Oklahoma ABLE Tech Quarterly Newsletter
A Year in Review
We are pleased to share Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s highlights and key activities reported in our 2008 annual report to be published and distributed to Oklahoma’s legislators. ABLE Tech serves individuals of all ages and all disabilities in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Statistics
• 460 assistive technology (AT) devices loaned to Oklahoman’s in “try before you buy” short-term loan program
• 1057 AT demonstrations to Oklahomans
• The Alternative Financing Program provided $484,699 in AT device low interest bank loans assisting 86 Oklahomans with disabilities
• 104 AT devices exchanged from sellers to buyers for a savings of $218,297
• 417 computers recycled and donated to Oklahomans with disabilities for a savings of $333,600
• SoonerStart personnel demonstrated 545 AT devices to children 0-3 years old
• 447 individuals received information and referral on AT devices and services
• AT training events served over 1,069 people
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 training on accessible information technology including web access, telecommunications, software accessibility, and procurement to 565 state agencies and postsecondary personnel.
• ABLE Tech provided training on AT devices and services to individuals, disability related organizations, and state agencies.
• “Fire Safety for Oklahomans with Disabilities” professionally installed 217 specialized smoke alarms in 131 households statewide.
• ABLE Tech’s partner, Sooner AMBUCS Share4Life Komputers, donated 417 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 $2,100,000 in taxpayer dollars.
• Oklahoma AgrAbility Project provides education, assistance and support to farmers, ranchers and their family members with disabilities or debilitating injuries that limit their abilities to perform farm tasks. ABLE Tech, through its partnership with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services, Langston University and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation provided direct services to 21 farmers or their family member and closed 7 cases successfully while providing continued case management until the others complete services.
Oklahoma AT Center Locations: Over 1400 devices available!
Search the inventory http://oec.okstate.edu/loan
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 405-717-9820
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
Is it difficult for you to use a telephone due to a hearing, speech or physical limitation? When a standard phone no longer works for you, it is time to explore a more specialized phone so you can stay in touch with your friends and family, as well as, increase your security and peace of mind. There are many different types of phones that can help you.
A common request is for amplified telephones. There are many reasons people lose some of their hearing, including the aging process, making hearing a conversation on the telephone difficult. Amplified phones come with different levels of amplification, up to 60 decibels, and have bright ring flashers and super loud ringers. They work the same way as typical telephones, only louder. The amplification feature can usually be turned down/off so others can use the phone as well.
For the person who can speak but not hear, there is a voice carry over phone. The user speaks to the other party but reads their incoming message on a screen that is part of the phone. For the person who cannot speak but can hear, there is a hearing carry over phone. The number pad on the phone is used as a keypad to type a message to the person on the other end of the line. Both of these phones place calls through a toll-free relay service. The TTY is used by someone who does not speak or hear; their conversations are typed and read. These calls are also placed through the free relay service or can be directed to another TTY.
The photo phone works well for people with low vision or memory difficulties. It has memory frames in which you can insert pictures and program a number to coincide with the picture. One touch on the photo dials the number. The emergency connect phone is used for safety purposes. It comes with a wristwatch or pendant style remote control with programmable contact numbers. The numbers are activated by pressing the control button on the remote.
There are amplification devices for cell phones. People are also using text messaging instead of voice. We have yet to find a large button, easy to use, amplified cell phone that is available through local service providers, but continue to look. Some individuals with moderate to severe mobility limitations need hands-free phone activation. There are several different types of phone products that allow individuals to make and receive phone calls either by voice control, whistling, or sip and puff methods.
There are other types of phones that may fit your specific need. For Oklahoma residents, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) offers a telecommunications program, which provides certain phones and TTYs free to eligible individuals. Oklahoma ABLE Tech may have the phone for you in their demonstration and loan centers. Please call ABLE Tech’s INFO-line at 1-888-885-5588 for more information about the telephone service that is right for you or take a look at our online inventory at http://oec.okstate.edu/loan. -- Story obtained from North Dakota AT Key Newsletter
Spotlight on Partner Locations: Assistive Technology “Hands-On” Opportunities Benefit Oklahomans with Disabilities
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:// www.oec.okstate.edu/loan/. Individuals can borrow devices for six weeks at no cost.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Program, Stillwater
Williams Sound Personal FM Listening System. A wireless listening systems, is useful in the classroom, in meetings, for TV use, and in the car. The individual with a hearing impairment wears the earphones or headphones and the speaker uses the lapel microphone. Mayhem Media,$457.50.
Visual Services of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma City
Acrobat LCD is a flexible 3-in-1 video magnifier that is ideal for near, distance and self viewing. By rotating the detachable camera up to 340 degrees, you can read, write, zoom, and magnify images at any distance. It has up to 65x adjustable digital magnification. The Acrobat comes with a 19 inch LCD monitor. NanoPac, $2395.
Hearing Loss Association of Oklahoma City, Integris Third Age Life Center
The Silent Call Bed Vibrator can be used in conjunction with the Sleep/Alert Charger or the Sidekick Receiver to keep you notified during the night. It can be used under your pillow or mattress for vibration alerting. LS&S, $38.95.
Oklahoma League for the Blind, Oklahoma City
The versatile Able Table allows hands-free reading. Can be used as a bookholder, bed table,portable desk, etc. Has elastic hold-down straps. LS&S, $46.95.
Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders, University of Tulsa
L*E*O™ is a high-quality communication device that uses a language-enhancing overlay system. Activate pre-recorded, digitized speech messages simply by touching pictures or symbols in a grid or scene. You can also use L*E*O’s infrared commands to control lights, small appliances, adapted toys, television, VCR, or DVD. Tobii ATI, $999.
Total Source for Hearing Loss and Access, Tulsa
The C4230 cordless amplified phone uses DCP™ (Digital Clarity Power) technology and 50 decibels of intelligent amplification to make conversations louder and clearer. It is a feature-rich solution for those with a moderate to severe hearing loss or low vision. Independent Living Aids, $220.
Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education, Stillwater
WordQ is a software application that will work with email, word processors, the web, etc. Users of all ages who have problems writing and editing, particularly those with learning disabilities, can benefit from using WordQ. When WordQ is turned on, you begin to type a word and it will predict what it is you’re trying to type. WordQ will also read it back for you. WordQ will work on any Windows software and is currently available in English and French. EnableMart, $225.
ASK - AMBUCS Share 4 Life Computers, Norman
The ASK program donates computers to people with disabilities. Almost 4,500 computers have been provided to individuals with disabilities 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, Stillwater
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 “The Connection” AgrAbility Day on March 9, 2009 at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City from 1-4 p.m. The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is seeking State funding and the public is invited to come speak with their legislators. There will also be modified farm equipment demonstrations on the South Plaza at 3:30. AgrAbility supports the rehabilitation and assistive technology needs of Oklahomans with disabilities who face barriers for 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, referring families to local service providers, providing peer support, and conducting informational and educational workshops. For more information call 405-744-2398, toll free: 888-885-5588 (voice/tty). Email: ability@okstate.edu. Website: http://agrability.okstate.edu.
Oklahoma AgrAbility Success Story
The Oklahoma AgrAbility program, located at the OSU Seretean Wellness Center, recently assisted an individual in Bryan County return to managing his cattle operation. After experiencing several bouts of paralysis caused by Bells’ palsy and Transverse Myelitis, he was experiencing difficulty taking care of his cattle operation. The level of disability varied from week to week with no ability to walk at times. Fortunately for this rancher, the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project, which was established in 2002, works to
support the rehabilitation and assistive technology needs of state farmers, ranchers and their families who face disabilities and barriers to continue productivity in agriculture.
“Most people don’t want to think of themselves as disabled,” said Dr. William Lane, AgrAbility Program Manager. “By our definition, if farm work is harder to do then it’s a loss of ability.”
As a result of AgrAbility and the Durant Department of Rehabilitation’s efforts, this individual recently received several pieces of equipment that will assist him in his farming duties. He received a rolling walker with a seat, porch steps and rails, a quick hitch, door lifts for buildings, portable steps to climb onto equipment and an automatic gate with a remote. To find out more information about the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project contact (405) 744-2398 or online at agrability.okstate.edu.
Oklahoma Special Education Resolution Center
The Special Education Resolution Center (SERC), under contract with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, manages the Special Education Due Process Hearing System and develops innovative programs to assist the parties in resolving disputes in special education. Last year, SERC tested the use of a third party neutral facilitator during resolution sessions of due process. The results were a success and a third party neutral facilitator will now be offered in all due process requests this year in an attempt to help parties resolve disputes at the earliest stage possible. SERC is pleased to announce that trained mediators will also be available to parents and school districts that have been unable to resolve disputes. When parents and school districts have reached an impasse and require the use of a trained mediator to help resolve the dispute, a mediator can be provided at no cost to the parties.
SERC recruits and trains hearing officials (to preside over administrative law hearings) and mediators (to act as facilitators or mediators with parties in dispute). National experts are brought to Oklahoma and the trainings are open to the public at reasonable cost. For more information on services through the Special Education Resolution Center contact toll free 888-267-0028 or 918-712-5510.
Oklahoma Equipment Exchange
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
Adult Briefs w/side tabs (2XL) (FREE)
Bone Stimulator
CPAP - Price Reduced!
Elec Bed - (Queen) Sealy Posturepedic
Feeder Tray - Electric Self-Feeder
Full Body Large Mesh Sling #1
Hospital Bed - Elec (FREE)
Hospital Bed - Electric-Price Reduced!
Hospital Bed - Invacare
Hoyer Patient Lift
Hoyer Patient Lift - manual
Hydraulic Lift - In-home system-Price Reduced!
Mattress-Demafloat Low Air Loss-Price Reduced!
Offset Trapeze Bar-Octagon Tube
Oximeter-NPB290 24-hour
Oxygen Concentrator
Patient Lift - Electric (NEW)
Shower set-up - portable
Swivel Clamp & Bracket
Turnsoft Mattress
Trapeze Bar - (for hospital bed)
Environmental Adaptations
Automatic Door Opener #3
Portable Ramps -Reduced Price!!
Trapeze Bar
Recreation, Sports, and Leisure
Braille Playing Cards (FREE)
Vision
CCTV SmartView 3000, SmartView
Vehicle Modification and Transportation
Bruno Joey VSL-4000 Wheelchair lift for van.
Car-Top Wheelchair Carrier FREE
Van - w/lift 1988 Dodge caravan OBO
Van - w/lift 1991 Ford -Raised Roof (Great Price!)
Van - w/lift 1998 GMC Handicap Van (PRICE REDUCED)
Van - w/lift 2003 Chevy Explorer Conversion
Van - w/lift1995 Chevy G-20 3/4 Ton
Mobility, Seating & Positioning
Bath Stool - Like New
Cane - 4 Prong-Quad - FREE
Crutches - FREE
Folding Power Chair
Geri Chair – FREE
Home-Care Lift (Electric) (OBO)
Lift Chair - Brand New
Pediatric Manual Wheelchair - #1 (FREE)
Pediatric Power Wheelchair- Quickie (FREE)
Pony Gait Trainer-SMALL (Pony Walker) (FREE)
Power Chair (Reduced Price!!)
Power Chair - Invacare Arrow Storm
Power Chair w/500 lb capacity
Powerchair - Rascal 301
Scooter - 4 wheeled w/joystick (NEW)
Scooter - Bruno (can accommodate a large person)
Scooter - Jazzy 1170 Power Chair (Large) (FREE)
Scooter - Jazzy Select 4 wheel (elec) BRAND NEW
Scooter- Invacare M91 Pronto, Sure Step (FREE)
Shower - Commode Transfer Chair
Stander - Child (ages 6-12 yrs) (FREE)
Stander - Youth Sit-to-Stand (Reduced Price!!)
Vertical Wheelchair Lift (Elevator) - for wheelchair or scooter
Walker - w/seat & brakes
Walker - standard (NEW, tags still attached)
Walker - Child (Kaye 2 wheels) FREE
Wheelchair - Elec Permobile C300 (NEW)
Wheelchair - Elec Pronto SureStep M94
Wheelchair - Elec. INVACARE Pronto M71
Wheelchair - Manual
Wheelchair - Power
Wheelchair - Power Jazzy Select (Price Reduced!)
Wheelchair - Power Tiger Pediatric (FREE)
Wheelchair - Ultralight Titanium
Wheelchair Recliner - Tracer-Price Reduced!
Wheelchair - Manual Tilt/Recline (Make an offer)
Wheelchair - Tilt Recline (Power)-Price Reduced!
Items Needed:
EZ-Bathe system
Cough Assist Machine
AlphaSmart
Hand controls for vehicle
Stroller -for a child or adult
7 level communicator
VAN - w/lift
Wheelchair lift ONLY
Color cards of nouns/verbs
Lift Chair
• 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
January 28: ATIA AT Industry Association, Orlando, FL
Oklahoma ABLE Tech will be a speaker at the conference. For more information, visit www.atia.org.
March 9: Oklahoma AgrAbility Day at the Capitol, OKC
Hold the date for AgrAbility Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol from 1-4 p.m. For more information, contact Oklahoma AgrAbility toll free at (888) 885-5588.
March 10 : On the Road Family Perspective Conference, Enid
For more information please contact Sally Selvidge, Family Outreach Coordinator, OASIS at (800) 426-2747.
March 31: On the Road Family Perspective Conference, Shawnee
For more Information please contact Sally Selvidge, Family Outreach Coordinator, OASIS at (800) 426-2747.
April 9: Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol, OKC
Hold the date for Disability Awareness Day at the Oklahoma State
Capitol. For more information, contact the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services toll free at (800) 845-8476.
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
Brenda Dawes, AT Program Specialist and Web Coordinator
Shelby Sanders, AFP Loan Coordinator
Diana Sargent, Senior Administration Support Specialist
Sandra Stevenson, Training/Outreach Specialist
Melinda Tebow, Graduate Assistant
William Lane, AgrAbility Program Manager
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 i 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.