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WATAP LogoWashington Assistive Technology Act Program

Washington Assistive
Technology Alliance Newsletter

Winter 1995

Volume 1, No. 3

Inside this Issue

 

From the Director

Dave Hooks
WATA Director

I would like to share a few observations from the RESNA conference I recently attended in Washington D.C.

The mood on continued funding for our program was one of cautious optimism. AT grants have a good track record of wise spending and the federal dollars invested are reaping good returns. This isn't true for all federally-funded programs.

Also, it was exciting and moving to be among a large group of professionals whose singular goal is to enhance the delivery of AT and related services throughout the United States and its territories. I returned with a positive outlook for the future of assistive technology.

Our third advisory board meeting was held February 10. New chair Jim Eccles and a few other board members were unable to attend because of inclement weather. Meetings now will be held on Saturdays to accommodate board members' schedules. The next meeting will be in May.

On February 28, WATA administrators met with a RESNA consultant to master new federal guidelines on reporting grant activity. Also, the proposed budget for the next fiscal year has been submitted.

Please contact our board members at any time. They reflect the views, needs, and values of our community and are key to a successful statewide program! I am pleased at the cohesiveness of our WATA team. Our goal remains the same: to enhance the quality of service delivery of AT throughout Washington and to promote the concept of universal accessibility for all citizens.

 

DSB Provides AT Info for Blind and Visually-Impaired Persons

Vladimiro Hart-Zavoli

The Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is a member of the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA). DSB provides technical support and product information to persons who use computer screen access devices.

Persons with visual impairments can use special devices to help them access print via three primary mediums: Braille, enlarged text, and speech. These devices range from low-tech, hand-held magnifiers and Braille slates to high-tech closed-circuit TVs and computers with speech output.

Braille displays are available in 20-, 40-, and 80-cell units. These cells are 2x8-pin matrices raised in specific dot formations that create letters. Control keys are used to move the display window within the screen.

Speech synthesizers are devices that enable blind users to receive audio feedback while typing and reviewing computer screen output. With a single key stroke, one can read specific lines or pre-defined screen areas. The screen-reading software can be set up to track standard cursors and highlighters while monitoring blocks defined by columns and rows for text changes.

Large print access systems employ the concept of screen panning to accommodate enlarged text and graphics. As items increase in size, so does the panning level. For example, if one doubles the text magnification, they quarter their overall viewing area.

Comprehensive assessments of the user's visual acuity is essential to ensure that appropriate assistive technology is identified. As a DSB assistive technology specialist, I focus on job site evaluation, new product evaluation (beta testing), troubleshooting, hardware installation, and software support.

DSB supports Braille displays, speech systems, text enlarging programs, and alternate input devices.

DSB devotes substantial time and energy to maintaining a comprehensive selection of systems in our equipment laboratory. Our hardware and software selections represent a broad range of access systems, from Telesensory Incorporated (TSI) products, to the Omnicron speech system's Flipper.

DSB is concentrating on improving access to graphical user interface (GUI) screens. Because visually impaired computer users cannot easily access GUI screens, they often are excluded from many office positions.

Alternative access methods are available, but still are in the primitive stages. However, we do have three products that offer speech or Braille feedback within the Windows environment.

Technology Lab and Training

Visitors are welcome at DSB. We are open to visitors on the last Wednesday of each month. To offer more hands-on opportunities for equipment evaluation and to accommodate those who have weekday jobs, we are organizing several weekend regional AT seminars around Washington. Watch for details in the next WATA Newsletter.

Other Services

DSB also provides assessments, installation, and training on a fee-for-service basis to interested persons plus technical support to the public and private sectors who have blind or visually-impaired persons on staff.

To contact DSB:

Location: 3411 S. Alaska Street Seattle, WA 98118 Phone: Toll-free (800) 552-7103 V (206) 721-4560 TTY (206) 721-4103 (Fax) wdsb@u.washington.edu (Internet)

 

Reader's Forum
Communicating is Expensive

Sharon Jodock-King

To a stranger on the street, I'm a non-verbal woman with a disability. Most of the people who are around me constantly can understand most of what I say if I pantomime a bit. For the past 15 years, I have made my wants and needs known to those who can't understand me by using electronic communication devices.

This has required me to memorize lots of codes. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation has just purchased a new electronic communication device for me called "The Liberator."

This is the third communications device I have had over the years. I am a very active woman in my community and in society. It's very important for me to have the best communication equipment to make myself understood.

I've testified before legislators in Olympia on behalf of the disabled community. I've conducted art workshops for persons of all ages and capabilities. Many boards and committees on disability issues have listened to my concerns.

I have noticed the cost of communications devices has risen as the equipment becomes more sophisticated. Prices have increased from $2,000 to $7,000.

I have found that I am becoming more knowledgeable as the quality of my communication devices improves. My brain must expand in order to grasp the new technology being presented.

It's like putting a puzzle together. One has to divide the task into small steps before it can be developed into a complete picture. I am taking those small steps to learn how to operate my Liberator and find it is getting easier.

I feel proud that I am trusted with modern communication equipment that allows me to express my knowledge to the world. I am thrilled with today's technology.

 

We Welcome Your Ideas and Opinions

Our Reader's Forum is your opportunity to share ideas and opinions about assistive technology as a consumer, parent, employer, or service provider.
 

Does technology solve all of our problems or can it create new ones? What kind of technology is needed now? What is your personal experience with assistive technology?

We are looking for articles for our newsletter. If you use assistive technology or if you work or live with a current or prospective user of assistive technology, we invite you to share your views and experiences with us.

Children often have an unique perspective about the AT they or others use. Writing and/or drawings by or about children also are invited.

 

Literature Review

The articles previewed below are selected from a quarterly screening of journal and publication databases (e.g., Medline, PsycLit, ERIC, and the Expanded Academic Index). Selected articles relate to research on the use of assistive technology and provision of related services. Over the last several years, professional literature on the application and use of assistive technology has grown steadily. This review focuses on relevant research that has potentially useful information for consumers and providers on service delivery and technology access, communication, mobility, and environmental control or accessible design. A request to your local library is the fastest and least expensive method to obtain complete access to these articles.

Brian Dudgeon, MS, OTR

Service Delivery and Technology Access

User perspectives on assistive technology in educational settings.

Daily use of assistive technology (AT) in classroom and school settings has received little attention. This study describes findings from a qualitative study on the use of AT by children with special needs in a variety of school placements. The article is highly recommended for those who work in schools and who are involved in evaluation and provision of AT to meet educational needs.

Noting that nearly one-third of AT devices are abandoned, and that a wide range of factors are implicated, led these authors to explore the actual day-to-day use of AT by 13 students during a 12-month period.

Family, school personnel, and students were involved through community-based observation and interviews. The use of AT by two children is used to exemplify points made about overall findings on evaluation, funding and acquisition, training, and use of AT.

The authors stress the need for improved involvement of school team members in evaluating and prescribing AT. For example, although training in the use of AT typically occurs at school, preparation of classroom teachers often was said to be lacking.

Also, reference to AT use in meeting educational objectives was expressed as a concern. Staff sometimes overlooked issues of self-direction, social customs, self-image, and independence in favor of convenience, cost-savings, and schedule maintenance. The authors suggest that AT use in school be directly tied to the student's specific academic, social, and personal goals and that each student's AT be subject to frequent re-evaluation.

Todis B, Walker, H. Focus on Exceptional Children 1993 March 26;(3):1-16

A prospective inquiry into technology needs and practices of school-aged children with disabilities.

The state of Arkansas, as part of its statewide AT System Grant, surveyed 560 school-aged children with disabilities or their families to determine the children's AT needs and practices.

The study surveyed technology used, available services, cost of devices, funding sources, travel to receive or service devices, and satisfaction. Devices were most commonly used for mobility, educational activities, self-help, or to aid hearing. Using a computer as AT was indicated by 25%, whereas 75% identified the need for more help in computer use.

Expenditures for AT ranged from less than $100, by 30% of the respondents, to more than $1001 identified by 16%. Twenty-three percent reported that they didn't know what their technology cost. Out-of-pocket consumer payment was most common, followed by Medicare or Medicaid, and then private insurance coverage. Public school system payment for devices was reported to occur less than 10% of the time.

Travel to receive services or to service or repair AT devices commonly was reported, often in excess of 50 to more than 100 miles.

Overall satisfaction with services was positive, but dissatisfaction with repair delays was frequent. Additionally, about 69% of respondents expressed a need for more information about AT devices and services.

The authors discuss how to appreciate better the needs of school-aged children with disability. They offer suggestions for improving the dissemination of AT information and the delivery and use of AT in educational settings.

Parette J, VanBiervliet, A. Journal of Special Education Technology 1990 April 10;(4):198-206

Communication

Effects of speech output type, message length, and reauditorization on perceptions of the communication competence of an adult AAC user.

Views about the competence of adults who use aided or augmentative communication devices (AAC) may be influenced by the characteristics of the technology as well as how it is used. Service providers who recommend AAC systems and vocabulary selection for voice output systems will find this article of most interest.

The study reports how the use of different types of speech output, length of message, and revocalization by a communication partner affected the perceived competence of simulated AAC users.

Judgments were made by untrained adult observers who were unaccustomed to communicating with persons who use AAC systems. To make judgments, the observers viewed staged, videotaped interactions in which each factor, such as speech output technique and message length, was altered.

The authors found that observers were most influenced by message length. When phrases, as opposed to single-word messages, were used, a higher level of competence was reported.

High-quality, synthesized speech (SMOOTHTALKER 3.0) versus digitized speech (ALLTALK) did not affect perceived user competence. Revocalization of AAC output by the communication partner also did not affect views of competency.

The findings imply that natural dialogue with complete phrases is viewed as more acceptable to adults who are not accustomed to communicating with AAC users.

The findings also suggest that improved synthesized speech can be understood, making revocalization of messages unnecessary for comprehension. Although digitized speech is the highest quality, practicality of such systems may be limited because they consume more AAC system memory and offer less flexibility in use.

Hoag L, Bedrosian J. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research 1992 December 35;(12):1373-6

Mobility

Seating and wheeled mobility in the disabled elderly population

Although older adults comprise a large percentage of those who need specialized chairs or who use wheelchairs, little research has been done on seating needs and designs for the aged. This article reviews strategies and offers suggestions for older adults who live in long-term care settings. All persons who are involved with care of older adults will find this article helpful.

An absence of new seating technologies in long-term care settings is reported. The author suggests that this may be due not only to the high cost of durable medical equipment, but also to the failure of providers and administrators to recognize the value of seating systems for improved posture, comfort, and function.

The authors emphasize that pelvic control and stability are key to comfort and function. They offer specific suggestions for older adults who are either non-mobile and dependent, mobile but non-walking, or who can walk but have special needs.

While many options are available, the author calls for greater efforts to improve functional mobility, to make better cushions more available, to consider modular seating approaches, and to develop better lifting and transferring technologies.

Redford, J. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

1993 August 74;(8):877-85

Needs of home-based older visually impaired persons for assistive devices

Functional problems caused by vision impairment, a common problem among older adults, can be reduced by use of assistive devices. This study reports findings from a sample of 30 non-institutionalized older persons with visual impairments who were interviewed about their current use, satisfaction, perceived problems, and expectations of Assistive Technology.

Older adults reported using an average of 14.5 devices. The devices related mainly to vision, followed by devices for physical disability, hearing, and memory or learning. Satisfaction with special devices was relatively high, although specific problems with current technology were commonly reported.

Plans to seek other devices in the future also were common, especially for mobility and visual magnification. Many request were for existing technology, but the users seemed unaware of its availability.

Authors note the high device use rate, as well as the high rate of perceived problems and lack of information. The authors suggest that improved development and marketing of some devices could enhance the home-based function of older adults with vision impairment.

Mann W, Karuza J, Bentley D. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness 1993 April 87;(4):106-10

Environmental Control and Accessible Design

Home adaptation for Alzheimer's households; factors related to implementation and outcomes of recommendations

Although home adaptations can help caregivers realize greater success in caring for a family member, adaptations and how they are recommended can affect whether a family implements the changes. This article is valuable to service providers who work with such families, plus caregivers seeking to improve home safety

The study involved 31 households who provide caregiving for a family member with Alzheimer's and who receive support services from a community agency. Of concern were the number of home safety recommendations offered compared to the number and type of recommendations implemented.

On average, 25 recommendations were made per household; approximately 13 were implemented. Suggestions typically applied to fire prevention and prevention of falling, wandering, rummaging, poisonous ingestion or choking.

Specifically, 65 different recommendations were made. Nine were implemented at least 50% of the time. These included: posting emergency numbers near the phone; keeping patient's belongings together; lowering hot-water temperature to less than 120deg. F; taping or removing rugs; using night lights in bathrooms and hallways; removing low furniture; using sturdy chairs; using nonskid bathroom mats; and regularly replacing smoke-detector batteries.

The authors discuss why caregivers did not implement other recommendations. They encourage clinicians to provide more thorough assessment of caregiver families' needs earlier in care and to provide routine family training and follow-up.

Silverstein N, Hyde J, Ohta R. Technology and Disability 1994 April 2;(4):58-68

 

Online AT Network Will Connect Consumers, Community

Patricia Dowden, Ph.D., CCC-Sp

Patricia Dowden is Coordinator of the Children's Assistive Technology Service (CATS) at Children's Hospital and Medical Center. She is collaborating with the AT Resource Center to develop an online AT menu. In her spare time, she also co-manages the People with Disabilities section on the Seattle Community Network (SCN).

The AT Resource Center and the Children's (Hospital) Assistive Technology Service (CATS) are developing a computer network-the Assistive Technology Forum-to link our local and regional AT communities.

Networking can facilitate a partnership among consumers, families, and professionals. Closer collaboration among all will make our community and services stronger, more progressive and, most importantly, more relevant to consumers and families.

The AT Network is based on the Seattle Community Network (SCN), a freenet being developed by the Seattle chapter of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR/Seattle), with support from the Seattle Public Library and the Washington Library Network.

What the AT Network Will Offer Users

Initially, users can expect the AT Network to provide any or all of the following, depending upon community interest and involvement.

Local AT Resources

Lists of Washington clinics, hospitals, consultants, service providers, vendors, or organizations from whom a consumer or professional could seek assistance or information.

Non-local AT Resources

Lists of national and international resources, including computer network bulletin boards and databases.

Assistive Technology Forums

These will be open forums where anyone may contribute material, ask questions, offer opinions or advice, and share experiences. Consumers, family members, employers, professionals, or others may respond.

We have started with one forum, but several others eventually may be established. For instance, we may establish an exchange/for sale forum, where persons interested in selling, donating, or obtaining an AT device may post an announcement.

About SCN

The SCN, which is just one of many "on-ramps" to the Information Superhighway, is growing rapidly. Coupled with PAN - Seattle's Public Access Network - it will provide a free link to many government, business, and service organizations.

SCN currently is accessible by computer modem or through computer terminals at Seattle public libraries. We are working to provide free access for everyone within Washington.

Currently, anyone in the state can call the AT Resource Center at its local or toll-free number and have their questions, comments, or suggestions posted on the network by the staff. Office staff will collect all responses to your posting and return them to you via mail, fax, telephone, e-mail, etc.

Your Input Welcome

The AT Forum is like a community garden. The land has been donated (thank you, SCN), but nothing will grow without our cooperative effort. It is up to us to decide how we want to use the land and how much time and effort we put into it.

At times, some sections of the garden may be well tended and bear terrific fruit while other sections may go neglected for want of a gardener. We hope such an analogy will encourage you to join the Forum community to help make it what you want it to be.

We welcome your suggestions and comments. For more information or to contact Pat Dowden or any member of our team, please call the AT Resource Center.

 

To Access SCN:

There are several ways to access the SCN, depending on your location and the type of equipment you are using. Following is one of those ways. The next WATA Newsletter will offer step-by-step instructions on how to access SCN via a terminal at branches of the Seattle Public Library or the King County Library System (KCLS) or via other routes.

If you have a computer and modem:

1) Through your modem, dial any one of these numbers (each has a 206 area code): 382-2116, 788-2659; 630-2898, 313-9159. (The lines often are busy between 8 and 9 a.m.)

2) When you get through, "Connect" will appear on the screen. Wait 10 seconds, then press <return> (or <enter>). The "Login" prompt will appear.

3) Login by typing "kcls" (No quotation marks, lowercase).

4) You will be asked to select a terminal. The most common is VT100. To answer, always type "y" or "n" then press <return>.

5) A series of announcements will appear. Type "q" to quit the bulletin board and continue.

6) "Welcome to Dynix Door" will appear. Press <return>. "Welcome to the InfoNet" then will appear.

7) Select "Internet Gateway." (Or type "13" plus <return>).

8) Select Gateway Access by typing "1" plus <return>.

9) To select Community Network or SCN, type the number next to it or "14" plus <return>.

10) Instructions on how to login and logoff will appear. Write down the logoff sequence for use later. Then type "c" plus <return> to connect.

11) The "Login:" prompt will appear. Type "visitor" (all lowercase, no quotation marks) plus <return>. Some announcements will appear. Press <return> to continue. When you see "Welcome to the Seattle Community Network" you are in SCN.

12) To get to the AT Forum, browse the menus or type "go pwd".

To Exit SCN

To exit SCN at any time, press "x." You will be asked if you really want to quit. Type "y" and press <return>.

Note: when you leave SCN you may not be completely "disconnected," depending upon how you accessed the network (e.g. kcls).

Follow the logoff sequence you wrote down earlier, or any instructions on the screen, or type "quit" or "exit" as many times as necessary to disconnect.

To Become an SCN Member

To get your e-mail address, login name, and password, you will need to register with SCN. Use of SCN costs nothing.

1) From the SCN main menu select "1" for Visitor Information.

2) To receive registration materials by mail, type "5" plus <return> and answer the corresponding questions.

4) To download the information, type "6" plus <return> and follow the instructions.

 

AT Resource Center Opens in Eastern Washington

Sydney Lee

The new Eastern Assistive Technology Resource Center (EATRC), in collaboration with the Easter Seal Society of Washington, celebrated its grand opening March 31 and April 1.

The Center, located in Spokane, brings together local Assistive Technology (AT) resources, provides training, information and referrals, and offers users a lending library and AT demonstrations.

The Center houses an AT information and referral network and is working to provide local access to the Internet. Seminars on how to use on-line resources will be offered.

The staff is collaborating with local service providers to offer AT training to providers' staff, trainers who serve rural areas, mentors, students, business persons, and persons with disabilities and their families and friends.

Advisory Board Members Sought

We are recruiting AT users to serve on our Consumer Majority Advisory Board (CMAB). The Board will recommend policy and provide input on management of the Resource Center. For more information and an application packet, contact Sydney Lee at 1-800-214-8731 or (509) 326-8292.

Center Will Make AT Resources Easier To Find

Dorothy Haenle

This center is the first fruit of a long held dream for a facility to serve persons with disabilities in Eastern Washington. Previously, information about AT was neither centralized nor easily accessible for consumers or those who serve them.

While the school-aged population could receive evaluation and try out devices at the excellent Special Education Technology Center in Ellensburg, 200 miles west, others usually sought expertise at the University of Washington in Seattle. An Eastern Washington Center will facilitate access to AT devices and services via information and referral.

We are gathering detailed information on available services and resources. Our goal is to make as much information as possible available through a simple phone call or modem inquiry.

Anyone may visit the Center to try out a variety of adaptive equipment, browse through AT catalogs, and talk with AT users.

While a vendor can offer prospective consumers pertinent information, someone who uses an adaptive device can provide personal insights into the benefits and drawbacks of the equipment.

We plan to extend our resource services to those who work with persons with disabilities, such as teachers, business persons, and families and friends of AT consumers. Through such outreach, we hope to help the general public understand how adaptation of an environment may make it possible for a person with a disability to be a productive worker and integral part of their community.

Eastern Assistive Technology Resource Center

Easter Seal Society of Washington West 606 Sharp Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 326-8292 V/TTY (800) 214-8731 V/TTY (509) 326-2261 FAX

They're Here to Help - Introducing the EATRC Staff

Sydney Lee
Program Director

An occupational therapist with specialization in Gerontology, Sydney brings diverse experience to the AT Program. Also a professional photographer and computer graphic artist, Sydney applies her artistic skills to AT through communication graphics, production management, support media, and multi-screen productions.

"I enjoy improvising, troubleshooting, integrating and adapting information, and helping people finds ways to communicate. Working with AT and persons with disabilities allows me to combine my education and interests while working for positive change."

Dorothy Haenle, Consultant

Dorothy volunteers at the EATRC. As an occupational therapist, she worked with children in the Spokane School District for 28 years before retiring in 1990. With other volunteers, she started a computer loan program at the Spokane Easter Seal Office in 1985 to make donated computers available to students and adults who need the technology to stay abreast of schoolwork.

"I find any new tool that can expand one's computer abilities to be exciting, especially for persons whose computer is their access to the world."

Glenn LeDuc, Information Technician Specialist

A Spokane native, Glenn graduated from Whitworth College in 1990 with a B.A. in education. For the past five years, he has been a manager and technician for a local computer firm.

"This position is a great opportunity to combine my educational background with my work experience. I look forward to the challenges and rewards it will offer."

 

Western Assistive Technology Center

Karen Brekke

Karen Brekke is a Project Supervisor at the Western AT Center (WATC). For the past three years, she has been a technical consultant on disability access and awareness for the Washington Coalition of Citizens with disABILITIES (WCCD). In that capacity, she provides training and information on access for persons with disabilities to state and local government, employers, and owners and managers of business facilities. Prior to joining WCCD, she managed a personnel department for two years and worked for a local government human rights office. She also has many years of experience in social services, employment programs, and teaching.

Now Open: Western Assistive Technology Center (WATC)

The Western Assistive Technology Center (WATC) opened February 28, 1995 at the Washington Coalition of Citizens with disABILITIES (WCCD) office in Seattle.

The WATC has been serving consumers in 19 Western Washington counties by telephone since January.

Planned WATC services include AT device training, mobile outreach, and community education to address barriers to AT services and devices.

A main goal of the WATC will be to educate persons with disabilities about AT so they can become better informed consumers and take a more active role in deciding which type of AT best fits their needs.

As part of that goal, WATC staff is assembling a Resource Room, which will offer users information about assistive technology available in Western Washington communities. Several AT devices also will be housed in the Resource Room and will be available for hands-on evaluation.

Other WATC services being planned include AT device training, mobile outreach, and community education to address barriers to AT services and devices.

Staff also are designing outreach materials and are working closely with all of WATA to compile instructional and community resources.

WATC Recruiting Key Contacts

Our primary activity now is outreach. We actively are recruiting persons to serve as key contacts in local communities throughout the region. Persons wishing to serve should contact WATC. Key contacts will:

* Participate in the identification and assessment of community AT resources.

* Identify persons in local communities who currently work with or use AT and who can serve as professional or peer resources.

* Identify and refer groups seeking to set-up an AT library or resource room in their communities.

* Identify and refer groups who are seeking AT training.

* Participate in the project's "At a Distance" virtual space AT advisory committee.

* Participate in review of AT project activities.

* Assist consumers in evaluating their needs for AT services and devices.

* Provide feedback on assistive technology devices.

* Organize local peer support groups of assistive technology users.

* Help WATA secure funding to maintain and expand the AT projects beyond the grant period(s).

* Serve as AT peer mentors.

Advisory Board Members Now Being Recruited

WCCD is seeking persons in Western Washington who desire better information about assistive technology, improved access to it, or who wish to be involved in making systems changes that make it easier for all to purchase needed assistive technology devices and services.

We plan to use technology to link advisory board members in a "virtual advisory board." For more information, contact the WATC.

Rich's Northwest Mobility Donates Van to Project

Rich's Northwest Mobility has donated to WCCD a late-model van equipped with multiple access systems, including power lift, raised door kit, raised top, and assorted tie downs. The van will be available for one year for use by the WATC. WCCD Board Vice President, Jack Phipps, arranged for the donation.

Eddie and Amanda Riveira, owners of Rich's Northwest Mobility, announced the donation at WCCD's annual meeting January 28, 1995, where they were presented with a certificate of appreciation.

Rich's is the largest dealer and custom converter of vans for accessible use by wheelchair users in the Northwest.

The van can accommodate at least two chair users and will be equipped with bench seating for other passengers. The van will be modified further to create safe storage tie downs and compartments to allow easier transport of various AT devices.

Western Assistive Technology Center

Good Shepherd Center 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98103 Seattle:(206)632-1212 Toll free: 1-800-859-8352 206) 461-4570 (FAX) wccd@u.washington.edu (Internet)

 

Calendar of Events

 

RESNA '95 RECREAbility "Recreation and Ability: Explore the Possibilities!", June 9-14, 1995

RESNA is an interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies. Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada To request information: send name, organization/company, and address to: RESNA, Suite 1540 1700 N. Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209-1903
or call: (703) 524-6686

Assistive Technology and Human Function, March 27-June 10 (Mondays: 2:30 pm-4:20 pm)

Covers strategies used to select and apply AT to meet communication, mobility, and environmental control needs of adults and children with disabilities. The class is open to anyone. No cost for individuals with disabilities or their family members. For more information, call (206) 685-4181 V or (206) 616-1396 TTY.

Augmentative And Alternative Communication, June 19-August 18 (Mondays: 3:00-5:00 pm and Thursdays: 3:00-5:30 pm)

This course provides an overview of augmentative communication approaches for children and adults with severe communication disorders. For more information, contact the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, JG-15, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195. Or call (206) 685-7400 V, or (206) 543-8925 TTY, or e-mail sphscadv@u.washington.edu.

 

Now available: AT Videotapes

Assistive Technology: Interface with Life

(28 min.) Sharon and Alan, a couple in their fifties who both have cerebral palsy, share their daily experiences at home and in the community.

Assistive Technology: Early Access, Inclusion, and Advocacy

(16 min.) Meet Elizabeth, a 7-year-old with cerebral palsy who lives at home and attends school in a regular classroom.

These videos are available for purchase or preview at the UW CDMRC Video Library.
To order, contact the AT Resource Center.

 

To be on our mailing list, write or call:

University of Washington AT Resource Center
Box 357920
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: in Seattle: 685-4181 (voice) 616-1396 (TTY)
Outside Seattle toll free: 1-800-841-8345 (voice/TTY)
FAX: (206) 543-477
E-Mail: watap@u.washington.edu (Internet)

 

WATA Newsletter is supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research H224A3006, U.S. Department of Education, to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Olympia, WA. Project director: David Hooks. The newsletter is published quarterly to provide students, professionals, and consumers with information about current issues in assistive technology. The opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance.

Editorial Board of Advisors: Jeanne Munro, Director, Washington DVR; David Hooks, PhD, Director, WATA; Edie McBride, MSW, Associate Director, WATA. UW Statewide Resource Center: Kurt Johnson, PhD, Project Director; Dagmar Amtmann, MA, Project Manager; Karen Ozmun, Information Specialist; Brian Dudgeon, MS/OTR, Training Faculty; Kathryn Yorkston, PhD, Training Faculty.

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