By Bari Schlesinger, the Assistive Technology Services Coordinator for the California Department of Rehabilitation and a motorized wheelchair user. I hear it all the time. “I can’t travel because I am in wheelchair.” “I can’t go on a cruise.” But the reality is – YOU CAN! You would be amazed at how accessible cruises and…
by Rachel Anderson, Program Coordinator If you have looked into making your bathroom accessible for a wheelchair user, you already know that this can be a very costly investment. Whether you are looking to install a walk-in tub or a roll-in shower, equipment and installation costs can be upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.…
by Rachel Anderson, Program Coordinator There are many different reasons and ways for people to use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices. There are high-tech and low-tech communication devices utilizing graphics, text or a combination of both. With all of the new and ever-advancing digital communication options, choices and cost can be overwhelming. Are you…
by Kim Cantrell, CFILC’s Program Director Oscar Pistorius running on his Cheetah blades The Olympic Games begin this week in London, and the stories of aspiring athletes hoping to win a medal are all over the news. The controversial buzz surrounding one track star representing South Africa stems from the fact that he is a…
by Shannon Coe, Program Coordinator The AT Network often gets phone calls from individuals looking for funding to purchase modified vehicles. Unfortunately, there are not many funding sources out there. Depending on whether the vehicle is new or used, the make and model, and the modifications needed, the cost of modified vehicles can go up…
by Rosemarie Punzalan, CFILC’s Training Specialist On a very hot Sunday afternoon I stopped by a local store to purchase a battery for my garage door opener remote control. As I exited I noticed a couple that appeared to be in their late 50s. The husband opened his trunk and began taking out a scooter…
by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager Can the Internet ever be truly accessible for people with disabilities? Will there ever be a time when people who use adaptive software or hardware have equal access to all websites and online applications, when they won’t have to deal with workarounds, alternative sites and just plain inaccessible content?…
by Rachel Anderson, Program Coordinator Rachel answers many calls from individuals who contact the AT Network with questions about assistive technology. Below is a Q&A based on a call she received from an individual who contacted the AT Network’s toll-free phone line (800-390-2699). Dear AT Network, I have low vision and have recently started shopping…
By Shannon Coe, CFILC’s Reuse and Finance Coordinator In May 2012, the World Institute on Disability (WID) made a video using pictures to tell a story about my experience with the Peace Corps. As a woman who uses a wheelchair, I had to overcome many barriers Peace Corps created because they did not think people…
We found this interesting article on Disabilityscoop.com: by Shaun Heasley The iPhone and iPad will soon be even simpler to use for people with a wide range of disabilities thanks to a new software update, Apple Inc. officials said this week. Changes designed to make the popular mobile devices more accessible are expected in a…