Written by: Emily Flynn and Megan Cowdell, Program Coordinators at The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers About #GivingTuesday Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since…
Written by: Christine Fitzgerald, Community Advocate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center Not all situations and needs are the same, and this extends to medical needs. Without insurance coverage, many would be forced to choose between DME and basic needs, like food or housing. As it is, many people already have to make this choice between…
Written by: Christine Fitzgerald, Community Advocate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center When I think of what life might be like without access to Durable Medical Equipment (DME), it makes me think of living in earlier times. Not too long ago many of us would have been forced to live in institutions where we would most…
This week, advocates from across the country are gathered in Washington, D.C. for the annual National Conference on Independent Living (NCIL). This year’s conference theme is Revolution: A Global Independent Living Movement. Timing couldn’t be better this year! The Conference is not only being held during the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Americans…
Written by: Emily Flynn, Ability Tools Information and Advocacy Specialist I have worked for Ability Tools for nearly two and a half years and have received thousands of phone, website, and email inquiries. I decided I would make a small frequently asked question list as a resource for not only individuals providing services but also…
Written by: Emily Flynn, Ability Tools Information and Advocacy Specialist This last week I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference (ATIA) 2017 in Orlando Florida. This conference is a very large conference where special education staff, assistive technology specialist, medical professionals, rehabilitation counselors, and technology vendors all come…
Written by Yolanda Vargas; YO Disabled and Proud Youth Organizer Ed Roberts is known as the father of the Independent Living Movement. But, before he was the father of anything, he was just a college student trying to get around. As a quadriplegic attending college during the 60’s Ed was forced to rely on…
Financial Loans for Assistive Technology Now Available in California! Finding money to pay for assistive technology can be a challenge for many people with disabilities and qualifying for a loan may seem like an impossible task due to limited income and credit history. Fortunately, on July 11th, CFILC launched a low-interest financial loan program for…
Happy 4th of July from Ability Tools! Did you know that we have hundreds of different items for loan and even some gently used items that are FREE available on our website? We call this the AT Exchange – AT stands for for assistive technology, i.e. things that make your life easier. It can include…
Have you heard of RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc? If not, you should check him out and sign up to receive his e-newsletters. He makes specialized software and hardware products for people with disabilities. He also does road trips and likes to work with others to develop improved assistive technology for all! Here is his…