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Michigan's Assistive Technology Program

Assistive Technology Connections
February 2010


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In This Issue:

Help for Veterans for Home Modifications

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has received a gift in the amount of $338,143 from Edward Rose Associates, LLC. This gift has been designated to help disabled veterans who seek to eliminate architectural obstacles in their homes.  The targeted gift is available for veterans with disabilities living in Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The grants will be administered by the PVA National office and are limited to a maximum of $20,000 per veteran. Any veteran with a disability residing in one of the aforementioned states who wishes to apply for this grant should contact the PVA National Office at 800-424-8200 and ask for Veterans Benefits Department.

Michigan's AT Program's partner, SAIL, has a web resource on ATphoto wood wrap around ramp to house for Veterans.

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UCP Michigan Ramps for Independence

This new service from UCP Michigan serves individuals who are in need of an accessibility ramp to their home. For an application and information about eligibility criteria,  please contact UCP Michigan at 800-828-2714.

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New Resources on the AT Wiki

The AT Wiki is an encyclopedia on assistive technology that anyone can edit, and which is part of the National Public Website on Assistive Technology. The site has over 800 articles on various aspects of assistive technology and disability. Recent articles dealing with workplace accommodations include:

Since the site is a Wiki, additions to the site - whether adding a resource to an existing article or adding a whole new article - are always welcome.

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Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Study Participants Wanted

go talk AAC deviceThe University at Buffalo is conducting a study to improve the communication of new Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) research findings to potential information users. They are seeking participation in the study from AAC manufacturers, AAC consumers, Clinicians, and Researchers.  Selected participants will be paid a total of $100 to complete three web-based survey questionnaires between February and December of 2010.  Each survey will take about FIFTEEN minutes to complete. For more details, please email Sue Arnold at smarnold@buffalo.edu

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Individualized Education Program (IEP) Checklist:  i-Phone Application

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) officially launched its first iPhone App specifically designed to help families and teachers plan for educational services for students with disabilities. PEATC’s IEP Checklist iPhone app was developed in response to the rising need for families with children with disabilities to have on-the-spot intelligent assistance working with schools to develop Individual Education Programs (IEPs).  The app can be downloaded from the PEATC website or by entering “IEP Checklist” into the iTunes store search bar. The app is free, and is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch.

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Highlighted Item on the AT Xchange!

A blue Invacare Lynx L-3X scooter. "It was lightly used for 2 months. The Lynx L-3X combines the sleek, streamlined look of the Lynx L-3 and L-4 scooters with the benefits of a mid-size scooter that offers more travel range, foot space and comfort for a variety of consumers. The result is the Lynx L-3X, a compact, yet powerful, scooter with all the comfort of a larger scooter. - 300 pound weight capacity - Estimated 16.5-mile travel range with 36Ah batteries-bigger than standard U1 batteries! - 0-5 MPH Speed Range - Sliding Seat for knee-to-tiller depth adjustment."

  • Condition: Very Good
  • Price When New: $2,173
  • Asking Price: $700.00 or Best Offer
  • Date Posted: January 23, 2010
  • Other Special Instructions: Local pickup only. Livonia, MI

The AT Xchange is a Michigan-based web site 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 on AT Xchange.org. The AT Xchange is open to vendors who have used equipment for sale also don't worry about cost, AT Xchange is a free service!

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Calendar of Assistive Technology Conferences and Events:

  • Assistive Technology Industry Association - On Demand Education Access previously held webinars for $35 each. Each webinar runs 60-90 minutes on a variety of topics.

  • February 22, 2010 3:00 p.m. EST  Webinar: Hand Controls for Agricultural Users. To participate in this free webinar, email agrability@agrability.org by February 17 and simply put the word "Webinar" in the subject line. Instructions for accessing the session will be sent to registrants by February 19. Feel free to pass on this invitation to others you believe may be interested. Contact AgrAbility at 800-825-4264 if you have questions.

  • March 4, 2010 2:30pm - 4:00pm  Webinar: Accessible Toilet and Bathing Facilities. From the Great Lakes ADA Center.

  • March 25, 2010 1:30 - 3:00 PM EST. AT for Communication in Emergencies  Webinar by the Michigan Assistive Technology Program. Please email mdrc@prosynergy.org for more information and to register.

  • March 22-27, 2010 San Diego, CA: The 25th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference (CSUN) CSUN is offering veterans and active military personnel a 50% discount code when military identification or Certificate of Release (DD-214 Copy #4) is faxed directly to CSUN at (818) 677-492 or submitted via email to conference@csun.
  • March 22-27, 2010 San Diego, CA: The 25th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference  (CSUN)

  • October 25 - 27, 2010 Orlando, Florida: The 12th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility . The ASSETS conference explores the use of computing and information technologies to help persons with disabilities and older adults. ASSETS is the premier forum for presenting innovative research on the design and use of both mainstream and specialized assistive technologies.

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MDRC Governing Board Meetings

MDRC logoCome tell your story to the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition's Governing Board. All meetings are open to the public and we encourage people to attend. The next meeting is April 29 from 5 - 7 PM.

All meetings are at:

3498 E. Lake Lansing Rd., Ste 100,
East Lansing, MI 48823

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AT Connections

This newsletter is a service of Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, AT Program. Funding is through the Assistive Technology Act received through Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Subscriptions are free! For information, write to mdrc@prosynergy.org. Please mention AT Connections.

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