Michigan's Assistive Technology Program
Device Demonstrations
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What
are Device Demonstrations|Device
Demonstrations in Michigan: Overview | Superior Alliance for
Independent Living | Hearing Assistive
Technology Demonstrations | Wayne,
Oakland and Macomb County Focus Group | AT
and Long Term Care Demonstrations
What are Device Demonstrations?
The purpose of a device demonstration is to help people compare and contrast the features and benefits of a variety of devices in order to make an informed buying decision.
Device demonstrations can include one device, multiple devices (such as comparing four different electronic enlarging devices), single category of participants and multiple categories of participants (a student with a vision disability, their special education teacher and parents, for example). Device demonstrations can be direct or indirect.
Device Demonstrations in Michigan: An Overview
The goals of the Michigan's Plan for AT include increasing access to AT by targeted individuals and entities in the areas of education, employment, community living and information technology/ telecommunications. Michigan has targeted priority to first un-served then to under served geographic areas of the state for this funding. The priority for services is to people who are not eligible to receive services or have assistive technology services paid for through other agencies or organizations. The program is also identifying opportunities to leverage collaborative advocacy efforts by providing demonstrations within specific systems and or focus areas.
Superior Alliance for Independent Living:
129 W, Baraga, Suite H
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 228-5744
(800) 379-7245
The Superior Alliance for Independent Living Center (SAIL) has received a subcontract to provide device demonstrations to residents of the fifteen counties of the Upper Peninsula to explore the benefits of AT and make informed decisions. Michigan ’s Upper Peninsula is a remote, rural part of the state that is historically undeserved.
To request device demonstration, call SAIL (numbers above).
Hearing Assistive Technology Demonstrations
The program has subcontracted with the Hearing Loss Association of Michigan to provide device demonstrations to un-served people with hearing loss disabilities. Through previous funding from Michigan's Assistive Technology Program, this organization started the Hearing Technology Resource Specialist(HTR Specialists) program. HLA-MI has trained over 30 volunteers across the state to educate their local communities about hearing assistive technology.
HTR Specialists use customized equipment kits containing various types of devices that can help you hear better in daily living situations. This program recently expanded the devices in their kits to be able to offer Assistive Technology Demonstrations.
To schedule a demonstration, please write to: htrs@hearingloss-mi.org. The following people have been trained to provide demonstrations:
- Vic Eichler - Portage
- Sheila Bisaha - Flint
- Allan Feldt - Ann Arbor
- Carol Rose - Mohawk
- Margie Gillean - Flint
- Janet Haines - Vassar
- Liz Kobylak - Troy
- Marilyn Knol - Grand Rapids
- Ann Liming - Lansing
- Twyla Neidfeldt - Lansing Area
- Cindy Shapiro - Traverse City
- Cliff Tallman - Kalamazoo
- Juanita Wikman - Muskegon
Assistive Technology and Long Term Care
The program expanded and updated the "small changes, Big Differences" assistive technology training and kits. The following sites can provide both training and device demonstrations using the kit. Sites are:
Superior Alliance for Independent
Living
129 W, Baraga, Suite H
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 228-5744
(800) 379-7245
Disability Network/Southwest MI
517 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 345-1516 voice
(269) 345-5925 tty
(800) 394-7450
Disability Network Oakland & Macomb
16645 15 Mile Road
Clinton Township, MI 48035
(586) 266-4160
(800) 284-2457
Michigan Disability
Rights Coalition
contact Aimee Sterk
(800) 760-4600 ext 329
Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County
Personalized Demonstrations for people with disabilities and
family members are available! We have items to facilitate communication, including devices with audible and visual messages; communication boards; single message recording devices; a talking photo album; devices with multiple messages; telephones; magnifiers; and items for medication, time management, and voice amplification. These items can be useful in developing a lower cost back up plan for communicating in emergency situations.
Q: Who would benefit from a demonstration?
A: People with communication challenges, people experiencing vision or hearing loss, people with learning disabilities, older adults, and their family members.
Q: Who is doing the demonstration?
A: Everyday users of AT who have been trained to demonstrate a variety of items that improve communication. Demonstrators do not sell or promote specific products.
Q: What is a personalized demonstration?
A: Demonstrations are personalized to give you an opportunity to try any items of interest to you, allowing you to compare/contrast item features before you make a buying decision. There is no obligation to purchase anything. We can demonstrate: Devices and strategies that can help with catching someone's attention, remembering important information, using the telephone, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking.
Q: What if I like something and I want to buy it?
A: Funding and resource information will be available at each personalized demonstration. The demonstrators are not vendors and do not sell devices.
Q: Where do I go to get a demonstration?
A: Demonstrations are arranged by the Disability Network Wayne County/Detroit, Disability Network Oakland/Macomb, and United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Detroit.
Q: How do I contact them?
A: Call or email Cathy Mcadam @ 313 563-1412 or mcmcadam@prosynergy.org
"The contents of this web page were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government."
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