Woman wearing headphones using Braille keyboard on computer. She is smiling. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Tech-ing Charge of Your Career with AT” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

Tech-ing Charge of Your Career with AT

Starting or returning to work can be a big leap. For people with disabilities, it often comes with unique challenges. But with the right assistive technology (AT) and support from Ability Tools, that leap can lead to lasting success. Check out our recent webinar, Campus to Career: Tools to Thrive in the Workplace, where we…

Wooden letters spell "EARTH DAY" on a wooden surface next to a fabric patch shaped like Earth. Beneath the Where it's AT logo, text reads "Earth Day: Smart & Sustainable Tech" www.AbilityTools.org"

Earth Day: Smart & Sustainable Tech

In celebration of Earth Day, Ability Tools hosted a special webinar highlighting accessible, eco-friendly technology that supports independent living. We were thrilled to welcome guest presenter Kellie Hampton, Assistive Technology Coordinator and Remote Supports Specialist from Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD), who gave us an exclusive virtual tour of their impressive Smart Home…

A young child holding an iPad with a huge smile on his face. Beneath the Where it's AT logo, text reads "AT-titude is Everything: Romeo’s Path to Communication" www.AbilityTools.org"

AT-titude is Everything: Romeo’s Path to Communication

In celebration of AT Awareness Day, we’re sharing real stories in our AT-titude is Everything series that show just how life-changing assistive technology (AT) can be. Finding the right AT solution isn’t always instant, but with a little persistence, creativity, and the right support, independence becomes a lot more achievable. For 5-year-old Romeo, communicating with…

Spy-themed "Agent-In-Training AT Kit" graphic for Abilities Expo 2025, Los Angeles, CA, featuring the Ability Tools logo with a fedora-wearing agent, magnifying glass, and bold white letters against a black background.

Spy Tech? Nope, It’s AT! Cool Finds from Abilities Expo 2025

If you made it to Abilities Expo 2025 and stopped by the Ability Tools booth, you couldn’t miss the top-secret, spy-themed experience! Our team went all out to engage attendees of all ages, making sure everyone got a mission briefing on the latest and greatest in assistive technology (AT). The Expo was packed with incredible…

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…

Voice Options Program Success Stories

Written by: Kevin Hansen, Voice Options Program Manager During the time that the Voice Options Pilot Project has been running we have seen a significant impact in the lives of the participants that have received services from this program. This pilot project was funded by the California Public Utilities Commission and officially started on January…