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In Pennsylvania, November is Assistive Technology Awareness MonthPennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) staff at the Institute on Disabilities and PIAT's "Assistive Technology Resource Centers" (ATRC's) across the Commonwealth work to improve access to assistive technology devices and services for all Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians. In accordance with the Assistive Technology Act, PIAT has four primary activities:
In addition, information and referral is available as are training and other opportunities to help people with disabilities learn that assistive technology "can help you do the things you want to do." Contact: 800-204-PIAT; piat@temple.edu New Outreach – Assistive Technology Demonstrations"Guided exploration" demonstrations are now available on request for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians and their families. These demonstrations allow consumers to learn how specific devices work, how the technology can benefit them, and how to borrow a device to try at home, work or school. While this isn't an evaluation or instructional session, it is an opportunity to "sample" different devices, and understand similarities and differences. Contact: Ann Dolloff, 800-204-7428, ATdemo@temple.edu FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORThis issue of Inside Information focuses on technology. All of us have seen the benefits of technology in our lives. Technology makes life easier by enabling us to do things faster and more efficiently. Using cell phones, the Internet, and the World Wide Web, we can connect with people and information at anytime and from anywhere. What a luxury! But for people with disabilities, it is not a luxury, it's a necessity! Technology makes life possible. Here at the Institute on Disabilities, we are actively working to develop newer and better technologies for children and adults with disabilities. We are also working to ensure that people with disabilities know about, can try out, and can acquire the technologies that they need to be independent, included, and participating members of our communities. We are pleased to share a few of these activities with you in this issue.
Diane Nelson Bryen, PhD
Finding and Securing Funding for Assistive TechnologyFinding funding for assistive technology (AT) devices and services can be challenging. A person may not be eligible for a public program because of age, income or type of disability; or a certain device may not be covered by the program for which he/she DOES qualify. It may be necessary to find assistance from several programs, and pool those resources to acquire the funding for the AT needed. Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) provides information and individualized assistance to individuals with disabilities and their families who are searching for funding for assistive technology they need but cannot afford. PIAT can help individuals work through the maze of public programs, including "waivers," recycling programs, cash loan programs, and non-governmental funding sources to determine which ones might help. When needed, the Institute on Disabilities' AT Funding Coordinator can help make inquiries, complete applications, write letters of need or provide examples of "good" letters of medical necessity, and support individuals through appeals. Most of the Institute’s assistance is provided via telephone or email from the central office at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, although individuals in the Philadelphia area may make an appointment for in-person assistance. For individuals who live outside of southeastern Pennsylvania, the Institute can help connect them with an Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) in their local regions. Contact: Janice Knuth, AT Funding Coordinator, 215-204-5397 or 800-204-7428 Voice; 215-204-1356 Voice/TTY; ATfundinghelp@temple.edu. Visit http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/fac/ for additional information. Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending LibraryPennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library enables Pennsylvanians with disabilities to try out assistive technology devices in their "natural" environments—home, school, work, or in other community settings—to determine, before they make a purchase, if the device works for them. Many Pennsylvanians are taking advantage of the Lending Library. In the 2004-2005 program year, for example:
ACES Celebrates 18th GraduationIn each of the past 18 years, the Temple University campus has been enriched as individuals with significant physical and communication disabilities spend two weeks on campus acquiring a voice, often for the first time in their lives. This year, ACES (Augmentative Communication and Empowerment Supports) welcomed participants from Washington DC, Arizona, California, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania for an intensive program that included instruction in voice output communication technology as well as life lessons to empower themselves to use their "new" voice boldly, to shape their futures and the futures of others. Institute on Disabilities' Executive Director and founder of ACES, Dr. Diane Nelson Bryen, said that this year ACES was as inspiring as in years past. One participant was so impressed by the program, according to Dr. Bryen, that he has begun the process of launching ACES in his home state. To attend ACES, "he sought out, and found, funding and he is well on his way to achieving his dream of establishing an ACES in Arizona," Dr. Bryen says. The two weeks of activities and classes, covering such diverse topics as Strategic Communication Using a Communication Device, Computers, Finding a Job, Networking, and Yoga, culminated in a moving ceremony on July 22 where each graduate used his or her new voice to reflect on the experience and to share their goals for the future. At the ceremony, Dr. Bryen presented the ACES Free Speech Now Award, recognizing individuals who, by example and action, advance free speech rights of all Americans, including those with disabilities. This year's recipient was Tracy Rackensperger, an augmentative/alternative communication user who has earned a master's degree in communication and has recently accepted a full time position at the University of Georgia. She has worked for more than four years with the AAC-RERC on Communication Enhancement, is associated with the TECH 2010 project and was a charter participant in the AAC Writer's Brigade. She also works part-time at the Institute on Disabilities as the liaison between the RERC and ACOLUG—an online users' group for people who rely on communication technologies. 2005-2006 Accessible Web Design Contest for K-12 SchoolsWhat if...
These are just a few of the difficulties facing people with disabilities who use the web for their work, education, shopping, recreation and communication. Good web design allows everyone access to the same information. To encourage the next generation of web designers and "techies" to appreciate the importance of accessible information technology and incorporate it into their designs, the Institute on Disabilities is sponsoring the 2005-2006 Web Design Contest for K-12 Schools in Pennsylvania. The contest will award the most accessible web sites designed by elementary, middle and high school students. Winning schools in each category will receive a digital camera, and the school with the best accessible site wins a digital video camera. The contest began September 6, 2005 and all entries must be submitted by December 16, 2005. Awards will be given by March 2006. Contact: Ann Dolloff, 800-204-7428 Voice, adolloff@temple.edu; http://www.adainfo.org/accessible/it/ FOR MORE INFORMATIONWith suggestions or comments about our newsletter, contact Susan Fullam, Dissemination Coordinator, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University: sfullam@temple.edu. Available in alternate formats, upon request. Para información en español, favor contactar a Silvia Lee por teléfono al 215.204.9348 o por correo electrónico al latino@temple.edu Institute on Disabilities, Pennsylvania's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service at Temple University
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