Written by: Luke C. Hsieh, Assistive Technology Advocate, Community Access Center While there has been little exciting news in the realm of high-tech consumer electronics – other than the soul-eating-time-devouring-productivity-killing Pokemon Go – there is some news in the tablet word. Sometimes masquerading as a therapeutic app for people with agoraphobia, or, more generally, a…
By Rachel Anderson, Ability Tools With temperatures still skyrocketing in California, we thought it would be a good time to talk about some AT, including DIY AT, for dealing with this heat. Our definition of assistive technology, or AT, is very broad, and to us means any object, device or tool used to make life…
Summer is almost over, but there is still time to enjoy our beautiful National Parks! Here is a featured blog from Disability Blog about how the parks are improving their services to allow all individuals to enjoy the wonderful outdoor experiences that our country has to offer. Enjoy it and get out there while you…
By Maggie Mahony, Grasp Assistive Technologies Grasp Assistive Technologies aims to deliver every benefit of technology to enhance communication, interaction, and learning. We specialize in offering assistive technologies and educational toys from around the world. We believe in the power of progress; and that each advancement, big or small, is a critical step towards independence.…
Financial Loans for Assistive Technology Now Available in California! Finding money to pay for assistive technology can be a challenge for many people with disabilities and qualifying for a loan may seem like an impossible task due to limited income and credit history. Fortunately, on July 11th, CFILC launched a low-interest financial loan program for…
Happy 4th of July from Ability Tools! Did you know that we have hundreds of different items for loan and even some gently used items that are FREE available on our website? We call this the AT Exchange – AT stands for for assistive technology, i.e. things that make your life easier. It can include…
We had such an exciting and successful Ability Tools Reuse Conference! Thanks to everyone that made it out to Sacramento last week! At this national conference, we were fortunate to have folks from all over the United States join us to learn, share, collaborate, and strengthen the Reuse movement in California. Many participants were from…
Have you heard of RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc? If not, you should check him out and sign up to receive his e-newsletters. He makes specialized software and hardware products for people with disabilities. He also does road trips and likes to work with others to develop improved assistive technology for all! Here is his…
by Kim Lathrop, DIgital Access Project Specialist Recently I had the privilege of attending and working at the 11th annual Maker Faire in San Mateo, CA. I was at the Faire working with the organization Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM). TOM’s mission is to connect people with disabilities with “makers” and develop solutions for everyday challenges.…
by Mike Monticello, for Consumer Reports, March 2016. Original article in its entirety located here. Teresa Favuzzi is a good driver; it’s everyone else around her who is a maniac. Favuzzi’s partner is legally blind, so the 54-year-old independent-living director from Sacramento, Calif., is used to taking the wheel of the family car. She makes…