This Course provides information about how assistive technology can assist in making telephones and cell phones accessible.
711 Relay
A free public service for communication between standard (voice) users and persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and speech disabled using text telephones (TTYs) or PCs via the internet.
Many dynamic AAC Devices can work with infrared capable, blue-tooth compatible cell phones, or voice-activated phones.
Contact AAC vendors directly to determine which equipment would be most effective. Most medical insurances will not cover the cost of the telephone or accessories due to it not being medically necessary.
For some individuals with disabilities affecting their ability to verbally communicate, text messaging is a great option.Warning–Most cities do not have a way to text 911 call centers for emergencies.
United Cerebral Palsy’s T.A.S.C. received funding in 2010 from “Paint the Streets 5K” in memory of Carlene Hall.
These funds allowed us to purchase more technology for our demo and loan closet. Please check out our lending library Alabama AT 4 ALL where you can check out items for 3 weeks before you buy. This allows consumers a trial period to decide if a device will benefit them or not!
Computer Access
Computers are a way to access the internet; and with the internet, we are able to scan through thousands of years worth of knowledge and communicate with individuals all over the world. When someone is unable to access the internet it can be frustrating and hinder their ability to learn and communicate. Believe it or not, There are plenty of products to help individuals utilize a computer. Some devices are even 100% hands-free.
By making a few small changes to the home and lifestyle you can allow someone more independence.
Accessible Homes Some changes could be extending doors with different hinges, adding a ramp to the front doorstep, moving around the furniture to fit a wheelchair, or adding a door hinge that opens door with the push of a button.
Eating and Drinking There are do it yourself (DIY) adaptations for eating and drinking. You can either make your own low-tech devices or buy ones that may look a bit nicer. It all depends on how crafty you can be! Look around your house and make your own adaptions that fit your specific needs!
Please check out our Eating and drinking Module under “Independent Living”
Check out our Pinterest for great links to technology
This course provides information on communication devices, also known as AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) and SGD (Speech Generating Devices). If you are looking for information on voice banking please check out our ALS, Voice Banking, and Speech Amplification module.
In emergency situations it is important to have access to communication. These free booklets below give instructions on how to use the booklets to better serve the individual.
It is always good to have basic needs covered by low-tech AAC. This way if there is not access to Higher tech devices the individual can have their needs met until another device replaces the free printed sheets you can get below.
Dynamic AAC Vendors & Devices
This list provides a listing of some of the vendors and the names of their dynamic AAC devices. Vendors with representatives in Alabama have an asterisk by their name:
Proloquo2GO The following video teaches how to edit boards using Proloquo2GO.
Presented by Kate Moseley, AT Specialist
on September 29, 2015
If video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.
Cough Drop CoughDrop.com – CoughDrop is a new team-based AAC application founded here in Utah. For the past two years we’ve been working with over 50 experts around the country to make AAC simpler and more approachable, and to build supporting tools that can better enable and empower parents, therapists, and teachers to help communicators make their voices heard. Join us to learn how the unique features of CoughDrop and how you can utilize cloud technology to give you data and reporting, of the AAC experience, in real time.
If video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.
CoughDrop Follow-Up Training – This video shows how to set up an account, how to manage the account settings and some information about setting up the app.
Alabama Medicare: Speech Generating Devices are covered by Part B but individual is responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amounts of the device.
The majority of individuals you meet want to stay at the home as opposed to nursing homes. What adaptions can you make in your home to keep someone at home for longer? This module will share links to different devices and resources for you to keep your care recipients at home for longer.
Tasks in these categories can always seem overwhelming for both the caregiver and care recipient. There are many different devices and tools to make these daily living activities more manageable.
Alabama Respite is a temporary relieve for caregivers. Interested in learning more about vouchers, natural supports, or ways to take a breather? Check out their website for more information ( www.alabamarespite.org )!
The following links provide a list of resources and ways to modify your home in order to make it more accessible for individuals with disabilities and seniors.
Alabama Alternative Finance Program
STAR program that provides financing to families so that they may purchase assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and related services.
Assistive technology is donated to the Reutilization programs throughout the state of Alabama and then consumers with disabilities can request the equipment at no cost.
CASA’s mission is to assist the elderly and homebound who have unmet needs, with volunteer services. Our programs are designed to enable them to maintain their independence, dignity, health and safety, in their own homes.
CASA provides services at no cost to clients. Services are based solely on need, without regard to income, race, social status or religion.
CASA of Marshall County
18 Grimes Drive Guntersville, AL 35976 Phone: (256) 279-0007 Fax: (256) 582-2922 casadm@mcfrc.org
CASA of Madison County
701 Andrew Jackson Way Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: (256) 533-7775 Fax: (256) 533-7544
CASA of Limestone County
409 S. Marion Street Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-5751 Fax: (256) 232-5780
CASA of Jackson County
50 South Broad Street Scottsbro, AL 35768 Phone: (256) 259-3736 Fax: (256) 259-3182 casaofjacksoncounty@centurytel.net
CASA of Dekalb County
P.O Box 681295 Rainsville, AL 35986 Phone: (256) 845-2049 Fax: (256) 845-9021 casadekalb@dekalbcountyal.us
Building and Remodeling Your Home with a Certified Aging in Place (CAP) Specialist
The National Association of Home Builders provides a certification in Certified Aging in Place. Upon completion of this course, builders are able to:
• Describe the home ownership market as it relates to the three segments of the Aging in Place market
• Consider contractual and legal concerns for building professionals providing design solutions to the Aging in Place client
• Perform a needs assessment to identify and prioritize the needs, wants and wishes of the Aging in Place client
• Recommend specific design solutions for the Aging in Place client
• Estimate and schedule the Aging in Place project while regarding special considerations
• Identify considerations for executing the job while the client is in residence
Reutilization ProgramOccasionally accessible vans and wheelchairs lifted are donated to the Reutilization Program. Below is a link with a list of the reuse centers in Alabama. Please follow the link for more information.
Alternative FinanceFunding may be available for qualified applicants through the Alternative Finance program in order to acquire accessible transportation.Click here for additional information.
Our Pinterest has wonderful pictures and links to all kinds of AT in the kitchen! Please check it out!
Utensils
Sometimes simply adapting the eating and drinking can give someone all the independence they need at the table. Follow these helpful videos and links for more information!
The following video will inform you about Nosey Cups and how they can assist with drinking.
Presented by Laura Schertz MS, OTR/L
on Jan 16 2013
If video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.
Plate Options
Lipped plates, sticky table mats, and specialized bowls can really assist individuals with eating. Follow these helpful videos and links for more information!
This module will provide information on how assistive technology can empower individuals with disabilities who may be searching for employment or trying to maintain employment. Please click the following links for more information!
This website provides complete information about ADA law related to employment, accommodations for specific disabilities, and other resources for both employees and employers.
In this course, you fill find lessons in using technology to help prepare for employment. There are a lot of wonderful resources out there! Please follow the links below for more information.
Access information related to the GED exam. This module includes testing center locations, preparing for the test, apps, and accommodations. Please click the links below for more information.
These lessons will provide information about the laws that are in place to help ensure Assistive Technology tools and services are available to individuals with disabilities.
Assistive_Technology_Laws
Downloadable Powerpoint
Provided by the Center for Technology and Disability
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Public Law 110-325
Access to employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunication
This course provides information related to various options for AT assessments. Please click the links below for more information.
Assessing Student’s Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)
This is a free resource is available through Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI). The assessment is very thorough with key areas to consider for assistive technology.
The SETT Framework is a four part model intended to promote collaborative decision-making in all phases of assistive technology service design and delivery from consideration through implementation and evaluation of effectiveness. SETT is an acronym for Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools.
This free diagnostic tool can help determine if a student struggling with reading may benefit from having text read aloud or use an electronic text reader.
The Technology and Media Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children offers various products that can be purchased to assist in AT decision making including Assistive Technology Fans and Quick Wheel.
ATEval2Go constructs a cumulative, editable report which can be exported, e-mailed or printed. Saving of data within the app allows a user to manage, maintain, and draw upon past reports as necessary.
ATEval2Go incorporates frequently-used assistive technology evaluation tools such as Joy Zabala’s SETT Framework, the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative Assessment, the Council for Exceptional Children’s Assistive Technology Consideration Wheel, the Virginia Assistive Technology Resource Guide, as well as author Christopher Bugaj’s over 12 years of experience conducting evaluations.
Voice Banking is a process individuals who are losing their voice “bank” words and phrases by recording them using a computer. For individuals who have lost their voice, relatives or friends with similar voice qualities can be used for voice banking.
Individuals with ALS benefit greatly from voice banking, but it is important to begin as soon as possible because it is hard to determine how long the voice will remain strong and intelligible.
Audacity
This lesson will guide you how to use Audacity, a free sound editing software. It is taught by Laura Parks, Assistive Technology Specialist for TASC.
Portable PA System – This device would be great to attach to the front of your wheelchair (using industrial velcro)
Portable PA Sytems – Comes in different colors and a strap for around your neck
Apps for Communication
Predictable
type a message using the intelligent word prediction, which learns their pattern of use, making prediction even faster. Use Nuance voices, record your own voice saying familiar phrases or use your voice banked ModelTalker voice.
Verbally is an easy-to-use, comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app for the iPad. Verbally brings speech to those without and enables real conversation with its simple, intuitive design. Just tap in what you want to say and Verbally speaks for you.
urVoice is an easy-to-use, highly customizable, affordable text-to-speech solution. You type it – urVoice speaks it or you can save it as a Quick Phrase to be used later (you can even include a picture)
CommunicAide offers the largest selection of real photographs and real human voices to date for nearly any situation, as well as the ability to import your own photographs for a truly customizable experience
Tech Act Law
Wrightslaw
Introduction to Voice Banking