Oklahoma ABLE Tech Quarterly Newsletter
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Oklahoma ABLE Tech Assistive Technology Small Changes…Big Differences Newsletter Winter 2008 Volume 8, Issue 2 PDF
Oklahoma’s Assistive Technology Act Program - Oklahoma ABLE Tech is a federal grant program located at Oklahoma State University at the Seretean Wellness Center, 1514 W. Hall of Fame Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 800-257-1705 VTDD 405-744-9748 VTDD
A New Partnership, Oklahoma AT Center Locations, Web Accessibility, Fire Safety Course, Spotlight on Demo and Loan Programs, AgrAbility Funding, Special Education Resolution Center, Success Story, Equipment Exchange, Resources and Events
We are pleased to share Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s highlights and key activities reported in our 2007 annual report recently published and distributed to Oklahoma’s legislators. ABLE Tech serves individuals of all ages and all disabilities in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Statistics
• Assistive technology (AT) training and awareness events served over 2284 people
• The Alternative Financing Program provided $481,892 in AT device low interest bank loans assisting 94 Oklahomans with disabilities
• 246 AT devices exchanged from sellers to buyers for a savings of $87,200
• 401 AT devices recycled and donated to Oklahomans with disabilities for a savings of $320,800
• 379 AT devices loaned to Oklahomans in “try before you buy” short-term loan program
• 737 AT devices demonstrated to Oklahomans
Highlights
• ABLE Tech serves individuals of all ages and all disabilities in Oklahoma.
• ABLE Tech and its partners provide 8 AT loan and demonstration sites to
give Oklahomans an opportunity to touch, try, and take home AT devices
and improve independence in the community, schools, and workplace.
• ABLE Tech provided information technology accessibility training to 1074 state agency and post secondary personnel.
• ABLE Tech provided training on AT devices such as: computers, software, health and safety devices, daily living items, and developmental disability devices.
• ABLE Tech trained individuals and agencies on topics such as funding for AT, laws and policies, accessible information technology, accessible textbooks, education and community transition.
• “Fire Safety for Oklahomans with Disabilities” received 156 applications from individuals with disabilities in 44 of the 77 Oklahoma counties who received 185 professionally installed specialized smoke alarms.
• ABLE Tech’s partner, Sooner AMBUCS Share4Life Komputers donated 401 recycled computers to individuals to improve independent living and vocational skills.
• The Special Education Resolution Center settled 87% of special education due process hearing requests, saving an estimated $330,000 to $2,100,00 in tax payer dollars.
• Oklahoma AgrAbility has served over 130 farming families in 75 counties to accommodate disability on the farm, provided information and referral to hundreds more, located over $130,000 in funding for assistive technology through strategic partnerships, especially the Department of Rehabilitation Services; and educated over 120 health and agricultural professionals on disability issues for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.
ABLE Tech Stillwater 405-744-9748 or Toll Free: 1-800-257-1705
AT Center for Blindness and Low Vision Oklahoma City 405-522-3442 or Toll Free: 1-800-845-8476
Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education Stillwater 405-743-5162
Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders Tulsa 918-631-2913
Total Health, Stillwater Medical Center 405-624-6592
Hearing Loss Association of OKC 405-951-8383
Oklahoma League for the Blind OKC 405-232-4644
Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access (TSHA) Tulsa 918-832-8742 Sorenson: 918-823-8742
Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Annual Information Technology Accessibility Conference
WHEN: Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
WHERE: Francis Tuttle Technology Center Rockwell Campus, 12777 N. Rockwell Ave. Oklahoma City
Register now for Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s 4th annual IT accessibility conference that provides two days of classes designed to help you make electronic and information technology accessible to everyone – including people with disabilities. Join renowned accessibility experts from Knowbility for two days of classes, many of them hands-on, to help you improve your skills and understand both the need and the techniques for inclusive IT design. Visit the Assistive Technology Expo and sign up for prizes! Who should attend: Web developers, IT Managers, policy developers,
programmers and anyone else with IT responsibilities. If you believe that the web should empower ALL people, if you need information about how to meet state and federal accessibility mandates, if you are a technologist who wants to understand emerging best practices for the web, this conference is for you.
To register: Visit our website at www.accessibility.ok.gov for more details or call ABLE Tech at 888-885-5588.
SoonerStart Early Intervention Program
ABLE Tech partners with SoonerStart to help meet the needs of children, ages birth to 3 years, with disabilities. ABLE Tech provides AT demonstration kits for 26 SoonerStart regional offices. The SoonerStart program is provided at no cost to Oklahomans. In 2007, 737 individuals received assistive technology demonstrations with 48% of the demonstrations helping children ages 0-3 through the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program. Approximately 400 assistive technology devices were loaned through the short-term loan program, giving individuals an opportunity to determine if AT would meet their needs.
Fire Safety Program
“Fire Safety Solutions for People with Disabilities,” is designed to distribute and install free smoke alarms, as well as provide fire safety messages to Oklahomans with disabilities. Fire Protection Publications and Oklahoma ABLE Tech, both at Oklahoma State University; have created a partnership to provide specific fire safety messages to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind/low vision, or mobility impaired.
ABLE Tech has mailed 267 follow-up surveys to individuals that have received a free smoke alarm through the Fire Safety for Oklahoman’s with disabilities program. Seventy-one percent of the surveys were returned with 83% “very satisfied” with the specialized smoke alarms and the installation process. Since the inception of this program in 2004, 768 smoke alarms have been installed in 519 households.
Camps for Youths with Disabilities
American Camping Association (ACA), Texoma
The ACA accredits camps that meet standards for health, safety, personnel and programs. The ACA website (www.acatexoma.org) provides a camp database that can be searched to locate accredited camps in any area
nationwide. For more information, contact the ACA Toll Free: 888-559-2267.
Apache Tribe Cultural Camp and EPA Camp
Camp Location: Apache Tribe Ceremonial Grounds, Ft. Cobb. This camp is for youth ages 10-18, with and without disabilities. A two-day camping experience that includes outdoor activities, arts and crafts, cultural
preservation focus, language classes and instruction in health and preventing substance abuse. Children erect a tee-pee and put up a sweat lodge. For more information, send an email to apachendnvr@yahoo.com; call Toll Free: 800-851-1253, or write: 510 E. Colorado, Anadarko, OK 73005.
Camp Aldersgate
Camp Aldersgate is the only place to really get to know the great outdoors with the latest facilities and as few barriers as possible. Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, they offer camps for children and youth who have conditions such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, epilepsy, kidney disorders, autism, Down’s syndrome, and mental retardation. Hundreds of campers come each year from across Arkansas and from surrounding states to enjoy an experience of a lifetime. There are multiple camps throughout the summer. Call (501) 225-1444 for more information or visit their website at
www.campaldersgate.net.
Camp Barnabas
A Christian camp for children, teens and adults with medical, physical or developmental disabilities. Located near Purdy, Missouri, camps are available for: Developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, post traumatic burns, blood disorders and oncology, visually and hearing impaired, general medical camp (any medical disability) and adult developmental disability. Call or check the website at www.campbarnabas.org for camp schedules. You can also call the headquarters in Purdy at 417-886-9800 or the camp at 417-476-2565 for more information.
Camp Cavett
Located on Lake Texoma at Cross Point Camp, this camp is for children and youth ages 10-18 with debilitating diseases. This is the only camp available for heart, sickle-cell and cystic fibrosis children. It provides a full range of camping activities in which children can participate to the extent they are able. Professional fishing organizations sponsor a fishing day and cookout. Obtain registration and health forms from your local United Methodist Church or by calling 405-271-5758. Visit the website at www.campcavett.com for more information.
Campfire USA Oklahoma - Camp DaKaNi Day Camps
These camps are open to all boys and girls pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. Camps provide a variety of outdoor activities, cookouts, arts and crafts, hiking on the newly created Braille Trail and other age-appropriate activities such as canoeing. Contact the Camp Fire Office to inquire about enrollment or accommodations. Visit the website at www.campfireusa-ok.org/dakani.htm.
Central Christian Camp and Conference Center
Located near Guthrie, this camp (sponsored by Make Promises Happen) offers a variety of options for children and adults with disabilities and medical conditions. Camp facilities are also used by other organizations sponsoring camps for children with specific disabilities. For a camp schedule or more information, visit
www.centralchristiancamp.org/image/mph_calendar.pdf or call Toll Free: 800-299-2811.
Dale Rogers Training Center
This program provides fun in a safe environment with structured activities, field trips in the community, paid work and recreation. Summer day care program is available for young adults with disabilities, ages 12-21. For more information, visit the website at www.drtc.org or call 405-946-4489.
Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma - Camp Endres
A camp for youth with diabetes, ages 8-16, is located at YMCA Camp Classen near Davis. Emphasis is placed on campers having fun while learning age-appropriate self-care and diabetes management skills. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. For more information about Camp Endres, visit www.drtc.org or call 405-843-4386.
Loving Hands Ranch Summer Camp
These Christian-based camps in Sulphur, Oklahoma, emphasize character development and include activities such as hikes, nature center visits, swimming, go-carts, horseback riding, field games and cookouts. For more information, visit www.lovinghandsranch.com or call 580-622-6085.
Oklahoma Benedictine Institute on Mental Retardation
Camp Benedictine, located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, accept persons with or without disabilities, ages 8-80. Three-day camps held monthly provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental delays to engage in recreational,educational and pre-vocational activities along with other community members. For more information, call 405-878-5289 or visit the website at www.nidd.org.
Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council
This camp, located in Chickasha, Oklahoma, provides high school students with disabilities training in advocacy and leadership, as well as exposure to post-secondary education options and community living supports. Students must be in 10th grade or beyond and have some high school remaining. For more information, call toll free 800-836-4470 or visit www.okddc.ok.gov.
Oklahoma League for the Blind - Oklahomans without Limits
This is a camping experience for children ages 9-18 who are blind or visually impaired. Camp activities are designed to assist camp participants improve their self-esteem, have positive social interaction with non-disabled peers and experience a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities in an accessible environment. For more information, visit www.olb.org or call 405-232-4644.
Oklahoma School for the Blind
For information about this year’s camps, please call toll free 877-229-7136 or visit www.okrehab.org/students.html#1.
Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access (TSHA)
Total Source offers summer day camps for deaf and hard of hearing children ages 7-13. Youth ages 14-15 can apply for counselor-in-training positions. A deaf education instructor leads camps with volunteers assisting. Activities include speakers and hands-on activities organized around a central theme that is different each year. Sign language and voice communications are used. For more information about camps and programs through Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access, call 918-832-8742 or send an e-mail to www.tsha.cc.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Program, Stillwater
Open safety caps easily; useful for those with tremors, arthritis, or limited hand strength; marked in Braille. Drug stores, $3.95.
Visual Services of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma City
The AT Center at DRS Visual Services loans a device called an adjustible ergonomic keyboard. This keyboard allows you to adjust the two alphanumeric sections both horizontally and vertically to suit your individual body requirements. EnableMart, $129.95.
Hearing Loss Association of Oklahoma City, Integris Third Age Life Center.
Tune in with the Sony TV/Weather/AM/FM Radio Walkman. Perfect for an intense workout, this product features 25 Memory Preset Tuning (5TV/5Weather/10FM/5AM), 5 Direct Key Preset Memory, an LCD Digital Display with a Clock, and a Local/Distant (DX) Switch that provides
optimal reception of both close and distant radio stations. HearMore, $29.95.
Oklahoma League for the Blind, Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma League for the Blind is a good resource serving a large audience ranging with needs of low vision to blindness. One of the products they offer is the slicing helper for cutting tomatoes. The unit holds a tomato and slicing guides indicate where to make each cut giving even slices with this slicing aid. LS&S, $5.95.
Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders, University of Tulsa
The center has several types of toys that are used with capability switches, making it possible for children with disabilities to be active participants in play time and to learn cause and effect. Pressing the yellow textured switch on the front of the “Twinkler” device sends sparkles flying around the dome while simultaneously playing music and lighting up. It can also be activated with an external capability switch. Enabling Devices, $107.95.
Total Source for Hearing Loss and Access, Tulsa
TSHA offers a product called the Cell Phone Amplifier MHA 100. This amplifier is ideal for cellphone users in noisy environments or for people with hearing loss. Amplifies up to 24dB. Sound Clarity, $39.95.
Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education
Rocking T Knife. Cuts by rocking the knife on food. Comfortable wooden handle shaped to fit the hand. Easy to use for people with a weak grasp. The safety edge, stainless steel blade may be sharpened with a knife sharpener. Household dishwasher safe. Maxi-aids, $23.
ASK - AMBUCS Share 4 Life Computers
The ASK program donates computers to people with disabilities. Almost 4,500 computers have been provided to disabled people since 1994. Individuals may apply by writing to: Sooner AMBUCS, P O Box 118, Norman, OK 73070, calling 405-360-1521 or printing the application from http://www.soonerambucs.org/.
Total Health
Total Health and ABLE Tech partner to provide Am Trykes, which are therapeutic tricycles suitable for children approximately 3 to 9 years of age. Three trykes are available with either a bucket or a saddle seat and come with an appropriate helmet.
Join us for AgrAbility Awareness Day on May 5, 2008 at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is seeking state funding.
Join us for AgrAbility Awareness Day on May 5, 2008 at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is seeking state funding.
AgrAbility helps meet the needs of Oklahomans involved in agriculture. Oklahoma AgrAbility supports the rehabilitation and assistive technology needs of Oklahomans with disabilities who face barriers to participating in agriculture. AgrAbility fills a gap in services and resources available to rural families by:
• Assessing agricultural work sites and tasks
• Providing information and advice about farm and home modifications to increase accessibility and living independently
• Referring families to local service providers
• Providing peer support
• Conducting informational and educational workshops
For more information call (405) 744-2398, toll free: (888) 885-5588 (voice/tty). Email: ability@okstate.edu and website http://agrability.okstate.edu/
The Special Education Resolution Center (SERC) works collaboratively with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to help parents and school districts resolve disputes regarding the special education of students. Through innovative programs, SERC assists parties to resolve their differences at the earliest stage possible. In those instances where the parties are unable to resolve their dispute, SERC provides a fair and impartial hearing system. Fair, impartial and knowledgeable hearing officers conduct administrative hearings to settle the differences of the parties in a timely manner. This process is an assurance Oklahoma makes to its schools and families that Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment will be available to Oklahoma children.
Assistive Technology Loan Assists Individual in Payne County
The Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education partners with Oklahoma ABLE Tech to offer a device demonstration and loan program to Oklahomans with disabilities. The AT Center is located in Stillwater, but provides services to all tech centers and is open to the public. Approximately 140 devices are available for loan. Call ABLE Tech for more information.
A 56-year-old woman from Payne County with multiple-sclerosis wanted to be more active in her yard and garden. She needed a handy gardening tool to help her reach into garden beds and trim branches on low trees and shrubs. She tried “Extend A Hand” ergonomic garden tools, which are a set of four hand garden tools that fit in an ergonomic holder so you use your arm and shoulder to dig instead of your wrist. This ergonomic garden tool set includes a trowel, three prong rake, hoe and a saw and they all fit in a holder. It is very simple to switch attachments, and each attachment fits
sturdily and securely when it is in place. Since trying the tools, she has purchased them and now has the ability to work in her own garden and yard.
The Oklahoma Equipment Exchange is a free program to help Oklahomans with disabilities acquire affordable, used equipment. Log on to the Equipment Exchange website or call ABLE Tech to list your devices or inquire about a product at 1-888-885-5588. Below is a list of items currently for sale or FREE on http://oec.okstate.edu.
Daily Living
Bath Chair
Bath Chair
Bath Seat - Portable (Child's)
Blue Gel Hospital Bed Overlay
CPAP, healthdyne tranquility plus
Commode, Bedside commode, FREE
Commode - Bedside
Feeder Tray - Electric Self-Feeder
Full Body Large Mesh Sling #1
Home-Care Lift (Electric)
Hospital 'Blue Pads'- NEW, Never Used
Hospital Bed - Electric
Hospital Bed - Electric
Hospital Bed - Invacare
Hospital Bed - Invacare Electric
Hospital Bed-Invacare Electric Bed
Hoyer Patient Lift, INVACARE, Never Used
Hydraulic Lift - In-home, Invacare
Mattress, SenTech Stage IV 3000
Mattress-Demafloat Low Air Loss Bed Cushion
Offset Trapeze Bar-Octagon Tube, Invacare
Oximeter- NELLCOR-BENNETT
Patient Lift - Electric (NEW), Never Used
Roll In Shower Chair, Rifton, FREE
Shower chair, Tilt in Space Plus
Swivel Clamp & Bracket, Invacare
Talking Blood Glucose Meter
Trapeze Bar - (for hospital bed), Invacare
Walker, FREE
Recreation, Sports, and Leisure
Handicapped bicycle, HAVERICH
Environmental Adaptations
Automatic Door Opener #3
Ceiling lift with track motors, Horcher
Portable Ramps, Handi-Ramp
Vision
Traveller Portable Magnifier CCTV
CCTV Smart View 3000
Vehicle Modification and Transportation
Portable hand controls for vehicle
Scooter lift for auto
Van - 1996 GMC Savanna
Van - 1998 GMC Savanna with Millennium lift by Braun
Van - 1999 Windstar Mini Van with lift
Wheelchair Lift for Van, Braun Millennium Series L955
Wheelchair Ramp, Tilt-O-Rack, Excellent, For Sale
Wheelchair-Scooter Lift for Pickup Truck, PVI-1100
Wheelchair-Scooter Lift for Vehicle (7 available)
Mobility, Seating & Positioning
Bath Stool - Like New, Excellent Condition
Chair-Tumbleform, FREE
Folding Power Chair, Merits Feather
Power Chair, Freestyle F11, Never Used
Power Chair, Jazzy Select
Power Wheelchair, Invacare Storm TDX5
Power Wheelchair - Pride Jazzy 600
Power chair, Jet1
Powerchair-Permobil C-300 Electric
Scooter- Scooter Store
Shower, Commode Transfer Chair
Vertical Wheelchair Lift (Elevator)
Walker - 4 Wheeled
Walker-Child , Kaye Products
Wheelchair & Van Lift- Quantum Jazzy 1402
Wheelchair - Elec Jazzy 1143
Wheelchair - Electric
Wheelchair - Electric
Wheelchair - Electric Jazzy, Pride
Wheelchair - Electric Merits P3201
Wheelchair - Electric Jazzy, Pride
Wheelchair - Electric Merits P3201
Wheelchair -Pediatric Electric
Wheelchair Recliner-Tracer , Invacare
Wheelchair-Quantum 600 Elec Rehab
Items Needed:
Bath Seat, Child/pediatric, Need a fiber mesh bath seat
AlphaSmart, to help a student with severe writing deficits
Adult Stroller, for community outings
Color cards of nouns and/or verbs for therapy use
EZ-Bathe system
Lift Chair – Recliner
Lift Mesh Sling – For Hoyer Lift
Power heavy duty wheelchair,will be used in outdoor terrain
Stair Chair Lift
Scooter, Electric
Mini Van - with lift
Wheelchair – Heavy duty
• Oklahoma ABLE Tech AT Demo and Loan Program; http://okabletech.okstate.edu
• AT Equipment Exchange Program; http://oec.okstate.edu
• AgrAbility; http://agrability.okstate.edu/
• Fire Safety; http://www.ok.gov/abletech/Fire_Safety
April 23: Langston University PT Students Training, Stillwater
ABLE Tech presentation for Langston University Doctoral PT students to learn about electronic aids for daily living.
May 5: AgrAbility Awareness Day, Oklahoma City
Hold the date for AgrAgility Awareness Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol from 1-4 p.m.
May 21: Oklahoma Aging Conference, Midwest City ABLE Tech will provide a presentation about assistive technology for aging.
May 22: Workforce Oklahoma Partners Conference, Oklahoma City
ABLE Tech will have an exhibit featuring AT for employment and provide a presentation about accessible computing, which includes tips for dealing with age related problems in Windows XP and Vista.
June 2-3: OK ABLE Tech IT Accessibility Conference, Oklahoma City
The conference will be held at Francis Tuttle Technology Center Rockwell Campus. To register: Visit our website at www.accessibility.ok.gov for moredetails or call ABLE Tech at 1-888-885-5588.
June 5–8: 9th Annual Endeavor Games, Edmond
This event is for athletes with physical disabilities and hosted by the
University of Central Oklahoma. This is a nationally recognized competition event similar to the Paralympics. Contact Shelly Ramsey at 405-974-3151. More information is also available at: http://www.ucok.edu/endeavorgames.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Staff
Robin Purdie, Director OSU Seretean Wellness Center
Linda Jaco, Program Director and Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs, OSU Seretean Wellness Center
Milissa Gofourth, Program Manager
Diana Sargent, Senior Administration Support Specialist
Shelby Sanders, AFP Loan Coordinator
Brenda Dawes, AT Program Specialist and Web Coordinator
Sherril York, Training/Outreach Specialist
Melinda Tebow, Graduate Assistant
Gwen Doshier, AgrAbility Program Assistant
Jo Anne Pool, SERC Program Manager
Shannon Esmeyer, SERC Administrative Assistant
Seretean Wellness Center Oklahoma State University 1514 W. Hall of Fame Stillwater, OK 74078 Phone: 800-257-1705 VTDD 405-744-9748 VTDD Fax: 405-744-2487
We’re On the Web! http://okabletech.okstate.edu
This publication is available in alternative formats; please call 1-800-257-1705 V/TTY for more information.
The Oklahoma State University Seretean Wellness Center is the lead agency for Oklahoma ABLE Tech. The program is funded by the Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education. Grant #H224A050036. This publication does not necessarily reflect the position of the policy of RSA/ED, and no official endorsement of the material should be inferred.
