Believe Ability Blog

Troops' brain injuries inspire a new mission - USATODAY.com

2008-07-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

Troops' brain injuries inspire a new mission - USATODAY.com
Here is an article on some of the challenges and work being done with returning service members that have been injured in blasts. The difficulties of traumatic brain injury are complex. The work we are doing at Camp Pendleton and C5 in San Diego is directly supporting these men and women to return to their lives with the support of assistive technology. These service members need several types of support to return to their lives. We hope our work is a piece of the puzzle.

Contact us for more information about the work we are doing with TBI and wounded service members.

ATA - Envision A World video

2008-07-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Envision A World The Alliance for Technology Access public service announcement contest has a winner. More about the contest can be found at http://www.ataccess.org/EnvisionaWorld.html

Increasing Demand of Assistive Technology by Wounded Troops

2008-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Wounded Troops Increasingly Demand Assistive Technology
Here's an article posted on America's News Today about the increasing demand for assistive technology by troops with injuries. The director of CAP, Dinah Cohen, speaks to some of the benefits of using AT by these troops.

KNFB Reader Mobile

2008-04-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

KNFB Reader - Home

This was one of the items that got my attention at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in March. It is a cell phone with the ability to take a picture of a book, magazine, or other printed text, run the picture through the Kurzweil software and speak the words aloud. It is targeted for people who have difficulty reading due to learning disabilities or people that are blind or with low vision.

One thing I especially like about this device is that it is unobtrusive. People do not have to carry an awkward or additional piece of equipment with them.

This was developed as a joint venture between Kurzweil Technologies and the National Federation of the Blind.

Environmental Commitment

2008-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

As part of Believe Ability's commitment to the environment, we donated 1% of our gross sales to Tierra Miguel Foundation, an organic farm based on sustainable farming practices. Here is Jason Hilkey presenting Farmer Mil with the check.

The farm is also a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, where members purchase a "share" of the farm at the beginning of each season and then receive a box of produce each week (or every other week) based on the production of

the farm.

As a member of 1% For The Planet, Believe Ability has pledged to give 1% of the company's gross receipts each year to an environmental organization. 1%FTP was started by Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia, as a means for businesses to succeed in the marketplace while also causing environmental change.

We encourage other business to consider taking on this commitment.

AbleNet Acquires Tash International

2008-04-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

AbleNet Inc. Acquires Tash International
Inc.
Looks like another acquisition of assistive technology companies. It will be interesting to see what will come of all the switches that the two companies will now have.
Looks like all the products will be available from www.ablenetinc.com

Parent/Family Financial Training Seminar

2008-04-11T08:47:00.001-07:00

Info from the AT Network on an upcoming seminar on financial planning for a family member with a developmental disability.

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Here’s some information that AT Network Member Patricia Herrera would like to share with any families living in the Greater Los Angeles Area who might benefit from some advocacy and financial planning for a family member with a developmental disability. While this seminar does not directly address assistive technology, it is very much about financial planning which ultimately touches upon everything else, including access to assistive technology.

IT’S NEVER TOO SOON TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Foundation for Advocacy, Conservatorship and Trust, Inc.,

in partnership with
Community Integration Services, Inc. present:

A Parent / Family Training Seminar

April 12, 2008

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Community Integration Services, Inc.

10100 Balboa Boulevard

Granada Hills, CA 91344

Telephone 818-772-1155

This workshop is designed to empower parents, siblings and other family members of children and adults with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and severe learning disabilities to become effective advocates and to offer the tools and support to ensure peace of mind by providing the promise of future safety and security.

Topics to be discussed:

· Conservatorship

· Living Trusts / POA's

· Special Needs Trusts

· Funding the Trust

· Effective Advocacy/ IPP’s, SSA,SSI,IHSS and more

· Good ITP’s = Successful

FEE:

$ 75.00 per Individual • $ 115.00 per Couple

Fee covers all materials, Continental breakfast and catered luncheon.

For more workshop details and registration information Contact:

Janet Chisnell @ FACT, Inc.

(818) 225-7393

DIRECTIONS TO COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES, INC.

From 118 Fwy

Exit at Balboa Avenue. Head south past

Devonshire to CIS (east side of the street)

From 101

Exit at Balboa Avenue. Head North past Lassen

to CIS (east side of the street)

From 405 south

Exit at Devonshire. Head west to Balboa.

Turn south to CIS (east side of the street)

From 405 North

Exit at Nordhoff. Head west to Balboa.

Head North past Lassen to CIS (east side of the street)

Disabled students required to pass California exit exam

2008-04-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Disabled students required to pass CA exit exam

Looks like this is pretty final. No longer will there be exemptions for students in special education to pass the CASHEE (CA High School Exit Exam). It would be helpful to make the exam more accessible for students with disabilities, especially physical and learning disabilities.

The settlement will provide tutoring for 2 years after graduation to help the student pass the exam.

CA Dept. of Ed. most recent (10/2007) guidelines on accommodations and modifications for the CASHEE is here.

CSUN Presentation and Notes Available

2008-03-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

The slides and notes from Heather Bunn's presentation "Assistive Technology (AT) Training Approaches for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)" are available here. The slides are in Flash and the notes are PDF.

Presenting at CSUN AT conference

2008-03-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

Assistive Technology (AT) Training Approaches for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Next week at the CSUN AT Conference, Heather Bunn, from Believe Ability, will be presenting on assistive technology training we have done with wounded Marines (service members) with TBI - titled "AT Training Approaches for Individuals with TBI"

3/13 at 4:20-5:20 at the Renaissance - International A

Notes and presentation are available here.

Autism article in Wired

2008-02-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

The Truth About Autism: Scientists Reconsider What They Think They Know

A nice article about autism in the latest issue of Wired magazine and available online. The article indicates she uses a Dynavox V Max to communicate.

Her blog is located here.

CSUN Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference

2008-02-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

CSUN 2008 Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference: This international Assistive Technology conference runs March 10-15, 2008 at the Marriott and Renaissance hotels next to LAX airport.

The exhibits are free of charge and worth the time to talk with the vendors and see the latest Assistive Technology.

The exhibits will be open Thursday, March 13, 2008 through Saturday, March 15, 2008.

Thursday, March 13, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, March 14, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Los Angeles Airport Marriott
5855 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
and
Renaissance Montura Hotel Los Angeles
9620 Airport Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045

New AAC device - SpringBoard Lite

2008-02-26T17:07:00.001-08:00

PRC Introduces SpringBoard
Lite, Smaller, More Portable Dedicated AAC Device

Press Release

Wooster, OH: Prentke Romich Company (PRC), a leading manufacturer of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for individuals with speech disabilities, today announced the release of SpringBoard? Lite, a smaller, lighter, and easier-to-operate version of its popular SpringBoard speech output device.

Available in five bold colors, SpringBoard Lite measures just 7.3 square, weighs less than three pounds, and is priced at $2,195. Its simplified operating system makes it easy to use right out of the box, while 4-, 8-, 15-, and 32-location display options enable communication capacity to grow with the user's abilities.

Additional features designed for children and those new to AAC include:

· Brighter, high-quality TFT display screen and improved graphics;
· Interactive "Visual Scenes" pages that enhance language learning;
· Built-in player for importing WAV files and playing MP3 files in stereo;
· PRC's proprietary Unity® vocabulary software for maximum communication potential;

· A bilingual Spanish/English version for Spanish-speaking users.

For more information, go to www.prentrom.com or call (800) 262-1984

Kid Concepts, USA

2008-02-20T07:59:00.001-08:00

Description:
A 10,000 sq. ft. indoor playground for children 10 and under. A great place for children to explore, imagine, and simply have fun! Various activities include- a rock climbing wall, a huge play structure, arts and crafts, a lighted dance floor, a toddler gym, and more!
Admission:
$10 and under. Adult free with child's admission. Nights and weekend discount. Check out their website for details.
Location:
22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
Phone Number:
(310) 465-0075

Evaluating Educational Software

2008-02-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

Often we are asked to evaluate software for a student that is educational software and not assistive technology. The difference is often misunderstood. Educational software is skill building by nature. Assistive technology compensates for a difficulty but is not designed to remediate. This is not always black and white and there are numerous grey areas, however parents, teachers and school administrators have asked how to evaluate educational software.

The most recent (11/07) TAM Technology in Action (PDF file 341 KB) newsletter provides a length narrative and several forms and checklists to evaluate educational software. This is made available by the TAM: Technology and Media Division of the CEC: Council for Exceptional Children

AT Consideration Quick Wheel

2008-02-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

Assistive Technology Consideration Quick Wheel- This is one of the most popular tools with teachers and school administrators to assist in considering AT during the IEP process.

It has been developed by the TAM: Technology and Media Division of the CEC: Council for Exceptional Children

CATE - California Assistive Technology Exchange

2008-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

CATE - Do you know about this new program in California? It provides:

AT Device Loan Program (Try Before you Buy)

AT Reutilization Program (Want Ad Postings)

AT Loan Guarantee Program (Funding Options)

Check out this new exciting program. This is a real step forward for California to catch up with many other states that have been doing this for years.

Check for location near you.

Conference Reminder - Assistive Technology Institute

2008-02-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

Assistive Technology Institute -

4th Annual Assistive Technology Institute
Saturday, February 2
8:30 AM - 4:00 p.m. (PST)
Location : Orange County Department of Education
410 North Fairview
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Level: Parents, AT Users, Special Education teachers, General Education teachers, Program Specialists, Administrators and AT Specialists.

Fine Motor Seminar

2008-01-28T12:14:00.001-08:00

Seminar: The Write Stuff
Contact: Handy Learning Seminars, Inc.
(972) 275-8618
Content: Components of handwriting, teaching strategies, hand development, assistive technology
Applicable for: OT's, COTA's, Teachers (pre-k to 2nd & special ed)
Date/Location: February 22, 2008, Four Points by Sheraton LAX
9750 Airport Boulevard, LA, CA 90045
(310) 645-4600
February 21, 2008, Four Points Sheraton Hotel
8110 Aero Dr., San Diego, CA 92123
(858)277-8888

New Math View in Kidspiration 3

2008-01-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

What's new in Kidspiration 3
Among other new features, Kidspiration has added a Math view to visually represent math concepts for students with learning difficulties, or anyone, for that matter.

Five visual math tools
Kidspiration's visual math tools focus on the core conceptual foundations of counting, place value computation and geometric thinking. Students build number sense, spatial reasoning and understand the meaning behind the four basic operations while communicating their thinking with words, numbers and math symbols.

Session Handouts available from TRLD Conference

2008-01-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

Session Handouts: Sessions | TRLD Conference
If you missed the TRLD Conference that took place in San Francisco, CA Jan 24-26, you can still get the session handouts. There are several sessions on Assistive Technology for students with learning disabilities.

SchwabLearning.org

2008-01-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

SchwabLearning.org - About Schwab Learning
Greatschools.net will start hosting SchwabLearning.org - this will enable much of the valuable content and functionality of Schwab Learning to still be available, including:

Articles (including those in Spanish)
Publications
Resources (e.g., the listing of books, videos, websites)
Assistive Technology database
Guide to Getting Help
Summer Camp database

"Schwab Learning is a nonprofit program of the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, a private foundation. Our mission is to provide information and inspiration for families whose children struggle with learning and attention problems."

CA Dept of Ed newsletter

2008-01-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

The Special Edge newsletter
Although not released often (at this posting the existing issue is Autumn 2007) this is one of the few bits of information I have found from the CA Department of Education on Assistive Technology.

ATI Conference

2008-01-25T22:42:00.000-08:00

Upcoming affordable conference on Assistive Technology near Los Angeles -

4th Annual Assistive Technology Institute
Saturday, February 2
8:30 AM - 4:00 p.m. (PST)
Location : Orange County Department of Education
410 North Fairview
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Level: Parents, AT Users, Special Education teachers, General Education teachers, Program Specialists, Administrators and AT Specialists.

We'll be presenting at 2 sessions - one on AT for Learning Disabilities and an Intro to AAC.