News You Can Use
When we find useful information related to assistive technology or disability, we'll post it here.
December 16, 2002: Altimate Medical Standing, Positioning & Mobility Catalog Now Available in Spanish
The new Spanish version of the Standing, Positioning & Mobility Catalog from Altimate Medical Inc. is now available to download on our website at www.easystand.com. It features a complete line of standing frames, including new products and accessories for 2003. New products featured in the catalog are the EasyStand 5000XL, the EasyStand Magician-ei, and the Ovation Strap Stand. New accessories like the tilt table, Roho seat, and XL Ovation options, add more versatility and comfort to our standers. The catalog includes detailed product information and a perfect fit guide to make choosing the right standing frame easy. The proper positioning guide and product adjustment instructions assist in correctly positioning and adjusting the EasyStand and Ovation standing frames.
Link to source: http://www.easystand.com/pressroom/news/2002_Spanish_catalog.html.
November 5, 2002: First Response to Victims of Crime Who Have a Disability
The U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (part of the Office of Justice Programs) has released First Response to Victims of Crime Who Have a Disability. Law enforcement professionals are offered guidance and tips on approaching and interacting in a sensitive and effective manner with victims who have Alzheimer's Disease, mental illness, mental retardation, or who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. The handbook also addresses two federal laws that prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities - the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - and includes a directory of service providers.
Link to source: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/firstrep/2002/welcome.html.
November 1, 2002: 3rd edition of Funding Guide for Standing Technology
Altimate Medical Inc. has published a new 3rd edition of Funding Guide for Standing Technology. This publication assists with the process of assessment and the written letter of medical necessity for standing frames, as well as other assistive technology. The new edition also includes research studies, articles, and reference lists. The publication is available without charge in print or on CD-ROM from Altimate Medical at 800-342-8968, or you can download it for free (after registering) from Altimate's Web site.
Link to source: http://www.altimatemedical.com/funding.cfm.
October 30, 2002: CAST Moves to Wakefield, Mass
CAST, Inc., a Boston-area non-profit organization known for its innovative approach to teaching and curriculum development, has moved to new offices in Wakefield, MA. "We always wanted to make sure that people had access to the ideas and feedback of others in the organization," say David Rose, "but we have outgrown our present space. This move will bring our work environment back in line with what we believe is most supportive to producing high quality educational research and technology design."
Link to source: http://www.cast.org/.
October 18, 2002: How Did You Getâ?¦From There To Here?
The publishers of New Mobility magazine are seeking essays from people with spinal cord injuries for a new book called "From There To Here: Stories of Adjustment to Spinal Cord Injury," to be co-edited by Gary Karp and Stanley Klein. Your experience can be a source of insight for people in the early stages of adjusting to a spinal cord dysfunction  the ones who are "There." They want to know how they will get "Here"  a place of adjustment and acceptance. As you know from your own experience, looking at a future life with a disability is a daunting, uncertain place to be. Through your essay, others will be able to connect to their own experience and gain insight into what path might lead them to feeling whole and confident in their life.
Link to source: http://www.lifeonwheels.org/essays.
September 6, 2002: OPM Launches New Employment Web Site
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management recently launched a new web site designed to provide information on Federal Employment for People with Disabilities. While the target audience is Federal human resources personnel and hiring managers as well as job seekers with disabilities, there is useful information for anyone interested in employment.
Link to source: http://www.opm.gov/disability/.
July 10, 2002: Door To Door
UCP is proud to be associated with Turner Network Television (TNT) as it presents its original film Door To Door, airing on Sunday, July 14th, at 8 p.m. EDT. This Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation stars Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy (Fargo, Magnolia) in an uplifting drama based on the true story of Bill Porter, a door-to-door salesman who was born with cerebral palsy. As a model for patience and persistence, Bill Porter teaches us to look at the person first and the disability second. Golden Globe nominee Kyra Sedgwick (Something to Talk About) also stars as Shelly Brady, Bill's friend and associate; Oscar-nominated actress Helen Mirren (The Madness of King George, Gosford Park) stars as Bill's dedicated mother and Emmy Award winner Kathy Baker (Picket Fences) stars as one of Bill's most faithful customers.
May 12, 2002: National Sports Center for the Disabled
The National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, CO is offering a series of overnight outings for people with disabilities and their families. Available overnight trips include rafting, sailing, or bicycling. These trips combine the daytime activity with overnight camping. The Center is also offering fly fishing excursions based out of Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort and utilizing private land to access trophy fishing waters in Grand County, CO. These excursions are suitable for anyone with upper body mobility. For more information or to make reservations for the overnight camping trips or for the fly fishing excursions, call 970/726-1544 or 303/316-1540.
Link to source: http://www.nscd.org/.
April 19, 2002: Independent Living Research Utilization program's IL Net offers two new online training opportunities for June
The Independent Living Research Utilization program's IL Net offers two new online training opportunities for June: IL Board Development (June 17-July 5, 2002; Instructor: Bob Michaels) and Financial Management for Independent Living Centers (June 17-July 5, 2002; Instructor: Melissa Hall). Registration Deadline for both courses is May 17, 2002. Both of these courses have been designed especially for centers for independent living and statewide independent living councils. Each course spans three weeks and uses a web site to engage participants in discussion of the content and issues. The instructor is available to lead the forum on the web site and for technical assistance throughout the duration of the forum via email. The participant manual is designed to provide background information to make it possible for all students to take an active role in on-line discussions. The manual contains scenarios and exercises, which will be assigned for discussion and debate. Participants are asked to complete the assignments and review the scenarios for discussion and debate on-line. The ILRU is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field. It is a program of TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research), a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.
Link to source: http://www.ilru.org/news/Training/ILNET/online_details.html.
April 9, 2002: da Vinci Accessibility Awards
The da Vinci Accessibility Awards honor outstanding engineering achievements relative to design processes and product design related to accessibility issues. This year's second annual awards recognize individuals, organizations, and corporations in the engineering, construction and technical realm whose design innovations have exceeded any legally mandated requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, to further empower all people, regardless of physical ability. The deadline for the 2002 award nominations is Friday, May 31, 2002. This event is co-sponsored by ESD The Engineering Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter.
Link to source: http://www.esd.org/davinci/.
April 4, 2002: Independence 5K Walk/Run and Expo
The Independence 5K Walk/Run and Expo benefiting children and adults with developmental disabilities is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. in Franklin, MA. In addition to the walk, there will be prizes, entertainment, refreshments, and more. Sponsored by HMEA, the day's events will be held at the HMEA Administrative Office in the Franklin Industrial Park, 101 Constitution Blvd., Franklin, MA.
Link to source: http://www.hmea.org/race.htm.
April 3, 2002: Sprint has announced the launch of a new Relay Service capability which uses Ultratec Enhanced Turbo Code ("E-Turbo")
Sprint has announced the launch of a new Relay Service capability which uses Ultratec Enhanced Turbo Code ("E-Turbo") to provide deaf users the functional equivalency of traditional voice calls by conveniently speeding dialing and connection. The user may dial their party directly and spend less time interfacing with Communications Assistants during call set-up. E-Turbo allows a Sprint Relay user to program and save customized calling preferences like long distance carrier, communications mode (TTY, Voice Carryover, Hearing Carryover), or preference for male or female Communication Assistant (CA). Using the powerful E-Turbo"Dial Through" feature, the TTY user simply presses the E-Turbo "Relay" key then enters the destination telephone number. This information is then automatically passed from the Ultratec-enabled TTY to the Sprint Relay platform. This replaces 'call set-up' with the CA making the relay call experience faster and more convenient. The CA receives a message on his/her terminal indicating that the caller is using E-Turbo with the appropriate TTY equipment.
Link to source: http://www.sprintbiz.com/government/sprint_relay/eturbo.html.
March 21, 2002: Research and Training Center on Full Participation in Independent Living (RTCFPIL)
The Research and Training Center on Full Participation in Independent Living (RTCFPIL), was awarded a grant by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to determine how well people with disabilities are able to live independently and participate in their communities. They are now soliciting survey responses from centers for independent living and other organizations that serve people with disabilities and chronic health conditions The survey tool includes input from a workgroup of nationwide disability advocates and addresses a variety of issues, including employment, transportation, housing, education, health care, recreation, etc. RTCFPIL is conducting the survey to learn directly from persons with disabilities about participation in their communities. This information will be used to craft a research agenda that is based on feedback from the disability community.
Link to source: http://www.rtcfpil.org/survey.htm.
March 20, 2002: U.S. House Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness
The U.S. House Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness is holding a hearing on "Assessing the Assistive Technology Act of 1998" at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 21, 2002 in Room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building. We encourage all interested parties to attend. Witnesses scheduled to appear include: -Mr. Mark Schultz, Director, Assistive Technology Partnership, Nebraska Department of Education, Lincoln, Nebraska. -Ms. Carol Novak, Parent, Tampa, Florida. -Mr. Bill Ward, Executive Director, Independent Empowerment Center, Manassas, VA. -Mr. Paul Rasinski, Executive Director, Maryland Technology Assistance Program, Baltimore, Maryland. Additional witnesses to be announced.
Link to source: http://edworkforce.house.gov/members/mem-21st.htm.
March 7, 2002: 2002 Paralympics
The 2002 Paralympics open tonight in Salt Lake City, Utah and run through March 16. Coverage can be seen on A&E nightly at 6:00 EST.
Link to source: http://www.paralympics2002.com/.
March 5, 2002: Rehabilitation Services Administration is asking for public input leading up to the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Services Administration is asking for public input leading up to the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which expires October 1 2003. A series of six public meetings will be held at locations across the U.S. during the next four months.
March 1, 2002: March is National Mental Retardation Awareness Month
March is designated by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) as Mental Retardation Awareness Month to promote awareness of this condition that affects upwards of 7 million people in the United States alone. Every year during March, the efforts of CMHS and other organizations help to educate the community about the unique needs of people with MR so that this special population may enjoy the same opportunities we all do.
March 1, 2002: March is National Mental Retardation Awareness Month
March is designated by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) as Mental Retardation Awareness Month to promote awareness of this condition that affects upwards of 7 million people in the United States alone. Every year during March, the efforts of CMHS and other organizations help to educate the community about the unique needs of people with MR so that this special population may enjoy the same opportunities we all do.
February 11, 2002: American Sign Language Videos Come to Public Libraries
Sixteen public libraries in ten states and the District of Columbia have recently acquired the ASL Access Video Collection. These once "hidden" resources -- 200 videos, including ASL lessons, classic literature, children's stories, biographies, history, inspirational, health, parenting, and original ASL literature titles -- open up a rich culture and language. The library receiving a donation of the ASL Access Video Collection markets the videos to the general public by providing a display and distributing free custom flyers offered by ASL Access. A free custom guidebook is also given to the library. These print materials indicate major sponsors and feature the name of the Deaf person (or group) to which the collection is dedicated. The ASL Access Video Collection meets American Library Association guidelines for library and information services for the American Deaf Community, and is favored by the White House Conference on Library and Information Services Task Force. How can you get these videos if they are not already available? The first step is your request. Let the library administrators know that ASL Access is here to help them. ASL Access is a fully volunteer, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization facilitating ASL collection placements. When funding is sent to ASL Access (from a library, or a local corporate, agency, individual or foundation grant), they order the ASL videos from over 40 ASL vendors -- agencies, schools, ASL artists, publishers and distributors -- and have the videos shipped directly to the library. The $7700 cost for this "package" includes significant discounts from ASL vendors. In addition, they offer free custom publicity flyers and guidebooks, and answer questions about ASL resources. All ASL Access services are free.
Link to source: http://www.aslaccess.org/.
February 8, 2002: Pontiac to Sponsor Hearing Health Programs at Auto Shows
Expanding on its current community outreach program for the deaf, the Pontiac-GMC division of General Motors Corporation has joined forces with the National Campaign for Hearing Health (NCHH) to establish a hearing health awareness program at eight major auto shows around the country. Attendees can stop at the NCHH display at the Pontiac-GMC information booth at the shows to receive free ear plugs, a hearing checklist and decibel chart, and a baby hearing checklist. The auto show schedule is: February 7-17, 2002: Chicago, IL February 13-18, 2002: San Diego, CA February 27-March 3, 2002 Dallas, TX March 2-10, 2002: Cleveland, OH March 6-10, 2002: Kansas City, MO March 9-17, 2002: Minneapolis, MN March 30-April 7, 2002: New York, NY April 24-April 28, 2002: Atlanta, GA
Link to source: http://www.hearinghealth.net.
January 17, 2002: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Health Education Multimedia Series
For a limited time, a new Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Health Education Multimedia Series is available free of charge. This set of five programs can be used as a stand-alone product or be modified for personal use. Each program is a series of PowerPoint slide presentations that can be accessed in a variety of ways: The programs can be viewed on a computer using a web browser, downloaded from the Web, or the complete set can be ordered on CD-ROM. Each program is fully automated with voice-over narration and pictures. Program titles include: Functional Goals Following a Spinal Cord Injury Prevention of Pressure Sores Through Skin Care Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Understanding and Managing Respiratory Complications Challenges of Spastic Hypertonia
Link to source: http://www.spinalcord.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=28921.
