Customizing Services Resource Center

1. AbilityNet
   AbilityNet is a national charity and one of the UK's leading providers of expertise on computing and disability. They offer a one-stop shop for need assessment, technical expertise, advice and support. They also supply adapted computer equipment for people with a wide range of disabilities. AbilityNet's services are free for UK residents who have no statutory or other funding. [More Information]
2. Cantor Access, Inc.
   Cantor Access helps make workplaces, schools, and services accessible to those with disabilities. [More Information]
3. Gillette Children's Hospital - Assistive Technology Department
   Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare is an independent, not-for-profit hospital for children with disabilities or complex medical needs, including arthritis, brain injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy, and craniofacial, neurological, and orthopedic conditions. The hospital is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, with clinics in Duluth, Burnsville, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, and services for adult patients at the Phalen Clinic in St. Paul. Gillette's Assistive Technology Department designs and creates customized orthoses (braces), powered wheelchair controls, artificial limbs, communication devices, protective headgear, specialized seating and wheelchair modifications. [More Information]
4. SHARE Foundation, Inc.
   The Society for Human Advancement through Rehabilitation Engineering (SHARE) Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit foundation that supports the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Rehabilitation Engineering, whose engineers develop, build and provide computer-enhanced adaptive equipment for children and adults with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis, visual impairments, and accident or stroke-related conditions. When a person with a disability comes to the Foundation for help, that person’s abilities and needs are evaluated in consultation with the individual and members of the individual’s support group. Then the Foundation's Client Services staff may recommend appropriate commercial equipment or work with the engineers and technicians of the UMass Center for Rehabilitation Engineering to design or modify equipment to suit the abilities and needs of the person who has requested help. Each system is controlled by a user-suitable set of switches. Some switches are hand or finger operated; some are controlled by facial muscles; others are activated by the raising of an eyebrow or by sipping on a drinking straw. Some people control their systems by talking to them or by gazing at a special control screen. New systems and new ways of controlling systems are being developed as new technology becomes available. [More Information]
5. UMass Dartmouth Center for Rehabilitation Engineering
   Engineering students from the UMass Dartmouth engineering school gain experience adapting computer systems at the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering. Systems have been adapted for individuals with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Lou Gehrig's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Most of the CRE's innovations include computers customized to augment clients' physical abilities so they can be operated using hand or finger controls; by foot or leg motion; or by mouth or head motion. There are users who can even control their individualized systems by raising or lowering their eyebrows. These computers can be configured to type letters using customized word and sentence lists; speak using voice synthesizers; and print. Many clients are using their computer systems for communication, increased independence, enhancing educational opportunities, and entering the work force. The SHARE Foundation, Inc., a non-profit foundation that supports the work of the Center, often donates needed systems free of charge to those who cannot afford them or are unable to find other financial support. [More Information]
6. Workshop Solutions (Canada)
   This site acts as a meeting place for engineers, inventors, and manufacturers to discuss various assistive technology products. It is also possible for consumers to reach these personnel, although this site itself is not a product supplier. [More Information]

View State Specific Organizations

1. 2nd Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access and Assistive Technology (CWUAAT '04)
   The 2nd Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access and Assistive Technology (CWUAAT '04) will be held March 22-24, 2004 at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. CWUAAT '04 is the second of a series of workshops that are held every two years. The workshops have been inspired by, and shall build on, the highly successful CWUAAT '02 along with the Cambridge Workshops on Rehabilitation Robotics. The first CWUAAT had over 80 participants from 3 continents. [More Information]

1. Valentine's Gift for Someone who is Blind or Visually Impaired
   Looking for an interesting Valentine's gift for someone who is blind or visually impaired? The Chocolate Experience, Inc., is "the original manufacturer of Brailled chocolate gifts for the Blind and Visually impaired." For the last 10 years, The Chocolate Experience has been manufacturing 13 assorted edible messages, guide dogs and more, for all occasions including Valentine's Day and Easter. The 7" x 5" , 5 oz. bars are boxed in a window gold box. Each bar is individually plastic wrapped. They make Brailled Valentine's Day hearts, Easter bunnies, and chocolate guide dogs. The dogs have an integrated chocolate harness and a brailled message of: "Best Friend". There are chocolate Labs, Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. The Chocolate Experience also manufactures sign language "I love You" pops. All products are offered in gourmet and sugar free white, milk and semisweet chocolates. For more information, you can visit their text only site. [More Information]

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