pink hari rollers used as grips for toothbrush and fork

Clever DIY Assistive Technology (AT)

What is AT? Assistive Technology (AT) is any object, device or tool used to make life easier. Specifically, Assistive Technology is any device, gadget, hardware or software used by a person with a disability to do things for themselves that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to do because of their disability. Assistive Technology helps…

kim on the paddleboard in the ocean with ron and her friend next to her

Bringing out my Inner Paddle Boarder

By Kim Lathrop, Administrative Assistant, CFILC Those who know me know I am not too adventurous when it comes to the great outdoors. Of course, being born without any arms or legs, it goes without saying that being “adventurous” comes with some extra challenges. Now, don’t get me wrong.  I enjoy swimming in our local…

headshot of Patrick Tran wearing a yellow shirt and a tie.

Get To Know Your AT Advocate!

By Emily Flynn, Program Coordinator for Ability Tools This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Patrick Tran for our “Get to Know Your AT Advocate!” blog series.  Patrick has been an AT Advocate at Service Center for Independent Life for two years. He was recently voted “AT Advocate of the Year” by his peers…

graphic that says prosthetics are #not a luxery sign the petition to rescind the medicare proposal restricting access to prosthetic care

#NotALuxury Medicare Issue Alert

The Amputee Coalition, along with many others in the prosthetic limb communities, are asking for help in raising awareness of a recent Medicare policy proposal released on July 16 that has the potential to drastically change prosthetic care for individuals with amputations. Keep in mind that even if you’re not currently a Medicare patient, private…

picture of Amy Liu in her office standing with her guide dog Donna.

Get to Know Your AT Advocate!

By Emily Flynn, Program Coordinator for Ability Tools This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amy Liu for our “Get to Know Your AT Advocate!” blog series.  Amy is an AT Advocate at Center for Independent Living that has locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Amy has been an AT Advocate for over two years…

picture of four circlular switches, red green, yellow and blue and the red is attached to a black cord

Five Switches For Access Everyone Must Have in Their Toolkit

You might be asking yourself, “What, exactly, are switches?” Switches are an assistive technology used by individuals with different disabilities for many different reasons. Switches can act as communication devices, to teach cause and effect, and they can take the place of using a keyboard or a mouse. They come in a variety of shapes…