by Henry Contreras, CFILC’s Public Policy Director “A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” —Late U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen” As we’re all painfully aware, California has experienced a decade of state budget deficits. They’ve caused massive budget cuts reducing or eliminating vital programs and services for people with…
Do you use devices, software, technology, or apps to live more independently or serve people who do? Do you want to learn more about different types of assistive technology (AT), AT-related services, and AT funding sources? Are you interested in learning more about a particular AT issue? If you answered “Yes” to any of these…
If you are in California and haven’t heard of the California Telephone Access Program, you could be missing out on a free and specialized landline phone. Funded by the small surcharge on every phone bill in CA, CTAP provides free phones for people who live in California, have telephone service, and are deaf or hard…
by Samantha Garcia Diagram of the Ear If you have hearing loss, you are not alone – not by a long shot. As you might expect, some populations experience hearing loss in higher numbers. For instance, 1 in 3 people over the age of 60 and half of people over 85 experience some hearing loss.…
by Allan Friedman When it comes to mobile devices, Apple’s iOS (operating system) has had better accessibility features and supports more accessibility apps than phones and tablets that run on the Android OS. But that is changing. The Wireless RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center) surveyed 452 people with a disability and found that 92 percent owned or…
by Rosemarie Punzalan Technology plays an important role in helping the deaf and hard of hearing (DHOH) community interact as well as communicate. Below are some FREE Android-based apps that allow the DHOH to get the most out of their devices: Google Voice: Google Voice is a multifunction voice mail application that makes it possible…
Assistive technology (AT) can be costly and, as most of you know, is not often covered in full or even partially by insurances. Furthermore, it can be frustrating to spend a lot of money on a device that one believes will work for them or a loved one, only to find out that it is…
Damary Bustos, YO! Volunteer Hi! My name is Damary Bustos and I am from Hayward, California. I just turned 21 years old last month. I was born with Cerebral Palsy which affects my walking and it’s hard to control my hands movements sometimes. I also have a speech disability which makes it really hard for…
by Jorge Ruiz, Assitive Technology Coordinator at Central Coast Center for Independent Living Living in California, the possibility of a high magnitude earthquake hitting and affecting our lives is very likely! In fact this past fall in October there was a small 5.3 magnitude earthquake that originated in San Benito County and was felt in…
by Rachel Anderson, Program Coordinator for the AT Network There are still a few more shopping days left and there are some good sales going on right now – so it is a great time to purchase some useful AT devices. Here are some last minute gift ideas for everyone on your list. For more…