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!

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.

Why use HARMAR Pinnacle Stair Lifts?

The BFA,LLC. is a certified dealer for HARMAR lifts. The most popular are the Pinnacle stair lifts.

HARMAR Pinnacle Stair lift installed by BFA,LLC. Click image to learn more about this lift.

Why use HARMAR Premium  Stair lifts?

• Commercial grade

• No maintenance required
• Hassle-free unit
  • We do not have to repair these lifts due to their premium quality part and electronics.
• Made in the USA
  • This means that parts and customer service are accessible and fast.
• An investment that will last a lifetime.

... But, why not use the cheaper brands on the market?

• Parts are made in other countries, which makes it more difficult to get parts and assistance.
• Bad quality
  • The materials and electronics are low quality. This causes a lot of malfunctions and problems with the lift.
• Repairs are needed after 1 year of installation.
• Overall, this is more of a nightmare than an investment.

Lastly, HARMAR has three different Pinnacle Stair lift units, for three different budgets. All are premium quality and professional installed by a certified technician.

Click here to go to learn more about the HARMAR Pinnacle Stair lifts.

When it comes to accessible home modifications, especially assistive equipment, they have to be reliable. The main reason someone needs these services, is for peace of mind. The way you can have the peace of mind is when the products and the job, are premium quality and proper installation.

BFA LLC. has been working with assistive equipment, like stair lifts, since 2002. We have worked with the cheaper brands and they really are not worth it. 

As always, we want to know what you think. Feel free to comment, email us or call the BFA LLC. office to learn more about accessibility solutions.

Call us at 734-414-9525 today!

Wheelchairs on Airplanes

Do you or a loved one use a wheelchair for mobility? How often do you travel? What forms of travel do you prefer?

More often than not, people who travel with wheelchairs do not choose airplanes as transportation because of the inconvenience.

When you fly:

• You cannot use your own wheelchair
• Airplane seats do not provide the support you need
• Wheelchairs are broken when checked in with the luggage
• Wheelchairs even get lost

What a lot of able bodied people do not see is that wheelchairs are not accessories, they are an extension of the person. When you are transferred to another chair or worse, if you are held up in the airport because your wheelchair is lost, there are serioussituations that risk peoples lives.

Leave it to Michele Erwin, a mom of a child with disabilities, to fight for wheelchairs on airplanes. The unfortunate part is that her son cannot travel with her because it is too risky for him to fly without his chair.

Click below to watch the BBC video and learn about this incredible mom's plans for making airplane rides more comfortable for people who use wheelchairs.

Click on image to watch the video.

What is your experience with Airplane Travel? What do you think about this plan?

Comment below to start a discussion.

Aging in Place vs. Amenities of Assisted Livings. Can you have the best of both worlds?

Are you like most Americans who want to age in place? ... But are the assisted livings amenities intriguing and give you peace of mind? 

Guess what? You truly can have both worlds. The BFA LLC. team knows that there are circumstances where one cannot stay at home, but there are many scenarios where one can.

Check out this PBS video on a place called Beacon Hill Village, in Boston. This is a  Non-profit membership organizations that provides low cost services to seniors who want to age in place. 

One of the common concerns about living alone at home is transportation to the grocery store, being active in the community, socializing with others. The village provides all of that and more.

Watch the video below to learn more.

What do you think? Would you like to be a part of a non-profit like this?