Accessories

In our hi-tech world of computers, devices, recorders and ergonomically designed writing utensils, kids with JRA can now successfully keep up with their classmates.

The AlphaSmart is a good example of an accessory that kids with JRA can use effectively.

The lightweight, portable, battery powered, word-processing keyboard is similar to a laptop computer, but is strictly for word processing. It turns on instantly, runs coolly and silently for more than 700 hours on 2 AA batteries and holds 100 pages of text that can be easily uploaded to any word processing file. Some AlphaSmarts weigh less than two pounds, and all are rugged enough to withstand being dropped. Special education departments use them for students who cannot write by hand, or who have difficult-to-read penmanship.

The CalcuScribe is a keyboard and stand-alone portable word processor. Weighing 3 pounds, measuring 9 x 12 x 2 inches, it runs for 50 hours on 3 AA batteries, AC power or a NiCad battery pack. It communicates wirelessly with computers, printers and other CalcuScribes, has full editing features, including spell-checks and fast cursor movement to jump to various parts of a long document. It has a zoom feature and a mechanism that reduces glare by adjusting the viewing angle. A back-up battery lasts several years, protecting files and folders.

The QuickPad is a wireless keyboard, word processor and scheduler with PDA (personal digital assistant, including electronic organizing) features, four-line display and a 70,000-word spell checker.  About the size of a standard notebook keyboard, weighing less than 2 pounds, it runs on 2 AA batteries for up to 400 hours. Documents can also be transferred to computers.

The more hi-tech HP Mini-Note 2133 is a 2.63 lb/1.19 kg easy-to-carry, rugged laptop, encased in aluminum, with a nearly full-size keyboard. It is equipped with upgraded PC software and connects easily to the Internet and email through Wi-Fi and wireless technologies.

Digital voice recorders have for the most part replaced older cassette recorders. With a variety of features, in prices ranging from $20.00 up to several hundred dollars, the typical digital voice recorder uses a high capacity IC chip, which may be recorded over and used again and again, with distortion-free clarity. Other features may include: more than 150 hours of recording time; more than one recording mode, enabling the user to choose the quality of the recording; large LCD display, showing the number of messages recorded, recording length, date, time, and battery power remaining; single function buttons, making controlling the unit easy; digital voice operated recording; selectable microphone sensitivity; date and time stamp.

The Ezgrip® pen was created to restore writing ease and comfort to people with hand and finger problems. No gripping or squeezing is needed and minimal downward pressure from a single finger is required.

The Evo.Pen, an alternative to the stick pin, is contoured to the shape of the index finger and supported by the thumb, allowing people to write without pain. It is commended by the American Arthritis Foundation and is available at the Smithsonian Institution.

The Fjader Pen (fjader is the Swedish word for feather) is an ergonomically designed pen that weighs only 10 grams or about 1/3 ounce.

The PenAgain is an ergonomically designed pen with a comfortable “no grip” design, refillable ink cartridges, pocket clip and retractable cap.

The Pencil Grip works with the body’s natural physiology to gently place fingers of either hand in the proper position for gripping.

The Ring-Pen fits around your index finger, preventing writers’ cramp and easing pain of arthritis, as there is no more gripping with three fingers. It was voted one of the greatest new inventions of the 21st century by U.S. News and World Report.   

The Ultimate Grip Pen, also known as the UGLee Pen, is engineered to follow the anatomy of the hand. The grip, a space age polymer that magnifies friction, is “grippy” without being tacky.  Weighing less than ½ ounce, it has ink that is smooth as silk.

The Yoropen’s design prevents fingers from slipping down towards the tip, saving energy and reducing writing strain. It features a tripod grip that can be adjusted to preferred writing position.

Today’s hi-tech accessories are so affordable, portable and easy-to-operate that even kids whose hands are cramping, puffy or swollen can efficiently keep up with their classmates and turn in letter-perfect homework.