Organization Made Easier

By Guest Blogger Kellie Blackwell, Disability Network Capital Area

The Pen Friend is a device that I have demonstrated to many individuals over the last few years. It is a great tool for labeling many things. I wanted to take a moment to share some of my tips for maximizing its use. I would love to hear from others as well, please feel free to share any ideas you may have on ways it can be used.

As someone who experiences vision loss, I have found it to be useful with labeling file folders; keeping track of utility bills and other important household documents. I have also found it useful for labeling different items that may have detailed instructions. An individual that I was working with a while back shared that he placed one of the stickers on his iPad, as a reminder tool for some of the apps and important settings within the iPad. I found this idea to be very helpful! Another individual shared that they used it for each of their debit/credit cards, as a way to store the card numbers, as they were not able to see the numbers on the cards. I should also mention that for some tasks, individuals may need sighted assistance.

I must say one of the most beneficial ways I have used the Pen Friend is labeling grocery items. Here is what has worked for me, as well as for others.

I use the stickers, along with index cards and a rubber band. I place the stickers on the index card and use a rubber band to secure the card on the food item, such as a soup can. This way, when the food/packaging item is used up, I have the index card and the sticker. This also then becomes a way to create a grocery list. I can then take each of the index cards with me to the store.

I also love how each of the stickers can be reused. As an example, think of when you have thrown out the last bit of cinnamon spice and you now need that sticker for a new box of cereal; just place your index card with sticker on your next box of cereal and record over your last message. Also, because the device uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, you can also use just one sticker to label, let’s say 4 of the same item!

Interested in trying out this device? Please feel free to contact Kellie Blackwell to set up a demonstration of the Pen Friend and many other devices through Disability Network Capital Area.