Accessible Bathing Without Construction

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.…

Communication App Breakdown

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…

Destinations Mobility

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…

Scooters to Go

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…

Chasing the Digital Divide

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?…

I seriously need a cell phone: Best bets for people who are blind

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…

Reusing AT can save lives in the developing the world

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…

Apple Lineup to Become More Disability Friendly

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…

Is Social Media Accessible?

by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager First, the good news; the AT Blog is on one of the most accessible social media platforms (Blogspot).  Now for the bad news; that’s not saying much. A recent study conducted by The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network and Media Access Australia found that despite the rapidly growing popularity…