Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click on the question to see the answer.

General

1. Are ABLEDATA publications available in alternative formats?
2. Can ABLEDATA help pay for my device?
3. How often is the ABLEDATA database updated?
4. How can I see information on assistive products from the ABLEDATA database?
5. Once my products are listed, can the information be updated?
6. Does ABLEDATA produce a catalog?
7. How do I get my products listed in the database?
8. Can ABLEDATA tell me what product or device is best for me to use?
9. What is the ABLEDATA database?

MyABLEDATA for Companies

1. How can an assistive technology company add or revise information on their products in ABLEDATA?

Search

1. 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.
2. 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?
3. What about powered wheelchairs?
4. I was wondering if there is a computer mouse that someone could operate with his/her mouth.
5. Are there products specifically designed for people with use of only one hand?
6. 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?
7. Are there any links to companies that have fully opening boots for wheelchair users?
8. Are there mounts available that enable a camera to be attached to a wheelchair?
9. I am looking for a computer desk that I can use from my wheelchair. Are there any resources?
10. I need an outdoor lift for the back of the house.
11. I am looking for information on Quickie wheelchairs. How do I find it?
12. I am looking for a page turner.
13. How do I find information about manual wheelchairs?
14. 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.
15. 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?
16. 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?
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. Can you direct me toward firms that convert cars for hand-controlled gas and brake?
19. A friend needs a white cane. How do I find one?
20. Where can I find a recliner chair to help me stand up?
21. I would like to find a resource for a hospital bed for home use. Do you know if such a thing exists?
22. I am trying to find information on colostomy supplies. If possible, I would like to get an e-mail address.
23. I am looking for a braille printer. Where can I find one?
24. Are you familiar with a device that can lift a manual wheelchair into the trunk of a car?
25. 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
26. How do I find products for children?
27. Are there adaptive keyboards for one-handed users?
28. I am a therapy assistant and am looking for information on feeding utensils or techniques for a 4-year-old child who is blind.
29. I am searching for a line of apparel designed for women with disabilities, especially those with difficulty raising their arms.

General

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. How often is the ABLEDATA database updated?
   
   The database is constantly being updated by the ABLEDATA Staff. New products and updated information for existing product records are added daily.
4. How can I see information on assistive products from the ABLEDATA database?
   
   The entire database is available for searching here on the ABLEDATA Site. Click on Products and follow the links to the kinds of products you are looking for. 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 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).
5. Once my products are listed, can the information be updated?
   
   Yes! If information about your product(s) changes, please let us know! We can update the description, price, contact information, distributors, etc. any time the information changes. If a product is discontinued or replaced with a new model, we can also edit the records to reflect that information.
6. Does ABLEDATA produce a catalog?
   
   Because the database is 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 products listed in the database. They can be purchased from the manufacturer or distributor listed in each product record.
7. How do I get my products listed in the database?
   
   The ABLEDATA staff creates database records from written or printed material provided by manufacturers and/or distributors of assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment. Manufacturers and distributors are encouraged to 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.
8. 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'll need to talk to your therapist, doctor, or other medical professional for that. Once you know what kind of device(s) you need, we can help you locate options.
9. What is the ABLEDATA database?
   
   ABLEDATA is a database of information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available in the United States. ABLEDATA covers everything from white canes and adaptive clothing to low vision reading systems and voice output programs. Each product record provides a detailed description of the item, complete company contact information, and distributor listings (where applicable). In addition to commercially available products, the database also lists non-commercial prototypes, customized products, and one-of-a-kind products.

MyABLEDATA for Companies

1. How can an assistive technology company add or revise information on their products in ABLEDATA?
   
   Manufacturers and Distributors have different rights in MyABLEDATA. Since we base our product listing 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.

Search

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. I am looking for a page turner.
    
    Click Products and then Communication. Scroll down to Reading and select Page Turners.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
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
    
    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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. Are there adaptive keyboards for one-handed users?
    
    Type "one hand keyboard" (without quotation marks)in the search box.
28. 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.
29. 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.

ABLEDATA, 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930, Silver Spring, MD 20910. 1-800-227-0216. Maintained for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Dept. of Education by ICF Macro under Contract No. ED-04-CO-0018/0007.
The records in ABLEDATA are provided for information purposes only. Neither the U.S. Department of Education nor ICF Macro has examined, reviewed, or tested any product, device, or information contained in ABLEDATA. The Department and ICF Macro make no endorsement, representation, or warranty express or implied as to any product, device, or information set forth in ABLEDATA. The views expressed on this site do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Department of Education, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, or ICF Macro.