#GivingTuesday logo, the "v" in giving is a heart

#GivingTuesday

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…

It’s Getting HOT Out There! Stay Cool With AT…

By Rachel Anderson, Ability Tools With temperatures still skyrocketing in California, we thought it would be a good time to talk about some AT, including DIY AT, for dealing with this heat.  Our definition of assistive technology, or AT, is very broad, and to us means  any object, device or tool used to make life…

Accessing Our Country’s National Park Sites and Sights

Summer is almost over, but there is still time to enjoy our beautiful National Parks!  Here is a featured blog from Disability Blog about how the parks are improving their services to allow all individuals to enjoy the wonderful outdoor experiences that our country has to offer.  Enjoy it and get out there while you…

Catherine at table using headset mouse with her computer

Gaining a Grasp on Assistive Technology

By Maggie Mahony, Grasp Assistive Technologies Grasp Assistive Technologies aims to deliver every benefit of technology to enhance communication, interaction, and learning.  We specialize in offering assistive technologies and educational toys from around the world.  We believe in the power of progress; and that each advancement, big or small, is a critical step towards independence.…

Financial Loans for Assistive Technology Now Available in California!

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…

picture of gentlamen in modified white van using hadn controls

Celebrate your Independence with Assistive Technology (AT)!

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…

gnetleman in front of a podium is talking in front of an Ability Tools banner

National Reuse Conference Declared a Success by All!

We had such an exciting and successful Ability Tools Reuse Conference! Thanks to everyone that made it out to Sacramento last week! At this national conference, we were fortunate to have folks from all over the United States join us to learn, share, collaborate, and strengthen the Reuse movement in California. Many participants were from…

Assistive Technology with RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc

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…

kim lathrop and her TOM cohort. She is wearing a blue shirt and uses a wheelchair and three other gentleman are smiling and standing with their arms around her.

Maker Faire 2016

by Kim Lathrop, DIgital Access Project Specialist Recently I had the privilege of attending and working at the 11th annual Maker Faire in San Mateo, CA. I was at the Faire working with the organization Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM). TOM’s mission is to connect people with disabilities with “makers” and develop solutions for everyday challenges.…

picture of woman using two tablets and smart phone and wheelchair at table

What’s Happening at Ability Tools…

Did you check out our 2016 Assistive Technology (AT) Photo Contest?  We opened the voting of the top ten finalists up to the public and here are a couple of the winners! See all of the winners by clicking here. Thanks to everyone that participated! It was a great event and we will surely do…