Hands-on Exploration: Building Supply and Department Stores

By: Maria Mazzola, EC-SEAT Scholar

Experience: During my field experiences exploring Assistive Technology, I visited local stores to find devices that can help individuals with disabilities with daily tasks at home. I decided to explore Home Depot and Best Buy. Information about each device is pictured and described below.

1. The first device I explored was the Motion Activated Light Bulb (FEIT Electric Intellibulb). I found this device at Home Depot in the “lights” section. This device costs $8.99 (60 W). This device is used to light up an area in your house or anywhere that can support electricity. It lights up instantly when activated by motion (such as walking by or just waving your hand. This device can accommodate those who cannot physically turn on a light by themselves. The light turns on when it detects motion (up to 19ft away) and turns off automatically when there is no motion in the room of the light for 10 minutes. This device is great because it is hands-free and does not require any smart home hardware or apps.

2. The second device I decided to explore was the Barossa Touchless Kitchen Faucet with LED Light. I found this device at Home Depot. This device costs $199.00. This device is used in the kitchen and is a motion-activated faucet. All you have to do is wave your hand to turn the faucet on and off. This device can also accommodate those you cannot use their hands to turn on a faucet. Any type of motion over the sensor will turn the faucet on. For example, if you are washing dishes or just want a glass of water just put it under the faucet and it will turn on automatically.

3. The third device that I explored was the Sengled Smart LED Bulb. This device costs $20.00 for every two bulbs. This device can be used to turn lights on and off with a paired app (Sengled Home App) without having to physically turn them off. The app lets you turn lights on and off with just connect to Wi-Fi while using the app. You can also connect this app to voice control with Alexa products as well. This device can be found at any Best Buy store.

4. The fourth device that I explored was the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. There are many different types of kitchen aid mixers but most like this one I explored with is able to mix ingredients for you (automatic, plugin and turn on). Just add ingredients for your recipe and the kitchen aid mixer will do the hard work. Each kitchen maid mixer comes with a 4 ½-to 5-quart mixing bowl and a mixer (metal whisk). This specific mixer is $379.99 but it can be more if you buy a bigger size. This device is also available at any best buy store.

Both of these devices can help individuals with or without disabilities complete everyday tasks. The Sengled LED Bulbs can be turned off, on, dimmed with just the touch of a button on your phone or through voice command. This can be helpful for individuals who may not be able to get up and turn lights on or off. As for the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, this device can help individuals prepare and cook meals without having to use their hand and arms. This can be beneficial for individuals with arthritis or the hands or arms.

Visit ATinNH's AT4All page to find equipment available for loan, demonstration, and reuse for all ages - https://atinnh.at4all.com/.