A smiling person sits at a desk in front of desktop computer, looking down at a cell phone in their hands. Beneath the Where it's AT logo, text reads "How to Set Up Power Outage Alerts Through PG&E" www.AbilityTools.org"

How to Set Up Power Outage Alerts Through PG&E

Power outages can happen unexpectedly and it’s important to stay informed.  PG&E offers a convenient service that allows you to receive alerts directly to your preferred device. As Emergency Preparedness Month comes to a close, we want to remind people that emergency preparedness is something we should consider all year. Follow our step-by-step guide, and…

Tabletop full of various disaster preparation items including blanket, radio, canned goods, water bottles, hand tools, blanket, first aid kit, candles, matches, batteries, and cellphone. Beneath Where it's AT logo, text reads "Ready, Set, Adapt: Emergency Kits for EveryBody!, www.AbilityTools.org"

Ready, Set, Adapt: Emergency Kits for Every Body!

Natural disasters, unforeseen accidents, or sudden disruptions can strike at any moment, leaving us vulnerable in an emergency. An emergency kit becomes a lifeline during critical moments, providing vital supplies and resources that can make a crucial difference between being safe or putting yourself at risk. In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Ability Tools…

Young girl wearing slightly oversized black framed glasses standing in front of a black background surrounded by doodle artwork and complex math equations. Beneath Where it's AT logo, text reads "Low Cost AT Solutions for School www.AbilityTools.org"

Low-Cost AT Solutions for School

Michelle Rosado, Program Coordinator II, and & Victor Mendoza, Membership & Logistics Administrator, for California Foundation for Independent Living Centers It’s that time of the year again where students are recharged and ready for the new school year. Being prepared and having the right tools is important so that students can thrive and succeed in…

Two people smiling and leaning against each other on a couch using a laptop. Underneath the Where it's AT logo text reads Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - www.AbilityTools.org

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The internet has become a huge part of our daily lives. Whether we use it for school, online shopping, job searching, connecting with family, or using our assistive technology (AT), internet access has opened unlimited opportunities for many, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, internet prices are at an all-time high, and in many cases,…

How to Navigate Zoom as a Meeting Attendee

If you are like most Californians, you might be finding yourself participating in your community in a much more “virtual” capacity. Many students, employees and family members are finding Zoom meeting invitations in their inboxes, and a good deal of them might not know exactly how to navigate this online meeting service. If you find…

The image is of President Obama at the White House. He has his arm wrapped around a computer screen that is a robot attached to wheels. On the screen you can see Alice Wong connecting via videochat from her home in San Francisco. The right side features the Ability Tools Logo. It reads “Ability Tools Blog My Day as a Robot. By Alice Wong, Founder of the Disability Visibility Project. www.AbilityTools.org/blog”.

My Day as a Robot

Written By: Alice Wong, Founder of the Disability Visibility Project Resistance to assistive technology is futile. As a sci-fi nerd, I have to make a Star Trek reference whenever I talk about technology and disabled people. The disability community is living in the darkest timeline right now, at least that’s what it feels like under…

Useful AT for Autistic People

Written by: Noor Pervez, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network Greetings, assistive tech fans! My name is Noor. I’m autistic adult with chronic pain who works for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. I’ve learned a lot about assistive technology that autistic folks use from my friends, as well as my own experiences.…

A dark blue background. Large white text reads "Free Telecommunication Solutions, Anyone?". Beaneath this is a photo of two adapted phones and a senior woman using the phone. The bottom has the Ability Tools Logo and the California Phones logo.

Free Telecommunication Solutions, Anyone?

Written By: Ability Tools Staff Did you know that California has a state program that provides FREE phone to individuals with various disabilities? These phones are provided by the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) at no charge to eligible Californians. DDTP distributes telecommunications equipment and services that improve communication for all Californians. A program of the…

These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Things

Written by: Megan Cowdell, Program Coordinator, CFILC   Here at Ability Tools and our parent organization, The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), we have used and worked with our fair share of assistive technology. In this second annual blog you will find testimonials from some of our staff on their favorite AT devices this…