On the left side, a close-up of a ThirdReality Door Sensor with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Setting Up ThirdReality Door Sensor," and "AbilityTools.org". On the right side, a blurred background with a house icon surrounded by (clockwise): light bulb icon, temperature icon, washer icon, TV icon, lock icon, cloud icon, security camera icon, plug icon. The lock icon is highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: ThirdReality Door Sensor

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the ThirdReality Door Sensor using an Amazon Echo device and the Alexa app. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra visual…

On the left side, a close-up of an Amazon Echo device with a glowing blue ring light is shown. Below it, a graphic reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog,” “ Amazon Echo Setup Made Easy,” and “AbilityTools.org.” On the right side, a person using a wheelchair is seated at a desk, holding a mug and talking on a smartphone. A desktop computer and another Echo device is visible nearby.

Amazon Echo Setup Made Easy

Section 1: Unboxing & Setting Up Amazon Echo Access full video instructions via the Ability Tools YouTube channel. “Setting Up Amazon Echo” Overview of the Amazon Echo (4th Gen): The Amazon Echo is a smart home device that works like a helpful assistant. It responds to your voice and can assist with tasks like making…

A man guides a man in a wheelchair up a ramp next to steps. Besides text reads: "Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Step Into Work with the Right AT Support” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

Step into Work with the Right AT Support

There’s more to workplace success than just having the right tech. With the right funding, training, and self-advocacy tools, powerful support is within reach; you just need to know where to find it. Assistive technology (AT) can open doors, but real success comes with the right support. Across California, programs exist to fund, train, and…

Spy-themed "Agent-In-Training AT Kit" graphic for Abilities Expo 2025, Los Angeles, CA, featuring the Ability Tools logo with a fedora-wearing agent, magnifying glass, and bold white letters against a black background.

Spy Tech? Nope, It’s AT! Cool Finds from Abilities Expo 2025

If you made it to Abilities Expo 2025 and stopped by the Ability Tools booth, you couldn’t miss the top-secret, spy-themed experience! Our team went all out to engage attendees of all ages, making sure everyone got a mission briefing on the latest and greatest in assistive technology (AT). The Expo was packed with incredible…

A diverse group of animated people approach baqllot boxes with "x''s" and "Checkmarks" in speech bubbles above their heads. The CFILC, Do network and Where it's AT logo are situated below the image. Text reads: Accessible Voting: California Recall Election September 14, 2021

Accessible Voting: California Recall Election September 14, 2021

The upcoming California State Gubernatorial Recall Election is a special election to decide: Should the Governor of the State of California, Gavin Newsom, be recalled? If so, who should replace him? Because this is an off-cycle special election, most ballots will simply have the recall question and a list of 46 candidates. (Some counties may also choose to add additional local contests, however.)  And…

A masked man looking into the camera while sitting in an electric wheelchair, against the backdrop of the outside of a house. Text beneath the Where it's AT Blog logo reads: Advocates Working Together - Bringing the Community Together - abilitytools.org/blog

Advocates Working Together

When Emanuel needed a replacement for his wheelchair, and his insurance wasn’t addressing the urgency of needing an immediate replacement for his mobility device, he turned to getting a loan as his only option to obtain a wheelchair. This is how he connected with the network of California’s Advocates serving people’s needs for Assistive Technology…

Graphic of old Ability Tools Weekly logo next to new "Where It's AT: The Ability Tools Blog" logo

WHERE IT’S AT: The New Name for the Ability Tools Blog

The Ability Tools team at the California Foundation for Independent Living (CFILC) opted to let our assistive technology (AT) advocates and the general public vote online for a new blog name. With over 50% of the votes, Where It’s AT won! When you think of an assistive technology (AT) blog – Ability Tools is Where…

Banner featuring two photos of Alexa using her power chair with the YO and Ability Tools logos

The ADA: A Huge Help!

By Alexa McBride The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26th, 1990. The bill was signed by then President George W. Bush. The ADA gave millions of Americans who have disabilities access to public places, transportation, education, employment and housing. I recently learned that President Bush had a sister-in-law with a disability.…