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What to Expect at ATIA 2026: The Top 10 InnovATions to Watch

As we kick off 2026, the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference, happening from January 29th to January 31st, is set to showcase the latest tech that boosts independence. This year’s event is heavily focused on how AI and emerging tech bridge the gap between gadgets and true independence, with free sessions open to the…

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How AT Supports Advocacy & the Persistent Complaint

This blog is based on a segment from the recent webinar presentation “Your Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead.” The segment, titled “Self-Advocacy & The Art of the Persistent Complaint,” was presented by YO! Disabled & Proud staffer Jem Moore explored how self-advocacy, collective advocacy, and systemic change intersect and how AT can…

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Adulting with AT: Tech for Living More Independently

Welcome back to “Adulting with AT,” our follow-up blog series based on the Your Future, Your Tools webinar! In this post, we’re taking on one of the biggest parts of growing up: living more independently. Whether that means moving into your own place, managing your daily routine, or handling things like cooking, cleaning, or organizing,…

On the left side, a close-up ofan Amazon Echo pointing to a ThirdReality Door Sensor on the left and Sengled Zigbee Smart Bulb on the right with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Using Multiple Routines" 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 lightbulb and lock icons are highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: Using Multiple Routines

In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to change your smart light’s color using the Alexa app to set the mood or improve visibility for specific tasks. 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…

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 a ThirdReality SmartSwitch Gen3 with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Smart Home Device Setup: Third Reality Smart Switch Gen3," 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 lightbulb icon is highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: ThirdReality Smart Switch Gen3

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install, pair, and name the ThirdReality Smart Switch Gen3 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…

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Smart Home Device Setup: Aeotec Motion Sensor

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the Aeotec Motion Sensor using an Amazon Echo device with a built-in Zigbee hub. 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…

On the left side, a close-up of a ThirdReality Smart Plug with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Setting Up ThirdReality Smart Plug," 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 plug icon is highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: ThirdReality Smart Plug

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the ThirdReality Smart Plug using an Amazon Echo device with a built-in Zigbee hub. 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…

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Subscribing & Setting up Amazon Alexa Emergency Assist

Access full video instructions via the Ability Tools YouTube channel “Setting Up Alexa Emergency Assist” Overview of Alexa Emergency Assist Alexa Emergency Assist is a monthly subscription service that allows you to call for help using just your voice, no phone dialing or button pressing required. Simply say: “Alexa, call for help” You’ll be connected…

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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…