By Rachel Anderson, Marketing & Communication Manager of Ability Tools Most of us choose January first as a good time to make some important changes in our lives, as it is a new year and symbolizes a new beginning. These resolutions usually include making healthier choices, including getting more exercise, getting more sleep, eating better,…
The holidays are around the corner and, if you are like most of us, chances are you have procrastinated on at least some of your gift-buying! Well, don’t panic! Here are a few good AT gift lists we found on the internet to help get some last minute presents for the loved ones in your…
Here at Ability Tools, we are always looking for good deals on Assistive Technology (AT) products to tell our readers about. During the holiday season it is a great time to find sales on those more expensive AT products, as sales are widespread and most stores participate in the giving spirit by giving consumers at…
On December 2nd, the National Institutes of Health announced that it will fund the development of three exciting new robots! These robots, actually called co-robots, are designed to work cooperatively with people with disabilities and are part of the National Robotics Initiative. Funding for these NIH projects will total approximately $2.2 million over the next…
by Chi Hung Luke Hsieh, Assistive Technology Advocate at Community Access Center Due to my moderately severe speech disability, I have been paying close attention to the development of Augmented Assistive Communication (AAC) devices/apps and Text to Speech Technology or Voice Engines. Those who have paying attention to my previous articles over the years…
Did you know that Ability Tools runs 11 Device Lending Libraries (DLLs) throughout the state of California? Our DLLs provide short-term loans of assistive devices and gadgets that can help Californians live independently. Whether the need is temporary or if you would just like to try out some devices before you spend money on them,…
By Laura Simmons-Martinez, Technology Project Director, Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) Project Communicate is the much-needed piece that links (AAC) augmentative and alternative communication to TASK’s TECH Center services. Thanks to a generous grant from the Disability Communications Fund, we are thrilled to be able to provide this service to those in need.…
Do you ever listen to Science Fridays on NPR? This great radio show broadcasts on many public radio stations on Fridays from 11am – 1pm (PST). If you can’t listen to it live, you can also stream it from their website when it is convenient for you. Well, last week’s topic on Science Friday August…
written by Erin Lauridsen, Assistive Technology Educator at ILRCSF Parents of children with disabilities know that part of parenting is navigating complex systems and resources. Jasmin is just such a navigator for her 5 year-old son, Jordan. Jordan has low muscle tone, a mild hearing loss, and developmental delays. Jordan cannot speak, but understands spoken…
By guest blogger, William Kellogg, High Tech High International We didn’t ask Picasso to work without paint and we didn’t ask Michelangelo to work without marble. We saw the value in giving them the tools to succeed, and they didn’t even identify as disabled. It is for this reason I struggle to understand why there…