Assistive Tech News

A Time to Give

2012-02-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

Project Adapt, the library that I coordinate, relies greatly on donations of equipment, which I loan out (for free!) to individuals, families, therapists, teachers and others. Project Adapt serves approximately 3,000 people across six counties in New York. When many pieces of equipment are loaned out, we must put people on waiting lists for needed pieces. Currently, we are seeing an increased need for durable medical equipment for Early Intervention and school-aged kids, specifically standers, gait trainers, walkers and adapted seating. Please consider donating to the library this type of equipment or anything related to Assistive Technology. The value of your donation is multiplied each time a new person is able to borrow the equipment. Please follow the link to the library to get involved. Thanks!

Great Video from NCART on Complex Rehab Technologies,thanks to Altimate Medical for sending this video, please support this anyway you can!

2012-01-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

Switch adapted Giggle pig

2012-01-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

Just finished posting another instructable over at my instructable page click through to check it out!

2012-01-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hat tip to John McCarthy, for this share I had missed! as well to the original share by char James-Tanny.

Snug Seat/R82 purchased by ETAC

2011-12-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

Snug Seat was purchased by ETAC a large global provider/manufacturer/distributor of Health products.
Snug Seat is one of the leading providers of seating and mobility aids to children in the United States. ETAC based in Sweden is a leading provider of innovative medical products for adults. Here is a link to the letter put on R82/Snug Seat Web site: Etac Purchases 100% shares of R82

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Android Apps for Our Kids

2011-12-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Android Apps for Our Kids: iPods and iPads are slowly facing more and more competition from Android and Windows. As that happens there are more options on those platf...

Don't Forget to return equipment.The time has come!

2011-06-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Don't get caught not returning items to the library! shan't we forget the Seinfeld library detective!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF2gZu3ygEQ&feature=related

June is here! and that means school is once again soon to close for the Summer. If you have borrowed equipment for your student or students for the school session it is time to return them to the TRAID/Project Adapt Library. equipment can be dropped here at the Library (behind the New ENABLE main building) or at the main entrance. The main entrance is open from 8am-6:00p and at the A.T. building where the library is located between 10-4pm. Thanks and hope every one has a great summer. If per chance anyone is participating in summer school, please return those items anyway and we will re-assign the out.

Dave S.

IVONA enough said!

2011-03-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Very cool set up and quite appropriately priced to boot. "Goodbye cruel keyboard, mouse and touch screen"

Educational Software not just for Kids on the Autistic spectrum

2011-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

This software called Teachtown is a great no nonsense way to functionally develop critical skills for toddlers, preschoolers, and grades k-1. Developed by a father with a kiddo on the spectrum, and some good financial backers Via the animation creator of Rugrats. Have look and try the Demo: One for Home activities and one for School.

Tobii Eye Tracking Glasses May Find Application in Assistive Technology

2011-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Tobii Eye Tracking Glasses May Find Application in Assistive Technology

Hat tip to medgadget

Steelcase node classroom chair and Tribeca Flashpoint

2011-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Wireless page turning for all Air Turner!!

2011-01-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Stumbled across this in my Google Reader, must have missed the launch. I originally was searching for Blind and Low Vision products for a grant. As I often do the multiple tabs on FireFox where all open, and I was looking at this video; I have the Ablenet catalog open for more ideas. Low and behold I see a new product called Blue2! hmmmm $148.00??
Air turn is my pick! sorry Ablenet, maybe its time to come clean.

Livescribe introduces new Echo smartpen

2010-11-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Microsoft, X-Box and Project Natal/Kinect coming Nov 4 Finally!

2010-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yes its true!! see the CNET Article and Johnny's Procrastineering site. Why all the excitement? well it will be much closer to the vision of Mr. Gates in making devices accessible to all and to some a bit invasive. But the big one is the price. Aprox $400 and it gets you equipment that is accurate and well made, robust and fun, interactive, and you need nothing but you! What has me excited though is the potential of this device to transform Speech therapy tools, homebased learning and working. Particularly interesting if the xbox with kinect is compared to say a augmentative system for speech available today. I will keep those numbers and comparisons in house, so if you would like them come stop by the Library Lab here at Project Adapt. Here is a video of one game that will not be released quite yet:

Gear Daddy Reviews: Bloom High Chair

2010-08-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

Special needs children live a dream on the field

2010-08-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Special needs children live a dream on the field

DisabledGear.com - Buy 2nd Hand

2010-07-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

I Just ran across this as I was reading stuff from Barrie over at onesitch.org and found a used equipment marketplace site. Unfortunately seems only available in the U.K. but the chair was one I haden't seen before, I would love to have that here at the library to trial, any takers?
DisabledGear.com - Buy 2nd Hand

Creativity, The Mother of Invention

2010-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

This Video highlighted on Adafruit Industries by Scott Calum is what I sometimes mean by looking outside the Assistive Technology Industry for what works. Engaging in such scenerios enriches everyone involved to see from a different perspective.
Sincere thanks to:
Adafruit industries and Calum Scott!!

GuitarGlitch from Calum Scott on Vimeo.

The exceptional, will always persevere.

2010-07-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

2010-06-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

ARISE

Center for Independent Living

Invites you to attend our sixth annual

3-Day Free Golf Clinic

for individuals with disabilities

Instructed by Scott Hilton, Head Professional of,

TheElms Golf Club

Date: August 24, 25 & 26, 2010

Time: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Place: TheElms Golf Club

2 Country Club Lane

Sandy Creek, New York

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT ASAP. Register by contacting Ms. Kathy Mahar at our Pulaski Office via phone or email: (315)298-5726 X 204; or e mail kmahar@ariseinc.org. You may register up until August 13th for this event. Please let us know if you need individual accommodations for this event .

If you have questions, need directions or would like additional information about the event or other ARISE services, please call (315) 298-5726. You can also email kmahar@ariseinc.org

Instructables project

2010-04-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

So I finally have gotten one project off the camera in full and postes it on my Instuctable Page. I have quite a few, and will hack away at them to get them listed. follow the link through to my Instructable page on Switch Adapted Fuzzy Dog.

How to switch adapt the fuzzy walking dog toy. - More DIY How To Projects

Computer Training In New York "Elevate America"

2010-03-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Governor Paterson and Microsoft Team Up to Give Away Free
Computer Training to the Unemployed

“Elevate America” Program to Provide Basic and Advanced Technology Training
to Job Seekers StatewideGovernor David A. Paterson announced today that New York State will join the “Microsoft® Elevate America” program. The program offers free technology training to job seekers throughout the state.

Microsoft will work with the NYS Department of Labor to distribute a total of 71,000 vouchers for online training and certification through One-Stop Career Centers across the state. Courses range from basic technology literacy to intermediate- and advanced-level technology skills training. A portion of the vouchers will be issued to New York State residents for Microsoft Certification Exams, at no cost to the recipients. To read more and view the video release click here http://www.labor.ny.gov/pressreleases/2010/March26_2010.htm

A Re-Post of Google Sketchup

2010-02-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

As many of you have heard me talk about all the great free technology tools, here is one that I just love and still use both proffesionally and personally. It is just great! Here is a good video, that I forgot about while trying to cleanup and finish all of those reports, and projects..enjoy!~

Training Announcement

2010-02-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

To: those interested in Tobii Communicator additional capabilities

You’re invited to a free Webinar given by a very good Tobii trainer. It’s free. You would use a computer and call a toll free number to take part. This webinar introduces the new “sub-programs” of Tobii Communicator which enhance the ability to communicate both through symbols and text, and perform computer related tasks. I called them “subprograms” because they require Tobii Communicator to be installed for them to work, and they are 100% compatible with the “programming method” used in communicator. In other words, if you know the basics of Communicator, these programs will be easy for you.

If you do not want to receive invitations like this, please let me know. Thanks

David Goldberg, RSC

Tobii ATI

Sono Suite: An Overview

Learn about the powerful Sono Suite Page Sets: Sono Lexis, Sono Key and Sono Scribe. These ready-made page sets will be demonstrated. Join Katie to learn about these pages sets and discuss how to match an individual’s communication needs with the most appropriate Sono Suite page set.

Register for a session now by clicking a date below:

Tue, Feb 9, 2010 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST

Thu, Feb 25, 2010 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Robert Fischell on medical inventing | Video on TED.com

2010-01-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Robert Fischell on medical inventing | Video on TED.com

EARLY INTERVENTION PARTNERS TRAINING PROJECT

2010-01-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

EARLY INTERVENTION PARTNERS TRAINING PROJECT

The NYS Department of Health’s Bureau of Early Intervention and the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project will be sponsoring an Early Intervention Partners Training Project in Batavia this spring. This project is designed specifically for parents of infants and toddlers with special needs who are currently receiving early intervention services and for parent members of the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) and its committees.

The Early Intervention Partners Training Project is a leadership-training program offering parents of young children with special needs an opportunity to enhance their advocacy and leadership skills. Parents can discuss and share strategies that will support them in their efforts to become more effective partners with professionals and early intervention policymakers. This program also is designed to assist parent members in becoming more effective participants on their LEICC.

The Early Intervention Partners Training Project is scheduled to meet in Batavia on March 20, April 16 -17, and May 14 -15, 2010. The sessions in April and May include an optional overnight stay to provide parents the opportunity to network with other parents of children with special needs. The program is offered free of charge and available to parents in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties.

For more details and an application packet, contact Margaret Sampson at (631) 205-0502 or Jacqueline Martello at (518) 473-7016.

– Judi Gerson

Music Music

2009-12-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have among other area's of beneficial distraction have been taking a slight break from a rather lenghty secret project. I delved into some accessible music instruments. The skoog
the Haken Continum keyboard, the Tenori-on to name a few! There is a astonishing number of ways to go about incorporating music curriculum and instruction with these tools. Possibilities are well endless. I have though run acrossed one tool that is most like the tenori-on but free and in flash mode. As it compares to Tenori-on, it is in its simple form, but still...FREE? Here it is:

Sure Why Not!

2009-11-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Its been around and posted and re-posted. and is a great idea plan and way to live! I have to admit that I have not made it completely, but it is on the TO DO LIST! anyhow, enjoy!!

Including Samuel

2009-11-03T05:47:00.000-08:00

First I would like to apologize for not posting in a while, life is full of lots of things to do and I try to do them all, at least a little. I recently have a unwelcome guest at home as well(the little Mucas Guy) yeah the seasonal COLD (not the Flu) has hit so I am home today and was able to reconnect with something I had long forgotten about. It is that wonderful story of "Including Samuel" which is much less about Samuel as it is about how to be truly human,and to include everyone, to look at everyone as a unique person and not someone who fits into a classification or a higher order. a friend of mine who is a priest would say "those people who inherently understand who Jesus was and how he viewed humanity. A thank you goes out to a Renne S. for reminding me about this wonderful story as I had first learned about it when I Lived in Masssachusetts. Please be sure to check out there interactive Blog and Facebook Page. Enjoy!!

Welcome back

2009-09-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

First, I apologize for being a incremental blogger. Lots of projects going on at once, and little time to dedicate to all of them.

For the Beginning of the school year, I thought this very appropriate. Hope all have a good first day. Thanks go to Edutopia for this wonderful work and the great job they do!

Dynatangovox?

2009-07-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

Say it anin't so! Another gobbled up company by the AugCom Machine.

DynaVox Systems LLC Merges with Blink Twice Industry Leaders Join Forces to Better Serve Individuals with Speech, Language and Learning Disabilities
Industry Leaders Join Forces to Better Serve Individuals with Speech, Language and Learning Disabilities
July 06, 2009 --

PITTSBURGH, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- DynaVox Systems LLC, the world's leading provider of communication and education solutions for individuals with speech, language and learning disabilities, today announced that the company has merged with Blink Twice. This acquisition reinforces DynaVox's commitment to providing the appropriate communication solution for each client's unique needs, and further solidifies the company's position as the market leader in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) industry.

Blink Twice develops and manufactures the Tango, a novel and innovative communication solution designed primarily for children and teens with significant speech and language challenges. The addition of the Tango, and its vibrant library of illustrations and symbols, to the DynaVox product lines further extends DynaVox's reach into the education and child-focused speech device markets. It also provides customers with greater selection, as well as increased pre- and post-sales support for Tango users and their care teams.

"We admire Blink Twice's innovative approach to AAC, and the way that the team has forever changed the way that speech-generating devices are viewed by the AAC community and the general public," said Ed Donnelly, DynaVox CEO. "The development of the Tango forced manufacturers to reevaluate how they approach AAC, and as a result the industry is stronger than ever and consumers have more - and better - choices available to them.

"Blink Twice made its mark on the AAC industry by providing effective, easy-to-use, and engaging communication solutions. The addition of the Tango to the DynaVox line complements our business plan, and provides DynaVox with a unique opportunity to provide greater selection to the AAC community. We are pleased to welcome Tango users and those who support them to the DynaVox family."

Richard Ellenson, Blink Twice founder and CEO, and the father of a child who uses the Tango, will join DynaVox as Chief Vision Officer. In his new role, Mr. Ellenson will take active roles in product development efforts and strategic planning to ensure DynaVox continues to put clients and clinicians first in the development of a dynamic range of products and services that further the ability and right to communicate. Mr. Ellenson will also direct advocacy initiatives and focus on raising awareness of speech disabilities and solutions within the general population.

"I started Blink Twice with a commitment to approach AAC from a new perspective; one that would forever change the way the world views assistive technology and those who rely upon it," said Ellenson. "I am extremely proud that the Blink Twice team accomplished so much in less than three years.

"Joining forces with DynaVox is a natural and great step for both companies. Together we can offer the world a vibrant new vision for AAC, as well as world-class products and customer service. I view this not only as a great partnership between the companies, but as a renewed partnership with every individual and SLP who relies on us for the products or services that support so many amazing individuals."

Additional terms of the merger include:

-- Continued availability of the Tango - DynaVox will carry the Tango as part of the suite of DynaVox devices. -- All key Blink Twice staff will join the company. -- Increased support - Current and future Tango communicators and their care teams will be able to tap into DynaVox's extensive network of support services, including: -- assistance from the AAC industry's largest and most experienced funding team, -- expanded sales support, -- access to the industry's largest technical support team, and -- increased training opportunities through the company's Accelerated Learning program and Implementation Toolkit.

About DynaVox Mayer-Johnson

DynaVox Mayer-Johnson develops a range of speech communication and education solutions designed to help children and adults challenged by significant speech, language and learning disabilities make meaningful connections and participate in the home, classroom and the community. The company's DynaVox line of speech communication devices gives a voice to the millions of people who are unable to use speech as their primary means of communication due to the effects of conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease), stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's Disease, autism and mental retardation. The Mayer-Johnson line of print-based and on-screen education products engage students in the learning process and support academic achievement. Driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture, the company develops technology-based products and offers an extensive customer support program to assist individuals as well as their families and support professionals. For more information about DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, visit www.dynavoxtech.com.

SOURCE DynaVox Mayer-Johnson

Copyright 2008 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved

New from microsoft at e3 2009

2009-06-02T04:46:00.000-07:00

Look out! Assistive technology integrating with mainstream, I hope this is as promissing as it looks.

2go Convertible Intel Classmate PC by CTL Atom Netbook Tablet with Microsoft Windows XP Home

2009-06-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

2go Convertible Intel Classmate PC by CTL Atom Netbook Tablet with Microsoft Windows XP Home

Shared via AddThis

Robotics and Therapy

2009-05-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

So I read a great article today about robotics and therapy from the folks at MIT and Medgadget.Robotics and therapy have helped adults recover some skills from stroke,and MIT sure as alot of DATA to back that up. With the recent advancement in robotics especially from HONDA (see old post) and a re- focused effort from MIT researchers are designing new ways to help rebuild and retrain the brain. Here is a short snippet from MIT highlighting a few ways.

Parent to Parent resources

2009-05-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

May 11, 2009

Good Morning. FYI. Please share the following information as appropriate.

Parent to Parent of NYS is currently seeking applications from family members of individuals with disabilities to participate in an Intensive Lay Advocacy Training.

The training is designed to provide knowledge about special education regulations and policies related to disabilities.
Participants will develop advocacy skills and become more competent in advocating for their child and other children. The overall intent is to teach ways to become a more effective advocate and to give participants a better knowledge base of the laws and to improve communication skills.

There is a commitment required from each person who attends. If requested by Parent to Parent, participants will assist up to three families in their county over the course of one year. Examples of this are talking to another parent about education advocacy, helping another parent problem solve about their child's education and learning about special education laws. It is not an expectation to attend CSE meetings.

Participants are required to attend all training sessions, with each session being five hours long. Each session is devoted to specific topics as follows:

* Parent to Parent Overview
* Laws, Regulation, Policies
* Section 504
* State Complaints
* Mediation
* Resolution Session
* Impartial Hearing
* Resources

Participants must reside in one of the counties served by this office. The counties are Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Washington. Selection will be based on the replies to questions in the application. There is no charge for this training and all training materials will be provided.
If you need additional information or have questions, please contact:

Tina Beauparlant or Holly Bartzcak at (518) 381-4370.

Thank you.

Kerry A. Wiley
Program Research Specialist
New York State Developmental
Disabilities Planning Council
155 Washington Avenue, 2 Floor
Albany, New York 12210
518-486-7505 - Phone
518-402-3505 - FAX

NARIC's Digital Archive

2009-05-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

This organization NARIC allows you to read and research studies etc..that go way back,50 years and has been a resource for me when I left college and starting working with kids at Shriners Hospital. It has a very valid research based information and as well the virtual chat is a great added tool.

Webinar upcoming on the Classmate by Humanware

2009-05-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Reading Comprehension

HumanWare is pleased to announce a presentation on Reading Comprehension. The objective of this session it to look at ways to improve reading comprehension with examples of strategies and resources designed for teachers. How do you break down the task of reading comprehension while looking at the needs of struggling readers? This presentation will be guided by Brenda McBride, HumanWare Product Manager featuring guest speaker Elizabeth Walcot Researcher, Educator, Tutor and Advocate.

Monday May 11th, 2009
21:00 (UTC) Coordinated Universal Time
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Daylight Saving Time
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Daylight Saving Time
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central Daylight Saving Time
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time

Location: Webinar through the HumanWare weblink.

Register online now

All participants go to: http://www.tcconference.com/humanware

(Note: if you are a first time user, you will need to select the" Download" button prior to entering the session. This will take a few minutes. Once done, select "Enter the room". Follow the instructions, no password required).

Session will discuss:
• Definitions of some of the components of reading comprehension
• Teaching strategies for conceptual components of reading comprehension
• Teacher's role as a teacher and a coach
• Free resources
• Questions and Answers

Elizabeth Walcot, Ph.D. has current research interests in the teaching/learning of writing and the use of assistive technology to support learning. Presently, she is a participant in a learning community exploring the assessment and instructional interventions for reading comprehension. Her background is in the teaching students with learning disabilities at both primary and secondary levels and presently volunteers at the Montreal Oral School for the Deaf to improve the students' language and reading comprehension.

Recovery Funds

2009-04-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the error in the address for the webinar information site.
D

Assistive Tech Webinar and recovery Funds

2009-04-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Okay this is a heavy topic that I and many have been following closely. This is the gist, it is the recovery funds that are being touted as the next big thing to hit the schools. Actually it is a large piece of IDEA funding for 2009. It delivers the funds to districts and supports students with disabilities with technology etc..(I am trying to be brief) Finally gives the schools what they need as far as money to get ahead and I hope get more training because that is just as important. Here is a list of things you can do both as a teacher, Administrator, and as a parent to be actively engaged as well as prepared.

There is a Free Webinar on the up and coming funds etc.. what your school should do and look to doing with those funds: Just sign up on the right hand side to be notified. Also the ed.gov site
which outlines the funds in plane English from the feds(HaHa..Little joke there) anyway as more of these webinars come up I will follow closely and keep you up to date with what is available
Happy Easter!!

Rockband Guitar and drum adaption.

2009-04-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

The wonderful and illustrious One switch has completed and posted his adaption to the rock band game for guitar hero. Here is the step by step guide to try it yourself if you dare ! if not you may consult with him and possibly me although I have not personally tried it....Yet!

Tablets For All

2009-04-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Just received in My reader information on a new Tablet due out soon (I hope) and ooooooo does it look nice. All of you who struggle with different systems ect.. this little Tablet packs a whalop! No word on price though. For school Districts that want a touch interface and a appliance they can connect to their network that otherwise they haven't with their students devices this could be a winner. I don't need to tell you how this would be used with kids with autism or with students that don't have a disability. Great for those online projects or reinforce curriculam via the different outlets.

Visual Proccessing Games

2009-04-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

I was Looking for some visual Processing tools and games and thought I should compile some I found. Also on a completely different note, I got the announcement the the Senate and House has a You Tube Account and a twitter.

Flash Tangram Puzzle
Jigsaw Puzzle of the Day (timed as well)
I spy
Mouse Concentration
Aplus Math
Brainware Safari
Captains Log
Rocky Mountain Learning System
Training Wheels
Art Rage
Fantastic Contraptions
Numpty Physics
Interactive Metronome
Hotwheels

There are more and will likely make addendum's as needed. If you Know of a great program that works with visual Processing and Tracking please add it just email it to me and I will post it.
D

Of cyborgs and Humans

2009-04-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Although when you follow this link it doesn't necessarily lead you to information about Assistive Technology, it is intriguing as well as has a extreme "cool factor" especially when you start making the connections of what is possible down the line with A.T. Go here to Honda's site.

Open Your Eyes

2009-03-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Sean for making this song. This is on of the best song's I have heard since De La Soul oh so many years ago.. Thanks Sean!!

Its Spring!!

2009-03-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

For all of you who have been waiting for a post I apologize it is already spring!! So in light of this fact I decided what better time to give some info on bikes. Yes it is that time again for bikes biking and wanting to get out in have some fun. Yes here in Central New York the birds are singing but there is still snow in the air, we have teased with the taste of sping and the nice weather.
We have quite a few bikes here at the TRAID program all of which are in and mostly out on loan in the next month or so. I wanted to give some insight though on where to find some of these bikes and cover some basics. Here are some links to follow to get more info and in the following paragraph I will break them down for you into some basic catagories.

There are a few basics here. There are Hand propelled trikes. Those that use the hands to propel the bike, usually in a sitting or recumbent position. There are a number of manufacturers that provide basic models to racing style lightweight (expensive models). Access to recreation has a pretty good supply of these but are also sold by a number of other places including your local bike shop. Plan on anywhere from $3,000-$1500 for these models. Amtryke offers both hand propelled and foot propelled combined and offers a range of Bikes from 3 year old sizes up to teen and adult. They also offer just foot controlled trikes. All come with specialized (OPTIONS) which are sold separately -which is too bad. they have prices ranging from $300-$700 without extra's. Some models are sold with a fixed rear hub or a free wheel rear hub with multiple speeds. For instance freedom Concepts from Canada offers very large range of extra's and supports including laterals attachable pommel and a fixed rear hub (pedal backwards) or a freeride hube (when coasting pedals don't turn. Fereedom Concepts is a nice bike as well as it comes apart for easier transport, as does the worksman series. The nice part of the worksman brand is of course the price as well the other options work with all of their extra suports that are needed.

Rifton has a excellent line of trikes and have been around for a long time. They do not offer a freewheel hub but include many accesories that are optional on other trikes. Rifton bikes albeit very nice still push the envolope with price.

Thanks andHhappy Biking!! Happy Spring !!

Bookshare and NIMAC announce collaboration

2009-01-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

Bookshare and NIMAC Announcement

NIMAC books:

To find NIMAC books, go to: http://nimac.us

Then email us to request the book be added to Bookshare

Have you heard the good news? There is a simple new NIMAC process that will enable Bookshare to provide NIMAC books to your students in a week or less at no cost, thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

You can now name Bookshare as one of your Authorized Users (AU) at the NIMAC. You need to sign an updated NIMAC coordination agreement, which the NIMAC recently sent directly to all NIMAC state coordinators, and then appoint Bookshare as an AU. The new coordination agreement is available online at the NIMAC's website at: http://www.nimac.us/2009_NIMAC_COORD.DOC.

Then, when one of your students needs a book:

Any public school staff person (including classroom teachers, special educators and librarians) can send an email to nimacrequest@bookshare.org requesting the book after confirming that it's in the NIMAC at: http://nimac.us. We just need to know the title, author, publisher and/or ISBN number.
We'll download the book, convert it into accessible digital text formats (DAISY and BRF) within a week and let the requestor know the book is in Bookshare.
The requestor logs into their Bookshare account and downloads the book for a qualified student with an IEP. Two different accessible software packages that read the books are also available free for download, as well as high quality synthetic speech.

After you send the AU request to the NIMAC, we will inform those educators in your jurisdiction who are Bookshare Members about the process and we'll include the information in communications to appropriate personnel in all districts, regardless of Bookshare membership.

Together, let's get accessible textbooks flowing smoothly from the NIMAC to students in a timely manner!

Best regards,

The Bookshare Team

National Dissemination Center For Children with Disabilities

2008-12-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

Nichcy for short is a resource, research and informational portal for families Early Intervention
Providers, State Agencies, Schools, and Administrators. To say that there is a lot of information here that is of quality would be a understatement! Those of you interested must check this resource out. Users can sign up for their monthly e-mail newsletter. They specialize in connecting you to the research that is currently being conducted, as well as evaluating what the research states about effective teaching strategies with regards to students wit disabilities. Their is a State Resource section that is up to date and provides a wealth of contact information nationwide. Once connected to the e-mail Newsletter you will receive special invitations to view webinars and down-loadable presentation materials related topics. These webinars are usually more in depth and last longer then an hour.

Enjoy, Take Risks, Raise Eyebrows
D

2008-12-12T11:56:00.001-08:00

Here Is another resource for the preschool crowd (Teachers, Parents, Administrators) Found it when I was cleaning my office and remembered that it was very cool saw it at a conference this past year and would love to have it in the Library (fingers crossed).

AtKidsystem offers packages in hardware and software. Mission control is a cool interface and could not be any more simple. This Interface "is a versatile computer access device designed for children who do not use a standard keyboard and standard mouse. "Innovative in today’s marketplace, Mission Control is designed to empower a child of developmental age 2-to-8 to control the actions of Cosmobot™, a virtual robot, during its explorations in aFFx™ Activators and receives feedback while playing the software game."

Parents will love that the Cosmo Learning Learning Systems and Mission Control was developed with learning in my mind and is based on the National association for the education of young children which focuses on educational opportunities for birth-8.

The educator perspective: Works on pre-literacy skills and pre-numeracy and was designed to be accessible to all. The kids section which includes PDF coloring pages and worksheets.

Here is the crux of it all its typically expensive which is why it is a better system for pre-school and or universal pre- kindergarten to elementary schools. Again I would love to be able to get my hands on this to show and have districts try out , will keep trying and will keep you posted!!
D

Helpful tip for Teachers

2008-12-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

This Teacher tube resource came about while I was searching for something else related to dysgraphia and thought that it was a helpful tool in the classroom 2.0. I hope you enjoy the video:

photosyms and MayerJohnson Free Content

2008-11-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

As you know A.T. Software is expensive and difficult to obtain, with the multitude of free programs and services on the internet Mayer Johnson has joined the ranks. With their ever popular boardmaker tool. www.adaptedlearning.com First photosyms for the mac and P.C. is a tool that can utilize photo's or symbols to create a Picture Communication Program. Now they are offering a free download of a portion of the program. All you need is Adobe Flash Player to run which is also FREE. Use photo's from internet content and or your own check it out!!

www.adaptedlearning.com is a more powerful interactive site, developed by the folks at Mayer Johnson. It is a online community to share communication boards that people have developed. It Features "Additional resources include: - An online community that allows educators and clinicians to connect and share ideas and information with other Boardmaker users, as well as create public and private areas for groups of colleagues and parents". It also provides area's for strategies for implementing communication programs.
The Home connection portion helps connect and support parents trying to implement educational and communication throughout the their child's journey through the school system.

Robo-Human New Mobility Aid From Honda

2008-11-24T10:01:00.001-08:00

Seems Honda has been busy this was released to the public in the beginning of November. Certainly will aid quite a few people that have difficulty with ambulation and particularly with Brain Injury and mild Cerebral Palsy. I can definitely see it being a therapeutic aid, BUT.... sure does remind me of those scary scenarios that Hollywood puts out. Here is some more info from their official site:

Japan, November 7, 2008–Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled its second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user's* legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. Honda will now begin testing the device in real-world conditions to evaluate its effectiveness.
Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. Honda developed the knowledge required to develop the walking assist device from its thorough study of human walking represented by the research and development of Honda's advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. This research has been conducted by the Fundamental Technology Research Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Wako, Saitama. To evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental model of the walking assist device with bodyweight support system, Honda will test the walking assist device at its Saitama Factory (in Sayama, Saitama) starting this month.
* This device is designed for people who are still capable of walking on their own.

AssistiveWare Switch xs

2008-11-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Check out these cool video's from users of assistiveware's product family of on-screen scanners and computer accessibility for the Mac. One of note for education is the following video. I love this one and really shows a lot of points that are important, not just the products that are important but what they are attached to. Here is the link to the community and the site.

AssistiveWare's Communtiy

2008-11-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

Note-taking application recognizes text from photographs

Great Infor from The Assistive technology Blog Relating to school info.

Looking back at yesterday's reference to Wired's review of Evernote http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/11/hands-on-iphone.html got me thinking.

Text recognition in photographs -- you take a picture of something using a webcam, iPhone camera, etc. and it will perform an off-site OCR [optical character recognition-turns it into digital text] of the image. How cool is that for students with print disabilities in vocational settings? It could help more students really become smart shoppers...and make non-computer library research far less daunting! Hmm...how to get this into a classroom...that's still quite daunting...