Amp U T chat is for amputees.

AMPUTEE CHAT NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE

1. NOTES FROM John & Joyce Meyer
2. "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"
3. GENERAL INFORMATION
4. HINTS and TIPS
5. QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1.) NOTES FROM John & Joyce

((Laughing--Well as fate would have it, issue 13 has fallen on November 13--Hope you aren't too superstitious!))

As mentioned last newsletter this issue is about GIFT IDEAS for either amputees or non-amputees.

FIFTY NIFTY GIFT IDEAS
...Letter's to the Editor makes 51! :D

1. A home video to send to people who won't be able to join you for the holidays. Many public libraries offer the no charge use of camcorders. Some places rent camcorders or request a deposit.
   
2. Blank video cassette tapes--I recently saw a "$2.00 OFF" coupon in TV GUIDE, bringing the price of the blank down to $0 at my local Wal-Mart store. (Yes, we mention Wal-Mart a lot--but we use it for price reference because when you in the "boonies" they're the only show in town.)
   
3. Disposable camera (with flash for indoor use.)
   
4. A audio cassette player. These come with headphones and sound fairly good. You may want to include a cassette, pre-recorded or made by yourself, and alkaline batteries. I have seen these priced as low as $6.99.
   
5. Fanny pouch.
   
6. Clip board, paper, and a pen attached with a string. You may consider modifying the clip board for use with hooks, by installing an eye bolt.
   
7. Small gift pouch/bag or stocking with nail clippers, emery board, etc. alternately you can "stuff" this with other appropriate goodies (even small sized toiletries.)
   
8. Here's something you can Customize :) Make up a coupon book, kids can even do the artwork. These coupons can be redeemed by the recipient for transportation for business or pleasure, carry-in meal (homemade and frozen or ready to eat,) minor household chores, a ride to a support group meeting, a back rub...use your imagination.
   
9. Watches: The price of talking watches has come down considerable and make a great gift for someone who is visually impaired.
   
10. Smoke/ CO (carbon monoxide) detector. Contact your local fire department as they may provide one free, for handicapped/disabled.
    
11. Wheel chair caddies. These often fit walkers, bed rails and arm chairs as well. (Joyce has a pattern and directions on making one if you sew. We will be happy to email the file on request.)
    
12. A personalized audio tape. Recorders are available at many libraries.
    
13. A travel alarm.
    
14. Pocket AM/FM stereo radio w/head phones--about the same price as cassette players.
    
15. Night light.
    
16. Small photo album--include a snap-shot of yourself to start off.
    
17. Mini greenhouse kit. Some come with flowers, some are designed for the gourmet cook and have herbs. Flexible plastic fish bowls can be purchase for under $2. Add some potting soil and a package of seeds. (Hint: Remove the dark plastic section from a 2 liter soft drink bottle to use for the base. Trim approximately 2/3 off the remaining clear section to use as the dome.--Bingo---you have a mini-green house. The plastic bottom can be difficult to remove and can also be sharp--so use caution.
    
18. Lock de-icer, to be carried on a key ring. Storing it in the glove box, kind of defeats the purpose.
    
19. Sectioned pill container.
    
20. Small can of mace/pepper spray.
    
21. Weekly check-in arrangements. ("I'm going to the store, do you need..."--OR--"Is everything OK?) This could also be done on a daily basis, of course.
    
22. Art set...as elaborate as simple as called for. Water colors, pencils, charcoals etc. You may start someone onto a new hobby and a fulfilling past-time.
    
23. Left-y Scissors.
    
24. As a holiday present, offer to take someone shopping--OR--invite them out to a movie, your treat. [grin]
    
25. Calculator with large keypad and number display...Solar powered are nice and usually don't cost much more.
    
26. 3 1/2 x 5 file case and cards useful for storing/organizing information of any nature.
    
27. An address book--go ahead and start it with your name, address and phone number.
    
28. Stationary: include a book of stamps, make one envelope in the package an SASE. It makes it easy for the receiver to send you mail and encourages them that you want to communicate. [SMILE]
    
29. A self inking address stamper.
    
30. Joke books: everybody needs a laugh!
    
31. Wash Mitts: These are handy in the shower/bath for seniors, amputees, arthritis suffers and infants. They can hold the bar soap in the pocket of the mitt. It also makes it easy to handle and use even those little soap slivers. (I have even used it as an ice bag.) [[If you can't find them in the store, Joyce has a pattern.]]
    
32. A simple repair. Replacing a ceiling light bulb, for example--anything that you feel qualified to do.
    
33. Playing card holder(s) and card shuffler.
    
34. A wheel chair seat cover--nice fabric, favorite color, comfort.
    
35. Treats for diabetics: store bought or home-made dietetic cookies/jellies, etc. (If you make them yourself provide an ingredient label (nutrition too if you have it.) And PLEASE when making home-made canned goods follow all the safety procedures.
    
36. Inexpensive fishing set. (End of season--there are great bargains.)
    
37. A leather craft kit (available at TANDY, etc.) You can assemble them or let the receiver do it.
    
38. Full page magnifying sheet.
    
39. Pre-recorded "classic" video tapes, many available for under $6.
    
40. Video Rental coupon...you can even offer to pick-up the reserved tape and return it. Also tapes can be rented free at many libraries.
    
41. A small sampler of exotic coffees or teas. OR a coffee mug with one new variety. OR a flavor of the month all year long.
    
42. A harmonica and "How to" book.
    
43. For computer users, blank diskettes are always welcome. :) (If you have more than one computer friend, buy a large "valu-pak" and divide the diskettes between friends.
    
44. Gift certificates from phone companies, fast food restaurants, etc.
    
45. Drink warmers (coffee etc.) We bought several last year and they we under $8 even with sales tax. Reduces trips to the kitchen to re-heat coffee.
    
46. An inexpensive extension phone with large buttons and long cord or a long cord for an existing phone.
    
47. Easy to grasp utensils. You may purchase for eating or writing etc...or modify some yourself if you are handy.
    
48. Offer to install a peep glass in an exterior door. Make sure it is the right height for the primary user--for example the height for a wheel chair user.
    
49. A multi-use remote control (TV, stereo, etc.) with large buttons.
    
50. Last BUT NOT LEAST--A subscription/membership to the ACA.

I KNOW you must have other ideas--so com'on and share!

Don't forget if you catalog shop, shop early.

NOTE: When ordering something through a catalog remember:

1. verify it's a legitimate company
2. always get the name of the person you talk to. I have heard tales of people being told merchandise is "in stock" when in fact, it is not. The percentages of packages lost during ship this time of year is probably no higher than any other time, however, the increase in the number of packages results in greater loss and damage. Ship as early as possible.

2.) "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"

(11/05/95)

Dear John and Joyce,

One of the first things I got when I found myself in a chair was one of those sport bottles for drinks. It had a secure setup so when I dropped it...and I did...it didn't leak. That would be a grrrr-8 inexpensive gift. First choice would have been an extra hand.... (ha ha)

--C.

3.) GENERAL INFORMATION

THE ADVICE (DISCLAIMER)

Please be sure to read the information at this link at least once.

4.) HINTS AND TIPS

TIPS

For Lower Extremity

Getting in and out of vehicles can be easier with a rotating knee device. This also improves comfort while riding. If you spend a great deal of time on the road you might what to check into this.

For Upper Extremity

Eye bolts (NOT SCREW EYES,) available at hardware/department stores can be install on various hand tools such as wheel barrows, shovels, rakes, and drawers and cabinet doors make using your hook a lot easy and more secure.

An example of installation on round handled tools (rakes, etc.): You will need a drill, bit, and perhaps a vice--or better yet, a handy neighbor to do it for you. First drill a hole in the handle at the height that is most comfortable to hold. Thread a nut on the eye bolt; next place a washer on the bolt. Put the bolt through the hole in the handle, follow with another washer and nut; tighten. The purpose of the washers is to minimize weakening wood damage to the handle site.

(Hint: When installing eye bolts on cabinet doors/drawers, first remove the hardware and use the existing holes. This allows the original hardware to be re-installed with out extra holes.)

Have a hint, tip, or suggestion? Please email us and we will consider it for use in the newsletter.

5.) QUOTE/THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"Show me a person who never fails, and I'll show you a person who never tries."
--Unknown

© Copyright November 13, 1995 J. Meyer. All rights reserved.