About WVATSWVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Summer 2007
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]
[National News]
[State News]
[Powerful Tools]
[Employment News]
[AgrAbility]
[Recreation Guide]
Where to Find Assistive Technology -
New and Used
Buying new assistive technology is not always the best option for consumers. Some do not have the funding or resources to purchase new technologies; others may only need an assistive technology device for a short period of time. When a friend or family member no longer needs a device, what can you do with it? Many individuals would like to see others benefit from devices, but do not know where to donate used equipment. There are numerous ways to donate and find new and used equipment.
The WVATS Bulletin Board
When individuals visit the WVATS Virtual Loan Library, a Bulletin Board is available to post used and no longer needed assistive technology for giveaway, trade or sale. If you have an item to donate and would like to post it on the Bulletin Board, call WVATS at 800-841-8436. If you would like to visit the Board to see what is available visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/virtuallibrary.html.
Reuse Centers
TechLink, in the Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, takes donations of assistive technologies and refurbishes devices that are able to be reused. These devices are then provided to individuals who need them. Call TechLink at 304-422-3151 ext. 107 for information on what devices are available or if you have a device you would like to donate.
The Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL) in Elkins takes donations of assistive technology devices that are able to be reused. To donate an item, call 304-636-0143.
Computers
Mission WV in Hurricane, takes donated computers and laptops and collaborates with public and private organizations, particularly faith based organizations that then donate the computers to people who need them. To donate a computer or find out more information, call Mission WV at 304-562-0723.
PC Renewal, in Morgantown takes donated computers, laptops and other office equipment and recycles the equipment in an environmentally friendly manner. Equipment that can be reused is refurbished and donated to individuals in need of computer and office equipment. To donate a computer or for more information, call PC Renewal at 304-291-8550.
Newspaper classifieds and the bulletin board publications are also good places to find equipment. If you have any questions about how to find assistive technology or know of an assistive technology recycling center, please call WVATS at 800-841-8436.
NFB-LINK: Linking Individuals
The National Federation of the Blind is offering a one-stop resource for information on career paths, educational opportunities, recreational activities, technology and many other topics from successful blind and visually impaired people.
NFB-LINK, pairs individuals seeking information about blindness with successful blind people. A college student can learn how to conduct experiments in a biology class or a newly blind person can learn how to continue gardening after vision loss.
To access this service, visit www.nfblink.org On the site, you can share your expertise by joining the pool of mentors or you can request a mentor who can help answer your blindness-related questions.
For additional information about this program, call Rosy Carranza at 410-659-9314, ext. 2283 or e-mail her at rcarranza@nfb.org
Low-Tech, Low-Cost Access at Home
When we hear the words 'wheelchair access,' we are accustomed to thinking in terms of building renovations and expensive high-tech gadgetry. However, many solutions for access issues can be found no farther away than the nearest hardware store, or even your own garage. Here are a few ideas:
Does your child have favorite toys, but if you put them away in a drawer or cabinet, the child cannot access them? The solution? Inexpensive cloth pouches that attach to tables and chairs. These pouches can be found just about anywhere - Target, WalMart, Bed Bath and Beyond.
Doors can be a problem area for wheelchairs users of any age. If a door is not necessary for privacy - like the bedroom closet, the linen closet, the pantry door, etc. - consider removing it. If a doorknob is too high, or is too hard to turn, a U-shaped handle (available at any hardware store) can be put in the middle of the door where you can reach it. Add a rope loop so it can be pulled shut easily. This trick can be used on any door including the fridge and the oven. Just make sure you make the rope loop long enough for easy use.
If your bathroom does not have a handheld shower, there are many types on the market that are inexpensive and easy to install. A shower caddy can be placed on the wall at a reachable height and houseware stores sell wall-mounted soap, shampoo and conditioner dispensers (the ones with pull levers instead of push buttons are ideal for limited hand strength). Consider covering slick surfaces, the floor and the edge of the tub, with non-slip mats or decals to make transfers safer. You may want to consider non-slip mats under the wheelchair itself, next to both the tub and the toilet.
If you have a creative, clever idea for low-cost, low-tech access, call WVATS at 800-841-8436 or e-mail wvats@hsc.wvu.edu to share your ideas!
Information from:
"Snowball Frights and SpaghettiOs: Low-Tech, Low-Cost Access at Home"
By Kathe A. Conte
"Kids on Wheels" Parent Edition Winter 2007
The Resource Section
Learning Disabilities and AT
The Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technologies web site was created by the Learning Disability Association of Georgia. The site is a resource for service providers, teachers, parents, consumers and other interested persons. Information is included on general learning disability information, success stories about how assistive technology has led to independent living, assistive technology evaluation and information about specific difficulties such as reading, writing, memory, organization and math. For more information, go to www.gatfl.org/ldguide
WVATS Loan Library
WVATS is operating a Virtual Loan Library, an on-line database 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 a device or book from the comfort of their home, school or place of employment. You can visit the Library at www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/virtuallibrary.shtml
If your organization has assistive technology devices, books or other resource materials you would like to include in the Virtual Loan Library please call Jamie Hayhurst-Marshall at 800-841-8436.
AFB Senior Site
The American Federation for the Blind (AFB) designed this site to connect people who are losing their vision with services. The site, which was designed for consumers, family members and organizations, contains information--including photos, videos, articles and resource links--to enhance independence of older people beginning to experience vision loss. The site includes: "Understanding Vision Loss," "Finding Help and Support," "Daily Living," "Changing Your Home" and "Fun and Fitness."
The AFB plans to add information on home repairs, diabetes and vision loss, hearing and vision loss; and setting up a home office in the future. For more information, go to www.afb.org/seniorsite
Transforming High School for All Youth
The "Call to Action" is the High School Alliance's framework of principles and recommended strategies to guide leaders at all levels in transforming the traditional, comprehensive high school so that all youth are ready for college, careers and active civic participation.
"The Resource Guide," which is designed to help policymakers and practitioners, contains recommended strategies, resources and research for each section. For more information, call 202-822-8405 or go to www.hsalliance.org/call_action/index.asp
A Guardian's Guidebook to Community Residential Services
"A Guardian's Guidebook to Community Residential Services" may be useful for legal guardians as they consider or prepare for a transition planning process for the person they represent.
This book guides the process in determining if a person can live in the community, and what that community living environment would need to look like. The purpose of this guidebook is to provide information about the variety of community residential options available to adults with developmental disabilities. For more information, or to get a copy go to www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1839
ADAPT News adaptwv@hotmail.com
Governor Gets No-Cost Action Steps
By Ken Ervin
On April 4, 2007, thirty individuals representing six organizations: ADAPT WV, the Mountain State Direct Action Center, Northern WV Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL), WV Social Work Association, Direct Action Welfare Group and the Mental Health Consumers Association held a State of the State press conference to provide Governor Manchin with a status report on the quality of services for West Virginia citizens with disabilities. Following the press conference, which was covered statewide by Channel 13 and WV Public Broadcasting, representatives gathered to present the Governor with a number of no-cost action steps that could vastly improve the quality of life for West Virginians with disabilities.
Below are the action steps and the responses from Jim Pitrolo, Domestic Policy Advisor to the Governor.
No-Cost Action Steps
Money Follows The Person
Action Step: Request that the Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources Accountability (LOCHHRA) take up House Concurrent Study Resolution 58 that was passed by the House concerning Money Follows The Person and require DHHR to set strict timelines to begin developing the infrastructure for Money Follows The Person.
Response: Mr. Pitrolo explained that at the urging of citizens with disabilities, the Governor successfully requested that Select Committee D - Health take up Resolution 58.
Action Step: Implement regulations within the Home and Community Based Waiver that ensure Individual Program Plans (IPPs) truly reflect the needs of program participants (person-centered planning) and that budgets are flexible to meet those plans.
Response: Jim Pitrolo will review Michigan's Mental Health Code as it pertains to person-centered planning and urge the Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) to institute similar measures in WV.
MR/DD Waiver
Action Step: Ask BMS to have APS Healthcare, (contracted to provide person-centered planning/budgeting for MR/DD Waiver clients) implement regularly scheduled conference calls for consumers and family members, similar to calls conducted weekly with providers, to answer questions.
Response: Jim Pitrolo will ask Pat Winston, Director Behavioral Alternative Health Care Policy, BMS to implement these calls with consumers.
Action Step: Ask the Legislature to implement pass through legislation that will allow for a living wage for direct care staff and the possibility of benefits. This could be funded with lottery dollars.
Response: No action taken
Aged and Disabled Waiver
Action Step: Request that LOCHHRA study the "Out of State Placement" for ventilation users as outlined in House Concurrent Study Resolution 51.
Response: Jim Pitrolo agreed to review Resolution 51 and to talk with Senator Prezioso, Delegate Perdue, House Speaker Thompson and Senate President Tomblin to encourage them to take up Resolution 51 and to ask DHHR to track the number of people needing ventilator services and where they are.
Action Step: Ask the Governor's office to require DHHR to make the eligibility criteria and assessment used by nurses for the Aged and Disabled Waiver program public knowledge and make available on the web, as well as the training materials used to train nurses in conducting the reviews.
Response: Jim Pitrolo will call the Bureau of Senior Services (BOSS) to ask why they have not published this information on the Web and see what can be done so that the assessments are done in a manner that "levels the playing field".
Medicaid Oversight
Action Step: Ask the Governor to assure that at least three consumer members are appointed to the Medical Services Fund Advisory Council.
Response: Jim Pitrolo will ask the Governor to issue a statement that the Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) will come into compliance with Federal policy regarding the Medical Services Fund Advisory Council, and to name three consumers to the Council.
Accountability
Action Step: Ask the Governor to appoint someone in his Constituency Office to monitor accountability issues as they are reported to that office concerning community based service programs. Release a quarterly report summarizing these concerns.
Response: Jim Pitrolo explained that the Governor's office is going paperless and that he will request filters be developed for the Constituency Office to track calls on community based services and to generate a regular report. NWVCIL, ADAPT and MSDAC agreed to provide technical support to develop the filters and spread the word to consumers through their web sites.
Two of the issues have already had positive tangible outcomes. Mr. Pitrolo has informed us that the Governor will announce additional consumer representation to the Medicaid Funding Advisory Council, which will bring this body into compliance with Federal statute. In addition, a meeting was held on April 21 between the Olmstead office, ADAPT WV, the Behavioral Health Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the WV Long Term Care Ombudsman and Access Living of Ohio to begin to develop a tracking system for WV citizens using ventilators who are forced out of state due to the lack of available care in West Virginia.
As you can see, much can be accomplished if we act together!
WVATS Loan Library Successes
When it comes to trying out assistive technology, success is sometimes disguised as failure. The success of the WVATS Loan library could be measured by the device loans that fit the borrower's needs and lead to purchases, but this measurement may leave out some otherwise satisfied consumers.
Among those left out would be Lewis, a satisfied WVATS consumer. An individual with hearing loss, Lewis was eager to borrow an assistive listening device from the WVATS Loan library. After receiving the device, he used it in meetings, while watching TV and with his cell phone.
"It improved my hearing some, but I think I need something else," Lewis said. He said it helped him a little bit, but he found the device difficult to adjust while using it throughout the day.
This may not count as a statement of success to some, but for Lewis, the loan saved him the money he would have spent on a device that did not suit his needs, and he avoided the hassle of having to return it to a store.
Lewis's experience illustrates the success of the WVATS Loan Library that allows individuals to "try before they buy". The WVATS Loan Library strives to assist individuals in making decisions about the AT device that best fits their needs. A loan may lead to a purchase decision or a decision to try another device. Either way, WVATS is successful at fostering the decision-making of its consumers.
As for Lewis, he plans to try out different WVATS devices in the future and if all else fails, "I might have to buy that hearing aid," he said.
Recycling Bulletin Board
When you visit the Virtual Loan Library, you will notice a Bulletin Board. This Board is designed for individuals 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. WVATS has no way of monitoring the condition or price of an item listed on the Board. For this reason, WVATS is not responsible in any way for equipment listed by patrons. For more information or to post a device, call Sarah at 800-841-8436.
Assistive Technology Clinic
Comprehensive assistive technology assessments are available for adults, children and youth through the Assistive Technology Assessment Clinic (AT Clinic) at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED). Assessments are overseen by a nationally certified Assistive Technology Practitioner and designed to help individuals identify and use assistive technology to support independence and enhance quality of life.
The interdisciplinary clinical assessments are conducted from the CED and usually include environmental assessments in the home, school and/or worksite for:
- Computer access
- Sensory impairments
- Environmental controls
- Activities of daily living
- Adaptations to living and work environments
- Recreation
For more information, call 800-841-8436.>
New AT in WVATS Loan Library
The following is a selection of new equipment available through the WVATS Loan Library. These specific pieces of equipment are examples of some of the high-tech communication devices that can only be loaned out to professionals from the WVATS Lab in Morgantown.
Vanguard II
The Vanguard II has a full sized dynamic display that features synthesized and digitized speech, computer emulation and infrared environmental controls. It is an excellent option for both children beginning with AAC and adults with acquired disabilities. The large, full-color display can aid clients with visual or motor issues or clients using scanning as their access method.
Symbol Communicator for the Blind
The Symbol Communicator is a portable symbol communicator that can store six messages on six levels for a total of 36 6-second messages. This Communicator features removable tactile symbols to activate a message and also has a vibration feature, which can be turned off if not desired. Tactile symbols are a graphic language system using concrete or abstract representations that are permanent and can be tactually discriminated by an individual who is totally blind or has a dual sensory impairment.
Visually Impaired Communicator
A symbol communicator that records 48 6-second messages on six levels. This communicator is designed for individuals with visual impairments and includes two dimmable fluorescent lights that provide intensive background illumination for the symbols. Also, the icon holders are transparent and allow the therapist/teacher to use clear or transparent pictures.
The devices in the library can be borrowed for up to four weeks. For more information or to borrow these devices, call 800-841-8436.
National News
USDOL Launches Employment Initiative
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) launched its new "Alliance Initiative" to advance the employment of people with disabilities. The ODEP Alliance Initiative is a cooperative program that enables organizations committed to improving disability workplace practices to work with ODEP to develop and implement model policies, initiatives and strategies that increase recruiting, hiring, advancing and retaining workers with disabilities.
The Alliance Initiative is open to businesses, trade and professional associations, labor unions, educational institutions, government agencies and other organizations. More information is available at www.dol.gov/odep/alliances/index.htm
State News
Governor Announces New In-Home Services Program for Seniors
The LIGHTHOUSE Program created by the West Virginia Bureau for Senior Services to assist seniors will begin July 1, 2007. The new program will serve individuals aged 60 and older who do not qualify for other in-home services like Medicaid and will provide personal care and environmental assistance for up to sixty hours per month. For more information, call your local county aging program or the Bureau of Senior Services at 877-987-3646.
Powerful Tools
On-screen Keyboards
People with mobility impairments may have difficulty typing on a conventional keyboard. However, if they can use a mouse or other pointing device, they can use a computer.
On-screen keyboard software allows typing via a mouse, trackball, touch screen, head-pointer or other pointing device. Instead of pressing keys on a keyboard, a person can point and click on an image of a keyboard on the computer monitor.
This software is also known as "virtual keyboard software," "soft keyboards," "keyboard emulators," or "software keyboards." Many of these products feature word prediction software or cursor dwell software that reduces cursor clicks and speed up entries. Cursor dwell allows clicking functions to be performed automatically by holding the cursor motionless for a period of time selected by the user; word prediction features word completion selected from an included or personalized word list.
Check out the following product links for more information, current prices, and reviews of these special products and alternative entry devices (mice other than the standard two-button click), as well.
- On-Screen Keyboards:
www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Alt63 - Click-N-Type virtual keyboard:
www.lakefolks.org/cnt - Alternative Mice:
www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Alt65 - TouchScreens:
www.touchscreens.com - WiViK on-screen keyboard:
wwww.wivik.com - KeyStrokes on-screen keyboard for Mac users:
www.macworld.com/news/2002/03/16/keystrokes - InterKey Portable utilities for portable PC users:
www.pocket-pc-software.penreader.com/InterKey.html
Rex The Talking Prescription Bottle
Rex - The Talking Bottle is an automated, text-to-speech pill bottle that allows pharmacists to electronically record label information to a pill bottle. The Bottle uses words to identify bottle contents and informs individuals on the proper use of their medication through the push of a button. For more information visit www.rxtalks.com or call 866-RX-TALKS (866-798-2557).
The Wijit
The Wijit is a lever system that allows individuals to drive manual wheelchairs by pushing or pulling. Its levers amplify the user's pushing power, while reducing strain on the user's shoulders and upper body. With the Wijit, children and those with limited strength can safely and independently propel, stop and steer their wheelchairs from a comfortable, stable and upright position. For more information, call 800-659-4548 or go to www.wijit.com
Employment News
Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Program
The Medicaid Work Incentive Network (M-WIN) is the state Medicaid Buy-in program. The program now has 524 enrollees in 44 counties, working in the community and purchasing health care benefits through Medicaid. For more information or to enroll in M-WIN call your local Department of Health and Human Resources office at 800-642-8589.
Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) program staff completed a series of stakeholder meetings across the state obtaining feedback and recommendations from various agencies, community and consumer organizations about the development of a comprehensive plan for the employment of individuals with disabilities. The strategic plan for employment, "Building Gateways," was submitted by the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in June.
Pilot Projects for Youth
The Social Security Administration (SSA) awarded a nine-year, $41 million contract to Mathematica to evaluate Youth Transition Demonstration projects. The projects are designed to improve gainful employment for youth with disabilities.
Youth ages 14-25 who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Childhood Disability Benefits and those who run the risk of qualifying for benefits after exiting the school system will be targeted. Interventions will be developed to increase participating youth's involvement in the workforce as adults and decrease dependence on disability benefits.
Five pilot projects were approved nationally, including a site in West Virginia. The projects will run for six months in 2007, serving several dozen youth each.
The Human Resources Development Foundation, based in Morgantown, is a private nonprofit organization that will operate a pilot project for in-school and out-of-school youth in Harrison, Marion and Monongalia counties. The program will target twenty-four youth chosen by the SSA who are between the ages of 16-22.
The CED is assisting the pilot project by providing benefits planning to the youth involved with the project. The benefits counselor is available to help the youth and their families understand how employment affects their Social Security cash and medical benefits.
For more information please call Taylor Runner, WV Youth Works Program Manager, at 304-296-8223.
Need Job Experience? Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way to learn job skills and get work experience to put on a resume. It can also allow individuals to explore possible career opportunities. To get started volunteering call businesses and organizations you would like to work for to see if they have any volunteer positions that you would be eligible for. Some examples of places to call:
- Libraries
- Places of worship
- Animal Hospitals
- Hospitals
- Your city hall (They may have a community service department)
- Senior care homes
- After-school programs
- Recycling centers
- Conservation societies/environmental centers
- Non-profit organizations
For more information about volunteer opportunities in West Virginia go to www.volunteerwv.org or call 800-WV-HELPS (984-3577).
The National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP), a program at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities, is recruiting volunteers who are interested in volunteer opportunities related to emergency planning and response activities. For more information, call Lori Risk at 304-293-4692 x 1113.
What is Personal Care Employment Support?
Personal Care Employment Support is an expansion of the Medicaid Personal Care Services Program. It allows an individual who is eligible for personal care services in the home to also use these services while seeking and retaining competitive employment of at least forty (40) hours per month. If you need personal care to go to work but are not receiving Personal Care Services in the home you may want to call a personal care provider agency to determine if you are eligible for Personal Care Employment Support.
What Does Personal Care Employment Support Mean To You?
It means an eligible individual may have hands on assistance with daily activities related to personal hygiene, dressing, eating and food preparation, environmental support functions, self administration of medication, repositioning, transferring, mobility and health-related tasks during job seeking activities and employment.
Who is Eligible for Personal Care Employment Support?
Individuals who are medically in need of assistance with performing daily activities related to personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, nutrition and environmental support functions and health related activities.
These services must be:
- Prescribed by a physician
- Necessary to the long term maintenance of the individual's health and safety
- Provided according to a Plan of Care developed and monitored by a registered nurse
What Does Job Seeking Mean?
Job seeking is the process of obtaining employment. To receive authorization for use of Personal Care Employment Support services, you must qualify for Job Seeking Status by completing a Job Seeking Agreement Form with your provider agency. In this agreement you are asked to register with your local job service office AND participate in one of the following:
- Complete an individual job search agreement
- Document eligibility for placement services from the Division of Rehabilitation Services
- Register with an Employment Network Provider Using Personal Care Employment Support services while job seeking can provide you assistance with:
- Researching employment opportunities
- Completing employment applications
- Interviewing
- Participating in pre-employment assessments
- Participating in pre-employment observation periods
- Obtaining supplies and equipment necessary for employment
For more information, in the northern part of the state call Jack Stewart at 304-293-4692 ext. 1104 and in the southern part of the state call Angela Vaught at 304-720-3200 ext 203.
Virtual Career Fair
The Virtual Career Fair for People with Disabilities is a web site sponsored by monster.com, one of the largest job search web sites on the Internet. The site has helpful information on how to create resumes, search for jobs, research companies and get tools and tips. The site also has information about workplace laws, accommodations, assistive technology in the workplace, chat rooms and much more.
For more information, go to disabilitiescareerfair.monster.com
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
Agricultural Assessment Training a Success
On May 18th and 19th, a group of 20 physical therapists, occupational therapists and agricultural educators attended "Rural Rehabilitation: Agricultural Assessment and Accommodation," a two-day training in Morgantown. Designed to provide therapists with tools to provide relevant treatments to farmers, the ten hour interactive workshop used first-hand client stories, video clips, hands-on assistive technology fabrication and on-farm clinical exercises.
The participants were provided with 'case study' farmers, for whom they conducted assessments and provided recommendations for modifications to equipment, tools and facilities.
According to workshop evaluations, most trainees felt that the highlight of the training was its hands-on emphasis.
In addition to the instruction provided by Therese Willkomm Ph D, Lewis County Extension Agent, Bruce Loyd, conducted a session on farm culture, and Disability Program Navigator, Jennifer Shaffer, provided an overview of the many funding and other resources available for rural clients with disabilities.
If you would like to be contacted about future agricultural assessment training opportunities, call 304-293-4692 ext. 1185 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
New Tractor Modification Fact Sheet Available
If you think that having a physical limitation means that you need to stay out of the driver's seat on your tractor, think again. West Virginia AgrAbility is proud to announce the availability of a new four page fact sheet, 'Tractor Modifications for Changing Lives' that provides an overview of the many potential machinery accommodations available for farmers with physical limitations. To receive a copy of the fact sheet, please call 800-841-8436, or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Reduce Vibration and Fatigue
If you find your wrists aching after using an electric drill, saw or other power tool, your hands might be trying to tell you something. The newest additions to West Virginia AgrAbility's list of items available for loan are all designed to reduce fatigue when working with power tools. Viscolas Black Maxx Vibration Dampening Gloves are coated with pods of lightweight cellular polyurethane to absorb and dissipate vibration from pneumatic and impact tools, reducing fatigue to hands, arms and shoulders.
The Orthex Grip Kit, also available through the loan library, offers an alternative to gloves, by applying a protective layer directly to the tool handle. This design gives full flexibility of hand movement, and can be applied quickly to power tools.
You can learn more about these products by visiting www.viscolas.com, or calling 800-548-2694. To borrow either product, contact the Loan Library at 800-841-8436 or wvats@hsc.wvu.edu
Accessible Picnic Table Dedicated
On Sunday, May 20th, Master Gardeners with the Durbannah Garden Club gathered to celebrate progress toward their goal of making gardening accessible to individuals with disabilities in Morgantown. With the help of the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners (BOPARC) and the Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints program, Master Gardeners are helping transform Jack Roberts Park by paving the area around the water fountain and installing a wheelchair accessible picnic table.
The group is constructing wheelchair accessible raised beds around the perimeter of the newly paved area. Ergonomic and assistive gardening tools provided to the group through Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints will be demonstrated at the park and in the community.
"Progress is gradual," says Kay Beamer, who coordinates the project, "but we we're so excited to be seeing real accessibility improvements to the park. People of all ages and abilities should feel welcome here."
New Ergonomic Digging Tools Available
NRG RadiusT recently unveiled a line of seven stainless steel mid-length tools, including spades, forks, shovels, weeders and planters. All of these tools have large, cushioned circular handles that allow a greater range of natural hand positions, with enough space for both hands. The steps are larger, higher set and slightly offset from the shaft, which provides the user with a wider step for more secure foot placement.
To learn more, visit www.radiusgarden.com. The tools can be purchased from Lee Valley Tools, as well as from some garden stores around the state.
WVATS Revising Recreation Guide
West Virginia is fortunate to have many places across the state where individuals with special needs including children, older adults and individuals with disabilities can have fun.
The first edition of the "Guide to Accessible Recreation" was created in 2005. The Guide was an attempt to put as much information about accessible recreation sites as possible in one place. WVATS staff members and volunteers are updating information for a second edition to be issued in Fall 2007.
Accessible sites can be looked up by site name, or by using the county index or the activity index. The Guide includes lists of resources for travelers, such as AMTRAC and Greyhound stations, airports, public transit systems and services, dialysis centers and medical equipment and supply vendors.
If you know of sites that should be included or for more information, call Regina Mayolo at 800-841-8436. We are especially interested in accessible recreation sites in those counties that had no sites listed in the Guide's first edition.
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. 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.
Web site address: www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/
