Disability Awareness...

#Tbt to the Ann Arbor CIL 2013 Iride!

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This was a 5 day ride where the team rode their bikes from Holland, MI to Ann Arbor, MI. EveryBODY rode their bikes, whether it was a hand cycle or standard road bike. We showed all those around us that no matter our ability, we are all the same, we are all one.

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Here's to lifetime friends and disABILITY awareness!

#disAbility #awareness #bikeriding #BFALLC #adaforallcom

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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.

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!

Sensory Kits at Restaurants

If you have a loved one or friend, with a sensory processing disorder, you know that it may be stressful going to restaurants. Anova, the nonprofit for children with sensory and learning differences, is now providing restaurants with sensory-freindly kits specifically designed to avoid meltdowns.

This all started when Jackie Hadley, Anova’s manager of charitable development and community relations, mentioned that she had many parents and family say that they just do not go out to restaurants due to the challenges related with sensory processing disorders.

What a great idea!
Unfortunately, the Anova kits are only in 11 restaurants in California...But, The Mighty has also provided a link to make one yourself. Click here to make your own sensory kit.

Let us know if you made a kit, or already have a versions of a kit.

Yoga & MS

After hearing from friends and clients with MS, talk about Yoga benefiting them, I decided I wanted to learn more.

Right on the National Multiple Sclerosis Website, in the exercise category, there is a very informative piece that explains the benefits of Yoga, especially for those with MS. The overview starts with this:
                         "The word ‘yoga’ means to yoke or join together—uniting the mind, body and spirit. Joining physical poses with the breath, action with thought, and awareness with intention can bring peace to body, mind and spirit. The simple practice of breathing, something all of us do every day without thought, becomes a powerful tool when you can become aware of how your breathing affects every part of your body. As you learn how to focus awareness on your breathing, you can observe how your mind can feel calmer and your body more relaxed."

The article continues to explain that anyone can practice yoga. There is adaptive yoga, poses you can do in a chair or wheelchair. Meditation and its benefits are also mentioned. 

You can read the article here, to learn more about the benefits of Yoga and for resources to find a qualified instructor.

" If you have ever wondered whether yoga is something you can do, it is.
    If you have ever wondered whether yoga is too difficult, it's not."

Have you or a friend taken a Yoga MS class?
What did you think?
 

Glamping?!

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

Have you heard of Glamping, or glamorous camping?

Glamping is a "comfort-focused way" to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to this trend, people with disabilities can now enjoy the great outdoors easier than ever. Lynn Anderson, a professor in the recreation, parks and leisure studies department at the State University of New York at Cortland mentions in the Momentum article that “You’re able to spend time in the outdoors overnight but have some of the amenities that you’re used to in everyday life to facilitate that experience.”

Karen Francisco, a customer service specialist who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS says, “I go for lots of walks. The quiet is very peaceful, and the fresh air is energizing. It gives me the opportunity to think about life and decompress.” Wouldn't you agree that wilderness therapy is a great way to de-stress?

Check out the article here to read more stories of fellow glampers with MS telling their experiences with glamping. The article also provides information on planning your next trip and places to stay that are accessible.

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

“I tell people to think about the experience they’d like to have, rather than potential limitations. Maybe it’s getting into the mountains, or maybe it’s waking up to the sound of crashing surf? With glamping, there are ways to make it possible.”

I am inspired to plan my next trip. Are you?