by Roberta Rosenberg
“January 29th, is National Puzzle Day, the perfect day to do a little brain exercise. Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, or Sudoku, (to name just a few) puzzles engage our brains in more ways than one. Scientists have discovered that when we work on a jigsaw puzzle, we utilize both sides of the brain, improving memory, cognitive function and problem solving skills in the process. By utilizing puzzles, people can stimulate the brain to improve a number of skills.” (National Calendar Day)
But, I think the best thing about puzzles is that they are fun! Whether working on The New York Times crossword (not me), doing a Sudoku, wordsearch, jumble, or having a jigsaw puzzle out on a table, we are usually enjoying ourselves. Puzzles are generally relaxing and engrossing, yet sometimes frustrating. Finishing one offers a sense of accomplishment. And, puzzles are inexpensive indoor activities, especially during the winter months.
The first jigsaw puzzle ( initially called “dissected maps” ) was probably made in 1767, by a mapmaker. The world’s first crossword was published in December, 1913 in the “New York World” Newspaper. During the Great Depression, puzzle sales soared to over 10 million per week. During our Covid Pandemic, puzzle sales increased 300-400%, probably because puzzles are well-suited to staying at home. (information obtained from "The Jstor Daily,” article by Rebecca Bodenheimer - 12/16/20)
Considering all of the benefits of puzzles and, between winter in full swing and Covid still keeping many of us indoors, I thought now would be a good time to research some of the best places to obtain puzzles, both puzzles to do online, and places to get puzzles to do “in person.”
From my research I am listing some of what seem to be the best places to get the best puzzles. This list is, by no means, complete. If you have other suggestions PLEASE share them with us.
Best Places to purchase Jigsaw puzzles:
- Amazon - biggest selection
- Dawdle and Mondo - great selections
- Jiggy - most beautiful artwork
- Puzzle Masters - unique object puzzles
- ebay - rare vintage puzzles
- Walmart - kids’ puzzles
Free puzzles online:
www.dictionary.com - daily crossword puzzles
www.boatloadpuzzles.com - free online crosswords
www.washingtonpost.com and www.games@washingtonpost.com
www.games@aarp.com - daily crosswords
www.thewordsearch.com - free word searches
www.razzlepuzzzles.com - you select the difficulty
www.247wordsearch.com - good selection
www.arkadium.com - a variety of free word games
https://.games.usatoday.com
by Roberta Rosenberg
Are you or someone you know on the Autism Spectrum and preparing for a flight? If there are communication, social interaction and/or sensory sensitivities you can watch and learn what to expect during airport security screening by viewing a short video on the www.tsa.gov website.
TSA Cares is a helpline that has been created “to provide travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.” (TSA website)
Take note that this is only available for help through the screening checkpoint. If you need in-flight assistance, or wheelchair assistance from curb to flight you need to contact your airline.
The TSA Cares helpline ( 855 - 787 - 2227) is available on weekdays from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm ET and weekends from 9:00 am to 8:00pm. You can also all the federal relay at 711. If your flight is within 72 hours you must call. If you are getting in touch earlier than that, you can go online to fill out the required form for assistance.
At some airports across the country there is a program called “Wings For All,” for children with special needs. I would describe it as a flying rehearsal, The child (and family) get to go to the airport to see what it is all about. You can find out more about it online as well. As far as I can tell, in the New York Metro Area, it is only available at JFK and Newark airports.
We at Destination Accessible always advise you to “look at a venue’s website,” to get more information. We ask you to do this for more information and to see the video.
We hope that this has been helpful.
Enjoy your flight!
by Roberta Rosenberg
Destination Accessible US, Inc. is excited to welcome our newest sponsor, Bussani Mobility. Their vision of “helping those with disabilities regain their ability to enjoy full and complete lives,” is compatible with our mission of “enriching the lives of people with mobility challenges.” We are proud to have them support us!
Bussani Mobility was founded in 1974 by John Bussani, who had been injured while in the Service. When he returned home and saw fellow servicemen who had become disabled, he wanted to do something to help them have normal lives again. He started by installing hand controls for their cars, in their driveways, and one by one, was building cars for them to drive or be transported in. From there, the business has grown into a full dealership with multiple locations. (information from their website)
Bussani is an automotive dealership for people with disabilities. Specially modified vehicles can accommodate someone with carpal tunnel syndrome to someone who is a quadriplegic. Because of his commitment and the experienced team of professionals at Bussani Mobility, many people with special needs have regained independence and freedom. Their motto is “If you can dream it, we can get you there.” What sets them apart is their ability to meet the needs of the owner. The vision behind Bussani Mobility has always been to help those with disabilities regain their ability to enjoy full and complete lives. (information from their website)
Visit their website, www.bussanimobility.com, or call (516) 938-5207, for more information.
compiled by Roberta Rosenberg - Destination Accessible US, Inc.
Note: The following suggestions are a result of my research. It is by no means complete. Since I grew up long before electronics became a necessity in our lives, I drew on things my family, friends and I used to do and enjoy. I’m sure you will be able to add more.
- complete a puzzle you have - trade puzzles with others
- do crossword puzzles, Suduko, or other word games- start a journal about this time (I used to keep a “diary”)- meditate- practice yoga
- write actual letters to family and/or friends
- get a pen pal
- knit, crochet, needlepoint, hook a rug
- paint, draw, learn to scrapbook,
- interview grandparents, parents, other relatives or friends
over the phone - save the audio and create a story about
the person
- write a book with your family - choose a topic - each person
writes a chapter on the topic
- look at family photos - make a photo collage for your room of
for a gift
- make birthday cards in advance
- learn calligraphy
- create a list of things you want to do when we get out again
- get a free trial of a TV streaming service and binge watch as
much as you can before it expires (be careful of end date)
- watch a tv show at the same time as a friend - talk on the
phone as you watch or as soon as it is over
- try new recipes - or learn to cook or bake
- libraries are open for “pick-up” borrow a really long movie
you have always wanted to watch
- borrow a cookbook
- borrow videos
- borrow books on topics that interest you
by Roberta Rosenberg
I recently found out about “TSA Cares, a helpline from the Transportation Security Administration, that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.” (TSA website) The website states that “this is only available for help through the screening checkpoint. If you need in flight assistance or wheelchair assistance from curb to flight, you need to contact your airline.”
Although I have not called myself, I have spoken to several people who have utilized it. They feel that it is very worthwhile and each spoke of the positive experiences they had.
This program seems to offer more help to passengers than just having a wheelchair brought to them. Here are some examples of assistance that are listed on the website:
- difficulty standing or waiting in line;
- difficulty following instructions;
- mobility limitations, including lifting your arms;
- internal/external body devices;
- transporting medically necessary liquids, gases, etc. over 3.4 ozs;
- religious or cultural items;
- concerns regarding screening for transgender or gender diverse individuals.
You can check the website for more examples (www.tsa.gov) and call for clarification of your personal needs and to request assistance. (855) 787-2227. The website states that you should call if your flght is within 72 hours. If it is before that you can either call or click the link on the TSA website to fill out the required form.
We at Destination Accessible, believe that one should always check a website to “know before you go.” We believe you should take the time to look at "www.tsa.gov>travel>passengersupport" to find out more about it before giving them a call.
Whatever your destination we wish you a good flight!
Vermont Adaptive is one of the most impressive organizations I know. Although the following excerpt comes from their website, I could not have said it better myself.
It is …a place where youth and adults with disabilities gain a measure of self-confidence and independence by participating in adaptive sports programs and activities…It is recognized nationally for (its) client centered programs… (They) offer a large variety of programs and unique specialized equipment. Their winter activities include alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other winter sports. They serve clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities in three Vermont locations during the winter.
I can only speak about the winter program offered at Killington/Pico, because my “better half” has been one of their volunteers for several years. I have been able to see, first-hand, how intense their volunteer training is, and how they interact with their clients, both on the snow and off. It is inspiring to see!
This is a wonderful way to “…empower individuals with disabilities and promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.” I stole this from their mission statement!
If you know someone ( from kids to adults) whom you think might enjoy something like this, visit their website, www.vermontadaptive.org, or give them a call (802) 786-4991 and discuss your specific needs. They will be happy to speak with you.
PS. If you decide to give it a try at Killington/Pico, look at www.destinationaccessible.org, for many accessible options for dining near Killington. Although we do not have hotels on our site, we are happy to report that The Killington Grand, is an easily accessible option for a place to stay.
With the holidays just around the corner you may be thinking of, or have already make plans to visit Killington, Vermont, during the holidays or later this winter.
No matter when you decide to go, know that there are venues that are accessible to someone with a mobility challenge. If you have a disability and are interested in skiing, make sure to check out “Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports / Sports for Every Body.” (www.vermontadaptive.org) a fabulous program available at Killington and nearby Pico Mountain. Their programs are amazing, the people wonderful!
There are a variety of lodging options in and around the mountain. For accessibility and convenience, you cannot do better than The Killington Grand (www.killington.com).
For places to eat, Preston’s (in the Grand) is easily accessible. On Killington Road, Dominc’s Pizza, Sushi Yoshi, The Garlic, The Foundry and the Back Country Cafe are all accessible.
If you want to take a beautiful ride, historic Woodstock is about a 40 minute drive east on Route 4. Because Woodstock dates back to 1749, many of the shops have a step or two, to reach the front door. This is a beautiful place for a walk, with several spots for what we used to call “Kodak Moments.”
About 15 minutes east of Woodstock is the town of Quechee, where you can have an amazing meal and watch the glass blowing at Simon Pearce. Worthy Kitchen is another great restaurant, a bit east of Woodstock on Route 4, on the way to Quechee.
Finally, an interesting and informative place to visit is the New England Maple Museum and Gift Shop, located in Pittsford - probably about 40 minutes from the mountain. Doesn’t sound like much, but it is really worth visiting.
Vermont is a wonderful place. Killington is terrific. These are some suggestions for making your visit easier. If you visit and find other places you would like to share, please do so! We would love to know!
compiled by Roberta Rosenberg - Destination Accessible US, Inc.
Note: This list is a result of my research. It is by no means complete. I have visited many of the sites listed. Others were recommended to me. It is my hope that it is helpful to you. I apologize in advance if any of the resources listed are not what I thought them to be.
www.onread.com - access to 1,5000,000 books
www.googlebooks.com - over 30 million books scanned by Google
www.wikihow.com - answers to any "How do I...question."
www.getyourguide.com - tours, classes, travel experiences online
Facebook Live - many different things (ex: cooking classes)
www.ted.com - TED Talks, almost any subject you can think of
www.travelandleisuremagazineonline.com - a wealth of information
www.seniornetli.org - online tech skills taught in interactive sessions
www.kennedy-center.org - Kennedy Center at Home (the arts)
www.metopera.org - The Metropolitan Opera
www.carnegiehall.org - Carnegie Hall
www.metmuseum.org - Metropolitan Museum of Art (Art at Home)
www.mentalfloss.com - 12 world class museums you can visit online
www.timeout.com - section about best things to do at home each week
www.the guardian.com - news, sports, opinion
www.forbes.com - access to some articles at no cost
www.theartnewspaper.com - news of the art world
www.nycgo.com - visit NYC online
www.studyinternational.com - online multiplayer games
www.twoplayergames.org -
www.agameon.com - popular free games for one or two
www.boatloadpuzzles.com - thousands of free crosswords
www.npr.org - lots of fun things that weren't free before Covid
www.pcmag.com - quarantine & learn - 11 fun online courses for you
www.sites.google.com - one player games
www.thisamericanlife.org - different story theme each week
www.experiments.withgoogle.com - 100,000 starts takes you through
an interactive tour of the galaxy
www.smithsonian.org - high-tech stories without "stuffy language"
www.nasa.gov - tons of things are space - virtual, live, interactive, etc.
www.insider.com - 360 degree tours of Disney Parks and others
www.artsandculturegoogle.com - offers virtual tours and
commentaries from over
230 museums in 40 countries.
There are also 11 tours of theater
stages around the world.
Google Street View - allows you to feel like you are walking down a
street or road
You Tube - upload, view and comment on videos
Universal Class - check to see if your library subscribes -
allows you to take courses at your own pace while
interacting with a live instructor
The following is just a partial list of museums offering virtual tours:
British Museum, London
Guggenheim, NY
Musee d'Orsay, Paris
MASP, San Paolo
American Museum of Natural History
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Pergamo Museum, Berlin
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
Zoos and Aquariums "live stream" Some of the best rated are:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
San Diego Zoo
Aquarium of the Pacific
Georgia Aquarium
Smithsonian National Zoo
Bronx Zoo
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Atlanta Zoo
Houston Zoo
Cincinnati Zoo (Home Safari)
Many colleges offer free, online classes - even Harvard and Yale!
Online games, either solo or with friends (or you can play with others
you do not now) Ex: Words with Friends
What Do We Need to Feel “Safe” As We Visit Reopened Venues? by Roberta Rosenberg - Destination Accessible US, Inc
After months of “staying home” during the Covid-19 Pandemic, businesses are slowly reopening. Many of us are preparing to venture out to visit them. “Fear is an emotion we do not need to feel when we return to stores, restaurants, etc., after the shutdown.” (LoopNet 5/27/20) What kind of environment do you/I want/need to make us feel safe enough to go to a venue that we may have frequented in the past, or visit a new one?
I would like to think that everything businesses are doing is a work in progress. Hopefully, they are doing everything they believe they need to do, while at the same time reevaluating what they are doing on an ongoing basis. Businesses need to make things the best they can be, based on the latest information they receive.
That being said, what do you and I need to feel safe when visiting a store, restaurant, museum, or other venue? I am not including theaters, because we do not have enough information about them yet.
After doing quite a bit of reading, listening to a variety of business and government leaders, and reaching out to friends and family, I have put together some guidelines which I hope will be useful to you. It is not intended to be definitive by any means. There are probably things I have not included. (I would love your comments/suggestions - see below).You may need to have all of them in place when you visit a venue. You may only need to see some of them to feel comfortable. What you/I do is up to us, because in the end, it is up to each of us to stay as safe as possible.
- I would suggest, as a general rule, before going to any venue, visit their website, and/or social media platforms to see what they are saying about their own proactive safety measures. For myself, if I do not feel they are offering enough information, I may feel they are not doing enough, and I may not want to visit them yet.
I have heard that a “pledge” will soon be offered for businesses to sign, stating what they are doing for our safety. It may be posted on their website and/or in their windows for all to see. That sounds like a good idea. Look for it! I will. - If I decide to visit a venue, what will I be looking for when I get there, before I enter ?
- Have they made distancing guidelines outside the venue if I need to wait to enter?
- Are there any signs (and/or the “pledge” ) clearly visible for all to see about their preparedness?
- If there are steps or a ramp, is there hand sanitizer available to me before I need to touch any handrails?
- If there is a “push button assist” door opener, is there sanitizer available to wipe it?
- Are there hand sanitizers available before entering? Is the door open or do I need to open it myself?
3. What do I need to see once I am inside?
- I need to see signs that the space has been thoroughly cleaned
recently. Do I see fingerprints, stains, etc? - I need to see signage stating when the space was last cleaned,
who is doing the cleaning, and details of a regular cleaning/sanitizing program. - I need to see highly visible hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue.
- I need to see signage that clearly explains their practices, such as limiting capacity, social distancing standards, payment methods, cleaning procedures, etc. that show an organized approach to keeping patrons safe.
- I need to see a visible increase of ongoing cleaning practices while patrons are there. I need to see personnel dedicated to disinfecting surfaces like counters, tables, etc.
- I need to see signs that personnel have been properly trained, wearing masks, gloves.
- I need to see adjustments in the physical space, including traffic flow, barriers between employees and patrons, and number of people inside.
- I need to know how the restrooms have been kept as clean as possible for me to use. If I need to open the door are wipes available? Are there automatic faucets and flushers. Are there automatic soap dispensers? Are paper towels available instead of automatic hand driers? If I need to touch a door handle to exit, are sanitizers available close by? As I said at the beginning, these are only suggestions, offered to help you make a personal decision about visiting a reopened business.
In closing, one of the best things I heard someone say was , “If it looks like the old and familiar “business as usual” I might just want to rethink visiting that venue at this time.
Roberta Rosenberg is the founder of Destination Accessible US Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to providing first-hand, accessibility information of leisure locations for people with mobility challenges.
I would love to hear from you regarding your thoughts. Comments/suggestions are always welcome.
Contact me at roberta@destinationaccessible.com or leave a
message at www.destinationaccessible.org.
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