ATMac

Power’s what assistive technology gives us, really. The power to communicate, to read, to type, to plan, to play, to control things. The power to achieve things that we couldn’t otherwise achieve.

There are some obvious Apple related gifts - an iPod Nano with talking menus, an iPhone or iPod Touch, or a new laptop. I’m thinking that if you were going to buy something that large you’ve already got your gifts lined up though. Here are some ideas for things you might not have thought of buying for an AT user:

The Gift Of Audio and Video

iTunes can be used to buy music or audiobooks or movies as a gift - there’s a specific button used to buy something as a gift. Remember that you can search iTunes to find movies with Closed Captions. If you’re not sure what your recipient would like, iTunes gift cards are also available in some countries.

Audiobooks compatible with iTunes and the iPod/iPhone range can also be purchased from Audible.com, and a subscription to Audible will keep the audio books coming all year.

If you want to buy a physical DVD or CD for an assistive technology user who would prefer to watch it on their computer, check out our instructions for Keeping a Digital Library to transfer your purchases to their computer.

The Gift Of Protection

(No, not that type of protection - you’ll definitely have to find a different website for that!)

All of this wonderful power isn’t any good if one’s assistive technology stops working. Keyboard covers such as those from zCover or KB Covers can stop crumbs, dirt, and drool or spills from getting into your keyboard, and the covers themselves can be washed in warm soapy water.

For those who use an external mouse, the Belkin Washable Mouse may be a good solution. I’m not aware of specific covers for other peripherals.

The Gift of Games

Games are always good for Christmas gifts! I know next to nothing about games, but luckily the AssistiveGaming site has plenty of reviews of Mac games which discuss their accessibility for users various disabilities, and hints and tips for making them more accessible.

The Gift Of Environmental Control

For those who have trouble using a radio, TV, or telephone separate from the computer, getting one which works through your accessible computer can be a great way to make things accessible. Three devices which I consider especially good - and use myself - are these:

PhoneValet Home Edition - answering machine and caller ID display for telephone.

Elgato EyeTV - Digital and analog TV receiver and Tivo-type software.

radio SHARK - Analog radio receiver with Tivo-type software.

The Gift of Caring

Anybody who’s reading this article is somebody who cares about assistive technology and AT users, so thank you. If you’re still looking for more ideas you could take a look at Did you know your Mac could do that?

So, what Apple gifts are you hoping to give or get this holiday season?

- Ricky Buchanan
The photo of the gift bows is adapted from a photo by nvaine on Flickr. Thank you.