the Evergreen Reuse Coalition, opens a new window.
WATAP is a federally funded program offering low cost and free Assistive Technology Services. WATAP is part of University of Washington Center for Technology & Disability Studies, opens a new window
