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WATAP LogoWashington Assistive Technology Act Program

WASHINGTON ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER

Spring 1996

Volume 2, Number 2

Inside This Issue

 

Language and the Power of Words

Mark Fristo, Jr.

It has been said that the pen is mightier than the sword. In this time of political correctness it can be argued that the powers of words have created more barriers than they have removed. In my opinion, political correctness has created more problems than it has helped-and nowhere is that more apparent than in the disability community. Just as every minority in the U.S. has had to struggle with identification, people with disabilities are no different. We seek identification and empowerment through words and language. There's an African proverb that states, "If you don't know who you are, anyone can name you; and if anyone can name you, you will answer to anything." What do people want to be called? How do you want to be described? In the naming or the labeling of people and things, the relationship between intent and impact can become a source of frustration and conflict; you might say it is easy to see, but hard to foresee.

For example, I do not answer to the term "handicap", nor do I like when it is used to describe any person with a disability. I am not handicapped; I am handicapped by the environment and attitudes. I am sure many of you are familiar with the origin of the term "handicap", cap in hand, begging - but it goes beyond begging. For me, it conjures up an image or an idea of something that may be difficult to achieve or that is lacking something. "Handicap" implies something about one's abilities; I don't play golf or the horses, but I have heard the term "handicap" associated with both of these and I have been told it has something to do with abilities. As a wheelchair user I am no more handicapped than a person whose arms and hands are full of packages trying to open and get through a door. Automatic opening doors and ramps benefit everyone. I have been told by people who have no vision problems how much they appreciate large printed materials. From an environmental standpoint, it would not be a stretch to say that everybody is handicapped at some point or place in time. It would appear that the environment challenges everyone, which brings me to the next set of "PC" descriptors that drive me crazy.

Physically Challenged - what does that mean? I read somewhere that "physically challenged" came from the women's movement as a term of empowerment, with the intent of creating a positive image. I appreciate the intent; unfortunately, it does not work as I believe it had been envisioned. As a person with a disability, I do not want to spend whatever life I have left always being challenged.

Wouldn't the average man or woman be physically challenged if asked to play college or professional sport? An ice-covered sidewalk becomes a physical challenge regardless of your mode of mobility. As attitudes change and as technology increases and improves, physical challenges will be something that people can voluntarily seek, not something that is forced upon them through oversight, ignorance or worse, insensitivity. Many of the same arguments cited earlier can be used for the word impairment.

One thing to remember: There are as many diverse opinions in the community of people with disabilities as there are in any group. So, as a courtesy, when talking about people with a disability, keep in mind that he or she is always a person first - treat them the same way you want to be treated.

 

Policy, Funding, and Systems Change Update

Frances E. Pennell

Governor Signs ADA Executive Order on Access to Information Technology

WATA is pleased to announce that on March 22, 1996, Governor Mike Lowry signed Executive Order 96-04 which requires all state agencies to review their use of information technologies, to identify barriers that employees or members of the public with disabilities experience in utilizing these systems, and to take steps to eliminate such barriers as new information technologies are acquired. The Order requires agencies to "consult with persons with disabilities in identifying barriers and developing solutions to such barriers."

WATA wishes to thank Governor Lowry for taking this important step and to particularly commend the efforts of the Governor's Executive Policy/Legal Advisor, Mary McKnew. Mary, who now serves on the Liquor Control Board, was instrumental in crafting the language of the Executive Order and in getting "buy-off" from the agencies affected.

Washington Information Network (WIN) Kiosks

In the Winter 1996 edition of the WATA Newsletter, we reported that the Washington Department of Information Services (DIS) had agreed to make its public information kiosks accessible to individuals with disabilities. Our optimistic report was based upon on-going discussions between DIS and the Washington Protection and Advocacy System (WPAS). Unfortunately, negotiations broke down and in February 1996, WPAS filed a class action suit on behalf of all persons with disabilities who are unable to use the DIS public information kiosks. In the suit, WPAS claims that the kiosks violate Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Since the suit was filed, DIS has rolled out a new generation of information kiosks in public locations throughout the state. Locations include the Northgate Mall, the Seattle Public Library, Bellevue Square, Capital Mall in Olympia, Tacoma Mall, Vancouver Mall, Northtown and University Malls in Spokane, and Yakima Mall and Columbia Center in Yakima. These kiosks appear to be less accessible to persons with visual and hearing impairments and learning disabilities than the previous generation. DIS intends to place another 36 kiosks throughout the state this summer. We invite each of you to visit a public information kiosk and to communicate your suggestions and ideas on usability directly to DIS.

Highlights of 1996 Legislative Session

Electronic Access: E2SSB 6556 directs the state courts, the state legislature and other state and local government agencies to plan for and implement means of making governmental information widely available electronically. Thanks to the efforts of the Public Information Access Policy Task Force, this legislation also includes language requiring these agencies to "consider and incorporate wherever possible ease of access to electronic technologies by persons with disabilities." In planning and implementing new public electronic access projects, agencies are directed to consult with people who have disabilities, with disability access experts and with the general public, and to coordinate with state institutions of higher education in educating employees in the use and implementation of technology. The state Information Services Board is responsible for developing technical policies, standards and procedures. The State Library Commission is responsible for promoting and facilitating electronic access and establishing common formats.

Managed Care Information Disclosure Requirements: ESB 6392 sets out important new disclosure rules for health care insurers and managed care organizations. For example, the bill prohibits insurance carriers from discouraging or precluding providers from telling patients about treatment options. It also requires health carriers to disclose, upon request from the patient, information about its policies and procedures including procedures for obtaining referrals to outside specialists, and preauthorization and payment policies. This bill will be helpful for those of you seeking complete and accurate information from your insurers on coverage for, and procedures relating to, the purchase of durable medical equipment.

DSB Equipment Grants: HB 2187 allows the Department of Services for the Blind to provide its clients with grants of equipment for vocational purposes up to a limit set by the Office of Financial Management. The current limit is $5000 per grant.

L & I Accommodation Expenditures: SHB 2724 provides for expenditures up to an additional $5000 per client for (a) accommodations that are medically necessary for an injured worker to participate in an approved retraining plan and/or (b) accommodations necessary for the worker to perform the essential functions of an approved occupation.

Federal Updates

To obtain timely information about proposed changes to IDEA, Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid and many other programs that serve individuals with disabilities we recommend the Washington Protection and Advocacy's weekly mailing, Compelling Opportunities, written for the National Disabilities Issues Roundtable, a community coalition. For more information, call WPAS at 1-800-325-1801.

 

Reader's Forum

Larry Gasser, Ph.D.

Don't Fade Out On Us, Brother

In 1987, when I first acknowledged my approaching blindness, my college brought in Jerry Kuns as a consultant to advise me about adaptive techniques. He left me with a remarkable quotation that has served me as a motto ever since.

Jerry Kuns, then working at the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco, told me about the time he had totally lost his vision. An old friend of his met him after a long absence and said, "Don't fade out on us, brother." Blindness, like other disabilities, can be such a nuisance that it makes you wish to back out of everything. I've used his phrase many times to bolster my resolve to keep moving ahead. Using assistive technology is one way I've avoided fading out.

My scenario went like this: in 1987, I still drove a car, had been using computers for work and personal writing and could still read print, although with difficulty. Within two years, I learned to set up rides with others, added screen enlarger software to my computer and joined talking book services. At the time, I had to find most things out for myself through a long series of telephone searches, by joining the National Federation of the Blind and using local Rehab services. At that time, there were no assistive technology projects. Gradually, I put together the assistive technology I use today: free directory service, computer speech output, scanning and communications software, talking book services and a variety of tape players and other adaptive equipment. I have learned to hire and manage readers for those tasks assistive technology still can't perform, such as reading handwriting.

From the first, though, it was reaching out for supportive people and services that made the difference. Jerry Kuns came first, but I have reached out to many other individuals and organizations for what they could provide that would keep me fully involved in life.

That's why I almost automatically contacted the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance at Easter Seals in Spokane when I moved here. Take my recent job-hunting, for example. In September, Glen LeDuc at WATA in Spokane helped me to connect with the internet and gave me addresses for Blind-Lists and other sources of information. That has become important to me because I believe I can't write a good application for a position unless I know a great deal about the organization I am applying to. In my application to Central Washington U., I used Central's web site to read their catalogue, administrative policies and more that gave me essential background. I used my computer's speech synthesizer to read it while normally I would have had to request that information in print. I would have had to scan the print into my computer before reading, which would have taken much more time than using the web site. My thanks to Glen LeDuc at WATA for assisting me.

Yes, assistive technology has made a great deal of difference to my ability to stay involved and not fade out.

Dr. Larry Gasser is a blind person and retired Professor of English who is job-hunting for a second career. A singer, ham actor and writer, he lives with his brother outside Spokane, Washington.

Reader's Forum

Our Reader's Forum column is an opportunity for you to share your ideas and opinions about assistive technology as a consumer, parent, employer, or service provider. Can technology solve all of our problems? Or does it create new ones? On what areas should future research focus? What kind of technology is needed right now? What will assistive technology look like in the 21st century? We are looking for articles to publish in our newsletter. If you are a user of assistive technology, or if you work or live with a current or prospective user of assistive technology, please share your views and experiences with us. Writing and artwork by or about children is welcome.

 

Director's Report

Jeanne Munro
Director, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Social and Health Services

As Director of the Lead Agency for the WATA grant, I am pleased to have this opportunity to give you an update on some key activities of the project team in the last few months. Of particular note is our success in collaborating with the Governor's Office and various state agencies to implement Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Governor Mike Lowry signed Executive Order 96-04 on March 22, directing that Washington State government shall assure that current and future information technologies are accessible to people with disabilities. This auspicious occasion was shared with the Governor's signing of the historic Braille Bill, to emphasize Braille reading and writing instruction in public schools for blind and low-vision students.

Among our more exciting activities were the four public hearings we held in Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, and Yakima from February 22 - March 6, 1996. These hearings invited members of communities across the state to let WATA know about their own experiences and to help identify key problems people encounter when seeking to obtain assistive technology. Approximately 115 people attended, including consumers and family members, service providers, AT vendors, professionals in the AT field, and others.

All attendees were strongly supportive of WATA's efforts and appreciated the opportunity to have direct input to the project's goals and activities. Some already knew about WATA from presentations, exhibits, or had received assistance from our Information & Referral system. Others were learning about the project for the first time and were happy to have a new resource for information on devices and services, funding options, and legal issues and advocacy.

Lack of information and funding for assistive technology devices and services were the two key barriers identified by attendees. Related to the barrier of funding, a number of individuals noted problems with movement and/or sharing of AT within the public school system (K-12 and post-secondary) and lack of "recycling" resources and demonstration centers in local communities statewide. One individual wanted advocacy for the needs of children with disabilities who are not funded by IDEA. WATA staff outlined activities for collaborating with educational systems to more efficiently and effectively provide AT to students, to network and expand current AT recycling resources, and to increase access to hands-on demonstrations of AT around the state.

In addition, a number of "gaps" in service provision and funding were noted, including when an individual with a disability is not low income and/or is not currently a participant in a state agency program-DVR, DDD, or DSB. Concern for lack of services within rural areas was expressed. WATA staff outlined activities directed at systems change within various public and private funding systems and banking institutions to develop AT-related loan programs, and fostering additional resources to "fill in gaps" in the service delivery system, particularly in rural areas.

We thank all of you who attended the public hearings, and invite the rest of you to let us know about your experiences in trying to obtain assistive technology devices and services, and what priorities you think we should be addressing to make it easier for people to get the AT they need to live more independent lives. Truly, this is a project of collaboration. The more input we have from you, the more meaningful and well-directed our work can be.

 

Computing Seniors

Pat Wills

New Horizons, a program that provides computer access to those with physical limitations, has been flourishing in Kitsap County for several years. Designed by Kitsap Computing Seniors (KCS), a non-profit organization, and with an original inventory of computers funded by a grant written by B. J. Wise, principal of SilverRidge Elementary School, the program impacts housebound participants, providing a new outlet for their energies.

These folks can now access information on any subject and explore whatever piques their fancy, from baseball to gourmet cooking.

Participants are provided with computers as needed and a mentor to personally help them learn basic computer skills and on-line assistance. Mentors are KCS members who volunteer to help. New Horizons members use local bulletin board systems and other on-line services to "connect" with each other and with folks throughout the world. A recent inquiry regarding a particular assistive need netted replies from Finland, The Hague, and South Africa, much to the surprise of the person initiating the request.

Free mini-classes are available to fill in the blanks. For those who can attend, free computer labs are offered by the various school districts in Kitsap County. These classes are taught by KCS members with advanced skills; the labs are also manned by KCS Volunteers who provide answers for those needing assistance.

The people in the New Horizons program also communicate on-line with students at SilverRidge Elementary School and provide them with help on research projects.

One of the new Horizons participants described the program this way:

N- nice people
E- education
W- wheelchairs

H- hope
O- opened up new world
R- renewed self-confidence
I- intercommunicate
Z- zest for life again
O- ongoing support
N- needs fulfilled
S- sysops


Perhaps the most poignant testimony was furnished by another person involved in the program:

"We can write a letter and place it in an envelope. We can even send it on its way given a stamp to seal its fate. We can read a book, and dream about the words, and see the images as we turn the pages. We can talk about so many things, but talk will never be the same as 'doing' anything. Except acting of course, and with a computer and some help I'm acting as though I'm doing something. People don't pay to see me perform in a theater, but a stage is really where I am today.

"Sadly I didn't think there was any-thing I could do anymore. So much loss, and nothing left of any worth in my store.

"Then along comes New Horizons to extend the reach I no longer have. I speak regularly with people all around the globe. A modem and my computer have brought many things to me which I thought had certainly excluded me."

You can contact Pat at her email address: patwills@kinn.com

Pat Wills, Chair of the New Horizons program, was one of the original participants. She learned about the postpolio syndrome firsthand when, after many months of physical therapy and years of active participation as a counselor for juvenile delinquents, discovered soon after retirement that the polio she'd thought she had conquered decided to make a return visit. She currently feels very lucky in that she is mobile with the use of crutches.

Western Assistive Technology Center

Karen Brekke

Stakeholder Meetings Address Medical Equipment Ownership Issues

The State of Washington's Medical Assistance Administration has proposed changes in the Washington State Administrative Code, 388-86-100. This section of code authorizes purchases of durable medical equipment (DYE), prosthetic devices, and medical supplies. Currently, the State purchases most of these supplies through the Medicaid program.
For nursing facility residents, the proposed changes would channel state purchasing of DYE and other items to the facility where they reside. This proposed change would make nursing homes responsible for repairs on all equipment. Currently, the individual owns the equipment and can remove the equipment from the nursing home facility as he/she leaves. In the proposal, the nursing home would not be obligated to spend the moneys allocated for equipment on DME and related items. Instead, the budget could be used to buy food or make payments on a building. Persons who do not live in nursing homes are not affected by these proposed changes.

At a stakeholder's meeting held on March 25, nursing facility administrators and specialists in seating and positioning argued against the proposal. The administrators felt the accounting requirements for the equipment would become very burdensome. Nursing home providers also felt that equipment needs might become a secondary concern if equipment dollars could be spent on other items. Vesting the ownership of equipment in the facility rather than the individual user seems counterproductive when nursing care facilities are increasingly positioning themselves to return patients to the community.

Consumer groups represented by the Western AT Center were concerned that the proposal could severely restrict consumer control and rights to quality care, and could threaten the health of the consumer. Equipment works best for persons when fitted to the individual. If nursing homes retained ownership and possession of equipment, eventually new patients would use equipment originally designed for someone else. The ability to customize equipment for a good fit to protect patient skin health is lost without the ability to bill for this fit.

While the criticisms of the proposal to vest ownership of equipment in nursing homes gave DSHS Administrators a different perspective, some lingering concerns remain following this proposal.

The state is looking to designate an appropriate purchaser of record for DME; clearly, consumer control is not yet a primary value to the state as it ponders options for action.
Upcoming issues: DSHS is also looking to remove authorization to purchase vehicle driving controls and lift equipment from this section of WAC, and to locate it elsewhere in the WAC.

Western AT Center's 2 Year Activity Plan


The WATA project has been planning its systems change activities for the next two years. Since lack of funding has been identified as a key barrier to access to assistive technology, many of the our activities are involved with funding.

The Areas In Which We Hope To Make a Difference Include:

Private Health Insurance: Insurance issues are critically important for persons with disabilities. Recent improvements in Washington state insurance regulation include portability (the ability to transfer insurance coverage from one employer to another) and a short waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions. Protecting these gains, and helping people get appropriate medical treatment in managed care plans, are among the interests of the Western AT Center.

Medicaid: Persons with disabilities tend to be out of work (over 2/3 of adults are unemployed, according to the Harris poll of 1995) and hence are unable to receive insurance unless it is through a government program. Medicaid currently pays for over half the assistive technology and services purchased by persons with disabilities in this state. For the past year or two, Medicaid budgets have been under pressure at both the federal and state levels. Access to assistive technology and services through these budgets must be preserved, and the Western AT Center will be very involved in these efforts.

AT Funding from Non-Profits: Currently, there are very few options available for low income people to purchase needed AT outside of government programs. Private resources for such funding are needed, and we are working to develop some.

AT Loan Programs: Loan closets which provide AT on a short term basis for evaluation of potential usefulness have been beneficial in K-12 education settings. We are cooperating with a group of two year and four year schools to try to expand that concept to the higher education environment.

AT Recycling: Many equipment items become discarded before they have outlived their usefulness. We are working with recyclers in Western Washington to try to improve and support programs recycling durable medical equipment.

Government Purchasing Programs for Goods and Services: These should include the needs of persons with disabilities. The WATA project had a major success with this effort when Governor Lowry signed the ADA proclamation, which included a policy statement on such purchases. Now, we will work with other project members to help people understand ways to implement these guidelines.

Parent Educator Partnership Project Conference held in Tacoma

The Parent Educator Partnership Project is focused primarily towards providing support for families with members with developmental disabilities. On March 15-16, a conference of parents, special education professionals, and other DD service providers was held in Tacoma. The Western AT Center attended to represent the WATA project, provide Information and Referral, and to learn more about issues concerning its target groups.

The conference included presentations on Medicaid, advocacy, IEPs, medical care, and other topics of general interest. Among the presenters was Ed Holen of the Washington State DD Planning Council. Other state council members in attendance were able to represent the council's outreach activities for rural and minority populations.

How to Contact the Western Assistive Technology Center

Western Assistive Technology Center
Good Sheperd Center
4649 Sunnyside Avenue North
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98103
Seattle: (206) 632-1212
Toll free: 1-800-859-8352
(206) 461-4570 (FAX)
wccd@u.washington.edu

News From The Eastern AT Center

Glenn LeDuc

WATA Eastern Resource Center Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary

April 1, 1996 marks the one - year anniversary of the opening of the WATA Eastern Resource Center. Looking back on the past year's activities at the center reminds of not only all the things we have accomplished, but also the many challenges that await us in the future.

To mark our one year anniversary, the WATA Eastern Resource Center, in collaboration with the Easter Seal Society of Washington, hosted a Spokane Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Open House. Held on a monthly basis, these events allow one of the chamber of commerce members to spotlight its services, as well as provide networking opportunities for chamber members.

The event was held from 5:15PM to 7:15PM on Thursday, March 21, 1996. Seven interactive stations were prepared, each spotlighting a different Assistive Technology device. AT devices displayed included switches and switch access software, adapted keyboards, speech synthesis and screen reading software, and the Head Mouse, a mouse emulation device that operates through the user's head movements. Participants had the opportunity to try the devices and ask questions of WATA staff and volunteers about the center. Over sixty persons representing a wide range of Spokane businesses attended this event.

Other Recent Events and Activities

WATA Eastern Resource Center staff have attended a number of other community events recently. The Eastern Washington Ag - Trade Expo, held in the Spokane Arena January 16th - 18th , gave us the opportunity to reach out to rural members of the Eastern Washington Community. A booth was sponsored by the Eastern Washington Farm Health and Safety Coalition, a coalition of organizations interested in promoting safe farming practices, of which the WATA Eastern Resource Center is a member. This event gave us a chance to talk to farmers and others from the Eastern Washington area about WATA, and to make our literature available to those in attendance.

The IDEAS Conference, held January 25th and 26th at the Red Lion Hotel in Spokane, gave us another opportunity to present information about WATA to the public. The IDEAS Conference is sponsored on a yearly basis by Educational Service district 101, the North Central Educational Service District, Local Special Education Directors and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. IDEAS stands for Inter-Disciplinary Educational Alternative Strategies. This conference gives educators the opportunity to build and enhance their skills in a variety of areas. The WATA Eastern Resource Center participated by providing and staffing a table full of assistive technology devices and materials. Great interest was shown by those in attendance, and we were able to get many new contacts for mailing lists and upcoming events.

We are always looking for other events and activities to participate in around the Eastern Washington area. We welcome tips and suggestions from our readers about community events where we could provide an appropriate and positive presence.

New Computer Received For AT Center Use

The Easter Seal Society of Washington has received a new 486 notebook computer from Digital Equipment Corporation through the National Easter Seal Society. This computer will be used by WATA Eastern Resource Center staff in upcoming in-house and off-site events and presentations to demonstrate Assistive Technology hardware, devices and software. This new addition of equipment will allow us to better serve persons with disabilities in Washington State. Our sincere thanks go out to all of the organizations involved in getting us this generous donation.

Saturday Workshops

In collaboration with the Easter Seal Society Computer Loan Program, the WATA Eastern Resource Center has been hosting Saturday workshops on a variety of topics. They are held from 9:00AM to 1:00PM in the WATA Eastern Resource Center on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Recent topics have included: Beginning PCs and DOS, Beginning Macintosh, Modems and the Internet, the Intellikeys Keyboard, and open lab sessions, during which staff is available to answer questions on any computer or AT related topic. These workshops are open to persons with disabilities, their families, and professionals involved in working with persons with disabilities. There is no charge for these workshops. To learn more about this service, contact Glenn LeDuc or Dorothy Haenle at (800) 214-8731 or 328-9350.

Farewell and Best Wishes to Sydney Lee

Sydney Lee, former director of the WATA Eastern Resource Center resigned her position this March 6th, 1996. Her past efforts and dedication to the WATA team will be missed by our staff and the rest of the WATA organization. Good luck and best wishes Sydney.

How to Contact the Eastern AT Center

Eastern Assistive Technology Resource Center
Easer Seal Society of Washington
West 606 Sharp
Spokane, WA 99201
Spokane: (509) 328-9350 V/TTY
(800) 214-8731 V/TTY
(509) 326-2261 FAX
ewaratrc@poweramp.net

Low Tech, Low Cost AT Innovations

Karen Ozmun

Often times, people fear that adaptations will cost too much. Here are some examples of effective and low cost AT shared by participants in our on-line discussion forum. In fact, we heard from some folks in Canada - our "virtual community" is truly international! We invite you to share your ideas and experiences with us, and we'll pass some of them along in future newsletters so others can benefit from your creativity.

Low Cost Shower Bed

We made a safe, cheap shower bed out of a Canadian Tire rubber raft. We made a slit in the bottom (at the front end), which we hang over the side of the bathtub. The middle of the raft is supported by a $12.00 plastic patio table, and the back end of the raft is supported on our bathroom toilet. We put a waterproof wedge in the raft, place our daughter (lying prone) on the wedge, and use a hand-held shower to bathe her. Total cost, about $75 CDN. [edit] The commercial shower trolley by Arjo Rehab costs over $5,000!
----Canadian AT Discussion Forum Participants

Low Cost Artist's Palette

For you artists who have a hard time finding a palette for your paints, I just found out that a left over round tray I bought for a New Year's Eve party works great. It's big enough to put both water and paint on it. It's flat enough, so it won't spill all over. The tray has litttle dividers about 3/4 inch tall. I did a beautiful picture yesterday from using my tray. It's like those round Christmas trays you can buy for cookies and such. $2.00 to $3.00 apiece I would say.
---Sharon Jodock-King

 

Congress is On-Line!

If you'd like to contact your federal legislators (not all have e-mail yet), learn how the legislative process works, find out what's happening in Congress, or see how your legislator voted, you can do it all on-line. You can let your legislators know how you feel about Social Security Income and Disability benefits, Special Education (IDEA) funding, Medicaid and Medicare, civil rights legislation (ADA), or other issues of concern.

Senate Web Site: http://www.senate.gov/

E-mail addresses:

Gorton, Slade senator_gorton@gorton.senate.gov
Murray, Patty senator_murray@murray.senate.gov

House of Representatives Web Site: http://www.house.gov/

E-mail addresses:

Jennifer Dunn, 8th dunnwa08@hr.house.gov
Linda Smith, 3rd asklinda@hr.house.gov
Randy Tate, 9th rtate@hr.house.gov
Rick White, 1st repwhite@hr.house.gov

Library of Congress' THOMAS service: http://thomas.loc.gov
Check on "hot bills," read bill summaries and complete texts, and access the Congressional Record.

Internet and the World Wide Web, Part Two

Tom Zeiler

Last issue we looked at the question of what the Internet is, focusing primarily on that most powerful of all Internet-based tools: the World Wide Web. Now, in part II, let's take a more detailed look at how people with disabilities and service providers can benefit from using Internet resources.

One of the first things we should mention about the Net is its potential entertainment value. From communicating with others all over the world on live "chat lines", to playing a game of chess with someone in another country, to participating in lively debates in some USENET newsgroup, people can amuse themselves in a wide variety of ways that simply didn't exist until recently. The ability to connect with other human beings in novel ways is one of the most appealing features of the Internet-something that could come to threaten the supremacy of TV as the Great Entertainer. For those with disabilities, especially, one senses the promise of a whole new kind of accessibility.

Education is another realm where the Internet may have a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Distance learning is once again a hot topic now that the Web has brought multimedia to the Internet, and it is an oft heard truism that the new electronic environments can help "level the playing field."

Meanwhile, there are many resources on the Net which are specifically geared towards people with disabilities. Here in Washington, for example, we have the wash.assistive-tech newsgroup, an electronic discussion forum where people post questions and answers about all kinds of disability-related matters, particularly issues relating to assistive technology. Similar discussion groups that focus on one or more specific disabilities also exist. And there are possibly thousands of World Wide Web sites that have been developed to serve as information centers for people with disabilities.

How, then, does one go about finding those resources? Having gotten onto the Web, what does one do? Well, one of the best places to begin "surfing" is a "search engine" site. A search engine is basically a web page that lets the user type in one or more key words to search for in documents and files all around the world (one such search - on the word "disability"- yielded more than 2000 "hits"). The results are typically displayed as a list of "links" that the user simply clicks on, or otherwise activates, to bring up an article, download a piece of software, or whatever. Using these search robots, one quickly gets a sense of how much interesting stuff is out there on the web. All it takes to tap into that galaxy of information is a search engine and a little bit of imagination. There are quite a few very good "spiders," "worms," "know-bots" (as the various robots are known) in existence today, each one different from the next in terms of where and how the search is done. Below are the addresses of a few of the more popular sites - all good places to start. Just point your web browser to one of these locations, put in a search term, and you're off. (Consider packing a bag lunch first; you may be gone a while.)

Web Crawler-a good place to search for just about any type of web page.
http://webcrawler.com/

Yahoo's Search Engine-a classic.
http://www.yahoo.com/

What's New Too - find out what's new and useful on the web.
http://newtoo.manifest.com/

World Wide Web Worm - worm your way into some great pages.
http://wwww.cs.colorado.edu/wwww

Whole Internet Catalog- lists sites by topic.
http://gnn.com/gnn/wic/

Excite Netsearch-search page for Web, Usenet, Reviews and more.
http://www.excite.com/

MetaCrawler-uses several search engines at once!
http://metacrawler.cs.washington.edu:8080/

A new search engine:
http://www.MonkeySweat.com

U.S. Department of Education Loans Closed-Captioned Films

Closed-captioned films and videos are available for loan-free of charge-to families with members who have a hearing impairment. Schools with at least one hearing impaired student are also eligible for this program. For additional information, contact:

Caption Films/Video for the Deaf
500 Park Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
(800) 237-6213 V/TTY.

Accessibility Design for All: An Illustrated Handbook

1995 Edition
This handbook has become a standard source document in the offices of architects, attorneys, contractors, engineers, government officials, material suppliers, and others engaged in the building industry. This updated version incorporates ADA and HUD Fair Housing requirements. Price of book is $44.95 including shipping and tax. To request an order form, contact: A.I.A Washington Council, Capitol Court #237, 1110 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA 98501.

Calendar of Events


16th National Veterans
Wheelchair Games
July 2-6, 1996

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America are co-sponsoring the Games to be held in Seattle, Washington. Volunteers are the backbone of this effort. Persons in the community who wish to volunteer should contact Steve Linen, Chair of the Volunteer Committee, at (206)764-2576, or write to him at the VA Medical Center (118), 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108.

RESNA Annual Conference:
"Pioneering The 21st Century."
June 7-12, 1996

Salt Lake City Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Contact: Susan Leone, Meetings Director
1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209-1903
(703) 524-6686.

Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH)
1996 Northwest Regional Convention: Exploring Self-Help Options with SHHH
October 25-27, 1996

Monarch Hotel and Conference Center
Portland, Oregon
This convention will focus on the goal of providing hearing-impaired people with the knowledge of how to best help themselves function in daily situations at home and in the work place. Several nationally recognized speakers will cover topics such as assistive technology for persons with hearing loss, how cochlear implants and tinnitus effect the life of hearing-disabled people, and techniques for coping with hearing loss. There will also be a major exhibit area. For additional information call: (541) 689-7242 (V/TTY).

Summer Quarter 1996
University of Washington

The Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences offers the following summer courses:

Counseling and Interaction Skills: Part I
Children's Language Disorders: An Overview of Service Delivery
Neurologic Disorders Across the Life Span
Developmental Motor Speech Disorders
Management of Hearing Impaired Children
Augmentative and Alternative Communication

For additional information about these courses, including application procedures and times, please contact: Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, 1417 NE 42nd St., Seattle, WA 98105-6246 (206) 685-7400, voice/TTY (206) 543-8925, or use e-mail: sphscadv@u.washington.edu

Assistive Technology On-Line


Visit the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance Web Page at:
http://weber.u.washington.edu/~atrc/
Here you will find announcements for upcoming events and classes, past newsletters, lists of AT resources, a loan and exchange bulletin board, links to other on-line AT resources, and information about the AT discussion forum.

We Invite Your Feedback!


If you have any comments, suggestions, and mailing list additions or changes, contact:
University of Washington
AT Resource Center
Box 357920
Seattle, WA 98195
206-685-4181, voice
206-616-1396, TTY
Outside Seattle, toll free: 800-841-8345, voice/TTY
206-543-4779, fax
watap@u.washington.edu
http://weber.u.washington.edu/~atrc/

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