[blindkid] New Product for Visually Impaired Children

[H. Field]

Hello everyone,
I'm fwding this because it's probably a great resource for many learning experiences. I'm not endorsing it, and I'm not recommending it for it's originally intended purpose, "trying to find a safe, interactive and fun way  (blind child) could enjoy
decorating and celebrating Christmas". Unless a blind child has additional issues that make decorating a regular Christmas tree impossible I'm afraid I don't see why this resource is necessary as a substitute for the joyous experience of being part of the family decorating of the real tree (something I loved to do as a child and still enjoy now as a blind adult). In fact, this product is designed to provide a substitute, inferior "safe" activity for the blind and is part of a long line of such specially developed, totally unnecessary products for the blind; such as the specially designed toilet for the blind and shoes that vibrated when the blind wearer approached solid objects. 

However, I am always keen to applaud innovation and to look for uses that new products might have beyond the original intent of the designer. I believe that this one is a whole lot more adaptable/flexible than tmost of the others and deserves our attention. Perhaps we could give the designer some advice to improve his products or to move on to providing some new ones. 

Anyway, apart from santa many of the ornaments, such as the snowman, the wite cane and the elf, can be used in lots of other settings. For example, when learning about the seasons the snowman might be part of the winter things used/displayed etc. I haven't done more than visit the website - the poem isn't anything to write home about and enterprising parents could probably write their own more exciting poems - however, it looks like it has the potential to be a great resource. The creator also gives phone contact info so he would likely be happy to talk in detail to callers. If I find time to call myself I'll report to the list.

Warmest regards,

Heather
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Scott Gagnon 



Dear Education Professionals, NOPBC Members, NAPVI Members, Parents and Friends:

My name is Scott Gagnon.  I am the father of an 8 year old visually impaired child named Ethan and we reside in Massachusetts.

A few years ago I decided to change my primary professional focus from engineering design to developing new products that may be used and enjoyed by  visually impaired individuals.  My first product called PlushTalk Ornaments is the result of trying to find a safe, interactive and fun way Ethan could enjoy decorating and celebrating Christmas.  

PlushTalk Ornaments are plush stuffed talking ornament toys that attach to a 24" tall soft plush stuffed Christmas trimming tree.   Each themed PlushTalk Ornament has a name and states a different phrase in a unique and interesting voice when squeezed.  PlushTalk Ornaments may be played with individually like any traditional plush toy or attached to the trimming tree for decorating.  Children of all abilities will enjoy PlushTalk Ornaments.  Additionally, there is a companion poem called Santa Finds his Way which tells the story how the PlushTalk Ornaments helped save Christmas when Santa's eyesight became weak.  The PlushTalk Ornaments and the poem Santa Finds his Way may be viewed by visiting the website at www.plushtalkornaments.com .

PlushTalk Ornaments are suited for both a home and school setting.  The tree and ornaments are portable and all the ornaments easily attach to the trimming tree so that a child knows where to find and store the ornaments.   The companion poem Santa Finds His Way is fun to read around the Christmas tree or at circle time as a tradition.

PlushTalk Ornaments may be purchased as a package of Ten (10) PlushTalk Ornaments and the Trimming Tree or purchased separately so that you can build your own tree.   PlushTalk Ornaments meet all applicable U.S. Safety regulations for plush toys and is recommended for ages 3 and older.

I hope you will enjoy visiting the PlushTalk Ornaments web site at www.plushtalkornaments.com and feel free to give me a call at (978) 371-2303 or e-mail me at scott at plushtalkornaments.com with any questions or inquiries.  Please feel free to share this e-mail with any families who may enjoy PlushTalk Ornaments.

Sincerely,

Scott A. Gagnon
Gagnon Design Associates, LLC
39 Walden Terrace
Concord, MA 01742
(978)371-2303
     PlushTalk Ornaments 
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