News You Can Use
When we find useful information related to assistive technology or disability, we'll post it here.
December 21, 1999: open-captioned presentation of Toy Story 2
Tripod Captioned Films is pleased to announce the open-captioned presentation of Toy Story 2 at Loews Foundry in Washington, DC on January 15 and 16, 2000. For more information, please contact: Loews Foundry 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 333-8643
Link to source: http://www.tripod.org/.
December 15, 1999: Funding Guide for Standing Technology
Do you need information on funding options for the purchase of a standing aid? If so, then you are in luck. Alimate Medical, Inc., a standing aid manufacturer, is offering a free Funding Guide for Standing Technology. The guide is available online at http://www.easystand.com/Pages/Funding/FundFram.html. For more information, please contact: Jackie Haen Altimate Medical, Inc. PO Box 180 262 W 1st Street Morton, MN 56270 Phone: (507) 697-6393
Link to source: http://www.easystand.com/funding.cfm.
November 12, 1999: Online Career Fair for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students
Looking for career information? How about networking opportunities? The Online Career Fair for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students provides much needed real life information on the world of work as portrayed by deaf and hard of hearing people from various parts of the world. You can learn about their experiences, education, and careers and network with them. For more information, contact: Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf 615 Olof Hanson Drive, PO Box 308 Faribault, MN 55021-0308 Phone:1-800-657-3996 V/TTY;(507) 332-5400 V/TTY. Fax:(507) 332-5528. URL: http://www.msad.state.mn.us. E-mail: msad@msad.state.mn.us.
Link to source: http://www.msad.state.mn.us.
October 26, 1999: Abletowork.org
A new alliance of 21 businesses and the National Business and Disabilities Council, including the Microsoft Corporation, has been formed to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The alliance has created a new website at Abletowork.org, to share information on available jobs and job applicants. Check it out at www.Abletowork.org.
October 25, 1999: DynaVox communicator users, therapists and programmers
A new website has been set up for DynaVox communicator users, therapists and programmers. This site enables users to download ready made pages for DynaVox and DynaMite Devices. In addition to sparking creative ideas, these pages can be used "as is" or can be customized for each individual user. This is much quicker than "reinventing the wheel" each time a new board is needed. The site also has specific instructions for connecting a dedicated DynaVox device to a computer at little to no expense. In addition to giving the user access to all of the website's downloads, connection to your computer can open up a whole world of computer resources such as, clip art, digital photos, back-up and sharing of pages to the programmer.
Link to source: http://members.aol.com/dds4kids/dynavox.html.
October 22, 1999: Accessing Opportunity: The Plan for Employment of People with Disabilities in the Federal Government
Are you a person with a disability who is interested in working for the U.S. Government or is already a government employee? Then you need to familiarize your self with the new Federal policy on hiring and employing people with disabilities. Entitled Accessing Opportunity: The Plan for Employment of People with Disabilities in the Federal Government, this new policy and associated materials can be read and downloaded from the Office of Personnel Management's website.
Link to source: http://www.opm.gov/.
October 21, 1999: Ability Awareness' JobAccess, the first large-scale Internet site dedicated to the employment of people with disabilities
CareerMosaic, a leading employment site on the Web, announced that it will partner with Ability Magazine to promote Ability Awareness' JobAccess, the first large-scale Internet site dedicated to the employment of people with disabilities at http://www.jobaccess.org. Under the multi-year agreement, Ability Magazine will help develop the creative content for the co-branded Web page. CareerMosaic will host and maintain the site, execute the creative and actively promote the site as the premier place on the Internet for people with disabilities and companies looking to hire from of this untapped labor pool. Employers will be able to browse for qualified job candidates and enter detailed search criteria to find job seekers with specific skill sets. With JobAccess, companies can post job descriptions and contact information, and also search the online resume bank.
Link to source: http://www.jobaccess.org/.
October 8, 1999: Advocating for Disabled Parents
On Tuesday, October 5, the Washington Post Health Section covered two issues of interest to people with disabilities. On article is, "Advocating for Disabled Parents: Agency Leads Drive to Ensure That Handicaps Are Not Automatic Obstacles to Creating Families." In order to access this article you must register with the Washington Post.
Link to source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-10/05/022l-100599-idx.html.
October 8, 1999: Fatherhood: No Longer a Lost Cause
On Tuesday, October 5, the Washington Post Health Section covered two issues of interest to people with disabilities. One article is, "Fatherhood: No Longer a Lost Cause: New Techniques Allow Men to Become Parents Despite Spinal Cord Injuries." You must register with the Washington Post in order to access this article
Link to source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-10/05/020l-100599-idx.html.
September 21, 1999: Final Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA '97)
The Department of Education published its final regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA '97) on March 12, 1999. The final regulations were published later than expected as Department staff were addressing nearly 6,000 comments received on the proposed regulations. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the final regulations at the Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) website, http://www.fape.org. A summary of the final regulations, along with a sampling of issues are included in the September, 1999 issue of Exceptional Parent. To find out more about Exceptional Parent, contact: Exceptional Parent Magazine 555 Kinderkamack Road Oradell, NJ 07649 Phone: 877-372-7368
Link to source: http://www.fape.org/.
August 23, 1999: TBI Inform
Are you searching for information on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? TBI Inform, the annual newsletter of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) is now available. The 1999 issue of TBI Inform discusses the role of the TBI Model System in research and treatment of traumatic brain injury. TBI Inform is available on the UAB-TBI website at http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=17117. For additional information on the UAB TBIMS visit their website at http://www.uab.edu/tbi. To be added to the TBI email distribution list, send email to tbi@sun.rehabm.uab.edu and type in the subject of body of the email "subscribe to TBI distribution list." For additional information, call 205/934-3283.
Link to source: http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=17117.
August 3, 1999: TRIPOD Captioned Films
Are you a movie buff in Washington, D.C.? TRIPOD Captioned Films announces an open-captioned print of Universal Pictures "Notting Hill" showing August 4 and 5 at Loews Foundry in Georgetown, 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street, Washington, DC 20007; phone 202-333-8643.
Link to source: http://www.tripod.org/theaters.htm.
July 30, 1999: Scoot-Around North America
Scoot-Around North America arranges worry-free scooter rentals for business or vacation travelers with restricted mobility. A call to a 24-hour toll-free number, a fax, or an E-mail can arrange a scooter rental. The company provides a no-obligation quotation, sources the type of scooter required and delivers it to the customer- at an airport, a hotel, a cruise ship-- anywhere. Rentals are available virtually anywhere in North America, and the company is presently expanding operations in Europe and the Americas, with many popular travel destinations being added as the need arises. Contact the company at Scoot-Around North America 396 Furby Street Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada R3B 2V5. Toll Free Phone: 1-888-441-7575; Fax : 204-772-6299. E-Mail: info@scootaround.com
Link to source: http://www.scootaround.com/.
July 30, 1999: NASA
NASA has initiated a service called Iliad designed to make the Internet more accessible to people with visual impairments who have difficulty using graphical browsers like Netscape or Explorer. Users can e-mail requests to NASA for keyword searches of the Net. The Iliad system executes the search over multiple search engines and e-mails the results to the requestor. Iliad allows its users to access the resources of the Internet using text-based e-mail.
Link to source: http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov/iliad/.
July 30, 1999: Bible cassettes free of charge
If you are visually impaired or print disabled, Aurora Ministries will provide Bible cassettes free of charge. The only requirement to receive these cassettes is certification of impairment.
Added January 2007: Aurora Ministries now make audio bibles available on cassette and on CD in an MP3 format.
Link to source: http://www.audiobiblesfortheblind.org.
July 8, 1999: telecommunications services providers and equipment manufacturers make their products accessible and usable to persons with disabilities
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is planning on voting on Section 255 Report and Order on Wednesday, July 14, 1998 at 9:30 a.m. Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act requires that telecommunications services providers and equipment manufacturers make their products accessible and usable to persons with disabilities, if this is readily achievable. You may attend the meeting in person at the FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC, and express your views on telecommunications access to Chairman Kennard and the other Commissioners. C-SPAN is considering airing the meeting, but needs to hear from consumers if they are interested in this type of programming. If you would like C-SPAN to cover this historic day for the disability community, please call or send them an E-mail. Phone: 202/526-7963. At prompt: hit 2, "Please cover FCC meeting on disability issues on July 14 at 9:30 a.m." E-mail: events@c-span.org. For more information about the FCC meeting, contact: Pam Gregory, Deputy Director Disabilities Issues Task Force Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW, Suite 7B432 Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202/418-2498 (voice); 202/418-1169 (TTY). Fax: 202/418-2807.
June 30, 1999: Newly Proposed Accessibility Law for Recreational Facilities
A public hearing has been scheduled by the U.S. Access Board to provide an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the newly proposed accessibility law for recreational facilities. The hearing will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas, Texas on August 26, 1999, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Access Board is providing only this one opportunity for those interested in these changes in the law to make public comment on the proposed changes. The hearing will address accessibility issues as they pertain to recreation facilities including sports facilities, places of amusement, golf, boating and fishing facilities. The U.S. Access Board currently plans to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on recreation facilities in late June or early July and will provide a 120-day comment period following this notice. The purpose of the hearing is to obtain feedback not only from those within the disability community, but to hear from developers, architects and building and facility owners who have an interest in impacting the scale and scope of this law. The U.S. Access Board convened a 27-member advisory committee during 1993 and 1994 to make recommendations on issues related to making recreational areas accessible. The Access Board also sponsored an informational meeting on access to miniature golf facilities in September 1996 to obtain additional information on issues related to access specifically regarding miniature golf courses. Anyone interested in the design or operation of recreational facilities should plan to attend. Please put this date on your calendar. The Access Board is an independent Federal agency responsible for developing and maintaining accessibility guidelines under the ADA. For information about signing up to attend the hearing, contact Accessology, Inc. at 972-434-0068 or the Access Board directly.
Link to source: http://www.access-board.gov/.
June 29, 1999: 1999 Evelyn Glennie National Music Scholarship Award Competition
The Children's Hearing Institute announces the 1999 Evelyn Glennie National Music Scholarship Award Competition. The Evelyn Glennie National Music Scholarship Award Program was instituted to encourage the pursuit of instrumental music among children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The scholarships are based on accomplishments, interests, and involvement of the candidates in instrumental music. Candidates must be residents of the United States and have hearing losses of greater than 75 dB in their better ear. Deadline for scholarship applications is July 31, 1999. For applications and further information, contact: Ms. Melissa A. Willis Development Officer The Children's Hearing Institute 130 East 77th Street New York, NY 10021. Phone: 212/434-6675. Fax: 212/434-6680. E-mail: chimelissa@aol.com. Applications may also be downloaded directly from Evelyn Glennie's web site.
Link to source: http://www.evelyn.co.uk/.
June 22, 1999: MetDESK
MetLife Insurance has introduced MetDESK, a dedicated division to help families with special needs children to develop a financial plan that will provide for the long term needs of their children. MetDESK offers a dedicated staff of specialists and a MetDESK web page where visitors can learn more about financial issues for special needs children. For more information, contact: David Harmon Phone: 212/578-8532; e-mail: dmharmon@metlife.com. or Christina Tso Phone: 212/578-4946; e-mail: ctso@metlife.com.
Link to source: http://www.metlife.com/desk.
June 1, 1999: The Deadline for Registering for the NCSA Instructor of Cued Speech Certification Examination is TOMORROW, June 2, 1999
Interested in becoming a nationally certified Instructor of Cued Speech? The credential certifies your ability to present information about CS and to teach beginning level CS courses. Best of all, it never expires (subject to your meeting some professional development requirements)! Two of the four components necessary for certification will be offered in conjunction with Cue Camp Friendship: ICS National Certification Exam - July 2, 1999 at Cue Camp Friendship Registration/Certification Fee: $100 Renewal (for those previously certified): $50 To register: a nonrefundable DEPOSIT of $40 MUST BE SENT to the Committee Chair NO LATER than JUNE 2, 1999. Instructors' Workshop - qualifying classes will be offered in conjunction with Cue Camp Friendship (6/28-7/2) For information on other certification requirements, visit the NCSA website at http://web7.mit.edu/CuedSpeech/NCSA/ICSNCE/ICSNCEinfo.html; or contact the Committee Chair: Linda Balderson 4230 Damascus Rd Laytonsville, MD 20882. Phone: 301-774-4946 (V/TTY). E-mail: linda_balderson@fc.mcps.k12.md.us.
May 7, 1999: May is National Arthritis Month
Do you, or does someone you know, have arthritis? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 43 million people currently have arthritis, and that figure is expected to rise to 60 million people by the year 2020. May 18 has been designated as Arthritis Action Day by the Arthritis Foundation.
Link to source: http://www.arthritis.org/.
April 19, 1999: Choice Magazine Listening
If you are blind, visually impaired or unable to read because of other physical limitations, you are eligible to receive Choice Magazine Listening at no cost. CML is a not-for-profit taped audio anthology offering outstanding articles, short stories and poetry selected from current magazines such as The New Yorker, Audubon, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, Gourmet, Travel and Leisure, Sports Illustrated, Foreign Affairs, Outside, The Wall Street Journal, Granta and Time - along with occasional material from other media sources. These free tapes are distributed throughout the U.S. six times a year. The unabridged articles are recorded on 4-track tapes to be played on the special tape players available free through the Library of Congress. If you already have the Library of Congress player, you are immediately put on the list of subscribers. If you do not have the player, CML will send you an application form and the address of the regional Library of Congress branch where your completed form should be sent. When you have received the tape player, notify CML by the post-paid card they provide, and you will be put you on their distribution list. Please note, too, that these tapes are distributed only in the United States. To apply for a free subscription or to receive a brochure, write to: Choice Magazine Listening, 85 Channel Drive Port Washington, NY 11050. Phone: 888-724-6423 or 516-883-8280; Fax: 516-944-6849. Email: ChoiceMag@Aol.com
Link to source: http://www.choicemagazinelistening.org.
April 15, 1999: PowerBraille
Blazie Engineering has acquired the Telesensory access line and is now producing the PowerBraille product line. For more information on the PowerBraille line, check the ABLEDATA database (perform a brand name search for PowerBraille).
Link to source: http://www.blazie.com/.
March 26, 1999: ADA Publication-of-the-Month
Are you trying to find out more about the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)? The Department of Justice has started the ADA Publication-of-the-Month program. Each month a different ADA publication will be offered free of charge, while supplies last. Call the ADA information line, 800/514-0301(voice) or 800/514-0383(TDD), each month to find out what new ADA publication is being offered and to place your order. Your order will shipped via U.S. mail and you can expect receipt within approximately 4 weeks.
March 2, 1999: Making Connections
Will you be attending the CSUN (California State Univeristy-Northridge) Conference, March 18-20, 1999? Then be sure to visit the AbleNet booth. AbleNet is premiering its new 100-page guide, Making Connections at a special reception on March 19 at CSUN. This new resource for teachers, therapists, and family members of people who would benefit from augmentative communication will also be available at the AbleNet booth during exhibit hours. To find out more, or to obtain an invitation to the reception, contact: Kara O'Brien AbleNet 1081 Tenth Avenue, SE Minneapolis, MN 55414-1312 phone: 612/379-0956 toll free: 800/322-0956 fax: 612/379-9143
Link to source: http://www.ablenetinc.com/.
February 22, 1999: Mainstream Magazine
Are you interested in communication aids? Then check the December/January issue of Mainstream Magazine of the Able - Disabled. To subscribe, contact: Mainstream P.O. Box 370598 San Diego, CA 92137-0598 phone: 619/234-3138 fax: 619/234-3155
Link to source: http://www.mainstream-mag.com/.
February 17, 1999: Exceptional Parent
Do you have or know of a child who needs an adaptive computer keyboard, but don't know where to begin in the selection process? Check out "Alternative Keyboards" in the February issue of Exceptional Parent magazine.
Link to source: http://www.eparent.com/.
February 12, 1999: Arcade Games
If arcade games are your idea of a great time, but accessibility is an issue, check out Level Games at http://webview.co.nz/level/home.htm. The site offers such games as Alien Invasion, Brickout, and more, all designed for players with varying levels of ability/disability.
Link to source: http://www.arcess.com/.
February 3, 1999: Students are encouraged to apply for the 1999 National Leadership Conference for Youth with Disabilities
Students are encouraged to apply for the 1999 National Leadership Conference for Youth with Disabilities. It will be held in Washington DC from June 22 through June 26. The conference is being developed by previous attendees, and promises to be a highly interactive and informative experience. Conference planners are seeking high caliber participants, who have already demonstrated strong leadership potential and are eager to network on a national level. Applications are due by February 28, 1999. For information, please contact Mike Ching at (949) 854-5055 or mching@ix.netcom.com or visit the website.
February 1, 1999: 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.
January 20, 1999: Disability Resource Library
The Disability Resource Library is having an inventory clearance sale! From now until January 31st, 1999 , while supplies last save 35% on any title in stock. To order by phone, call 888-658-1747 and ask for Greg; or order online.
Link to source: http://www.disabilityresource.com/.
January 12, 1999: On A Roll Radio's Interview on Assistive Technology Loan Programs
Hear On A Roll Radio's interview on assistive technology loan programs with Dr. Joey Wallace and check out the rest of the goings on at the first and only live weekly syndicated commercial radio talk show on life and disability.
Link to source: http://www.onarollradio.com/.
January 11, 1999: Stroke Family
Using the latest technology, a new organization called Stroke Family helps stroke survivors practice talking at home with their computers. To find out more about how this program helps someone with aphasia re-learn speech, go to the Stroke Family website: http://www.strokefamily.org. From there, you can try the demo, or subscribe to the service. If you have questions, you can call Mike Schacker at 914/679-3717.
Link to source: http://www.strokefamily.org/.
January 7, 1999: Aquatic Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation for Children
Would you like to learn more about aquatic therapy or therapeutic recreation for children? This information and more is available in the December/January 1999 issue of Rehab Management. To find out more, contact: CurAnt Communications, Inc. 4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 202 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. Phone: 310/306-2206; Fax: 310/301-8101; Email: RehabMag@aol.com
January 7, 1999: Vocare Bladder System
The Food and Drug Administration has approved for marketing the Vocare Bladder System, an implanted device that restores bladder function to people with spinal cord injury. Manufactured by NeuroControl Corp. of Cleveland, Ohio, the system allows people with complete spinal cord injury to empty their bladders without using catheters, medications or other adaptive equipment. According to Reuters Health, the system contains a pacemaker-type stimulator that sends electrical signals through electrodes to the spinal nerves leading to the bladder. The signals cause the muscles of the bladder and urethral sphincter to contract, and then relaxation of the sphincter enables the bladder to empty. This was product will be added to the database in next month's update.
Link to source: http://www.neurocontrol.com/.
January 1, 1999: Tetra
Happy New Year! If 1999 finds you in need of customized assistive technology assistance, check out Tetra. Tetra has a network of volunteers in the United States and Canada who can customize or create devices to meet specific needs. For information, contact: Tetra Society of North America, Plaza of Nations, 770 Pacific Blvd. South, Suite 27, Vancouver, BC V6B 5E7; Canada. Phone: 604-688-6464. E-mail: tetra@reachdisability.org
Link to source: http://www.tetrasociety.org/.
