Written by Luke Hsieh of Community Access Center, Riverside June 4th is a very important date to me. No, it’s not because on that day in 1989 the Chinese government ordered a general crackdown on Tiananmen Square students, but it was on June 4, 2010 when I obtained my iPhone 3GS. This device has fundamentally…
Written by LaCandice McCray, CFILC’s Outreach and Training Advocate Often times we think about using assistive technology in the home, at work, or at school. What about using assistive technology for fun? A conference I recently attended in Irvine reminded me that recreation is also an important part of daily living. August 26-27 was the…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager In a time of severe budget cuts that imperil the ability of Californians with disabilities to live independently, the reuse and recycling of assistive technology is a moral imperative. Reuse is one of the most effective ways to enable more low income individuals to acquire devices that empower…
By Luke Hsieh, AT Advocate at the Community Access Center in RiversideI first saw this software at the CSUN International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference in San Diego. I was so impressed by the demonstration that as soon as I got back to Riverside, I purchased a copy of my own and ran it…
By Mazuri Colley, CFILC’s Information & Assistance Advocate The Americans with Disabilities Act turns twenty this year! This milestone means that there is a whole generation of youth in the United States of America who never experienced life before the ADA. Every year and with every victory for the disability community the task of making…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager. California is a unique state (although, I’m sure every other state considers themselves unique too). A diverse population spread over a large geographic area with several large urban areas and many remote rural communities poses a number of challenges for service providers intent on inclusion and reaching…
By Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager There seems to be some reluctance on the part of many AT professionals to recommend or assist consumers in acquiring used assistive technology devices. Medi-Cal, Medicare, the Veteran’s Administration and other funders will not fund the purchase of a used AT device; only new will do. Why? The number…
Written by Mazuri Colley, Information and Assistance Advocate You may know that calling 1-800-390-2699 will lead you to the AT Network’s Information and Referral Line, but what you may not know is that you can find that number (or should find that number) posted at every gas station across the great state of California. At…
By Luke Hsieh, Assistive Technology Advocate, Community Access Center, Riverside When my supervisor saw the 13-year-old webcam that I have lying around my office, he asked me if I could turn it into an electronic magnifier using a Windows computer and USB port. The technology involved really isn’t rocket science. Bierley is selling a USB…
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services just completed its action on the Governor’s May revision of the State budget. Both houses have rejected cuts proposed by the Governor which removes them from further consideration in this year’s budget. Among the items rejected were Medi-Cal caps on benefits including durable medical equipment, medical…