Helen Vibrating Clock for the Deaf Blind
Last verified June 19, 2026 · classified April 26, 2026
What it is
Summary
AI-generated from vendor-published content · April 26, 2026
The Helen is a dedicated tactile-vibration clock designed specifically for people who are deaf-blind, communicating time and alarms entirely through distinct vibration patterns rather than sound or visual display. It's intended for someone who cannot rely on either hearing or sight to check the time or wake up in the morning — the device delivers information through touch, with clearly raised tactile buttons for control. The package includes an external pillow shaker for wake-up alarms, so it functions as a complete bedside alarm system, not just a handheld clock. One important limitation: Helen operates in 24-hour format only, so users who are accustomed to 12-hour time will need to adjust.
Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
- AT Act lending
- Medicaid waiver
- Out of pocket
- Vocational rehab
What Setup Looks Like
- Out of the box
Hold the device and press tactile buttons to query the time — vibration patterns communicate the hour and minute. - With a guide
- Set the current time using the tactile button controls — refer to the included documentation for the button sequence.
- Connect the external pillow shaker to the device and place it under your pillow for morning alarms.
- Program alarm times and event timers following the manual's vibration-code guide — allow 30–60 minutes to learn the vibration pattern system. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.
- With professional help
A certified deaf-blind specialist or orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor can teach the vibration pattern codes and help integrate Helen into a daily routine — expect 1–3 sessions.
Getting it
Try Before You Buy
Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.
Where to Get It
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How to Fund This
Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.
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Sources & fine print
Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from Independent Living Aids — view on vendor site; last verified June 19, 2026.
Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on April 26, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.