How I’ve Used Smart Devices for Accessibility

I recently wrote on our sister site, migraine.com about assistive devices that have helped me with my conditions. In the article, I write about 13 particular items that I have enjoyed using and personally recommend. Or that I have seen others using. I am not endorsing any of the companies in this article. It is purely my suggestions on what I have found helpful, accessible, affordable, and quickly shipped if using Amazon Prime.

Accessibility

For my budget, I decided to go with smaller room to room technologies. My apartment is laid out a bit different than most. I have an Amazon device upstairs/near my bathroom. This allows me to leave the living room in the middle of a show, and Alexa or Google Home, Apple Home, etc. can help connect all around the home. I don't have to miss a beat on the local news, weather reports, and occasionally some trashy housewives reality show. I also have one downstairs. If I decide to move my work upstairs or downstairs (since I work from home), I can be surrounded by the same music, youtube or pandora channel.

Smart TV

The brand you use is up to you, but strangely enough, my TV has made my life exponentially easier. And it’s very accessible. The accessibility of closed captioning on all tv shows and being able to control all brightness and audio settings really helps when I’m not feeling well. Especially if I need a dim room and just some music playing from my Alexa upstairs.

Bathroom Apps

As a person living with IBD and a very active GI tract, before I leave the house, I make sure I’m prepared for what is about to go down. I have several apps I use to spot local available and free restrooms for public use (yes, no purchase required!). What are your favorite go-to apps? A funny one for personal use is “Places I’ve Pooped” - just in case you take a lot of pride where you go.

Gripped socks and safe carpet/stairs

Anyone that knows me, knows I fall a lot. I’ve taken many spills in my loft apartment and some have ended in injury. It’s the first apartment I’ve ever had stairs in and when I am fatigued and have very little energy or find myself running to the bathroom upstairs, things can get tricky. I’ll admit that I’ve had accidents trying to make it up the stairs and its never something you get used to. Just something you know you have to take care of.

Bluetooth waterproof bathroom speaker

I’m in the bathroom enough to know how boring things can be before you find yourself reading shampoo bottles and envisioning how you can redecorate the whole thing. I keep my Bluetooth speaker in the bathroom on so that if I’m not listening to Alexa throughout the house, I’m listening to something in a bathroom with a loud, annoying, and noisy fan.

What “Smart” devices have you found especially helpful when you are sick or that are convenient for you?

Disclaimer: I am not being paid to shop or mention any of the following items at the websites mentioned.