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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…