Did you know that Ability Tools runs 11 Device Lending Libraries (DLLs) throughout the state of California? Our DLLs provide short-term loans of assistive devices and gadgets that can help Californians live independently. Whether the need is temporary or if you would just like to try out some devices before you spend money on them,…
By Laura Simmons-Martinez, Technology Project Director, Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) Project Communicate is the much-needed piece that links (AAC) augmentative and alternative communication to TASK’s TECH Center services. Thanks to a generous grant from the Disability Communications Fund, we are thrilled to be able to provide this service to those in need.…
Do you ever listen to Science Fridays on NPR? This great radio show broadcasts on many public radio stations on Fridays from 11am – 1pm (PST). If you can’t listen to it live, you can also stream it from their website when it is convenient for you. Well, last week’s topic on Science Friday August…
The Amputee Coalition, along with many others in the prosthetic limb communities, are asking for help in raising awareness of a recent Medicare policy proposal released on July 16 that has the potential to drastically change prosthetic care for individuals with amputations. Keep in mind that even if you’re not currently a Medicare patient, private…
written by Erin Lauridsen, Assistive Technology Educator at ILRCSF Parents of children with disabilities know that part of parenting is navigating complex systems and resources. Jasmin is just such a navigator for her 5 year-old son, Jordan. Jordan has low muscle tone, a mild hearing loss, and developmental delays. Jordan cannot speak, but understands spoken…
Button and Zip wtih No Grip (BAZWNG) is a low-tech assistive technology designed and developed by Shawn O’Bray. It is a dressing aid designed to help button and zip pants independently. : Here is Shawn’s story: When I was 19 I was in a car accident that left me paralyzed. I spent 5 1/2 months…
By Emily Flynn, Program Coordinator for Ability Tools This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jorge Ruiz for our new AT Advocate’s Blog series. Jorge is an AT Advocate at Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) in Salinas, CA. Jorge has been an extraordinary member of CCCIL’s team for over five years now! …
To see the complete article, visit: 12 Questions to Ask about a College’s Disability Services. Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) were enacted in 1976 through the passage of Assembly Bill 77 (Lanterman), which funds support services and instructional programs for students with disabilities in the California Community Colleges. DSPS assists colleges to provide services…
What are you doing on Wednesday, May 20th? Join us in Sacramento for the 12th annual Disability Capitol Action Day (DCAD)! DCAD is one of the nation’s largest and most diverse cross-disability annual days of unity. Recognizing the important issues facing people with disabilities and their allies and in honor of the 25th anniversary of…
by Alette Coble-Temple, PsyD As Ms. Wheelchair California 2015, I am honored that I have been asked to blog for Ability Tools. As a woman with cerebral palsy, interdependence is a foundational aspect of my life. I achieve interdependence by using assistive technology, devices, and personal assistants. While I consider myself successful in navigating life…