Michigan's Assistive Technology Program
Assistive
Technology Connections
Volume 8, Issue 10, October 2007
In This Issue:
- Calendar
- Hearing Assistive Technology Demonstrations
- Access to Electronic Text Books
- Resources for Reading Disabilities
- New Item on AT XChange!
- Subscription Information
Calendar:
- October 8, 2007 2nd Annual Life without Limits through Assistive Technology Conference and Expo Marriott Hotel at Centerpoint Pontiac, Michigan. This event is free to people with disabilities and family members; reasonably priced for professionals. For more information, please call UCP of Metro Detroit at (248) 557-5070 E-Mail: main@ucpdetroit.org. Web page about the conference.
- October 8 – 24, 2007 Register now for the Family Center on
Technology & Disability’s (FCTD) 2007 Online Assistive Technology
Institute!
Join Dr. Sean Smith, University of Kansas and a faculty
of AT experts as we explore: Transition and AT and Autism and AT. The
FCTD’s annual AT Institute is Free to participants. You can register
at:
- October 18, 2007 Pathway to Possibilities 2007 - Dearborn’s Disability Awareness Day at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. This year’s Pathway to Possibilities theme will be “Let’s Make the World More Accessible for YOU”. The keynote speaker is Ira David Socol. For more information call Susan Fitzmaurice, City of Dearborn ADA Coordinator, at (313) 943-2789, TTY (313) 943-2835.
- October 18-20, 2007 Closing the Gap 25th Annual Conference & Preconference Workshops - October 16-17, 2007 Minneapolis, Minnesota
- January 30 - February 2, 2008 Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2008 Conference and Exhibition Caribe Royale Resort Orlando, Florida
Hearing Loss Association Providing Demonstrations!
Through a subcontract with the AT Program, the Hearing Loss Association's Hearing Technology Specialists have upgraded their equipment kits and are providing demonstrations of Hearing Assistive Technology. For more information and the locations of the trained Specialist, see the AT Demonstrations page or write to htrs@hearingloss-mi.org. Also see hearing assistive technology for more information.
Students and Teachers Now Have Free Access to Bookshare.org!
The Office of Special Education Programs of the U.S. federal Department of Education made a major five-year award of $32 million to Bookshare.org. This funding is to fully support all schools and students with qualifying print disabilities in the United States, K-12 and post-secondary, with access to the entire Bookshare.org collection of accessible electronic books and to software for reading those books. The site expects to add over 100,000 new educational titles in high quality DAISY and Braille formats over the next five years, getting students the quality textbooks they need for academic success. Visit www.bookshare.org!
Resources on Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technology:
- According to Learning Disabilities Online, approximately 80 percent of students with learning disabilities have been described as reading disabled. This site has links to many resources for people with reading disabilities.
- Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities — An Overview from SchwabLearning.org: Over the last decade, a number of research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of assistive technology for individuals with learning disabilities. This article contains links to various devices.
- Working Together: Computers and People with Learning Disabilities - Article on the Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT)'s Center web site.
Highlighted Item on the AT Xchange
Versatrainer:
- Similar to "bowflex" exerciser, this unit is for wheelchair user. Power rods of various resistance are used to do a variety of specific exercises from the wheelchair. Requires about 5 to 6 sq.ft. for set up.
- Good Condition.
- The seller is willing to give this item away for free.
- Price when new: $2,400
- Recipient would need to pick-up item in a pick-up truck - takes 2 persons to load it.
- Location: Linden, Michigan.
The AT Xchange is a new Michigan-based website where people can buy, sell or give away assistive technology (AT).
Do you have a used AT item in storage that could really help someone who has a disability? It could be anything from a wheelchair, stair lift, Braille reader, or reacher! If so, just post a classified ad AT Xchange.org. Include a digital photo. ATxchange is open to vendors who have used equipment for sale also. And don't worry about cost, ATXchange is a free service! Maybe you or someone you know is looking for AT? If you can't find what you are looking for, you can post it as an item wanted and receive an email message telling you if and when someone posts the item you are looking for. You may find the AT you are seeking for a bargain price - even for free!
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