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.

Harmar Stair Lifts- Made in USA

Any home can be accessible. Harmar Pinnacle Stair lifts are made in the USA, guaranteeing high quality! Call us today to learn more about stair lifts at (734)414-9525 and check out the Stair lift section of our website here.

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!

From bathtub to Roll-in shower

The BFA,LLC. team is currently working on a Roll in shower for a client. Take a look at the progress our team has made already.

After demolition, the crew has a blank slate, where they work their construction magic!

What do you think about this shower?

Want your bathroom to look like this? 

Call us today to learn more about Roll-in Showers at 734-414-9525 or feel free to contact us via email.

Wellness Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Friends!

In honor of Wellness Wednesday, lets talk about exercise!

There are many kinds of exercises you can do, no matter your age or ability.

What Tyrell told The mighty in his interview is right, “Being disabled, we always have to adapt.” He says "started small" at home, using water battles as weights and from there progressed. Even if you cannot move a certain muscle, ask for help.

Watch the video below that Tyrell Eddy and Lisa Rivera from The Axis Project in New York City, made on 7 simple exercises you can do in a wheelchair.

Click here for the full article and read Tyrell and Lisa's descriptions.

I will leave you all with this quote from Tyrell, 

“Even if you have no mobility, but can move your head, keep moving your head. Keep moving something, The more you do it, the better it gets, the stronger you get.”

What is your favorite exercise? Which exercise looks interesting to you? 

Leave a 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!