Written by: Noor Pervez, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network Greetings, assistive tech fans! My name is Noor. I’m autistic adult with chronic pain who works for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. I’ve learned a lot about assistive technology that autistic folks use from my friends, as well as my own experiences.…
Written By: Ability Tools Staff Did you know that California has a state program that provides FREE phone to individuals with various disabilities? These phones are provided by the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) at no charge to eligible Californians. DDTP distributes telecommunications equipment and services that improve communication for all Californians. A program of the…
A new self driving bus, named Olli, is in the works that does a lot more than taking people places. An accessible version of the bus, called “Accessible Olli” will be using IBM’s artificial intelligence powered Watson technology to communicate with passengers since there will be no driver or staff on it. For example, when…
Every year millions of Americans make a New Year’s Resolution to start exercising regularly or to become more active. For people who are wheelchair users this can be an even more difficult resolution to obtain. Luckily, the Apple watch Series 3 is a watch that considers all the different ways people move. This device encourages wheelchair…
Written By: Tatum Tricarico, Point Loma Nazarene University Student & Author Two hundred years ago, someone decided that what the world had to offer him and his disability wasn’t enough. So after putting in a lot of work, Louis Braille changed the world for all blind people. That is why today, and each year on…
AT Advocates are community based information and referral specialists who can assist consumers with a variety of assistive technology issues. They work at Independent Living Centers in California. Ability Tools wouldn’t be the program it is without these advocates and all their hard work. With the New Year approaching we asked our advocates to tell…
Written by: Megan Cowdell, Program Coordinator, CFILC Here at Ability Tools and our parent organization, The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), we have used and worked with our fair share of assistive technology. In this second annual blog you will find testimonials from some of our staff on their favorite AT devices this…
Felix Reges, a 10-year-old boy, is able to see clearly for the very first time with the help of wearable technology. His parents and teachers say, “It’s opened up a whole new world for him.” NuEyes Changing Felix’s Life The Sunrise Valley Elementary School 4th grader has had severely impaired vision his entire life, but…
Can a quadriplegic, someone paralyzed from the neck down, drive a car? Race car driver Sam Schmidt’s career came to an abrupt end when a crash in 2000 left him paralyzed. After 17 years though, project SAM (Semi Autonomous Motorcar), a car with various modifications, has helped Sam get back on the road. Here is…
Written by: Madeline Cowdell, News Producer “Red brick is actually red!” I exclaimed, when I walked out of a San Francisco Bay Area optometrist’s office, while trying on a pair of Enchroma sunglasses. That day was the first time I saw many colors and shades I had never seen before. To me, red brick was…