Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library AT Focus A Publication for Local Branches of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Volume 6, Issue 2 -- Winter 2003 Assistive Technology for Independence *** Inside this Issue: TDDP Stable Slide Funding Corner Assistive Dining Device Med-Time Related Websites And Don't Forget... *** PLEASE NOTE: We are looking for more Local Branches from ALL counties to add to our Lending Library network. Who can you ask today to be a Local Branch? Contact Zona Jackson (zjackson@temple.edu) to request a copy of the Local Branch Application. *** Ameriphone Dialogue ER combines an emergency response and amplified phone in one device. Features include a wireless, water resistant remote (not pictured) that can be worn around the neck or on a belt and works up to 80 feet away from the phone; preprogramming of up to 6 phone contacts, with photo-dial buttons; speakerphone; amplification of incoming sound up to 30dB; hearing aid T-coil compatible handset; and a bright ring flasher. In the event of an emergency, touch the button on the remote and the phone will autodial the pre-programmed emergency contacts until it reaches a live person. A pre-recorded message alerts the person who answers the call that an emergency exists. Once the call is answered, the phone functions like a speakerphone, allowing loud and clear two-way communication or allowing the contact to listen to or monitor the situation. Inventory code: TL-DIAER; Cost: $250.00; Harris Communications: 800-825-6758, mail@harriscomm.com, www.harriscomm.com. [photo of Ameriphone Dialogue ER] *** MeDose MeDose is a medication reminder watch that looks like a typical sports watch. It can be set for up to six alarms a day, with either a sound alarm or a discreet vibrating alarm. Once the alarms are set, there is no need to reset them every day. Other features include a day/date calendar, count down/up timer, stopwatch, and large digit display. Inventory code: HP-VIBWATCH; Cost: $100.00; e-pill – 800-549-0095, www.epill.com. [photo of MeDose watch] *** Telecommunications Device Distribution Program (TDDP) Pennsylvania’s TDDP (“Liberty”) provides specialized equipment free of charge to eligible Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians who cannot independently access standard telephone equipment. Originally created as a result of ACT 34-1995, the TDDP is implemented by the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) as designated by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). To be eligible, you must: Be a Pennsylvania resident with a disability or disabilities that prevent you from making and/or receiving phone calls independently; Be six years of age or older; Have an individual income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less (low income); Have current telephone service; and Have the ability to learn how to use the requested device(s). If you can answer YES to ALL of the above questions, you may be eligible for free equipment. What equipment is available through the TDDP? The following list reflects some of the assistive technology devices available through this program: TTY Voice Carryover TTY (has loud adjustable ringer) VCO Telephone TTY with large visual display TTY with Braille display In-line amplifier Amplified large button speaker phone Signalers (loud ring, light, or vibrating) Hands-free speaker phone Telephone fluency system Talking keyboard (the “Link”) Hearing carry over TTY with speakers Cordless phone with amplification Cordless headset phone Talking telephone Voice activated dialer Photo phone Big button phone (black on white contrast) [picture of Photo Phone] For more information, contact the Statewide Independent Living Council at (toll free) 866-542-3788 (V/TTY). Applications can be printed from the website: www.libertty.com. Before you request equipment from the TDDP, remember to borrow it for trial use from Pennsylvania’s AT Lending Library! *** Stable Slide The Stable Slide is a device that helps a person dine independently by providing stable wrist support. The wrist rests on the device and slides up along the surface of the device to move a utensil to the mouth without having to lift the arm. The position of this device may be adjusted horizontally and vertically. Inventory code: HP-SUPPORT; Cost: $230.00; Sammons Preston: 800-323-5547. [photo of Stable Slide] *** Assistive Dining Device The Assistive Dining Device (ADD) enables people to eat without using their arms or hands. The bowls containing the food rotate until the desired food is located under the spoon, then the spoon dips into the bowl, scoops up the food, and presents a rounded spoonful of food very near the lips of the user. The user must lean forward slightly and remove the food, which requires a very small amount of neck movement. The dishwasher and microwave safe bowls are clear so that the user can see the contents. Three different bowl covers control the amount of food on the spoon by wiping the spoon across the cover. This is to accommodate different foods and the user’s preferences for the amount of food placed on the spoon. To help minimize dripping, the bottom of the spoon is wiped by the top edge of the bowl as it extends out. Three general modes of operation are available: fully automatic, one switch, or two switches. The ADD can be clamped to a table or placed on a table using mounting legs. The device weighs less than 15 pounds, and is powered by rechargeable batteries. Inventory code: HP-ADD; Cost: $7,995.00; Mealtime Partners – 817-237-9991, info@mealtimepartners.com, www.mealtimepartners.com. [photo of Assistive Dining Device] *** Funding Corner By Janice Knuth AT Funding Advocate, PIAT When individuals with disabilities cannot obtain AT through health insurance or other sources, disability specific organizations and foundations may be a resource. Here are some examples: -- ALS Association-Greater Philadelphia Chapter: 215-643-5434; www.alsphiladelphia.org; Western PA Chapter: 412-261-5940; www-alswp.org -- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Brighter Tomorrow Grant, 888-MSFOCUS; www.msfocus.org/ -- Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation: 800-544-1213; www.mdff.org -- United Cerebral Palsy: Contact 800-872-5827 or www.ucp.org to get information about a local affiliate. For more information about funding sources for assistive technology, contact Janice Knuth, 215-204-5397 (v), 800-204-7428 (v), 215-204-9371 (fax), 215-204-1356 (v/tty) or jknuth@temple.edu. Watch for information about other funding sources for AT in future issues of this newsletter. *** Med-Time Med-Time is a personal medication system that organizes, reminds and dispenses medications and vitamins so they are taken properly and on time. At medication time, an alarm sounds and pills rotate into position. The device is then lifted and tilted so that the pills fall into your hand. All other medicine is inaccessible. The tilting action stops the alarm. Up to four alarms per day can be set. The tray has 28 compartments, and each can hold several pills. The Med-Time is about the size of two dinner plates. Inventory code: HP-MEDDISP; Cost $249.00; e-pill – 800-549-0095, www.epill.com. [photo of Med-Time] *** Related Websites: www.assistivetech.net - A resource for assistive technology and a link to a wide variety of AT and disability-related information. Contains a searchable database of assistive technology, including vendors. www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/ustdd/tty.htm - A telephone directory of TTY phone numbers for US government offices. www.aarp.org/universalhome - This page on the AARP website addresses universal design and home modifications. One of the features is an interactive house tour. http://agexted.cas.psu.edu/agrab - AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians is a project combining the talents of Penn State Cooperative Extension and Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania. Under the umbrella of the National AgrAbility Project, they bring information and services to farmers and farm family members affected by disability in rural areas of the Commonwealth. Please send us your favorite AT websites. We’re always on the lookout for new ones! *** And Don't Forget... Misc. Household Kit: HP-MISKIT Dressing Kit: HP-DRKIT Kitchen Aid Kit: HP-KCHKIT Reacher Kit: HP-RCHKIT EZ Access Roll-up Ramp: HP-RAMP-F Stepless Ramp, 60”: HP-STEPLESS60 Stepless Ramp, 98”: HP-STEPLESS98 ..and much more! Check the Inventory List to find more AT for Independence! *** Holiday Greetings! On behalf of the staff of Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology and Pennsylvania’s AT Lending Library, we wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season! *** Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Institute on Disabilities Temple University 423 Ritter Hall Annex Philadelphia, PA 19122 Call toll-free: 877-PA AT LEND (voice/TTY) http://disabilities.temple.edu/atlend E-mail: atlend@temple.edu This publication is available in alternate formats, by request. Photos courtesy of the manufacturers. Editor: Sandra McNally smcnally@temple.edu 215-204-3370 PA’s Assistive Technology Lending Library is funded by the Commonwealth of PA, with partial support from the US Dept. of Education (through PA’s Initiative on Assistive Technology) and through the contributions of AT vendors, manufacturers, and users of the Lending Library. *** Next Issue: AT and Education