Enjoy the wonderful world of Disney through Assistive Technology!

Summer time is a great time to take trips and visit new places. Read one Disney aficionado’s review below of the assistive technology features at Disney World. Disney is planning to unveil the same audio description technology at Disneyland Resort in California in 2011. Sample Disney’s new theme park outdoor audio description assistive technology by…

Reuse and Recycle: Expanding Access to Assistive Technology

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…

It’s the ADA’s 20th Anniversary!

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…

To Reuse AT start by reusing OPI

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…

Take Action 4 Accommodations

By Princess Rehman, Youth Advocate, CFILC   Did you know that many community college students with disabilities around California are not getting their accommodation needs met? They registered with Disability Students Services. They followed the proper protocol. Yet many students are having their requested accommodations delayed. Some students are not receiving their accommodations at all.…

What’s Wrong with Used AT?

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…

Where the AT Network and the Refueling Act Meet

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…

Does it really have to cost so much: Custom building an electronic magnifier.

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…

Budget Committee Votes Down Caps on DME/AT Benefits!

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…