Michigan's Assistive Technology Program
Device Demonstrations
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What
are Device Demonstrations|Device
Demonstrations in Michigan: Overview |Community
Connections | 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.
Community Connections of SW Michigan
133 E. Napier, Suite 2
Benton Harbor , MI 49022
Voice 800 578-4245 (269) 925-6422
Fax: 269 925-7141
Community Connections is a Center for Independent Living, serving rural Berrien, Cass and western portion of Van Buren counties. Community Connections has partnered with Michigan State University, through its Assistive Technology Specialist at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) to provide device demonstrations. They will train volunteers who have disabilities and use AT to provide demonstrations in response to the needs of people who call the center (number above) and request and demonstration.
Assistive Technology Coordinators will help determine individual or group presentation preference, location, time/date of demo, type, etc. Assistance will be provided by Community Connections in linking people with needed transportation to a site if needed.
Community Connections and it's partners are also exploring the possibility of taping some of the demonstrations in preparation for a future indirect device demonstration service via web cast. The partners will be exploring the possibility of offering this service during this initial subcontract.
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. 4 kits have been developed to be placed at organizations throughout the state with a focus of training people involved with the Single Points of Entry for long term care locations. These sites will 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
Community Connections
133 E. Napier, Suite #2
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 925-7141
(800) 578-4245
Disability Network/Southwest MI
517 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 345-1516 voice
(269) 345-5925 tty
(800) 394-7450
Michigan Disability
Rights Coalition
contact Aimee Sterk
(800) 760-4600 ext 329
Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County Focus Group
The program has contracted with Cathy McAdam and UCP of Metro Detroit to develop training and device demonstrations based on the recommendations of a focus group held last year. Training has been developed and will begin over the Summer and Fall of 2008 with demonstrations to follow. The topic of the training is devices for communication in emergency situations people with a variety of disability characteristics.
Cathy McAdam
(313) 563-1412
http://www.diverseability.com/mcatherinemcadamllc.htm
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