Assistability

07/12/2023

If you manage to get out of the city, don't forget to look down for bits of colour hiding amongst the green... the wild strawberries are ripe and sweet! 🍓

04/11/2023

GyroSet™ Vigo Drive Kit is the smoothest proportional head control available on the market.

We all love to be in control of the wheel, but sometimes this requires thinking outside the box. Power wheelchair users, the team at Assistability is standing by to help you achieve maximum independence. Check out this super user-friendly drive kit that works with the smallest head movements!

The wireless head control system is proportional, meaning you can use head movement even to adjust speed. The headset can also be used as a computer mouse, to operate environment controls and robotic arms, make phone calls or listen to music.

A 14-hour battery life and emergency stop function means no worries. Take control and let’s make it fun! https://www.assistability.ca/product/gyroset-vigo-drive-kit/

04/04/2023

Hey fellow Canadians,

According to Employment and Social Development Canada, the National Seniors Council has launched a consultation on how to support people who want to age at home for as long as possible.

Your opinion matters! Fill out the survey and share your thoughts from now until April 14: https://www.canada.ca/en/national-seniors-council/consultation-aging-at-home.html

04/02/2023

World Autism Day embraces and celebrates neurodiversity with its many human variations. Diverse are the ways with which individuals interact with their world, and the UN has placed emphasis on working toward a neuro-inclusive world for all.

It is estimated that between 1-2% of the world’s population has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A brain that functions with some differences from the neurotypical does not necessarily represent a disability. Those on the autistic spectrum weave their significant thread into the dynamic tapestry of human thought and interaction. Human progress benefits from neurodivergent individuals; diverse ways of learning, processing, and thinking ‘outside the box’, often allow for creativity, new concepts and leaps of understanding.

However, some on the spectrum experience challenges to their development and daily life. If you are caring for an autistic family member, you know the importance of ongoing program funding and research, and just as equally, the importance of changing popular narratives around autism towards greater acceptance and inclusion. This is a day to recognize how vital it is that we all support this community of individuals, celebrate what they bring to the collective, and spread awareness to advance our understanding of autism. 💙

03/23/2023

The team at Assistability believes everyone should enjoy the outdoors in safety and comfort.

The ultralight URSUS™ is a modern, safe and highly functional stroller designed for children with locomotor disabilities. Manufactured from high-strength aluminum with a cushioned chassis, this stroller can easily be converted into a lounger so your child can sleep.

The URSUS™ allows a wide range of adjustments such as width, seat depth, backrest height, backrest tilt angle, and a reversible seat. It is equipped with breathable upholstery to prevent sweating and pressure sores, 5-point anti-slip safety belts, reflective elements, and numerous practical accessories.

The outdoors await – enjoy it with enhanced freedom and flexibility: https://www.assistability.ca/product/ursus-special-needs-stroller/

03/20/2023

Today is the UN International Day of Happiness. But… what IS happiness?

There has been no shortage of attempted answers. Philosophers have analyzed. Psychologists have tried to measure. Gurus and politicians of all persuasions have prescribed.

It is a state of mind that fosters gratitude and contentment, as well as kindness towards others. It is an expectation of safety, and a self-belief that, in some aspects, my life is “going well.” These positive emotions and outlooks cannot be conferred; they come from within. Happiness is an inside job, and despite the challenges, happiness is what we make of it.

The killers of happiness are well known. For example, if we judge how well we are doing in relation to what others have or do, we will always feel discontent. This view of ourselves and our lives will always fall short of expectations. Jealousy and envy are a form of anger, an emotion that is a long and short-term hindrance to happiness. Goals can be healthy, but using them in comparison to other people can be destructive.

Actively seek to promote happiness each day by taking a few moments for thankfulness. Take up the challenge! Happiness is in our hands. 😊

03/08/2023

International Women’s Day arose out of early efforts to promote women’s rights and suffrage. It now represents many aspects of women’s issues, experiences and challenges the world over.

This is a day of appreciation for the women who paved the way. It is a day to celebrate the vital role of women in every aspect of society, and a reminder to us all that the fight for equality is ongoing. We have come a long way and still have far to go. While many of the hardships women face are specific to location, culture and economic situation, not one country today can claim to have achieved gender equality. Women earn 23% less than men globally, and occupy only 24% of parliament seats worldwide. 1 in 3 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Many obstacles in law and culture remain unchanged, and there is a constant threat of reversal to hard-won gains. For example, girls’ access to education is currently contested in many countries.

International Women’s Day is inclusive. All voices and contributions are recognized; we are all stronger together. 🤝

03/07/2023

The new Dahl VarioDock™ seat anchoring system makes life easier.

The latest innovation from Dahl Engineering is the only power-height adjustable wheelchair docking station that facilitates securing both vehicle passenger seats and wheelchairs with different ground clearances. This system offers more flexibility and versatility than any other, as the seat and wheelchair layout can be changed quickly with minimum effort. No tie down straps on vehicle floor to trip over!

Having met strict in-vehicle safety testing requirements for seats and seat belt anchorages, the team at Assistability is confident that wheelchair users and other seated occupants can be secured with ease.

Enjoy the trip! https://www.assistability.ca/product/dahl-variodock/

02/27/2023

Today we acknowledge and honour the important work and advocacy of citizen-based groups serving people in every society around the globe.

An estimated 10 million organizations, from local grassroots charities to global federations, operate across landscapes of social and economic development, human rights, humanitarian action, gender equality, the environment, and many other areas of public action. This includes the most vulnerable, such as refugees, immigrants, women and children, the poor and disabled, victims of conflict and persecution…. The list goes on and on. Simply put, the world would not be as it is without Non-Governmental/Non-Profit Organizations. They literally make the world go around as the engines, oil, and conscience of change.

Canadians do not take for granted the role of NGOs. For example, 84% of Canadians donate an estimated $10.6 billion each year. Whether it be a few dollars or hours of time, let’s continue to acknowledge and support them. To all those who take part in such work, thank you. We could not imagine a world in which you don’t exist.

02/20/2023

Caregivers work hard to provide the best to those in their charge, a role which includes many tasks and responsibilities. The team at Assistability offers a solution to make this process easier.

The Wisbi HOME Care-Set provides family members and caregivers with instant bed exit and incontinence alarm notifications for their smartphones, ensuring a purposeful, less stressful care.

This waterproof smart mattress pad protects the mattress and detects both moisture and when the patient leaves the bed. Its intelligent sensors are Wifi connected and send out an automatic alarm to your phone as soon as any accident or bed exit occurs! The innovative sensor pad can be unpacked, plugged in and set up in less than 30 seconds.

The Wisbi HOME Care-Set offers safety and confidence, and a better sleep for everyone. 🛌

Relax and care with purpose! https://www.assistability.ca/product/wisbi-home-care-set/

02/17/2023

FeedSpot curated a list of the “Top Disability Magazines and Publications” from around the English-speaking world, ranked according to traffic, followers and freshness. They provide an excellent resource for support, news, tools, and solutions. Highlighted are a range of topics relevant to those living with disabilities and showcased are voices from this diverse community. For example, there are selections for active wheelchair users, the latest on mobility news, topics covering health and lifestyle, ethical issues, and more.

Check out this list! https://blog.feedspot.com/disability_magazines/

02/14/2023

Caregiving is at the very heart of society. It impacts the daily lives of individuals and affects communities. The scale of caregiver contributions, not just to loved ones, but to the care economy and the very fabric of the nation, offers incredible value according to any measure that can be applied. For example, according to research from the Universities of Alberta and Manitoba, family caregivers contribute 5.7 billion hours of care work per year, with an estimated annual economic value of $97.1 billion. Most of this is unpaid, hidden, voluntary, and not fully appreciated.

As rewarding as this role may be, it takes a heavy toll on the caregiver. The relentless demands of caring for someone with an illness or disability can be physically, mentally, economically, socially, and emotionally taxing. Caregivers deserve care, too.

Here are a few general reminders quoted from the University of California San Francisco Health for handling common challenges:

✔ Take time for yourself and your own needs. Watch for signs of stress, such as impatience, loss of appetite or difficulty with sleep, concentration or memory. Pay attention to changes in mood, a loss of interest in usual activities or an inability to accomplish usual tasks.

✔ Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of water every day.

✔ Exercise by taking short walks daily or at least three times a week.

✔ Listen to guided relaxation recordings or relaxing music.

✔ Schedule short rest periods between activities. Make it a priority to get a good night's sleep.

✔ Set limits for what can be done.

✔ Don't overload the daily to-do list. Be realistic.

✔ Find a few hours several times a week for activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable.

✔ Let family members and friends help with household chores, meal preparation, childcare and shopping.

✔ Keep lines of communication open with family and friends.

✔ Share feelings with family members and other caregivers, connect with community agencies, or join a support group. Engage with peer groups to share personal experiences and feelings.

✔ Give yourself credit: The care you give does make a difference.

You can find this quoted list here: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/self-care-for-caregivers

This is a brief reminder to make space for ourselves. If we don’t look after ourselves, we can quickly burn out looking after others. Find a balance.

02/08/2023

Accessible vehicles can be made safer and more versatile with the Dahl COMFORT Seat™ and docking station. ♿

This is the only seat on the market with a built-in 3-point seat belt and designed with extra lateral support and upholstery springs in both the seat and back cushions. This gives it the same level of comfort as a passenger car seat. Adjustable armrests and slide rails are available.

This chair is easily installed using one of Dahl’s height-adjustable docking stations which can be used to secure passenger seats or wheelchairs with different ground clearances. The versatility of this anchoring system allows seat and wheelchair layout to be changed with minimal effort and time.

We import these Dahl products from the EU. Check out our website to find a list of DAHL dealers: https://www.assistability.ca/dahl-dealers/

02/06/2023

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02/02/2023

February 4 is World Cancer Day 💜

Cancers are a leading cause of death worldwide. This disease affects us all, directly or indirectly. The “Close the Care Gap” campaign recognizes inequities in cancer care around the globe. Income, education, location, and discrimination are factors that negatively affect care. Only when these barriers are recognized can we collectively affect a future with better access to health and cancer services, regardless of where we are born, grow, age, work, or live.

2023 is about uniting our voices and taking action. Together we can affect positive changes. Check out what events are happening in your community to discover ways we can participate.

To learn more, visit: https://www.worldcancerday.org/about/2022-2024-world-cancer-day-campaign

01/30/2023

This BodyMap® K Stabilizing Mattress is designed to accommodate a range of children and adult sizes, from 3 ft to 6.5 ft in length. It is fully waterproof, and can even be used to customize bath chairs.

The BodyMap® System consists of a series of cushions, headrests, backrests and pads designed for adults and children. These aids provide 24-hour positioning and stabilization support for trunk, hips, head, upper and lower limbs, whether sitting or laying down.

BodyMap® uses a vacuum shape-capture system that creates a custom fit that is unique contour of each client, offering postural support and assisting in pressure management and muscle stiffness. BodyMap® cushions can grow with you, as the vacuum method allows the shape to be remodeled as needed.

We provide fitted covers and other accessories to further customize your comfort.

Check out this line! https://www.assistability.ca/bodymap/

01/25/2023

Zachary Weeks is an experienced disability advocate living with cerebral palsy. With over a decade (and numerous awards) under his belt, he has some fantastic advice on how to be a better advocate/ally in 2023.

Check out his blog post here: https://www.zacharyweeks.ca/blog/how-to-be-a-better-advocateally-in-2023

Learn the basics of being an effective ally and advocate for people with disabilities. Check out these tips for making a real difference! Hi, my name is Zachary Weeks, and I'm a disability advocate with cerebral palsy. I believe that all people with disabilities deserve equal treatment and opportun

01/24/2023

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ALLY?

An estimated 1 billion individuals world-wide live with one or more disabling conditions. Nearly 50% of individuals aged 60+ will experience some form of disability. Any group living with disabilities faces issues of accessibility, inclusivity and prejudice. Their concerns affect us all.

Being an ally is more than having knowledge of a community or some of the challenges they face. To be an ally is to be associated with a person or group as a helper. It involves action defined by a willingness to form a bond by entering into an alliance that furthers common interests.

What can we do?

1. Listen up. Learn about the identities, and the experiences and struggles specific to a group. Ask questions. Let the experiences of others challenge our discomforts and prejudices.

2. Show up. Become part of a supporting group where we can practice becoming an ally.

3. Speak up. Take a small step towards interpersonal, institutional and societal change. Remember that the word “ally” is not just a noun, but an action.

We are all in this life together!