Earlier this year, Ability Tools launched their second AT video contest. We were so pleased with all of the submissions we received and would like to thank each and every contestant for entering! The purpose of this contest was to showcase creative ways people with disabilities use assistive technology (AT). AT is any object, device…
To see the complete article, visit: 12 Questions to Ask about a College’s Disability Services. Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) were enacted in 1976 through the passage of Assembly Bill 77 (Lanterman), which funds support services and instructional programs for students with disabilities in the California Community Colleges. DSPS assists colleges to provide services…
by Alette Coble-Temple, PsyD As Ms. Wheelchair California 2015, I am honored that I have been asked to blog for Ability Tools. As a woman with cerebral palsy, interdependence is a foundational aspect of my life. I achieve interdependence by using assistive technology, devices, and personal assistants. While I consider myself successful in navigating life…
Re-posted with permission from MATP By Aimee Sterk, LMSW, MATP Program Staff I had my first panic attack about a month ago, outside my doctor’s office. Stress from recent health crises and triggers from childhood trauma culminated in a very scary experience. My friend was able to talk me through breathing /stopping hyperventilating and came…
This post was reprinted with permission from disABILITY WORK TOOLS Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tax Incentives can help offset the cost of accommodating a worker’s disability. With assistive technology and accommodations workers can keep doing their jobs instead of quitting their trade and applying for social security disability payments. Workers and employers often do…
by Emily Flynn, Program Coordinator I have recently started working for Ability Tools as the Program Coordinator for their Information and Referral line. I receive many questions every day and, most of the time, I am able to assist the individual with little to no problems by answering their questions and/ or giving them referrals…
Happy Cesar Chavez Day! Did you know that March 24th – 31st is Farmworker Awareness Week? CalAgrAbility and Ability Tools are celebrating – along with others in the state of California and across the country – the important jobs of farmworkers by sharing stories about their lives and livelihoods. The California AgrAbility Program (CalAgrAbility) is…
By Kim Cantrell, CFILC’s Program Director When Medi-Cal pays for durable medical equipment (DME), like a wheelchair or a scooter, the recipient actually gets the device from a DME vendor. Vendors are independent businesses that contract with the state of California to provide DME to Medi-Cal recipients. Sounds simple, right? It gets complicated when we…
By Kirk Aranda, YO! Disabled & Proud Youth Advocate This article explains some common apps used by a variety of people with different disabilities. I have highlighted just four popular apps for your I-devices to help make every day life a little bit easier. There are literally thousands of applications (apps) that are available on…
Information compiled by: Rachel Anderson, Marketing & Communications Manager for Ability Tools Last Spring, the staff of Ability Tools had the chance to test drive this new personal mobility device – the WHILL – and listen to the founder explain why and how they invented this new design for a wheelchair. Check out our first…