Memorial Day Weekend in Detroit

The Riverwalk- Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

On this Memorial Day weekend, remember to take time to honor the true meaning. May we never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

There are a lot of events and activities to do this weekend in Detroit.

Click on the link below to learn more...

Fun things to do in Detroit this Memorial Day weekend.

Have a great weekend!

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.

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!

Do you know American Sign Language?

Watch this video from NPR, that educates others on American Sign Language and its differences.

Did you learn something new? Do you already know ASL and would like to add something?

Let us know by commenting below!

Ceiling Lifts 101

Arjo Huntleigh Ceiling Lift System installed by BFA, LLC.

Ceiling lifts are a godsend for caregivers and clients who want to be independent in their homes. There are ceiling lifts for every need and every budget.

Since this equipment is meant to lift a person and transfer them to another room, you want to make sure it is reliable, sturdy and is able to complete the services you need. Also, take into consideration that ceiling lifts are long term solutions, thus you should think about this as an investment.

The most important parts of ceiling lifts are the quality and the installation. BFA LLC. is a certified dealer and installer for ARJO Huntleigh premium quality lifts. We have been working with these equipments for years and they are hospital grade, so we know they are sturdy.

Ceiling lifts have different forms of installation, so there are lots of things an installer needs to consider structurally before hand.

In above images, the lift is installed next to our clients bed and has a ceiling track that goes to the bathroom. This gives our client independence to transfer from her bed to the bathroom and back.

The installation for this ceiling tract required our team to go to the attic in order to securely bolt it. After the installation is completed, our technician needs to do a series of tests with weights around the whole track.

As you can see, ceiling lifts are a great investment, but you want to make sure that the provider is knowledgeable and has expertise with this equipment.

Do you have any questions? Want to know more about the kinds of lifts we provide?

Comment below and/ or Give us a call at 734-414-9525 .