Michael Janger is a business consultant who advises companies in the technology and accessibility markets. Profoundly deaf since birth, Michael imparts his personal experiences and business training to product and service providers interested in filling market gaps for the special needs community.  He has a passionate interest in technologies that enable people with disabilities to strive for equal access in their workspace and lifespace.

“There are many companies whose products provide a benefit to people with disabilities,” says Janger.   “As a deaf person, I have benefited from these products, some of which have made a major difference in my life.  I can relate to other people with disabilities when they describe some of the technologies that improve their quality of life and enable them to be functionally equivalent to their non-disabled peers.  Like them, I am always seeking out new technologies that have the potential to further improve my quality of life and help me communicate better with hearing people.  I derive much satisfaction out of working with companies that develop and market assistive technologies — knowing that I can help them improve their competitive position and ultimately, improve consumer choice for people with disabilities.”

We asked Michael about the Internet and social media and how these growing forms of interaction and network building have influenced his life. “The Internet made possible the existence of video relay services — which has made the most significant impact in my quality-of-life, by enabling me to carry on normal conversations with anyone around the world over the telephone.  I have always liked to socialize and keep in touch with people, professionally and personally. Not being able to use the telephone independently has always been a source of frustration for me.”

“I don’t know if social media itself has made an impact on my life in the context of my deafness. However, that said, it has certainly reconnected me with childhood friends that I have not heard from in 30 years; it has also helped me stay in closer contact with my current friends and associates.”

“Since my disability tends to have its greatest impact on communication, my deaf friends and I have always been very industrious in utilizing technologies and devices that improve communication, not only with hearing people, but also between deaf and hard-of-hearing people.  Before Facebook came along, we always kept in touch via pagers and text messaging.  Facebook is just another layer of communication above all the other devices that we have been using to communicate.  We already had a social network before Facebook.”

When we asked Michael about staying focused and motivated on professional goals, particularly when the economy is rough and opportunities are scarce, he advises others with disabilities not to lose sight of the goal that they have set for themselves.  ”It may sound simple and cliched, but in my experience it always helps.  When you feel discouraged or frustrated, it can be easy to forget about the goals you have worked hard for, and focus on what you cannot do.  That can be debilitating.  Only when you regain focus on the goals you work passionately for, then you can visualize solutions to help navigate the barriers that keep you from achieving those objectives.  When you shift from thinking about what you cannot do, to thinking about what you CAN do to deal with an obstacle, that makes a real difference in how you can achieve success.”

[By Michael Janger] On Saturday, May 15, the State University of New York in Orange County (SUNY Orange) hosted its first annual Hudson Valley Assistive Technology Expo. Over 60 exhibits and vendors advertised their services and products. Headlining the expo was a keynote speech by Dr. Nancy Sulla of IDECORP (an expert on Universal Design for Learning), special screenings of the movie “Shooting Beauty,” and our very own Suzanne Robitaille, who signed copies of her book, “The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology.”

A walk through SUNY Orange’s exhibit hall yielded some very fascinating products:

1. The WYNN Literacy Software Solution, developed by Freedom Scientific, is designed for students who are learning-disabled, dyslexic, or who otherwise are struggling with reading educational materials. It also serves as a tool for those with vision problems who need easier reading.

WYNN scans pages from books and, using optical recognition software, reads aloud the text, enabling students to “read” the material at their own pace. It also browses the web for content and performs a number of Web-specific features, including highlighting text, extracting text from the Web, and utilizing its patented WebMasking feature to mask the text.

2. The I-Drive, a patent-pending device manufactured by the WhisperGLIDE Swing Company, does not require motors or batteries. Mounted on either side of a wheelchair, it enables wheelchair users to steer and control their movements without the strain of using both arms to move the wheels.

3. This expo was not all about technological products or services. Like anyone else, a person with a disability needs a fashion statement, and usually the clothing that assists with their condition do not always make good basic fashion. Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel sells colorful socks for prosthetic legs, fashionable clothing bibs, and other clothing apparel for people with disabilities that looks a good deal better than the ugly hospital-grade clothing commonly sold by wholesalers and clothing manufacturers.

4. Having seen people with extremely limited use of their hands and speech communicate with others using eye-tracking communication devices, I was curious about what it is like to do it myself.  I tried out Prentke Romich Company’s ECO2 with EcoPoint, an eye-tracking communication device for users with limited speech and motor capabilities.  After a bit of practice, it was easier than I expected.  With some adjustments in the way I used my eyes to control the way I pointed at the computer screen, I was able to communicate more easily by saying “Hello, my name is Michael,” both by spelling out letters, and using words.

Truly amazing technology.

By Michael Janger

New Special Needs Products and Programs

By Jessi Tremayne

Cool Clothes for Toes

For children and teenagers with special needs, attire that is both adaptive and fashionable can be hard to find. Susan Kleiman, president of Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel (RDAA), made this discovery when shopping for her 16-yearold son with special needs. After a hopeless search, Kleiman vowed to fill this void and provide those like her son with trendy options. She came up with the idea for “Cool Clothes for Toes,” which are socks specially created to fit under anklefoot orthoses (AFOs). High socks must be worn under such devices to prevent chafing and keep skin dry. After much consultation with experienced orthotists and physical therapists, Kleiman developed a product that is stylish and sensible. The socks are comfortable, breathable, easy to clean, and come in an array of fun colors and patterns, including tie-dye, butterflies, and argyle. The offered styles are wonderful departure from the pre-existing lack of variety, and allow for an exhibition of creativity and selfexpression. “Cool Clothes for Toes” are priced between $12.95 and $14.95, depending on the design, and are comprised of 80 percent cotton and 20 percent nylon for a snug fit. Sizes are available from medium to large for both genders, and the socks can be purchased on www.rdadaptiveapparel.com.

Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel Announces
Company Debut and “Cool Clothes for Toes”

Fashion Maker for Special Needs Launches First Line of
Trendy Socks for Kids who Wear Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

WESTCHESTER, NY (November 16, 2009) – Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel (RDAA), a new designer of fashionable solutions for special needs, announced today its marketplace debut and the launch of “Cool Clothes for Toes,” the first creatively styled sock line for children and teens who wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).

“We are excited to be formally announcing our company right before the World Congress on Disabilities,” said Susan Kleiman, president, Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel. “Based on our initial introduction and the response we are seeing from the marketplace, we are optimistic about the future of our business and the rollout of our first product line, – “Cool Clothes for Toes,” Kleiman said.

RDAA Seeks to Fill Niche where Other Manufacturers Fall Short

In the US, there are more than 20 million children and teens with special needs who want the same fashion choices as their peers. Yet there are little to no true fashion alternatives that accommodate those with physical challenges when it comes to getting dressed.

“Socks are critical to the successful use of recommended shoes and orthoses for kids requiring such,” said Joyce Checksfield, physical therapist, MA, The Center for Discovery. “Not only do the RDAA socks effectively wick away moisture and resist wrinkling, their uniquely youthful styles are a true departure from the bland black and white options that are typically available. Cool Clothes for Toes provides physically challenged kids and teens with a fashionable accessory that encourages some fun, creative self-expression, added Checksfield.”

RDAA has spent several years researching the special needs community. Based on this research, including input from orthotists and physical therapists, as well as direct input from physically challenged children and their parents, the company will launch its first line of kids’ socks for ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). The forerunner in a soon-to-be-expanded diverse product line of adaptive apparel, the new “Cool Clothes for Toes” sock line is being introduced today.

Cool Clothes for Toes — Tickles
The “Cool Clothes for Toes” sock line is everything a kid ever wanted from an adaptive sock and more. According to Kleiman, this product holds a special place for her, because it was her teenage son, Ross that gave rise to the inspiration. “Ross is a 16 year old with special needs, and in my struggle to find him a sock that was comfortable, breathable and fashionable for a teenager, “Cool Clothes…” took hold, and I decided to form a company to help give people with physical challenges fashion and dignity.

“Cool Clothes for Toes” are made from 80% cotton and 20% nylon. They are seamless, machine washable, and breathable to reduce perspiration. Reasonably priced between $12.95 and $14.95, the socks range in size from medium stretch to large stretch for boys and girls. “Cool Clothes for Toes” are currently available on the RDAA website at www.rdadaptiveapparel.com. Visit the PossAbilitiesBlog.com and catch us on Facebook (Ross Daniel) and Twitter @RDAAinc.

# # #

Special-Needs Business Profile: Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel

By Terri Mauro, About.com Guide

Proprietor:

Parenting Connection:

Product Development:

Time Investment:

Success Story:

Professional Advice:

Parent to Parent:

Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel Announces Cool Clothes for Toes
Posted by Editor
Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Bedford, NY – Bedford, NY company Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel (RDAA), a new designer of fashionable solutions for special needs, announced its marketplace debut and the launch of “Cool Clothes for Toes,” the first creatively styled sock line for children and teens who wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).

“We are excited to be formally announcing our company right before the World Congress on Disabilities,” said Susan Kleiman, president, Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel. “Based on our initial introduction and the response we are seeing from the marketplace, we are optimistic about the future of our business and the rollout of our first product line, – “Cool Clothes for Toes,” Kleiman said.In the US, there are more than 20 million children and teens with special needs who want the same fashion choices as their peers. Yet there are little to no true fashion alternatives that accommodate those with physical challenges when it comes to getting dressed.

“Socks are critical to the successful use of recommended shoes and orthoses for kids requiring such,” said Joyce Checksfield, physical therapist, MA, The Center for Discovery. “Not only do the RDAA socks effectively wick away moisture and resist wrinkling, their uniquely youthful styles are a true departure from the bland black and white options that are typically available. Cool Clothes for Toes provides physically challenged kids and teens with a fashionable accessory that encourages some fun, creative self-expression, added Checksfield.”

RDAA has spent several years researching the special needs community. Based on this research, including input from orthotists and physical therapists, as well as direct input from physically challenged children and their parents, the company will launch its first line of kids’ socks for ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). The forerunner in a soon-to-be-expanded diverse product line of adaptive apparel, the new “Cool Clothes for Toes” sock line is being introduced today.

The “Cool Clothes for Toes” sock line is everything a kid ever wanted from an adaptive sock and more. According to Kleiman, this product holds a special place for her, because it was her teenage son, Ross that gave rise to the inspiration. “Ross is a 16 year old with special needs, and in my struggle to find him a sock that was comfortable, breathable and fashionable for a teenager, “Cool Clothes…” took hold, and I decided to form a company to help give people with physical challenges fashion and dignity.

“Cool Clothes for Toes” are currently available on the RDAA website at www.rdadaptiveapparel.com.

Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel Announces Company Debut and ‘Cool Clothes for Toes’
Mon Nov 16, 2:01 am ET

Fashion Maker for Special Needs Launches First Line of Trendy Socks for Kids who Wear Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

Westchester, NY (PRWEB) November 16, 2009 — Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel (RDAA), a new designer of fashionable solutions for special needs, announced today its marketplace debut and the launch of “Cool Clothes for Toes,” the first creatively styled sock line for children and teens who wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).

“We are excited to be formally announcing our company right before the World Congress on Disabilities,” said Susan Kleiman, president, Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel. “Based on our initial introduction and the response we are seeing from the marketplace, we are optimistic about the future of our business and the rollout of our first product line, – “Cool Clothes for Toes,” Kleiman said.

RDAA Seeks to Fill Niche where Other Manufacturers Fall Short
In the US, there are more than 20 million children and teens with special needs who want the same fashion choices as their peers. Yet there are little to no true fashion alternatives that accommodate those with physical challenges when it comes to getting dressed.

“Socks are critical to the successful use of recommended shoes and orthoses for kids requiring such,” said Joyce Checksfield, physical therapist, MA, The Center for Discovery. “Not only do the RDAA socks effectively wick away moisture and resist wrinkling, their uniquely youthful styles are a true departure from the bland black and white options that are typically available. Cool Clothes for Toes provides physically challenged kids and teens with a fashionable accessory that encourages some fun, creative self-expression,” added Checksfield.

RDAA has spent several years researching the special needs community. Based on this research, including input from orthotists and physical therapists, as well as direct input from physically challenged children and their parents, the company will launch its first line of kids’ socks for ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). The forerunner in a soon-to-be-expanded diverse product line of adaptive apparel, the new “Cool Clothes for Toes” sock line is being introduced today.

Cool Clothes for Toes — Tickles
The “Cool Clothes for Toes” sock line is everything a kid ever wanted from an adaptive sock and more. According to Kleiman, this product holds a special place for her, because it was her teenage son, Ross that gave rise to the inspiration. “Ross is a 16 year old with special needs, and in my struggle to find him a sock that was comfortable, breathable and fashionable for a teenager, “Cool Clothes…” took hold, and I decided to form a company to help give people with physical challenges fashion and dignity.

“Cool Clothes for Toes” are made from 80% cotton and 20% nylon. They are seamless, machine washable, and breathable to reduce perspiration. Reasonably priced between $12.95 and $14.95, the socks range in size from medium stretch to large stretch for boys and girls. “Cool Clothes for Toes” are currently available on the RDAA website at rdadaptiveapparel.com. Visit the PossAbilities Blog and catch us on Facebook (Ross Daniel) and Twitter @RDAAinc.

###

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