Member of the Alliance for Technology Access

Believe Ability Inc. is a proud sponsor of the Alliance for Technology Access. This nation-wide organization is one of the first to focus on technology for people with disabilities. Their community-based approach is unique and provides opportunities for people with disabilities and their support team to explore assistive technology. We are happy to be supporting the ATA in the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego areas.

Richard Devylder's use of Assistive Technology for Independent Living

This video of "A Day In the Life: Richard Devylder" is a real life look at someone with no arms and no legs using assistive technology to live their life independently. What is unique about this video is it looks at everyday tasks that Richard is able to do independently with some adaptations. Richard is the former California Department of Rehabilitation Deputy Director. He is now the Special Advisor, Office on Access and Functional Needs, at the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

AlphaSmart Neo School Training

We recently did a training for a few teachers at a school district on the basic of the AlphaSmart Neo from Renaissance Learning. For those unfamiliar with this device, it is a writing device similar to a computer but more durable, lighter, longer battery life, and focused on just writing. It is an assistive technology device we often recommend for students with learning disabilities or have difficulty with legible handwriting. It is a superior option to a laptop for school environments and most writing difficulties.

Here is the handout we provided as a simple quick reference guide.

We are able to provide in-service trainings or student trainings throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. Contact us for more information.

Environmental Commitment

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.

Parent/Family Financial Training Seminar

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

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

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

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.

CSUN Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference

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

Kid Concepts, USA

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