About WVATSWVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Fall 2006
Please note that phone numbers, addresses, websites and e-mail addresses were accurate at time of publication. This information may not be current.
Articles:
[WVATS]
[Resources]
[ADAPT News]
[WVATS News]
[Powerful Tools]
[National News]
[State News]
[Employment News]
[AgrAbility]
[PATHS]
WVATS Virtual Loan Library
Trying out assistive technology before purchasing can help ensure money is well spent. The WVATS Virtual Loan Library is an online collection of assistive technology devices, books and other resources for people of all ages with disabilities, their families and service providers.
The Virtual Loan Library allows users to see a photograph, read a detailed description and borrow an assistive technology device or book from the comfort of their home, school or place of employment. All photographs of assistive devices in the Loan Library are of the actual item for loan.
The devices available through the Library can be borrowed by the public for up to four weeks. Everyone can browse the contents of the library. However, people must call WVATS to sign up as users (a free service) to borrow an item.
Because the Virtual Loan Library is a statewide service, organizations other than WVATS will have devices listed in the Library for loan. Users are asked to borrow items from the loan site nearest to them, whenever possible. The user is responsible for returning the item by the due date either by mail or by dropping it off at a loan center.
When you visit the Virtual Loan Library, you will notice a Bulletin Board for user postings. We ask that you use the Bulletin Board to post used and/or no longer needed assistive technology for giveaway, trade or sale. Disclosing user information on the Bulletin Board is the user's choice. WVATS will not disclose information such as phone numbers or addresses.
For more information, call WVATS at 800-841-8436 or visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/
WVATS Welcomes New Board Members
The Resource Section
Guidelines for Creating Accessible Digital Media
The WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) has announced the publication of "Accessible Digital Media: Design Guidelines for Electronic Publications, Multimedia and the Web." These guidelines provide step-by-step solutions for making a variety of electronic media accessible to users with sensory disabilities.
The guidelines are available free at http://ncam.wgbh.org/publications/adm
A free CD containing the guidelines is also available. To order single or multiple copies e-mail access@wgbh.org For more information, call 617-300-3400 or visit http://ncam.wgbh.org
One Stop for Free Assistive Technology
Online Conferencing Systems and the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities have created an online, one stop library of free assistive technology software applications.
The library contains links to more than 200 free software applications for individuals to access. These links include online radio stations that are screen reader friendly, magnifiers, web accessibility verifiers, web based text- to-speech software, large calculators and much more.
For more information, go to
www.onlineconferencingsystems.com
Prayer and Psalm CDs Available
The Large-Print Ministry has created two CDs that can help persons who are blind and visually impaired to participate more fully in worship services. The large print CDs include prayers and the entire "Book of Psalms" from The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. For more information, e-mail largeprinthelp@aol.com
New Help for Hearing Loss
By Dianne Hales
Parade on Technology
As Baby Boomers swing into their 60s, one in three can expect some hearing loss. Thanks to advances in technology, aging rockers will not have to fumble with the clunky hearing aids their parents wore.
Smaller, sleeker, smarter hearing aids
"There has been a revolution in the way hearing aids look, feel, function and sound," says Dr. Lisa Christensen of Ogden, Utah, an audiology expert who treats people with hearing impairments. New models provide more natural sound and minimize background noises such as traffic and wind.
The latest development for people who have trouble with understanding speech is "open-fit" hearing aids, says Dr. Christensen. "These little instruments tuck completely behind the ear with only a narrow tube traveling into the ear canal. The sound is very natural, and they are quite comfortable. They don't create the annoying sensation of a plugged-up ear."
Going wireless
A new system called e2e (ear-to-ear) wirelessly coordinates hearing aids in each ear so they work together for good sound. Most of the open-fit hearing aids are designed to eliminate feedback, and a few offer the option of a remote control to change volume or program settings.
West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources
West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources (WVECTCR) provides professional development opportunities within the West Virginia early care and education community. These opportunities are achieved by disseminating information, arranging training and technical assistance and facilitating collaboration. All of these resources are designed to improve the quality of services for young children across the state.
WVECTCR can help education professionals:
- Learn how to further their education and training
- Learn how to bring workshops to their community
- Become part of STARS, West Virginia's early care and education professional development system
- Learn about the Early Childhood Resource Lending Library
- Learn about local, state and national training events and conferences
- Access early childhood transition documents
- Access local and state early childhood resources and publications
- Receive financial assistance for training opportunities
- Receive financial and technical assistance for accreditation
- Learn about the resources available through the Early Childhood Resource Lending Library
- Learn about special training opportunities for parents
- Access early childhood transition documents and other information regarding children with developmental delays
- Access local and state early childhood resources and publications, including the "Parent Blocks" newsletter and "West Virginia Early Childhood Provider Quarterly" magazine
- Receive financial assistance for training opportunities for children with special needs
or call 1-888-WVECTCR (983-2827).
New Guide Available for Parents
A new guide is available to inform parents about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Legislations.
The publication titled "NCLB and IDEA: What Parents of Students with Disabilities Need to Know and Do" explains to parents the requirements of the two laws and how they can work together to improve academic achievement of students with disabilities.
The report is published by the National Center on Educational Outcomes and is available at www.nceo.info or for more information, call 612-626-1530.
ADAPT News adaptwv@hotmail.com
AD Waiver Victory
By Ken Ervin
ADAPT WV and the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living brought together a coalition of Aged and Disabled Waiver users and providers to discuss the problems they were experiencing with the West Virginia Medical Institute (WVMI) re-evaluation process and to strategize about solutions to the problem.
Bren Pamponio, an attorney from Mountain State Justice, was present at our first meeting in May. He informed us that a lawsuit was underway that could have an impact on the issues we were discussing. He listened to our stories and seemed energized by what the group had to say. He encouraged our efforts and said that community organizing was an important component to this effort.
On September 13, 2006, a large number of providers along with 13 Aged and Disabled Waiver users attended a meeting of the Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources Accountability (LOCHHRA). Problems being experienced within the Aged and Disabled Waiver were the central topic on the agenda. Providers and Waiver recipients had submitted questions to their legislators and set up individual appointments before the meeting. It was very obvious that LOCHHRA members had been well educated and prepared. The Department of Health and Human Resources referred to the impending lawsuit and refused to answer almost every question posed to them by LOCHHRA.
The lawsuit, Fleshman vs. Walker, was settled on September 20, 2006. As a result of the lawsuit, all individuals who were removed from the program since November 1, 2005 will be placed back on the program and those who had services reduced will be returned to their previous level of service. In addition, persons who were ruled ineligible for services under the WVMI evaluation process will be re-evaluated.
This victory is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a group of committed people work together to accomplish a common goal.
West Virginia Loan Fund
By Bev BinfordThe West Virginia Technology-Related Assistance Revolving Loan Fund For Individuals With Disabilities, commonly referred to as the Revolving Loan Fund, is a statewide loan program for qualified West Virginia residents with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices or services. The West Virginia Legislature set aside $100,000 for loans ranging from $500 to $5000 for 90% of the cost of the technology-related device or service. The interest rate is flexible and loans can be approved for payments to last as long as five years.
A Revolving Loan Fund applicant must be an individual with a disability or his or her representative who demonstrates that the loan will assist one or more persons with disabilities to improve independence, productivity or participation in the community. Applicants must submit a written application and a $20 non-refundable fee to the Board. The fee is used to conduct a credit check to assist the Application Committee in determining the applicant's ability to repay the loan.
Additional information regarding the Revolving Loan Fund can be obtained by contacting Beverly Binford, Supervisor of Assistive Technology and Driver Education Services, WV Division of Rehabilitation Services, by e-mail at bevb@mail.drs.state.wvu.us, via telephone at 304-642-8207, or by mail at P.O. Box 1004, Institute, WV 25112.
Revolving Loan Fund applications are available by clicking on the following link: www.wvdrs.org/wvdrs_services/wvrc/wvrc_Student_Service_Assistive_Technology.cfm.
Applications can be reviewed and completed online but must be printed and sent by mail with the $20 application fee to Bev Binford at the above address.
WVATS News
New Equipment Added to the WVATS Loan Library
The following equipment is now available to borrow from the WVATS loan library.
The Maddox Fixed Blade Knife is palm-sized and only 6 1/4 inches in length. The arch shape of the Maddox allows the user to make rocking cuts with the curved cutting edge and penetrating cuts with the two sharpened tips. The knife's design stops the hand from slipping onto the blade. Larger than the blade, the handle allows lots of gripping options and offers the type of cutting control found in a scalpel.
The Back Tee is a multi-function golf tool that eliminates virtually all bending from your golf game. You can insert the tee into the ground, place your ball on the tee, pick up your tee and pick up your ball without bending over. The Back Tee is built of high impact plastic, weighs less than one ounce and easily clips on and off the grip of any standard golf club.
The inVoca Voice Activated Remote Control is a voice-activated remote control that uses the sound of your voice to control up to eight devices including a TV, CD player, DVD, VCR, satellite and home theatre equipment. You can even program the device to perform complex operations with a single spoken command.
"Play the movie," for instance, might direct the remote to turn on the TV and VCR, turn to channel 3 and press play on the VCR. The inVoca Voice recognizes up to 50 voice commands and includes channel scan for hands-free surfing.
The ClearSounds 40 XLC Freedom Phone has a caller ID with large LCD display, flashing ring strobe, speakerphone, large numbers and 11 memory dial buttons. Important numbers are programmed easily into the phone for one-touch dialing.
When the "AMPLI" button is pressed, the phone provides up to 40dB of amplification. For additional amplification, the handset boost button provides another 10dB, for a total of up to a 50dB gain.
The devices in the library can be borrowed by the public for up to four weeks. For more information or to borrow equipment, call 800-841-8436.
Powerful Tools
Examining Wheelchair Lifts and PlatformsWVATS is devoting this Powerful Tools section to wheelchair lifts and platforms. Below are examples of different types of lifts and platforms.
The Swing-Away Lift
This lift features a rotary design that provides easy access to difficult parking predicaments. The wheelchair user enters and exits the lift platform from the side instead of the front, requiring less space. Inside the vehicle, the mount design has less doorway obstruction and interference. The lift is fully automatic and has user friendly controls.
Entering/Exiting Car Assist
This lift is a 10 inch long lever that is lightweight and small enough to fit in a glove compartment. The lift is inserted into the u-bracket of a car and is used to lift a person up easily.
The Vehicle Lift
Some lifts are designed as complimentary products to transfer scooters and/or power chairs. These heavy-duty lifts are available in many varieties.
Rampvan
Some of the features of this product include a fully automatic ramp, along with rear and front control activation. In addition, the device has a removable driver seat and a wheelchair locking device.
The Lightweight Van Lift
Some lifts are fully electric and made from lightweight aluminum. The compact designs can adjust to fit through most doors and still have a large platform. The lifts can hold more than three times their weight.
The Power Assisted Transfer Seat
This seat enables wheelchair and scooter users to transfer into either the driver or passenger seat while using little energy. The "special" seat is bolted to the van floor and rotates 140 degrees. The seat is power adjustable and compatible for both side and rear van lift conversions.
The Curbside Van Lift
The Curbside Super XL3 contains a power telescoping lift arm. The arm lifts large mobility devices safely into the back of minivans, sport utility vans and station wagons.
The No-Platform Van Lift
This lift is made without a platform and can accommodate van and motor home owners.
The Covered Scooter and Wheelchair Carrier
The USATote is a covered trailer for scooters and wheel-chairs that hooks onto a truck hitch. Its lockable cover gives security for the mobility device.
To view a wheelchair lift comparison chart go to
www.silvercross-elevators.com/Products/Wheelchair-Lifts.html
To learn more about different types and brands of lifts go to www.planetmobility.com
National News
Google Launches Accessible Search Engine
Google Accessible Search is a step toward making the world's most popular Internet search engine more accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired. Google is currently testing Accessible Search. It will present search results that are in order according to each web site's degree of accessibility for people who use screen readers.
In the past, screen reader users had to wade through a lot of inaccessible web sites and pages to find information.
Google's goal is to provide these individuals a useful and accessible web search experience that is fast and friendly. Google Accessible Search also displays results in a streamlined layout that screen readers can navigate with greater speed and accuracy. Extra information that clutters the standard Google search pages, such as sponsored links, are also stripped away to optimize usability.
For more information, visit labs.google.com/accessible
Adoption of New Accessibility Standards
The U.S. Department of Transportation has amended its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations to adopt the new ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for transportation facilities. The Department made several modifications to the regulations, including maintaining requirements for detectable warnings on curb ramps and providing additional guidance. The rule becomes effective November 29, 2006.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-16680.htm
State News
Success for Fairmont Entrepreneur
West Virginia AgrAbility and WVATS teamed up to help a person with a visual impairment in Fairmont locate the technology he needed to conduct research for his budding small business. Tony Iorio plans to begin operating an aquaculture operation, as well as a custom-made Appalachian furniture business. Diagnosed with dark cataracts, Tony is experiencing progressive vision loss for which surgery is risky.
Stacy Miller, AgrAbility Information Specialist, did research and contacted resources to assist Tony in getting a computer. A laptop, donated by Mission West Virginia, will be used with a scanner to help magnify Tony's salvaged-lumber furniture designs, as well as pond system plans for his aquaculture business.
Jamie Hayhurst-Marshall, WVATS Assistive Technology Coordinator, demonstrated a number of assistive computer devices to Tony including magnification devices and software magnification programs. Tony was able to take home demos of products to try to see what best meets his needs. He also was provided with a number of informational materials to assist him with future equipment needs.
EMPLOYMENT NEWS
Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
Many individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits (SSDI and/or SSI) want to work or increase their work activity. One barrier for these individuals is fear of losing health care and other benefits if they work. Valuable work incentive programs can extend benefits, but are often poorly understood and underused.
The West Virginia Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Project can help reduce these concerns. WIPA's Community Work Incentive Coordinators provide information to people with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits and want to work. The coordinators also answer questions about work choices, medical cards and benefits. The WIPA project is funded by the Social Security Administration and is a collaborative project between the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
For more information, call Jennifer Tenney if you live in the northern part of the state at 304-293-4692 x 1175 or Renee' Reedy if you live in the southern part of the state at 304-720-3200 x212 or visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/wipa
Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Program
Medicaid-Work Incentive Network (M-WIN) is now a part of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Program (MIG). The mission remains the same; keep people with disabilities employed while retaining health insurance.
Individuals enrolled in M-WIN pay a monthly premium health insurance coverage. The monthly premium varies based on income and can be as little as $15 per month. A $50 enrollment fee includes the first month's premium. M-WIN (West Virginia Medicaid) coverage begins the month after the enrollment fee has been paid.
As of September, there were 370 enrollees in forty-one counties in West Virginia. Mercer, Mason and Lewis counties have the highest number of enrollees: 53, 33 and 23 respectively.
The number of people enrolled in MIG has doubled within a year. Below is a chart showing the increasing trend of enrollees since September 2005. For more information, call 800-841-8436
Paving the Way to Employment
The Center for Excellence in Disabilities, in collaboration with WORKFORCE West Virginia, has announced the Disability Program Navigator Project. The purpose of the project is to increase employment and independence for people with disabilities. Some of the key components of the Disability Program Navigator Project include:
- Providing One-Stop staff answers to questions about serving job seekers with disabilities
- Being a resource for One-Stop staff and job seekers regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and reasonable accommodations
- Educating One-Stop staff regarding disability etiquette and people first language
- Fostering a collaborative effort by bringing multiple partners together who are working with an individual
- Removing barriers to employment
- Improving communication between One-Stops and their partners
Eleven disability program navigators are located throughout the state in One-Stop Centers. For more information, call Kellie Gavran at 304-293-4692 ext 1162 if you live in the northern part of the state or Joy Mason in the southern part of the state at 304-720-3200 ext 206.
WORKFORCE WV Navigators
Beckley
Harry Bostic - 304-647-0500
hbostic@hsc.wvu.edu
Princeton
Marie Parker - 304-921-1970
mparker@hsc.wvu.edu
Huntington
Kiera Bradley-Means - 304-690-0359
kbradleymeans@hsc.wvu.edu
Logan
Sherri Hall - 304-687-2826
shall@hsc.wvu.edu
Charleston
Chad Beam - 304-993-9136
cbeam@hsc.wvu.edu
Parkersburg
Amanda Gum - 304-276-5087
adennison-gum@hsc.wvu.edu
Wheeling
Shannon Austin - 304-238-6643
saaustin@hsc.wvu.edu
Fairmont
Jennifer Shaffer - 304-276-3067
jshaffer@hsc.wvu.edu
Elkins
Joseph Frame - 304-641-2373
jframe@hsc.wvu.edu
Martinsburg
Larry Searcy - 304-671-4060
lsearcy@hsc.wvu.edu
Moorefield
James Davis - 304-257-3622
jdavis@hsc.wvu.edu
Kellie Jo Gavran, Lead Navigator
304-293-4692 ext. 1162 304-376-4702 mobile
kgavran@hsc.wvu.edu
Joy L. Mason, Lead Navigator
304-720-3200 ext. 206 304-561-7970 mobile
jmason@hsc.wvu.edu
Serving West Virginia Farmers & Farm Families
Do you belong to an organization whose members might want to know more about West Virginia AgrAbility?
Please call to arrange an AgrAbility presentation. We would like to share information with your organization about the AgrAbility Project and how it helps farmers and their families.
800-841-8436 or agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Partnerships, Persistence Pay off for Vegetable Farmer
Butcher Family Farm's roadside stand offers not only the predictable gamut of summer vegetables, but also some of the most perfect round onions, purple sweet peppers, heirloom tomatoes and more. Depending on the time of year, you might find fresh strawberries, blackberries, flowering mums, hanging baskets or buses full of school children paying a visit to Butcher Farm's chickens, goats, sheep and llamas. The man behind this 110 acre operation, which also wholesales its fresh vegetables, is Rob Butcher, the grandson of the original owner of Butcher Farm.
Rob, like other members of his immediate family, has facioscapularhumeral muscular dystrophy. Its progression has dramatically impacted his leg strength in the last ten years, and consequently his mobility. He and his wife reside on the family farm. "I am very fortunate that my family is so supportive," he says. The farm belongs to his parents, and the whole family works to keep it in production.
In 1999, Rob worked with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, who helped him purchase a platform lift for his John Deere 5410. The lift allows him to stand at ground level and be lifted by hydraulics up to the level of the tractor seat. "I honestly cannot imagine life without it now," he says, grateful both to DRS and to the National AgrAbility Project, which helped put him in touch with the company who designed the lift.
Concerned about navigating the farm as his muscular dystrophy progressed, Rob e-mailed West Virginia AgrAbility in the early winter months of 2006. Since then, Inetta Fluharty, Field Operations Manager for WV AgrAbility, has made several visits to Butcher Family Farm to conduct safety assessments, and to help Rob evaluate mobility options.
"Rob was concerned that in the future he might need assistance getting up out of the tractor seat and rising to a standing position to allow him to utilize the lift," says Fluharty, who works with the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL).
Inetta recommended some additional hand holds for the tractor, as well as something called a Standing Chair, which enables the user to sit or stand with the legs and back supported.
According to The Standing Company, which manufactures the Standing Chair, 'passively standing' improves circulation, reduces swelling, and prevents bone loss, all of which can be problems with long term wheelchair use. Such a chair would allow Rob to get into a standing position all by himself, simply by pulling a lever on the chair.
Read more about the ways Rob and West Virginia AgrAbility are working together by visiting the Web at www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability/successstories.html
New Tool Available to Compare Utility Tractors
The second in a series of comparison tools created by the National AgrAbility project is now available. The "Utility Tractor Product Comparison" compares 10 models (including John Deere, Massey-Ferguson, International, Kubota, Farm Trac, and McCormick) on a wide number of specific features. The depth and width of steps are measured, as well as handrails, cab accessibility and operator controls, among dozens of other intricate details that help potential purchasers evaluate the best fit for their needs. The comparison is available on line at www.agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech/comparison/utilitytractor or by calling 800-841-8436.
AgrAbility Travels the State, Plans Training for Therapists
The summer was a busy time for West Virginia AgrAbility staff.Between farm visits, exhibits and presentations, the program clocked a lot of miles in the last few months. In addition to exhibiting at the WV State Fair and the WV Public Health Association Conference, presentations were made at the WVU Organic Farm Field Day, the 4-H Leadership Conference and the WORKFORCE West Virginia Conference, along with other presentations at local health clinics.
Staff also traveled to Oklahoma City for a train-the-trainer workshop on organizing workshops for occupational and physical therapists. In the spring of 2007, the project plans to conduct a training to provide therapists with the tools necessary to work with farmers with injuries and disabilities. For more information on this opportunity, call Stacy Miller at 800-841-8436.
2007 PATHS Conference Scheduled
The 12th Annual PATHS Conference will be held on February 19-21, 2007 at the Charleston Civic Center, in Charleston, West Virginia. The conference will provide practical information, resources and hands-on workshops. Participants will learn about assistive technology (AT) applications for school, work and independent living.
The conference will span three days with sessions in the afternoon on the first day, a full day of sessions on the second day and one full-day session on the third day. Presentations and AT opportunities will address areas including:
- Education and AT (elementary, secondary and higher ed)
- Transition and AT
- Employment and AT
- Disaster and emergency planning and AT
- Hands on computer lab with software and hardware demonstrations
- Exhibit hall with AT vendors and vendor demonstrations
Who Should Attend?
People who want to learn more about assistive technology:
- Individuals with disabilities and family members
- Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, recreation therapists
- Special and regular education teachers
- School administrators
- Vocational rehabilitation counselors
- Paraprofessionals
- Disability services staff
For more information, call WVATS at 800-841-8436 or visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats
WVATS Site Addresses & Numbers
WVATS Core Office
WVATS Northern Resource Center
Center for Excellence in Disabilities
West Virginia University
959 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Voice & TDD: 304-293-4692
Hotline: 800-841-8436
WVATS Southern Resource Center
c/o WV Rehabilitation Center
P.O. Box 1004
Institute, WV 25112
Voice & TDD: 304-766-4946
Hotline: 800-SR-WVATS (779-8287)
WVATS Newsletter
WVATS Newsletter Editor: Melina Danko (mdanko@hsc.wvu.edu), Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University Publications
Editorial Committee: Jeanne Grimm, Melina Danko , Stacy Miller, Lori Risk, Kathy Torsney. Layout: Kim Palumbo
All printed materials produced by WVATS are available in Braille, electronic format, cassette tape and large print.
The Assistive Technology State Plan is an interagency collaboration between the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) the designated state agency and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) the implementing agency.
Contents of the newsletter are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Department of Education or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
Web site address: www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/
