Caring for Tor- An intimate look at the life of a young caregiver

Stephane Alexis, 24, has put his own goals and aspirations on hold to help his parents care for his younger brother Torence, who has cerebral palsy. Young caregivers are an often-overlooked population - too tired from the day-to-day to advocate for more resources and support.

As a family with a loved one with disabilities, we like to bring awareness to the disability community and their caregivers.

This short, 8 minute documentary is raw, unfiltered reality of the life of Tor and his caregivers.

Recently, young caregivers are being recognized for their roles as caregivers in their families.

Let us know what you think below.

 Are you a young caregiver? Tell us what your experience is.

Accessibility & Technology: Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controllers

Technology is working alongside Accessibility more than ever.

Microsoft is coming out with adaptive Xbox controllers and we are all excited!

Watch the video bellow to see all the attachments you can use...

Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a unified hub for devices that help make gaming more accessible. Connect external devices such as switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks to create a custom controller experience that is uniquely yours.

Click here to go to Microsoft Xbox website.

According to Microsoft Story Labs page, 

" The new Xbox Adaptive Controller, which will be available later this year, can be connected to external buttons, switches, joysticks and mounts, giving gamers with a wide range of physical disabilities the ability to customize their setups. The most flexible adaptive controller made by a major gaming company, the device can be used to play Xbox One and Windows 10 PC games and supports Xbox Wireless Controller features such as button remapping. "

There is a group of gamers who have tested these controllers. One of the gamers, Dan Bertholomey, is excited for the endless possibilities the controllers have. He now plans on competing again in eSports! 

Another gamer, Solomon Romney said,

"I can customize how I interface with the Xbox Adaptive Controller to whatever I want. If I want to play a game entirely with my feet, I can. I can make the controls fit my body, my desires, and I can change them anytime I want. You plug in whatever you want and go. It takes virtually no time to set it up and use it. It could not be simpler. I get to redesign my controller every day and get to choose how I want to play, Romney said. For me, that's the greatest thing ever." 

There is so much more to read and learn about the Xbox adaptive controllers.

I am very excited but really I am happy this FINALLY exists. Inclusivity matters. Sofia was thinking the same thing as me, It's about time!

Would you use these controllers? Have you made your own adaptive controller?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Bathroom Renovation Tips that Make Cleaning a Breeze

What if I told you that one day, you may enjoy cleaning your bathroom?

Would you call me crazy?

In this article from Houzz, Becky Harris talks about her recently renovated bathroom and how much easier it is to clean it.

If you think about it, these renovations can make a big difference.

• Having a hand held shower makes it easy to rinse the shower area.
• Wall mounted toilet and sinks are the best! They take up little space and give you an open layout. This makes it so much easier to clean the floor, since there is less stuff in the way.

• Also, take into consideration the premium quality materials we use in bathroom remodels. BFA LLC, always double waterproofs bathrooms and use mold and mildew resistant grout. We also look for tile that is low maintenance and  non slip. 

When your bathroom is properly renovated with modern materials and technology, you will want to be in there more and it will be a lot easier to keep clean.

Learn more about BFA LLC. and the services we provide, give us a call at 734-414-9525 or send us an email.

What does your dream bathroom look like?

Comment below!

Virtual Reality and Accessiblity

Have you heard of Virtual Reality?

The most common access to Virtual Reality is the Samsung Galaxy Gear. This kit consists of a headset that you put your Samsung phone in (shown in video below) and then put that head piece on. This form of technology has the ability to take you anywhere in or out of this world, using the Samsung phone screen. 

My first experience with Virtual Reality, or VR, was this Samsung. It is almost like putting on  goggles that give you a 360 degree view of any image or video the phone is displaying. 

When I put on the VR Gear, I saw a video of a National Forrest. It was incredible, I felt like I was really there. I was amazed that I could go anywhere I wanted with this VR, which meant that anyone else can too. Even someone in a wheelchair or someone who is bed bound. It was like a light bulb turned on in my brain. And I was not alone!

Watch the video below from USA Today, where Tim learns about VR and tries it out!

My favorite quote from Tim was, 

" Everywhere is Accessible! "

That's the beauty of this technology. It is accessible and makes everything accessible! 

I hope that the VR experience shows Tim that he can do all the things he dreams of doing. To learn more about Tim and how you can help, go to his GoFundme page.

What do you think about Virtual Reality? Do you have experience with it?

Let us know in a comment below!

Transformation Tuesday

Spring is officially here, which means we can finally spend time outside!

Is your front entrance accessible? Is it ready for the spring?

The BFA, LLC. team just finished this front deck and ramp in Dearborn Heights, MI.

Now our client will be able to soak up the sun, on the porch, while in her wheelchair. Remember, accessible modifications are all about Quality of Life! I think it is safe to say that our client will be living a better quality of life with her new deck and ramp.

Call us today at 734-414-9525 to learn more about accessible entrances.

Motivation Monday

This is Dan Holt. He has his law degree and is taking his exam to be able to practice as a lawyer. If you know about Cerebral Palsy, you know that it can't stop you from reaching your goals.

Click here to see the BBC article.

Our motivation is being advocates for people with disabilities. Everyone has the right to an accessible home and to live as independently as possible.

What is your motivation? Comment below.