AT for the Holidays

Written by LaCandice McCray, CFILC's Outreach & Training Advocate

It’s that time of year when we spend time with family, friends, and food. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we all need tools to make the season merry, bright, and simple. Here are some low-cost gadgets available for preparing and cooking holiday meals:

Locking Lid Stainless Steel Pot: This pot has a lid that locks in place and allows a person to strain liquid with one hand.
Where to find it: http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=434&idstore=6&product=Easy-Pour-Locking-Lid-Pot
Cost: $23.95

Talking Scale: The weight bowl and talking feature allow you to get weights of multiple ingredients. The bowl is also removable.
Where to find it: http://www.amazon.com/My-Weight-Vox-3000-Talking/dp/B000G6ZLM0
Cost: $31.20

Black Cutting Board: Good tool for those with low vision or arthritis. The board also has a suction cup to prevent sliding.
Where to find it: http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=7010&idstore=6&product=Hold-and-Cut-Black-Cutting-Board-for-Low-Vision
Cost: $29.95

Talking Digital Thermometer: This thermometer, with an easy to read display, will announce the temperature of your cooked meat.
Where to find it: http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=9328&idstore=6&product=Talking-Digital-Thermometer-with-LCD-Display
Cost: $39.00

Stove Knob Turner: This device is designed for wheelchair users to reach the knobs of the stove.
Where to find it: http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=1086&idstore=6&product=Stove-Knob-Turner
Cost: $16.95

What are some other tools you have used in the kitchen? How have they made preparing meals easier?

Find Used AT @ the AT Network

Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC's Technologies Manager

The Internet has made finding used assistive devices both easier and challenging at the same time. In the past people looked to local organizations or classified ads in their newspapers. Today, items can be posted on websites like craigslist, freecycle, oodle, ebay, abledata, as well as any of a number of websites run by non-profit organizations that serve the disability community. There are so many places where used equipment is posted that searching online can be quite time consuming with as many misses as hits.

So, we’ve developed and added a number of search tools to ATnet.org that can help you find what you’re looking for.

First, there is the AT Services Directory, a database we developed several years ago and continue to refine. It contains almost 1100 records of providers who sell devices, provide services, funding, or repair AT. It also contains records of organizations and businesses that provide training, customization and many other services. Click here to use the directory to find new devices or related services near you.

We recently added two new search tools developed by fellow Assistive Technology Act projects in Nebraska and Colorado. The Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership developed the AT Exchange; a website where used devices can be sold, given away or borrowed.

The AT Exchange is a place where you can post classified ads for used devices you would like to sell or give away and allows you to post want ads for items you are searching for. You can also search the inventory of 13 AT device lending libraries around the state. These libraries will lend devices for 30 – 60 days (sometimes longer) to fill a temporary need or so you can try before you buy. And it’s all free! Click here to access the AT Exchange.

Our most recent addition to the site is the AT Finder, developed by the University of Colorado’s Assistive Technology Partnership. This handy search tool allows you to search for used AT on Craigslist, Ebay, Ebay Classifieds, and Oodle in a single search. Using your search terms and zip code, you can find assistive devices posted on any of these sites and get results tailored to your location and needs.

At the AT Network we believe used equipment fills a need and is good for both the environment and the pocket book. In addition to the tools I’ve described above, we’ll be adding links to other sites where used AT can be found as well as more tools to help you find the right device.

We hope you find these tools useful. Just remember that any devices or equipment you find should be based on a professional evaluation and recommendation from an Assistive Technology Specialist to assure proper usage and fit. You can find AT Specialists on ATnet.org; just check the AT Services Directory or give us a call at 800-390-2699.

Come See What’s New at ATNet.org!

We recently launched a revised version of the AT Network website, www.atnet.org, designed to be easier to use and more informative for consumers, caregivers, service providers and others with a need for AT. The new site divides information into four easy to use sections:

• Law & Advocacy: where you can learn about federal & state AT laws and your rights to assistive technology devices and services.
  

  
  

• How to: has information about how to find AT, fund AT and use it to succeed in life.

  
  

• Find it now: is a resource-rich page with several web search tools to help you find new and used devices as well as services in your community.
  

  
  

• News and Events: allows you to keep up with the latest news about assistive technology, AT Network events, and training opportunities provided by the AT Network and its members

Visit the new AT Network website at : www.atnet.org and let us know what you think. We welcome your resources and ideas.

Guided tours of the new website are available every Thursday at noon through the month of October. To join the web tour, login at 12:00 pm (pacific time) Thursdays in October at: http://tinyurl.com/atnetour

AT & Disability Employment Awareness Month

Written by LaCandice McCray, CFILC's Outreach & Training Advocate

The AT Network salutes October as Disability Employment Awareness Month! And speaking of employment, guess what many people with disabilities use in the workplace? That’s right. Assistive Technology. 

This year’s theme of Disability Employment Awareness Month is “Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity Includes People with Disabilities.” In addition to the growing diversity in the workplace, the use of assistive technology is also increasing. Many people with disabilities use AT to adapt to their work environment or to improve their job performance. Some examples of AT used at work include: adaptive keyboards and mice, BrailleNotes, video relay equipment and services, and variety of computer software.

In recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month, the AT Network will be participating in these upcoming events:

6th Annual Bone and Joint Expo, October 16, 2010, Napa, CA

·       RespectABILITY Conference, October 22, 2010, Los Angeles, CA

·       Inland Empire Disability Resources Expo, October 23, 2010, Riverside, CA

·       5^th Annual Northern California Tech Expo, October 23, 2010, Santa Rosa, CA

·       Living Healthy with a Disability Resource Fair, October 29, 2010, Sacramento, CA

What are other examples of AT used in the workplace? How are you observing Disability Employment Awareness Month?

Telephone Access For People With Speech Disabilities

by Bob Segalman, Ph.D.
 Do you have a speech disability and live in the USA (including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico)? If so, you can now use a free telephone service 24 hours a day. “Speech to Speech” (STS) provides communication assistants for people with difficulty being understood by the public by telephone. The Federal Communications Commission regulates Speech to Speech, which is a form of relay service. STS is also available in Australia, New Zealand and Sweden.

STS is provided through the TTY relay in each state. Unlike TTY, STS users communicate by voice through a communication assistant (CA), as many people with speech disabilities have difficulty typing. Many STS users have Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, ALS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or stroke. Other users stutter or have had a laryngectomy.

 People with speech disabilities can dial toll free to reach a patient, trained CA who is familiar with many speech patterns and has excellent language recognition skills. This CA makes telephone calls for them and repeats their words exactly in a 3-way calling environment. STS is the only way for many people to telephone others not accustomed to their speech.

Speech to Speech helps speech synthesizer users, users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices by putting their device next to a speakerphone. AAC users may ask the STS communication assistance to set up the call, negotiate the menu, introduce the call explaining AAC and then go into the background. This enables AAC users to communicate independently once the other party is on the line.

I have cerebral palsy and developed the concept of STS. Now it makes telephone use much easier for me. To try out STS, report problems or request information call 1-888-877-5302 and then ask for me at 916-448-5517. Visit the STS website: http://www.speechtospeech.org/ where you will find the Speech-to-Speech 800 access numbers.

FCC regulations state that individuals can also access STS by dialing 711 and asking for Speech to Speech, but compliance is an issue. If the CA can not place an STS call, please e-mail me (drsts@comcast.net).Have you used STS? If so, what have been your experiences? What can you do to advocate for the increased use of STS by people with speech disabilities and AAC users?