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January 2006 - Winter Edition PDF Small Changes...Big Differences Quarterly Newsletter - Volume 6, Issue 1 Oklahoma ABLE Tech is a federal grant program located at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Oklahoma ABLE Tech serves all ages, all disabilities, in all of Oklahoma. Inside This Issue: ABLE Tech National Funding Status, Demo and Loan Programs Statewide, Oklahoma Equipment Connection, Alternative Financing Program, Special Education, Resolution Center, AgrAbility, IT Accessibility News, STARS Training, Resources and Events. Current Funding Status for Assistive Technology State Programs By Linda Jaco Oklahoma ABLE Tech Program Manager In October 2004, Congress and President Bush signed into law the updated Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended, providing for the continuation and expansion of Assistive Technology Programs, such as Oklahoma ABLE Tech. The ATA ensures that individuals with disabilities throughout the US and its territories have access to and acquisition of the technology they need to help them be independent in school, at home the workplace and in the community. The unanimous bi-partisan passage of this law sent a clear message that our government supported a federal investment in people with disabilities. This was a giant step forward in recognizing the contributions of all Americans. Shortly thereafter, President Bush released his 2006 budget, which proposed to eliminate funding for the newly reauthorized ATA. Understandably, release of this budget dealt a huge blow to people with disabilities. In December 2005, Congress finalized 2006 appropriations and the AT Programs were not only successful in getting back in the federal budget, but managed to receive a slight increase. A total of $30,760,000 was appropriated for the AT Programs. This figure provides a $1.2 million increase in the 2006 appropriation over that of the 2005 appropriation. Congress is requiring a 1% reduction across the board for all discretionary programs and at this time it is not yet final how the Department will address the 1% reduction for state AT Programs. However, even if the 1% reduction is applied across the board the AT programs will still see an increase and the first increase recognized in six years. The AT Act requires that any increase above the base (the amount awarded in 2004) must be distributed in the following manner - 50% of the increase is distributed equitably to all AT Programs and the remaining 50% is distributed proportionally based on state¿s population compared to the total national population. For more information, visit the DOE web site http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/tables.html. Highlight on Assistive Technology Demo Center Open House Assistive Technology Featured in Statewide Demonstration and Loan Programs The Department of Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services Division, Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 300 NE 18, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Contact Person: Bob Utley or Matt Thomas 1-800-523-0288 The Oklahoma School for the Blind, 3300 Gibson St, Muskogee, OK 74403, Contact Person: Karen Kizzia 918-781-8200 Oklahoma School for the Deaf, 1100 E Oklahoma, Sulphur, OK 73086, Contact Person: Patricia Baldwin These programs provide Oklahomans with disabilities assistive technology for the purpose of allowing consumers and agencies to have individual and small group exploration, individual implementation of one or more device explorations designed to support informed decision-making, and guided experiences for individuals and small groups with a particular device to support effective usage. Device short term loans are loans of assistive technology to individuals or organizations for a variety of purposes such as allowing consumers and agencies to ¿try before they buy¿ assessment, meeting interim needs when devices go in for repair, and for personnel development activities. The partner programs and the ABLE Tech program out of Stillwater provide specialized equipment to Oklahomans with disabilities or to those that have a dependent with a disability, regardless of their type of disability, age, income level or location of residence within the state. Equipment is available in the following categories: vision, hearing and speech, computer access, environmental and educational technology. For many individuals these programs provide the opportunity to view AT demonstrations that they would not have otherwise been able to access for the purposes of education, employment, community living or information technology/telecommunications . Device Re-Utilization Programs ACQUIRING Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities ABLE Tech operates the Oklahoma Equipment Connection (OEC), a ¿want ad¿, which functions as an exchange program. The OEC is a free statewide service helping Oklahomans with disabilities acquire affordable and used assistive technology to help meet their needs. ABLE Tech provides consumers information on the benefits and features of various assistive technology devices listed on the OEC. To post used AT on the OEC, sellers from across the state contact ABLE Tech through our toll free number 1-800-257-1705 or visit the web site, http://oec.okstate.edu. There is no cost to list an item. This cost saving service allows consumers the opportunity to make an informed choice on an appropriate used device. Additionally there is a diminished abandonment of AT by the seller because this program provides a mechanism to sell or donate equipment to a targeted audience with no advertising expense. We have provided a list of the current devices and equipment available on the OEC below. Please reference the device ID number when calling. - Multiple items listed such as, lift chairs, hospital beds, Craftmatic bed, mattresses, all types of Oxygen - Bath Chair - Heavy Duty and Large, $15.00, 07-0805-02SM - Bath Stool - Adjustable height; lightweight; to be used in the bathtub $20.00, 07-0605-01JP - Bathomatic Hydrocushion- FREE, Portable bath lift 07-1205-07ABT - Bathtub Safety Rail - Clamps to side of tub, $20.00, 07-0605-02JP - Bed Hospital (standard) 2 yrs old; electric & manual controls; excellent condition, $1,000.00, 07-0905-01SM - Brace - Left Arm, Grey Padded shoulder brace; arm straps on $75.00, 07-0805-02CT - Cushion - Black Pommel Cushion prevents sliding forward $75.00, 08-0805-05CT - Memory Foam Cushion for wheelchair or other standard chair, prevent pressure sores $15.00, 08-0805-06CT - Hoyer Lift - New with extra nice large sling included. $599, 08-1205-05AM - Jeri Chair¿ Adult, Manual; Lightweight; white with rose pink cushion, sit up & recline, has wheels, $350 - Lift Chair Blue Recliner $200 08-0805-08CT - Power chair Jazzy; New onboard battery charger, $1,095, 08-1205-01AM - Power Chair JET on board battery charger $1,500, 08-0905-02EK - Invacare Pronto Power Wheelchair, joystick, charger on board $2,500, 08-0905-03JohnW - Rifton Gait Trainer - Size 1 Pediatric (small); has lateral supports, seat, forearms supports $400, 08-0805-01CK - Scooter, New Golden Companion II Deluxe 4-wheels onboard battery charger, batteries $1,095.00, 08-1205-02AM - Scooter (RALLY) Folding, $600.00, 08-0905-01EK - Golden Companion II Scooter with lift for a pick-up or car. Both Scooter & Lift $2,000, 08-0905-01VG - 2 Scooter Hoveround built in charger, joystick $500, 08-0605-02JP - Scooter Shoprider Off board charger $1,200, 08-1105-01MH - Sidestream Nebulizer angled mouthpiece & supply tubing qty of 4, new in Package FREE, 09-1205-01ABT - Wooden Child¿s Stander with leg straps FREE, 08-1105-02MT - Suction Machine for trac patient $25, 09-1205-01AM - Transport Chair (to get from bed to shower, handy for short trips) foldable $125, 08-0805-02PH - Tray Plexiglass slide on tray for Left side of wheelchair $25, 07-0805-03CT - Youth Bicycle for handicapped child, 3 wheels, back harness on seat, FREE, 12-1105-01MT - Weight Scales - Can weigh paralyzed patient in chair; good condition; approx 4 yrs, $100.00, 07-0805-06CT - Easystand Stander 5000 Series; Grey color, padded Never Used, $1,500.00, 08-0905-01AH - 2 canes listed Cane - Adjustable Quad cane - 4 prongs; FREE, $0.00, 08-1205-02ABT - Walker adjustable, folds, 2 front wheels FREE, 08-1205-01ABT - Walker Standard with wheels, adjustable height, $20.00, 08-0605-04JP - Power Wheelchair for child, FREE, 08-1105-01MT - Wheelchair ¿ new Sunrise, folds, titanium. $300, 08-1205-03AM - Wheelchair electric, Invacare, jay cushion, great condition and price $1,000, 08-0605-01DM - Wheelchair Power Invacare Pronto $1,800, 08-1005-01JN Oklahoma ABLE Tech Receives New Funds for Alternative Financing Program by Milissa Gofourth, Policy/Funding Coordinator Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) and BancFirst of Stillwater. The AFP provides low interest bank loans for Oklahomans with disabilities to purchase any type of assistive technology. The award was made possible as a result of the commitment made by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to provide the necessary state match. ABLE Tech will receive $485,169 in Federal funds and utilize $161,723 in State appropriations provided by DRS over FY 06 and 07. ABLE Tech will continue to contract with OkAT, a community-based organization established and directed by a majority of persons with disabilities. OkAT will maintain both an interest buy-down loan and an interest buy-down guarantee loan program for Oklahomans that do not meet BancFirst of Stillwater¿s loan criteria. This is made possible under established policies and procedures by OkAT that can guarantee a low interest loan. All AFP loans, guaranteed or non-guaranteed, will have the same low interest rate of 5% for a term up to thirty six (36) months for non-collateralized loans such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, accessible computer hardware or software, etc. and sixty (60) months for collateralized loans such as home modifications and modified vehicles. The Federal and State funds will be deposited into a separate account that will be used to leverage substantial private sector dollars from BancFirst of Stillwater to loan funds to the targeted population for the purchase of needed assistive technology. This new funding will allow ABLE Tech, OkAT and BancFirst of Stillwater to provide an alternative to financing assistive technology for many years to come as the partners reach their goal of making assistive technology more affordable on behalf of Oklahomans with disabilities. New Program: Oklahoma Special Education Resolution Center by Jo Anne Pool, SERC Program Manager On December 1, 2005, ABLE Tech opened a new program called the Oklahoma Special Education Resolution Center (SERC). This program is the result of a contract between Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma State Department of Education for the purpose of managing the special education due process hearing system for the State of Oklahoma. Linda Jaco is the Program Director. Jo Anne Pool, Program Manager, will manage the day to day operations. SERC is staffed with an administrative assistant, Shannon Esmeyer. A law student will work during the school year to assist with research activities. The Center is located at 4825 South Peoria, Suite 2, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105. SERC will be recruiting, training and evaluating hearing and appeal officers that will conduct the due process hearings. Hearing and appeal officers will be recruited from around the State and must have a Master¿s degree or above in a field related to special education or must be an attorney. There is a preference for attorneys because of their basic knowledge in researching the law and conducting hearings. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis with two major mandatory training sessions per year. One of the major sessions will focus on administrative process and the other will focus on special education and related issues. SERC is bringing in a national expert on special education and special education law to conduct the fall training. The Center is also making every effort to open that training up to the public and attorneys across the state at a reasonable cost. As part of SERC activities, the staff will be working closely with the Oklahoma State Department of Education ¿ Special Education Services to update the current policies and procedures of the due process hearing system. SERC has organized an Advisory Council consisting of representation by parents, school districts and the State Department of Education ¿ Special Education Services. This Advisory Council will meet quarterly to provide input from the perspectives of the different stakeholder groups. The work that SERC creates will be presented as a recommendation to the Oklahoma State Department of Education. If you would like more information about the Oklahoma Special Education Resolution Center, you may contact the Center at (918) 712-9632 or (888) 267-0028 toll free. Shortly, a website will be available at http://serc.okstate.edu ABLE Tech Provides Accessibility Training Event to State on Accessible Electronic and Information Technology by Brenda Dawes, AT Project Specialist and Web Coordinator Oklahoma ABLE Tech at OSU-Stillwater, the Office of State Finance, and the Department of Central Services are sponsoring a training event to provide information and technical assistance on Oklahoma's new law for the accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology. The event will be held at the State Capitol Complex on Feb. 13-14, 2006. To find more information and registration forms, please visit http://www.accessibility.ok.gov . Oklahoma's Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Law passed in 2004 (HB 2197) requiring state agencies, postsecondary institutions, and the State Board of Career and Technology Education to develop, procure, and maintain electronic and information technology that is accessible to people with disabilities. The IT accessibility standards became effective Sept. 8, 2005. The standards cover the following areas: Software applications and operating systems, Web-based information or applications, Telecommunication products, Video and multimedia products, Desktop and portable computers, and Information, documentation and support. ABLE Tech anticipates approximately 700 registrants from state agencies, post secondary institutions, and Career Tech. This training event is organized to provide a wide variety of information necessary for those who are responsible for electronic and information technology purchases, for the development and maintenance of information technology, web developers, software designers, for anyone who is responsible for preparing information to be placed on a website, for those who are involved with the purchase of telecommunication products, and for those who are involved with E-learning, distance education, and multimedia through the internet Oklahoma AgrAbility in the News Staff Members for AgrAbility: Carla Wilhite, OT/L AgrAbility Program Specialist and Rachael Kircher, AgrAbility Project Coordinator Farmers and ranchers with disabilities often need specialized assistive technologies (AT) to help them return to farm work and/ or completing tasks inside the home. AT may include tractor lifts, automatic hitches, hand controls, and lever door knobs. In Oklahoma, one of the main resources to locate the right AT for the farm/ranch is AgrAbility. Being aware of other AT devices and resources may be helpful for people with disabilities of all ages and impairments. The correct AT will help people keep active at work, school, church, community, or home. The latest AgrAbility newsletter focuses on a variety of resources available to Oklahoma consumers. The topics in the newsletter are: defining assistive technology, statewide locations assistive technology demonstration, the idea of ¿trying before you buy¿ programs, statewide used equipment program called the Oklahoma Equipment Connection, and finding help to determine if a farmer or rancher is unsure what device would help. To read the AgrAbility newsletter, please visit the AgrAbility website at http://biosystems.okstate.edu/agrability/index.html. Multi-Use glove featured - The Action Life Glove is a popular glove, allowing those without a grasp to exercise using cable exercisers or free weights. The glove can also be used with a tennis racket, fishing pole, or on the farm jobs. The double tunnel loop glove features two loop straps. The smaller hook strap enables you to grip objects such as pool cues, ping-pong paddles, fishing rods, brushes, etc. The larger strap, when run through the single palmer loop, forms a closed fist which enables you to exercise on machines such as the Hydra Fitness and Universal Gym, free weights, etc. Access to Recreation for Access to Life Gloves http://www.accesstr.com/. ABLE Tech and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center Partner to Provide Training to SoonerStart RESOURCES AND EVENTS Oklahoma ABLE Tech http://okabletech.okstate.edu Oklahoma Equipment Connection http://oec.okstate.edu ABLE Tech Alternative Financing Program and Access to Telework Fund Program http://okabletech.okstate.edu/afp Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility News http://okabletech.okstate.edu/eit/ AgrAbility http://agrability.okstate.edu/ Fire Safety http://okabletech.okstate.edu/fp/ Oklahoma website dedicated to the status of the Law and Standards for Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility http:// www.accessibility.ok.gov The WebAIM tutorial for developing accessible websites is available at http:// www.ok.gov/webaim. ABLE Tech Events Feb. 7 Exhibit -Transition Fair Owasso 6-9 p.m. Feb. 11 Presentation at Therapeutic Recreation Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) ¿Simple Solutions to Increase Independence for Everyday Living¿, OSU-Stillwater Willard Hall Feb. 14-15 Exhibit at Oklahoma Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children (OFCEC), Norman Postal Training Center Feb. 16 ABLE Tech Demo Center open house at OSU Seretean Wellness Center, Stillwater Time: 10-12 and 4-6. See front cover of newsletter for more information. March 1-2 ¿ TBD Presentation at Oklahoma Association for Persons in Supported Employment (OK-APSE) ¿Do you see what I see? Assistive technology for the vision impaired¿, Tulsa Southern Hills Marriott March 28 Demonstration to DHS Area I on AT devices for Seniors, Fairview April 10 OSU-Tulsa Disability Awareness Week Public Invited to Open house demonstration of AT for Learning Disabilities. Demo from 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Presentation on AT for Learning Disabilities from 3-4. April 25-29 TBD Presentation at the National Convention of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, ¿Integrating Simple Assistive Technology into Physical Activity and Recreation Settings¿, Salt Lake City, UT May 3 Presentation at the Oklahoma Transition Institute ¿Assistive Technology and Transition¿, Moore-Norman Technology Center South Penn Campus. May 17 Workshop for the Residential Care Administrators Program ¿Simple Solutions to Increase Independence for Everyday Living¿, OSU-Stillwater This publication is available in alternative formats. To request another format, please call us at 1-800-257-1705 V/TTY. This issue and past newsletter issues are available on our web site in text and PDF format. 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 |
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