By: Emily Flynn, Ability Tools Information and Advocacy Specialist
Kyla Aquino-Irving speaking to an attendee about our Ability Tools program
Another year, another great Abilities Expo in Los Angles. The expo is held at the Los Angeles Convention center every year and we get to share resources and information about our program along with providing demonstrations of different assistive technology devices that are part of our network. This year for the first time we also pleasure of sharing the AT showcase booth with our assistive technology center partner in Anaheim, Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK). TASK is a nonprofit organization that specializes in special education and assistive technology support for the families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them. While providing demonstrations to individuals we were also able to promote some of our new programs within Ability Tools like FreedomTech and Voice Options Pilot Project.
- FreedomTech: The FreedomTech Financial Loan Program provides Californians with affordable financial loans to purchase needed assistive technology. Our financial loans range from $500 to $15,000.
- Voice Options: Voice Options is a pilot program of the California Public Utilities Commission administered by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers. Voice Options connects Californians with speech language disabilities to iPads with speech apps.
Along with providing information, resources ,and demonstrations related to assistive technology we were also able to learn about new technology on the market. We also get the opportunity to meet new organizations that serve the disability population and see old friends who we have partnered with for years in the southern California area.
Some of our favorite booths this year were:
UCP Wheels for Humanity: UCP Wheels for Humanity provides appropriately fitted wheelchairs and quality of life services to children and adults with physical disabilities in developing countries. They also serve as advocates and capacity-building partners to local organizations, so they can build sustainable, community-based systems that create long-term change. Over the course of their 17-year history UCP Wheels has worked in over 70 countries and touched the lives of more than 313,300 people.
TRIUMPH Foundation: Triumph Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to minimize the obstacles that one faces after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON IN SEPARATE BLOG.
Hitch’n Roll: A rugged mobile accessories for work and play, including quick release holders for phones, tablets, tray tables, baskets, fishing poles, umbrellas, water bottles, oxygen tanks, shopping bags, IV drips, rifles, cameras, exercise resistance springs, lights, and unique custom needs.
If you are interested in attending an Abilities Expo near you check out their site at www.abilities.com. If you are interested in staying updated on when Ability Tools will be attending events and providing training Please visit http://abilitytools.org/landing/training-nav.php.
