LIVING ROOM

Solo Act is a desktop environmental control unit by TapLink that allows an individual to control home lighting and appliances, telephone communications, television, VCR, cable box, stereo system and more from a single location.

The menu-driven system offers full control of all the parameters of each device, and is compatible with several types of switches, including sip-and-puff. Base price is $4,389.

Uplift Seat Assist by Uplift Technologies is a self-powered lifting cushion that converts an armchair into an automatic lifting chair. The flexible seat uses a hydro-pneumatic lift to gently lower or raise you into your seat. Covered with a high-density foam cushion, the portable seat weighs 9 pounds and includes a handle and a flattening option for transport. The Uplift Seat Assist is also ideal for caregivers, and Daylight manufactures a lifting seat for a commode as well. $299.

KITCHEN/ DINING ROOM

The Inner-Lip Plate manufactured by Maddak Inc. is designed to assist children, the elderly, people with limited muscle control and individuals with the use of only one hand. The deep inner lip keeps food from sliding off the plate. Plates are 9 inches in diameter, dishwasher- and autoclave-safe. Plates come in sandstone, light blue and light green. $4.80 each.

Also from Maddak, the Arthro Thumbs-Up cup with lid is ideal for people with decreased grip strength. Ergonomic design increases leverage of the hand and aids in raising the cup to the lips without wrist motion. The cup holds 8 ounces, is double-walled to protect hands from heat or cold, and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. $9.75.

Adapt-Able Utensils by Jordan's Mobility Solutions are adjustable eating tools that can be customized to specific ranges of motion. Utensils are sectioned and can be extended or rotated to accommodate the user's needs. Utensils, made of stainless steel and high-density plastic, are available in adult and child sizes. A set costs $125 and includes a knife, fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, three handles, nine straight extensions and nine angled extensions.

The EZ Reacher by ArcMate lifts up to 5 pounds and works with minimal force exerted on its 4-finger trigger. The EZ Reacher tip has rubber cups that can pick up items off the floor as small as a dime or a pill. The patented Saf-T-Lok can lock onto items without the user's maintaining a grasp on the trigger, a helpful feature for heavier items and overhead use. EZ Reacher is made of aluminum, with a folding model available. $29.95 to $34.95, and a pack of 6 hanging straps for storage is $5.95.

Other ArcMate products: The Rainbow Reacher - a lightweight model is $14.95; Dress EZ - a combination of a long-handled shoehorn with a hook-shaped dressing aid. $7.95.

Inglis Drink-Aide is designed to allow wheelchair users to drink liquids independently. Drink-Aide includes an insulated water bottle, a vibration-resistant flexible drinking tube, and a universal clamp that attaches to a wheelchair, bed or other convenient location. Drink-Aide was designed and is manufactured by people with disabilities at an independent living center in Philadelphia. $36.

The Grippy facilitates everyday tasks like eating, writing, toothbrushing and more. The Grippy, manufactured by Mi A' Mo, wraps around the handle of utensils such as pens, pencils, spoons, forks, toothbrushes and paintbrushes. It fits all sizes of hands and comes in six colors. Grippy is dishwasher-safe and retains its shape and color after washing. Each Grippy costs $3.99.

BATHROOM

The BioBidet by PHD Merchants is a lightweight, affordable bidet attachment that's ideal for anyone who has difficulty bending, turning or reaching.

The attachment fits easily under any toilet seat, and everything needed for installation is included. Suggested retail price is $99.95.

The Flosser by Waterpik is designed to be an easy and gentle alternative to manual flossing. The Flosser generates 10,000 strokes per minute, allowing the single-use, replaceable nylon filament tip to remove plaque above and below the gum line. The device includes an angled tip for easy maneuvering and is ideal for caregivers. Replaceable battery model is $24.99, and rechargeable battery model is $34.99 and includes two color-coded hygienic sleeves for multiple users. Replacement tips cost $4.99 for a package of 30.

No-Rinse Shampoo and No-Rinse Body Bath eliminate the need to rinse with water. Ideal for those who have difficulties shampooing or bathing, or when rinse water may not be available or drained easily. No-Rinse products eliminate body odors and are gentle on skin. Suggested retail prices for 8-ounce bottles are $3.59 for shampoo, $4.09 for body bath.

BEDROOM

Adrian's Closet makes "easy-on" kids' clothes designed for wheelchair users or others with specials needs.

Products include Fit to Sit jackets that go on from the front, jeans made of soft fabric with a Velcro fly, clothes protectors, shirts, capes, footwear, hats, mittens and more.

Health Craft Products Inc. makes several support systems ideal for transferring. Advantage-Rail is a floor-mounted, pivoting and locking support rail. SuperPole System is a vertical floor-to-ceiling pole that can be placed wherever standing or transfer support is needed. A bar accessory pivots freely but locks in place every 45 degrees for more support. Smart-Rail, which locks in place at a bedside, is helpful for getting in and out of bed. Prices begin at $169 for the Advantage-Rail, $139 for the SuperPole basic model, and $109 for the Smart-Rail.

Hertz Supply distributes Völker beds, which feature the conveniences of a hospital bed but are specifically designed with aesthetically attractive features to blend in with any décor. Hertz also offers products to complement the beds, including mattresses and bedside cabinets. Beds start at $3,500, which includes shipping.