A yellow background with black stripes. The Ability Tools Logo. Text reads "Ability Tools Blog Safety & A.T Assistive Technology for National Safety Month" An image of an adapted fire alarm.

Assistive Technology That Can Support Safety

Hey! Did you know June is National Safety Month? Safety and disability can go hand-in-hand, and assistive technology can help. From special locks, alarms and environmental adaptations, here are some examples on how people with disabilities can keep themselves and their families safe. Locks Wireless Remote Controlled Door Locks For those with limited dexterity, fine…

There is a black bar with white text. It reads "Luke Hsieh's Favorite AT five favorite assistive technology devices from high-tech to low-tech". There are photos of the various AT devices and the Ability Tools logo.

Top Five AT Devices from an AT Advocate

Written by: Luke Hsieh, Assistive Technology Advocate Community Access Center For this top five countdown, I will be ranking my my five favorite assistive technology devices from high-tech to low-tech. By September next year, I will have worked a full decade as an assistive technology specialist for an Independent Living Center.  The first generation iPad…

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Reuse Programs Help More Than Just Mother Earth

Written By: Ability Tools Staff It’s that time of year the again, time for spring cleaning! What better day to spring into cleaning than Earth Day? For close to 48 years, Earth Day has been observed on April 22nd and is a day where people around the world celebrate environmental movements and build awareness around…

Spring Gardening With California AgrAbility

Written By: Sara Wat- University of California, Davis California AgrAbility For the past few years, the UC Davis California AgrAbility Program and Ability Tools have partnered to bring assistive technology and farming ergonomic resources to farmers, agricultural workers, ranchers, and gardeners across California. Starting in 2014, the Ability Tool’s AT Exchange- Device Lending Library, began…

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Ability Tools Information and Referral FAQ’s

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…

The Telescoping Garden Hand Tools – Set of 4 allows people to extend their reach to the ground from a sitting position. Set includes: Mini ‘D’ handle shovel, telescoping fan rake, telescoping trowel, and telescoping culti-hoe.

Try Out Assistive Equipment for Farming and Gardening

    By: Rosemarie Punzalan; CFILC Technology Coordinator BORROW EQUIPMENT FROM A DEVICE LENDING LIBRARY How can I borrow ergonomic tools? In collaboration with CalAgrAbility, Ability Tools provides services to gardeners, farmers, farm workers and farm families. Borrow a device from one of our Device Lending Libraries (DLLs) throughout California and try before you buy, compare…

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Welcome to California

by: Emily Flynn, Ability Tools Information and Advocacy Specialist Working our information and referral line can bring on some very interesting calls. I speak with people from all walks of life and with all different types of disabilities that affect them. Our goal at Ability Tools is to help individuals with disabilities find assistive technology…