Oklahoma ABLE Tech Newsletter - Connecting Oklahomans with Disabilities to Assistive Technology
Summer 2010 Volume 10, Issue 3 PDF
Inside This Issue:
Assistive Technology Demonstration
Twitter
Oklahoma AgrAbility
Success Story
Oklahoma AT Center Locations
Oklahoma AT Center Highlights
Accessible Instructional Materials for Your Child
Special Education Resolution Center
Oklahoma Equipment Exchange
Resources and Events
AT Demonstrations Without the Travel 
Did you know that ABLE Tech has the capability to offer trainings and demonstrations in remote locations with videoconferencing equipment? Our equipment is called Polycom, and it will allow individuals in any county to have assistive technology (AT) equipment demonstrations and/or trainings without traveling to ABLE Tech’s office in Stillwater! Our staff are excited about this option, as we believe it will help individuals who aren’t able to travel to access our services more easily.
This equipment has already been used to offer trainings to SoonerStart personnel statewide. These individuals serve children from birth to 3 who have developmental delays, and they have AT provided to them through a partnership with ABLE Tech. SoonerStart teams recently acquired new AT equipment and were able to participate in remote Polycom trainings to learn about their new items. Providers spread from Guymon to Idabel were able to meet in their Health Department and attend a 1-hour training led by ABLE Tech staff without travel time or expense. According to a SoonerStart physical therapy provider in Guymon, a town in the Oklahoma panhandle, the Polycom training was so simple and went so well that she felt encouraged to discuss this option with families who want to see AT options for their children and can’t afford the time or expense of traveling.
After contacting ABLE Tech to learn more about the Polycom a staff person will assist you with finding a location in your area that has compatible technology, usually a county Health Department office or a Career Tech Center. Once the demonstration/training is scheduled, you’ll go to that location near you and will sit in front of a television.
The ABLE Tech staff person will handle all the technical details, and will call that remote location to make a connection with you. You don’t need any technical knowledge of the equipment; the ABLE Tech staff person will run the sound and the camera. You’ll be able to see the AT you’re interested in with close-up camera zooms, and will be able to see and hear the ABLE Tech staff person explaining how it works.
The types of AT that may be demonstrated through Polycom could range from devices to assist individuals who have hearing or vision impairments or devices for communication or computer use. The Polycom demonstrations are available to individuals with disabilities and their families or caregivers, as well as professionals, such as therapists, teachers, rehabilitation counselors, or employers, who work with people who have disabilities.
Please contact ABLE Tech at 800-257-1705 to arrange a Polycom training to gain more information about AT that is appropriate for your needs.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is now on Twitter! We would like to invite everyone to follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/OKABLETech.
It’s easy to sign up for a free account on Twitter so you can “follow us.” You can also share news with all of our followers by replying to our tweets about upcoming events, news articles or informative web links.
“Oklahoma ABLE Tech connects Oklahomans of all ages with disabilities to Assistive Technology”
Oklahoma AgrAbility
Kevin is the new Oklahoma AgrAbility Program Coordinator. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health and Nutrition in 2007 and a Master of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences in 2009, both from Oklahoma State University. He began his career as a Wellness Coach for the city of Dallas, TX and worked face to face with his clients and their health goals. He returned to Oklahoma State University in May 2010 as part of the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project team. As Program Coordinator, Kevin creates and updates educational materials, display items and presentations. He also designs promotional materials, the quarterly newsletter, news releases, and maintains the project Web site. Kevin fulfills networking and educational opportunities with the agricultural component of the Project by attending conferences and giving public speaking events about AgrAbility.
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Kevin at 405-744-6725.
Success Story 
The collaborative efforts between Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Department of Corrections and Community Sentencing Division of Payne County assisted in providing the equipment necessary to allow a deaf, pregnant woman from Payne County that had a substance abuse issue to attend residential substance abuse treatment while providing care for her unborn child. Without this equipment she would not have had the convenience of “on demand” conversations with therapist or other faculty and staff.
She borrowed the ZAM Communicator and the Interpretype during her pregnancy and while in treatment. This enabled the hospital staff, as well as, the treatment facility staff to communicate with her to monitor her health and help her understand her addiction. By allowing her to use this equipment she has a much clearer understanding of her criminal behavior and how to deal with the issue of relapse if it occurs in the future.
The Department of Corrections, Payne County Community Sentencing Division and Jordan’s Crossing Inc., are extremely grateful that Oklahoma ABLE Tech had this device for her to use, since it would have been very difficult or impossible for her to finish her treatment without the Interpretype or ZAM Communicator.
Oklahoma AT Center Locations
Oklahoma ABLE Tech and partners operate assistive technology (AT) device demonstration and short-term loan programs to increase accessibility to AT. The assistive technology inventory is available and searchable online at http://oec.okstate.edu/loan/. Oklahoma ABLE Tech allows individuals to borrow devices for six weeks at no cost.
Search the inventory:
http://oec.okstate.edu/loan
Hearing Loss Association of Oklahoma City 405-717-9820
Total Source for Hearing Loss & Access, Tulsa 918-832-8742
Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Stillwater 800-257-1705
Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders, Tulsa 918-631-2913
The Visual Services Center & Low Vision Clinic, Oklahoma City 405-522-3442
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology, Stillwater 405-743-5162
Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Tulsa 918-794-7632
Total Health, Stillwater 405-624-6592
NewView, Oklahoma City 405-232-4644
Oklahoma AT Center Highlights
Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Tulsa
New to DDSD, is the Multichair 6000 by Nuprodx. It is a tub/slider system which eliminates bathroom transfers and is an effective alternative when installing a roll-in shower isn’t possible. Seat height adjusts from 20” to 24” to provide access over even the highest toilets required by the ADA. The connector bridge is removable for shower curtain closure. Contact DDSD at 918-794-7632 for more information on this system.
Total Source for Hearing Loss & Access, Tulsa
The Univox Home Loop System is a loop amplification system designed for use by individuals who are hard of hearing. This system enables hearing aids equipped with telecoils to function as in-the-ear loudspeakers. The system is comprised of a Loop Pad that slips under a chair or its cushion connected to a cord that runs to the Univox amplifier. For more information on this device and how to borrow, please contact TSHA at 918-832-8742.
The Visual Services Center and Low Vision Clinic, Oklahoma City
The Refreshabraille18 is a unique hand-held refreshable Braille display that sets a new standard in functionality, flexibility, and portability. It connects to your mobile device via USB cable or wireless Bluetooth®. Supports common screen readers like Window-Eyes® and JAWS® for the PC and Talks® and Mobile Speak® for mobile phones and PDAs. It combines an elegant design, reliability, and ease-of-use with a rugged metal case. For questions about this device contact VS at 405-522-3442.
Hearing Loss Association of Oklahoma City
The Ameriphone Dialogue XL-50 is an amplified phone that is designed for those who are considered to have moderate to severe hearing loss. The XL-50 Amplified Telephone offers the latest in telecommunication technology to give you louder, clearer and more understandable conversations. The XL-50’s powerful amplifier not only increases the incoming voice by 48+ decibels, it even allows you to adjust the tone to your hearing needs. Contact HLA to learn more about this device at 405-717-9820.
Accessible Instructional Material for Your Child
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) requires States and school districts to ensure that textbooks and related core instructional materials are provided to students with print disabilities in specialized formats in a timely manner, typically at the same time as their peers. Timely accessible instructional materials ensure students with disabilities can participate, access, and achieve in the general educational curriculum. For students with sensory, physical, cognitive, or learning differences and their teachers, accessible instructional materials (AIM) open doors to teaching and learning that ordinary print-based materials have closed.
What is a print disability? Students who cannot use typical print-based materials due to blindness, low vision, physical limitations, and/or have reading disabilities due to organic dysfunction such as dyslexia.
What are AIM? Accessible instructional materials include specialized formats of curricular content that can be used by and with print-disabled learners including Braille, audio, large print, and electronic text. Students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) who struggle to read using traditional print are eligible for AIM.
How the process works: The School IEP team determines and documents the student’s need for alternative formats. Each April, schools submit textbook orders to the textbook depositories and should include a request for accessible formats for students who will be attending that school. To expedite the process, the school can contact the Oklahoma AIM Center located at the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to specify what accessible materials are needed and in what format.
How Can ABLE Tech and Assistive Technology Support AIM? ABLE Tech assists schools in finding assistive technology (AT) to help students with print disabilities read instructional materials. Examples of AT for AIM are Refreshable Braille displays, text to speech handheld devices, literacy software that provides audio output and additional literacy support, screen readers, and magnification software. ABLE Tech provides free equipment loans for up to six weeks.
How can I learn more? Visit the following links or call to find resources for parents, teachers, and students:
National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials http://aim.cast. org; Oklahoma AIM Center www.library. state.ok.us/aim/ or call 800-523-0288;
Oklahoma ABLE Tech www.okabletech. okstate.edu or call 888-885-5588.
Special Education Resolution Center (SERC)
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. SERC provides highly trained mediators to assist the parties in coming to agreement. 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.
These processes are in place so that Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment will be available to Oklahoma children. SERC also provides conflict resolution skills to parents and to school leaders. By building capacity at the local level, special education stakeholders will be better equipped to engage in crucial conversations necessary to address difficult issues. This August, two school districts in our state will host a two day training for area school leaders on engaging in crucial conversations. This training is aimed to enable school personnel to engage more effectively in discussing difficult issues.
Oklahoma Equipment Exchange
The Oklahoma Equipment Exchange is a free program to help Oklahomans with disabilities acquire affordable equipment. Log onto the Equipment Exchange website, http://oec.okstate.edu, or call ABLE Tech to list your devices or inquire about products at 888-885-5588. Below is a list of items currently for sale or FREE.
Computers and related
Mouthstick - Bendable - FREE
Slip-on Typing Aid - FREE
Wanchik Writer - FREE
Daily Living
Bedside commode w/arms, Never Used
CPAP, Devilbiss 9000
Car Door Opener- FREE
Carbonless Paper - FREE
Commode - portable bedside - FREE
Cup/Holder for Wheelchair – FREE
Dysphagia Cup – FREE
EnteraLite feeding pump, Zevex
Motion Detect Wall Switch - FREE
Offset contoured spoon LH – FREE
Offset contoured spoon RH – FREE
Padded Bed Boards, Custom Made to order
Patient Lift - Electric for large person, Invacare
Portable Vacu Aide Suction Machine, Devilbiss
Power Failure Safety Light – FREE
Quad Cane
ResMed VPAP III
Reversible Bib for adult - FREE
Shower Chair
Shower bench w/wheels
Shower set-up - portable
Silverware - Fork- featherweight - FREE
Silverware-Offset contoured Spoon - FREE
Snap & Roll Toilet Paper Holder - FREE
Sock N Stocking Aid – FREE
Standing Frame - Adult
Trixie Lift w/extra large sling, Arjo
Undershelf Jar & Bottle Opener – FREE
Environmental Adaptations
Automatic Door Opener
Converter Switch - FREE
Photocell Switch - FREE
Portable Ramps, 8 foot aluminum ramps
Shower bench w/wheels
Sip and Puff Switch - FREE
Hearing
Clarity Portable Amplifier - FREE
Neckloop Telecoil Coupler for Hearing Aid Users – FREE
Learning, Cognitive, & Developmental
The Margi Presenter-to-Go - FREE
Mobility, Seating & Positioning
Gait Trainer - Rifton, Adult
Heavy Duty Bariatric Rollator, Invacare
Lift Chair , Golden Technologies
Pedal Wheelchair, EZ chair
Pediatric Power wheelchair
Power Chair , large power chair, 350+ lbs.
Power Chair - Reclines & Tilts
Power chair - Alante
PowerChair, Jazzy 600 Series
Rifton Stander for a Child
Scooter - Go-Go Elite Traveler
Standing Frame – Adult
Standing Frame - Easy Stand
Standing Power Chair - Levo
Super Pole w/Trapeze
Superglide StairLift
Tiresox-Wheelchair Tire Covers - FREE
Vertical Wheelchair Lift (Elevator)
Walker - FREE
Walker - Extra Large w/seat
Wheelchair - Quickie IRIS
Wheelchair - Quickie Q7
Wheelchair Power Permobil Brand
Wheelchair Ramp for Home - 9 ft.
Wheelchair-Manual Tilt/Recline
Portable ramps, aluminum, 8 feet long
Recreation, Sports, and Leisure
Five Plate Busy Box Toy - FREE
Grip N Puff Switch - FREE
Speech Communication
Partner/Plus Communicator - FREE
Talking Symbols notepad - FREE
ZAM Communicator - FREE
Vehicle Modification and Transportation
Bruno Turny w/Carony seat conversion for van
Glide N Go Lift Seat
Lift for inside of van- Harmar Powered - FREE
Lockdown System for wc in van, EZ LOCK
Van - 1997 w/lift GMC Savana Conversion
Wheelchair Lift (ONLY) for Hi Door Van
Van Lift - FREE
Vision
Colored Overlays - FREE
CCTV
Resources and Events
Oklahoma ABLE Tech AT Demo and Loan Program, http://okabletech.okstate.edu
AT Equipment Exchange Program, http://oec.okstate.edu
ADA 20th Year Anniversary
On July 26, 1990, the American with Disabilities Act was signed into law. In the 20 years since, people with disabilities have seen huge strides in the workplace, the home, the community and the attitude of general public.
August 2, Oklahoma’s 43rd Annual CareerTech Summer Conference, Tulsa Convention Center
August 4, Department of Rehabilitation Services - 2nd Annual Education and Outreach EXPO, Oklahoma School for the Blind, Muskogee, OK. For more information call 800-845-8476.
September 10, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council “Building Foundations for Advocacy Conference,” Reed Conference Center, Midwest City, OK. For more information contact Theresa Hamrick at 800-569-7974.
September 14, On the Road with Family Perspective, Pioneer Technology Center, Ponca City, OK. For more information contact OASIS at 800-426-2747.
September 23-24, Oklahoma Rural Health Association Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, Norman, OK. Contact Andy Fosmire for additional information at 580-213-3172.
October 8-9, Oklahoma AgrAbility Fall Conference, OSU Campus, Seretean Wellness Center, Stillwater, OK. For more information call 888-885-5588.
Staff
Robin Purdie, Director of OSU Seretean Wellness Center
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Staff
Linda Jaco, Director of Sponsored Programs OSU Seretean Wellness Center
Milissa Gofourth, Program Manager
Brenda Dawes, AT Program Specialist and Web/Marketing Coordinator
Diana Sargent, Senior Administration Support Specialist
Shelby Sanders, AT Specialist
Tessa Stinnett, AT Specialist, CCC-SLP
Lindsey Davis, AFP Loan Coordinator & Marketing Coordinator
Sandra Stevenson, AgrAbility Program Manager
Stacy Bauter, AgrAbility Assistant
Jo Anne Pool-Blades, SERC Program Manager
Shannon Esmeyer, SERC Administrative Assistant
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Seretean Wellness Center
Oklahoma State University
1514 W. Hall of Fame
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 800-257-1705 V/TDD
405-744-9748 V/TDD
Fax: 405-744-2487
INFO-Line: 888-885-5588
http://okabletech.okstate.edu
This publication is available in alternative formats; please call 1-800-257-1705 V/TTY for more info. 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.