Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology
Telephones and Cell Phones

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. 
Switch Activated

AAC & Phones

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.
Telephones for Hard of Hearing/Deaf
Text Messaging
  • 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.
  •  textPlus-Text from iPad
  •  TextNow-Text from iPad
More Options
Spinal Cord Injuries and AT

This Course explores how assistive technology can benefit individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Carlene Hall 

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!

Carlene Hall Carlene Hall with Grandchild

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.

Independent Living
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.
  •  Automatic Door opener
  •  Door Hinge extenders
  • 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

Visit TASC’s profile on Pinterest.

Communication Devices

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.

Low Tech Communication Solutions

Low Tech for Emergencies
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.

Low Tech for Everyday 
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.

Single Message Communicators
Here is an Alphabetical listing of some of the vendors and the names of their single message communicators. 
Static AAC Devices
Dynamic AAC Devices
Does using voice output devices/AAC/SGD impede natural speech?
Links to research articles and additional information.
Communicating with an Ipad/Itouch/Iphone
There are many apps available for communication:

  •  Meet Dennis-an iPad AAC user
  • List of Free and Inexpensive Apps for Communication (created in 2011)
  • 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.

    Presented by Utah Assistive Technology Teams

    on December 11th 2015

    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.

Presented by Utah Assistive Technology Teams

on December 11th 2015

If video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.

For more information on Cough Drop please contact:

Scot Wahlquist
Director of Business Development
CoughDrop, Inc
(801)628-8103
www.mycoughdrop.com
scot@mycoughdrop.com
Every Voice Should Be Heard

Funding an AAC Device
AT at Home

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. 

Cooking, Eating, Drinking

Please check out our Cooking, Eating, and Drinking Module for more ideas! 

Bathing, Dressing, and Hygiene

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.

Bathing: For more ideas check out our Pinterest

Dressing: For more ideas check out our Pinterest

Hygiene: For more ideas check out our Pinterest

Alerts, Reminders, and Stress Relievers

Sometimes care recipients are in need of assistance but have no way of alerting their caregiver. There are many different ways to signal alerts.

Respite:

  • 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.

Reutilization Program

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.

Funding Home Modification

Vendors providing AT for the Home in Alabama

Websites for Home Automation & Other AT

 

CASA (Care Assurance System for the Aging)

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

Click here to find a CAP Specialist in your area.

CAPS in Alabama (February 2011-Listed Alaphabetically)

Name
 Company City CAPS Classification
John Allen Southern Construction & Design Inc Madison n/a
Mary Ann Brechun MA Brechun Design Hoover Designer
Robert Brown H.C. PITMAN FAIRHOPE Remodeler
Casey Campbell GIBSON & ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION BIRMINGHAM Remodeler
Cherilyn Cleveland Berryhill Holdings Corporation Anderson n/a
John Dollison John B. Dollison Huntsville n/a
Rebecca Estes University of South Alabama, Dept. Occupational Therapy Mobile Occupational Therapist
Robert Goff Southern Construction & Design, Inc Madison Builder
D. Clay Harbin Parksite Plunkett Webster (PPW) Calera n/a
John Horchen J.A.H Design Costruction Newton n/a
Michael Kane Kane Building LLC Dadeville Builder
Randall Knott Wellborn Cabinet Inc. Ashland n/a
David Lisenby Lisenby Construction Inc Montgomery n/a
Paula Lowrey University of South Alabama Daphne Occupational Therapist
Robert McKay McKay Building Co. Inc. Birmingham Remodeler
Jewel McKay McKay Building Co. Inc. Birmingham Remodeler
M. Lynne McWhorter Cabinet Trends Hoover Designer
Bobby Monk Best Inspections, Inc. Springville Builder
Cindy Monk Best Inspections, Inc. Springville Other
Max Moody DREAMMAKER BATH AND KITCHEN Trussville Remodeler
Clara Parnell
 Clara Parnell, MS, OTR/L Birmingham Occupational Therapist
Marlisa Pierce M Pierce Designs Dothan Designer
Philip Shelton Shelton Construction, Inc. Decatur n/a
W. Strickland Milton Strickland Builders Inc Pike Road n/a
Britt Thompson Thompson Construction Services, Inc. Hoover n/a
Ann Underwood Design-It-Studio Pleasant Grove n/a
George Williams Precision Homecrafters Inc Birmingham Remodeler

 

Transportation

This module is designed to provide information about assistive technology related to transportation.

Personal Vehicles
Neat Vehicles
Public Transportation
Recreational Vehicles
Bicycles
STAR Program
  • 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.
Cooking, Eating and Drinking

This course provides information on various AT tools that can help an individual increase their independence in cooking, eating, and drinking.

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!

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Utensil Options

The following video will inform you about adaptive utensil options and how they can assist with eating.

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.

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Universal Cuff

The following video will inform you about universal cuffs and how they can assist with eating.

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.

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T Rocking Knife

The following video will inform you about T Rocking knives and how they can assist with eating.

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.

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Alternative Knife

The following video will inform you about alternative knives and how they can assist with eating.

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.

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Turned Spoon and Scoop Bowl

The following video will inform you about turned spoons and scoop bowls and how they can assist with eating.

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.

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Nosey Cup

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!

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Ucuff and Plate Guard

The following video will inform you about Ucuffs and Plate Guards and how they can assist with eating.

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.

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Plate Options

The following video will inform you about different plate options and how they can assist with eating.

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.

Follow TASC’s board Accessibility & AT in the Kitchen on Pinterest.

Employment & AT Resources

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!

Campaign for Disability Employment 

Vocational Rehabilitation Services include:

Employment Resources in Alabama

ADAP (Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program)

National Resources/Organizations

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

This website provides complete information about ADA law related to employment, accommodations for specific disabilities, and other resources for both employees and employers.

Video Modeling

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program

This resource is only available to employees of Department of Defense and other partnering Federal Agencies.

Curriculum Resources

Using Technology to Prepare for Employment

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.

Exploring Careers

Searching for Jobs

Jobs in Alabama:

 Large Search Sites (across the U.S.):

Completing Applications
Creating a Resume
More Free Web Resources
GED – High School Equivalency Exam

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. 

GED Basics
Practice Tests
Apps for GED Studying
Google Play is the app store for many android apps

iTunes is home to the app store for apple products

Other Apps for GED 

AT Laws

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.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Public Law 110-325

Access to employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunication

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

P.L. 94-142

Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children; EI (0-3 years old) & School-Age (3-21); IEP

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

29 U.S.C. § 794d

Federal agencies must make electronic & information technology accessible including electronic texts, websites, and videos

 

Assistive Technology Act of 1998

Public Law 105-394 [29 USC 2201]

Each state receives federal funding in order to promote awareness and access to AT

Chafee Amendment

Copyright Law Amendment, 1996: PL 104-197

How individuals with print disabilities can access printed materials

Additional Resources
AT Assessment

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.

SETT Framework
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.

 

Protocol for Accommodations in Reading
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.

TAM Publications
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 iPad App

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.

ALS, Voice Banking and Speech Amplification

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.

 

 

Introduction to Voice Banking
In this lesson, you will learn what voice banking is: a process for recording words and phrases.

 

Microsoft Sound Recorder
In this lesson of the Voice Banking Module, you will learn how to use the Microsoft Sound Recorder.

 

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.

 

ModelTalker 

This Software pairs perfectly with Therapy Box’s apps: Predictable and ChatAble. It also works with Windows/ Andriod based SGD

 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

 

Speech Amplification

  • 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.
    • $159.99 iPhone and iPad
    • Predictable iTunes Link
    • Predictable User Guide
  • Verbally
    • 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.
    • Free or Full Version for $99.99 iPad only
    • Verbally on iTunes
  • urVoice
    • 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)
    • Free Full Version for $4.99 iPhone and iPad
    • urVoice iTunes Link
  • CommunicAide
    • 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
    • $69.99 iPad only
    • CommunicAide iTunes Link
Cyber Bullying

What is Cyberbullying and how should we deal with it? This webinar by David Lang answers those questions and more. You will be provided with resources on how to cope with cyber bullying and how you should react.

Presented by David Lang of Glenwood, Inc and the Huntsville Public Library
on September 4, 2015

If video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.

Apple Accessibility and iAccess

This module will review the accessibility features for Apple products (Mac Computers, iPads, iPods, iPhones, Apple Watches and more).

Accessibility and the iPad

The following videos will review the Accessibility features that are already programmed into the iPad. Please check the publishing dates on the videos as features may change in the future. 

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iAccessibility

There are a lot of wonderful features on Apple and iDevices that we are unaware of. Did you know that you can use your iPad with just one  switch? Are you aware that you type in braille directly on your iPad? Most people are unaware of these features. Watch the following videos and click the links below for more information

The following video is a general overview of the accessibility features in iProducts such as the iPad and iPhone. We briefly review all the categories in accessibility such as hearing, vision, motor accessibility, and guided access.

Presented by Kate Mosely, AT Specialist
on August 18, 2015

If the video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.

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Voice Over

The following video is about Voice Over for Apple products. How to turn it off and on and use all of Voice Over’s features!

Presented by Kate Moseley, AT Specialist
on August 10, 2015

If the video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.

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Switch Access

The following video is about Switch Access on the iPad. We review the settings of Switch Access, three different types of switches, and how to hook up a switch to an iPad.

Presented by Kate Moseley, AT Specialist
on July 29, 2015

If the video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.

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iAccess

The following video will teach about Alternative styluses, mounts, and switch access can help make the iPad more accessible.

Presented by Laura Parks, M.Ed., AT Specialist
on September 11, 2014

If the video is blurry, click the settings icon and change quality to 720p HD.

Related Links:

Low-Tech Solutions for Easy Access 

The following Videos will inform you about low-tech solutions to make the iPad more accessible. These videos are presented by Laura Parks, M.Ed., At Specialist

How to Make an iPad Stylus

How to Make a Home Button Stopper

Sticky Situation iPad Sleeve

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