Amber, a woman living in Northern California, sustained a fracture in her right foot. During her recovery, she was given crutches and instructed to not bear weight on her injured foot. She contacted FREED Center for Independent Living to learn if there were other devices that could help improve her mobility besides crutches. Through Ability…
Caleb, a high school student in Long Beach reached out to Disabled Resources Center (DRC) for support using his laptop. While meeting with Samantha Mam, DRC’s Assistive Technology Specialist, he shared that, because of his disabilities, carpal tunnel syndrome and Buerger’s Disease, after using the computer for an extended period of time his hand and…
A woman in San Luis Obispo was in need of Assistive Technology (AT) for members of her multigenerational family. She reached out to Central Coast Assistive Technology Center (CCATC) and connected with their Director, Paul Mortola. She was so pleased with her family’s experience, that she sent in a heartfelt letter to express what her…
When low vision ended Zuby Onwuta’s military and medical career, he turned his focus to engineering and used his problem-solving skills to develop a device that allows people to enlarge something, just by thinking. Pursuing A Dream Zuby grew up in Onitsha, Nigeria, dreaming of becoming a medical doctor in the United States. After high school,…
This September an older adult in Long Beach had the good fortune of connecting with Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist Samantha Mam at Disabled Resources Center, not far from his home. His lovely letter warmed our hearts and reminded us of why we love serving our community. Dear Samantha,Thank you for the help, first with information…
Assistive Tools Recommended by People with SMA In honor of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month, we asked two of our friends (and Disability community leaders!) to share the tools and gadgets that makes it possible to live independently. What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder characterized by weakness and wasting…
Champion Athlete Angela Madsen shares her perspective. It’s nearly impossible to encapsulate who Angela Madsen is in just a few words: She’s a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, an athlete who has earned multiple medals in multiple national and international sports, a Guinness World Record holder, the founder and director of a California adaptive rowing organization,…
September is Self Care Month. Self care refers to (often simple) activities to ensure physical and mental fitness. According to clinical psychologist, Lavonna Connell, self care is a critical and important part of every person’s mental health. Not taking care of oneself mentally often leads to physical ailments. Dr. Connell explains that in the…
The Ability Tools team at the California Foundation for Independent Living (CFILC) opted to let our assistive technology (AT) advocates and the general public vote online for a new blog name. With over 50% of the votes, Where It’s AT won! When you think of an assistive technology (AT) blog – Ability Tools is Where…
Written By: Emily Flynn, Ability Tools Program Coordinator Although Mother’s Day has just passed, I can’t help but have my mom on my mind lately. See, I have one of those moms who was born to be a mom. She puts everyone’s needs before hers, she’s got a poker face like you wouldn’t believe; and…