by Nubyaan Scott, Program Coordinator for Ability Tools Many of you may know Amazon for its widely diverse online marketplace where you can buy anything from a squat stand to a Roswell soil sample. But, did you know they also make a smartphone? A couple of weeks ago the company revealed that it had designed…
By Chi Hung Luke Hsieh Assistive Technology Advocate I have recently—yes, only recently—gotten friendly with swype input. As someone who has the word “technology” in his job title, the shame and dishonor of such wilful neglect brought upon my person is incalculable. However, thanks to my new state-of-the-art Android phone, I have had the chance…
by Justin Harford Yesterday, June 3, 2014, I cast my first ballot independently as someone who is blind, using an electronic voting machine at my local polling place. This experience brought me a lot of satisfaction both because I was participating in the electoral process as a good citizen who had done their homework,…
By Rhett Simmons of West Coast Captioning Assistive Technology (AT) has been a major part of my life for the last 23 years. In 1991, I started using AT to provide captioning services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. In case you don’t know, captioning is the black box with words in it…
by Emily Flynn, Youth/Independent Living Specialist, Solano County I started working for Independent Living Resources of Solano and Contra Costa County in May of 2013. In the past year I have learned so much! I have learned how people with all different disabilities can live independently in their own way. This may mean getting them…
by Lady Love *** This post is of an adult-themed nature *** When I was in junior high school, a boy once asked me whether I can have sex and have babies — because I use a wheelchair. My immediate reaction was, “Yes, of course!” Then he asked me how and I replied,…
by guest blogger Laurie Hoirup, author of I Can Dance: My Life with a Disability Within the business world, financial success is the driving force for both concept and product design. Numbers matter and sadly, for the disability community, those numbers can have a detrimental effect upon independence and ability. Technology is a wonderful asset…
by Jorge Ruiz, Assistive Technology Coordinator at CCCIL in Salinas As the Assistive Technology Coordinator at Central Coast Center for Independent Living, I have the unique opportunity to find AT solutions for people and make their independent living opportunities a little easier. Sometimes it can be as simple as providing the person a Juan Jose…
Disability Capitol Action Day 2014 took place on May 21st in Sacramento and we thought it would be nice to share some photos from this successful and enjoyable event! The day started off with a Solidarity March from the Capitol Rose Garden to the West Lawn. Participants made signs to express what they thought was…
by Nubyaan Scott, Program Coordinator Joe Xavier is the newly appointed Director of the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). He recently took some time to talk with us about his background, hopes for the future, and his thoughts on Assistive Technology (AT). Take a few minutes to get to know Joe; we’re sure you’ll find it…