WVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Summer 2008

Please note that phone numbers, addresses, websites and e-mail addresses were accurate at time of publication. This information may not be current.

WVATS Mini-Grants to Schools

During the 2007-2008 school year, WVATS awarded six mini-grants to West Virginia public schools, educators and RESA staff to implement projects using assistive technology to improve outcomes for students with IEPs or 504 plans.

The mini-grants were awarded for new projects using assistive technology (AT) to: support inclusion in educational environments, improve social and/or other recreational outcomes and support students in transitions through school and into adult life.

Projects were awarded in Hancock, Jefferson, Taylor, Tyler, Webster and Wetzel counties. Funded projects:

• Increased inclusion, high-level thinking, and workplace skills through the use of technology in an eighth grade language arts program. The project involved approximately 125 students, 40% of whom were receiving special education services and integrated into regular classrooms.
  
  Students worked in pairs to complete IntelliBoard Arts™ software and Intel’s Thinking Tools™ applications.
  
  
• Taught pre-reading and various other skills through assistive technology by using soundtracks and headphones. This project provided a stimulating educational experience while minimizing distractions for students with sensory and auditory difficulties.
  
  The mobility of the technology allowed the students to complete their work in a special education setting or travel with the AT to the regular education classroom for increased inclusion opportunities.
  
  
• Created a sensory integration room to increase the personal awareness and social participation of students experiencing difficulties with sensory perceptions. An individualized plan was developed for each student to use the facility to address their individual sensory needs.

WVATS will select new projects to receive mini-grant awards of up to $750 for the 2008-2009 school year.

An Accessible and Highly Usable Web Mail Service

by Curtis Chong, President of the National Federation of the Blind

Let me tell you about the Web mail offering from America Online (AOL). It is now possible to obtain an e-mail address from AOL free. Simply point your browser to www.mail.aol.com and get what AOL calls a screen name. As part of the process you will be asked to copy some graphical text into an edit box. Fortunately AOL provides a way to copy the text using an audio prompt.

As for the AOL Web mail service itself, the first thing you will notice (once you have switched to “accessible view”) is that a number of very useful shortcut keys are available. You can store names and e-mail addresses of those with whom you exchange e-mail, and the spell check function works quite nicely with talking, screen-reading software.

On each page that is part of the AOL Web mail service, you have the option of bringing up a table containing the list of available keyboard shortcuts.

I have used a number of Web mail services over the years, and none of them has impressed me as much as the AOL Web mail service.

The design clearly demonstrates a strong understanding of the way screen-access programs for the blind work, knowledge of the shortcuts they use to facilitate efficient navigation of Web pages and a practical understanding of what blind people need and want in an e-mail system.

Article adapted from Braille Monitor, April 2008 Volume 51 Number 4.

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation

The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation provides grants to families who have children ages 16 or younger with medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan.

Individuals who receive care via Medicaid, Medicare or other state or federally subsidized health insurance programs are not eligible.

The amount awarded to an individual within a 12-month period is limited to either $5,000 or 85% of the fund balance, whichever amount is less. Awards to any one individual are limited to a lifetime maximum of $7,500.

For more information call 800-328-5979 extension 24459 or apply on-line at www.uhccf.org.

ABLEDATA Information Center

The ABLEDATA Information Center provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment. The free information center is open Monday through Friday to answer questions and provide referrals. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, it can help you locate the companies that do.

The on-line information center includes Internet resources on selected disability issues and links to:

• National and regional organizations that offer information, services and other resources relating to the issue
• On-line publications
• Information on conferences, meetings and other public events
• Companies that sell disability products
• Links that will search, with a single click, the ABLEDATA database for assistive products that relate to the specific disability issue

For more information call 800-227-0216 or TTY 301-608-8912 or visit www.abledata.com.

Dressing Without Stressing

The staff at Dynamic-Living.com offers the following tips and tools to help make getting dressed easier for individuals with limited mobility.

What is in the closet already?

Look over your outfits and set aside those that are no longer easy to get on. Consider updating these outfits with closures that are easier to use. A local tailor, dry cleaner, friend or family member can make some of the following changes to help you wear these clothes:

• Replace buttons and tiny zippers with Velcro® tabs. Exchange snaps or buttons for large hook and eye closures.
• Replace tiny zippers with Velcro® tabs or a wider zipper with larger pull tabs.
• Make openings larger and easier to negotiate by replacing existing zippers with longer ones.
• Sew loops onto the side of trousers and underwear so that you can pull them up using a reacher or finger.

What should you look for in new clothes?

Look at closures:

• Clothing with Velcro® tabs, oversized zippers or snaps
• Clothing with large openings that can be slipped over your head or stepped into
• Flexible pull-over blouses and dresses without fasteners or shirts and dresses with front closures
• Front fastening or stretchy sports bras
• Pants, dresses and skirts with elastic waistbands
• Wrap around skirts and dresses slip on very easily and can accommodate weight changes

Dressing tools and techniques for independence.

• Give yourself plenty of time. Rushing only increases frustration.
• Check the room temperature. Being too hot or too cold may wear you out faster and/or stiffen your muscles
• Dress in front of a mirror. Locating sleeves and matching buttons to buttonholes becomes much easier when looking at your reflection.
• Try lying down, especially when pulling up pants. Sitting while dressing will help you to conserve energy or lean against a wall to steady yourself if you must stand.
• Try dressing a disabled limb first. Reverse the sequence when undressing, taking the garment off the good limb first.
• Fasten buttons with a button hook.
• Extend your reach to pull up pants, put on a jacket, and remove socks with a dressing stick with a hook at the end or a short reacher.

• Use a long shoe horn to help put on shoes.
• Pull on socks with a long handled sock aid without bending.
• Wear sneakers with press Velcro® tabs or replace the laces with elastic shoelaces.

Adapted from Dynamic-Living.com

ADAPT News       adaptwv1@hotmail.com

We Will Ride!

by Vicki L. Shaffer

As I prepare to write this column I am reminded of the phrase “History repeats itself.” I’m not able to get to the meetings and activities that I need to as organizer of ADAPT WV, because of limited or no transportation. I have been doing advocacy on the computer and staying in my home most of the time. My local provider refuses to provide me transportation to do my community day rehab on the MR/DD Waiver. Even the local bus service refuses to do a deviation to my home, and wants me to load at an unsafe place. I am trying to raise money for an accessible van, but I need help doing that as well. I am stuck in my home, which feels like a jail sentence. We must do something about this, because I’m sure I am not the only one that this is happening to.

Twenty five years ago an organization was started by Wade Blank called ADAPT, which then stood for American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit. Before Wade founded ADAPT, he was a nursing home worker that was so disgusted by the way the nursing home treated its residents that he moved 18 individuals out within the first six months of his job.

He worked together with the people he moved out of nursing homes to take on Denver Colorado’s bus system that was discriminating against people with disabilities. Denver refused to let people with disabilities on public transit because they had no lifts on their buses. He became the Dr. Martin Luther King of the disability movement. He used nonviolent civil disobedience tactics just like King and Gandhi. His idea was a simple one. He used wheelchairs to stop the buses from moving. By doing this direct action ADAPT was able to get the 1970 Urban Mass Transit Act passed, which required lifts on new buses.

The fight did not stop in Denver. ADAPT continued to work hard nationally so that everyone could ride public transit. Blank knew from the beginning that people could not get out into their communities unless there was accessible public transportation. After the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, ADAPT shifted its focus back to its roots and became the Americans with Disabilities for Attendant Programs. ADAPT suffered a great loss in 1993 when Mr. Blank lost his life trying unsuccessfully to save his son from drowning in the ocean. ADAPT still fights today to get services in the community for people with disabilities.

In West Virginia transportation is one of the biggest problems faced by people with disabilities. We must do everything we can to change this. ALL people with disabilities deserve the right to be out in the community with everyone else. I think that ADAPT WV needs to look back at the history of the ADAPT roots. We must demand the right to ride in all 55 counties. We will ride!

Never forget, an injustice is felt in your heart.

Contact me at adaptwv1@hotmail.com with your suggestions, help or plans of action.

AT Recycling

WVATS makes classified ads for used AT available online through its web page at www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats. You can post and search for used assistive technology or durable medical equipment. For more information, call 800-841-8436.

Loan Library

WVATS is operating a virtual Loan Library, an on-line database of assistive technology devices, books and other resources. You can visit the Library at www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/virtuallibrary.shtml or call 800-841-8436.

Early Childhood Resource Lending Library

Located in the Diamond Building in Charleston, the library contains books, videos, curricula, AT, toys and journals for the general public.

For more information call 800-642-9704 or visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/virtuallibrary.shtml.

New Equipment in the WVATS Loan Library

DRAFTSMAN Tactile Drawing Board

The DRAFTSMAN is a tactile drawing board used in combination with special film and a stylus to create instant raised-line images. The DRAFTSMAN can be used to produce simple raised-line graphics, to demonstrate math and science concepts and tasks, to practice handwriting skills and to create art projects.

The DRAFTSMAN has a plastic frame that encases a double-layered rubber surface. You can clamp a sheet of drawing film onto the board and use the included stylus, or an ordinary ballpoint pen, to quickly draw a raised image.

Jelly Beamer Wireless Switch

The Jelly Beamer Wireless Switch is a portable switch that uses the same technology found in wireless headsets for mobile phones and MP3 players, and in handheld devices, such as PDAs. The Jelly Beamer has two components: the Jelly Beamer switch that houses a transmitter and the Jelly Beamer receiver that can be plugged into any switch-adapted device, from battery operated toys and electric appliances to a digital camera or computer. Each switch is uniquely paired with its receiver, allowing multiple users to use their own Jelly Beamers at the same time, from as far away as 30 feet, without interfering with one another.

Devices in the library can be borrowed for up to four weeks. For more information or to borrow these devices, call 800-841-8436.

Reasonable Accomodations - Fair Housing

Finding an accessible place to rent is a major challenge for many West Virginians with disabilities. Under the Fair Housing Act, you have the right to request changes to rental units to accommodate your disability.

This means if you have a service animal and want to rent in a building with a “no pets” policy, you can request a "reasonable accommodation" to allow you to have your service animal in your home. You can also request an assigned parking space if parking is provided, an interpreter to assist with the rental process or other changes to policies and services.

It also means if an apartment building does not have a ramp or other physical feature you need, to access a rental unit or common area you can request a "reasonable modification."

Requests for either "reasonable accommodations" or "reasonable modifications" can be made before or after you move into rental units, and can be for yourself or anyone who lives with you who has a disability. But it is important to know that you cannot be denied rental of a unit because of your request.

The West Virginia Fair Housing Initiatives Program is available to help. If you have a question about "reasonable accommodations" or "reasonable modifications" call (304) 296-6091 or e-mail krandall@nwvcil.org for more information.

Schedule Assistant

Schedule Assistant is a PDA-based program that uses pictures and audio reminders to alert a user to any event or task that needs to be performed at a specific day and time. This new version includes a "Quick Event" tool that allows the user to add a reminder event simply by tapping on the Quick Event icon, recording a message and setting the day and time for playback.

Its "Quick Timer" feature is used to remember things that come up throughout the day that cannot be scheduled in advance, for example, knowing when break time is over, when to take dinner out of the oven, or when to take laundry out of the washer and put it in the dryer. The user records a message and selects how many hours or minutes before the reminder plays back, "Remove the clothes from the dryer."

Schedule Assistant operates as a handheld computer and gives users a powerful tool for managing tasks and schedules on the go.

This new version is designed to improve functioning skills for individuals with brain injuries and other cognitive impairments. For more information, visit www.ablelinktech.com or call 719-592-0347.

Easy Chair Workstation

The EasyChair Workstation allows you to turn your easy chair or recliner into a computer workstation. The portable station works with laptops and LCD flatscreen monitors and allows you to move it easily, adjust it for use with a desk chair, wheelchair, recliner, sofa or bed. The workstation costs under $300. For more information, visit www.easychairworkstation.com or call 800-810-7890.

FX Equation 4

Many students with special needs have found that Efofex products provide the math and science assistance they need to be successful in the classroom.

FX Equation 4 is a way to produce mathematical and scientific equations. FX Equation 4 adds automatic vertical alignment of equal signs and a high speed toolbar entry system that can speed up entry of more complicated equations. FX Equation also adds short division signs, "fill in the blank" boxes, combinations, permutations, arcs, highlighted lines and an on-screen keyboard for use with interactive whiteboards.

To use FX Equation, you type the equation. FX Equation looks at what you have typed and puts everything in the right place. You never have to touch the mouse.

Efofex provides free registration codes for all of their products to any student whose disability makes mathematics and science materials difficult to produce. For more information, go to www.efofex.com or e-mail info@efofex.com.

Olmstead

Nine years ago the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Olmstead decision, holding that "unjustified institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination." The Court rejected the State’s argument that the Medicaid statute reflected a congressional preference for "treatment in the institution over treatment in the community, . . ."

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services define "Long Term Care" costs to include the total of expenditures, on the one hand, to institutions, such as nursing homes, and, on the other hand, to the community, such as home health, personal care options and Medicaid waivers.

AARP reports that, "On average, Medicaid dollars can support nearly three older people and adults with physical disabilities in home and community-based services (HCBS) for every person in a nursing home."

The AARP report says, "The most important factor [in making Olmstead] progress is philosophy - the state's intention to deliver services to people with disabilities in the most independent living situation..."

While the following data is provided in percentages, it is critical to remember there are billions of dollars involved and the more your State spends on nursing facilities, the less it will have to spend on community services.

West Virginia Data

Adapted from Steve Gold, "The Disability Odyssey Continues" and AARP's "A Balancing Act: State Long-Term Care Reform," (Info Bulletin #254, 7/08).

NCD Recommends Improving Federal Data

The National Council on Disability (NCD) released "Keeping Track: National Disability Status and Program Performance Indicators" calling on the federal government to do more to improve federal data describing the status of Americans with disabilities.

This report is the result of a year-long effort. It describes what is known about the status of people with disabilities in the United States, and examines current data to assess the extent to which the data meaningfully measures the well-being of people with disabilities.

NCD is an independent federal agency composed of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. NCD provides advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies to promote policies, programs, practices and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

For more information or to view the report go to www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/Indicators_Report.html or contact NCD’s Director of External Affairs, Mark S. Quigley, at mquigley@ncd.gov or call 202-272-2004.

Medicaid Buy-In Enrollment Grows

The Medicaid Work Incentive Network (M-WIN) provided affordable health insurance for 735 working West Virginians with disabilities in 47 counties in June.

For more information or to enroll in M-WIN, call your local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office at 800-642-8589..

M-WIN Premium Payment Statistics

• Premium payments ranged from $2.50 per month to $182.00 per month.
• The average (mean) premium was $34.01 per month.
• There were one hundred and thirty-six (136) participants paid the minimum ($15.00).
• There were one hundred eight (108) participants paid more than $50.00 per month in premiums.
• Total payments received in enrollment fees and premiums in June 2008 were $24,896.81

New Ticket to Work Regulations

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has revised regulations for its Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (Ticket to Work program), which was authorized by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. The SSA issues Tickets to beneficiaries with disabilities. The Ticket can be used to obtain services and support from approved service providers (called Employment Networks or ENs).

The goal of the Ticket to Work Program is to assist beneficiaries in finding employment and working towards financial independence. SSA pays ENs when the beneficiaries they are working with achieve certain milestones and outcomes related to earnings from employment. The program is a free and voluntary service. This means you can use your Ticket if you choose, but there is no penalty for not using it.

If you have lost or misplaced your Ticket, do not worry. You do not have to have the Ticket to participate in the program. Simply tell your SSA caseworker or an EN near you that you would like to use your Ticket. If you are interested in working, the Ticket Program may be your key to accessing vocational rehabilitation, training, and placement services, as well as other services and supports to help you reach your employment goals.

Eligibility for the Ticket was expanded to all adult beneficiaries ages 18 through 64. Before this, certain beneficiaries were not eligible to receive a Ticket before completing their first Continuing Disability Review (CDR), because medical improvement was expected to occur.

The new regulations, which took effect on July 21, 2008 can be found online at www.socialsecurity.gov/work/newregs.html.

Gateways Work Groups Working to Reduce Employment Barriers

Gateways: West Virginia’s Comprehensive Employment System (CES) is a project of the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) to increase statewide employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Six work groups are working to complete the project goals. Work group members include persons with disabilities, agencies, organizations and businesses.

The Employment Supports Work Group continues to meet with the goal of marketing programs designed to assist people with disabilities to get or keep jobs or work supports. Programs include the Medicaid Work Incentive Network (M-WIN), the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Project, the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). The group will provide resources to increase the number of individuals in supported or customized employment, and investigate telecommuting opportunities. For more information, call Angela Vaught at 304-720-3200.

The Gateways Assistive Technology/Job Accommodation Work Group promotes assistive technology for the purpose of helping people with disabilities to engage in employment and pre-employment activities. The group will provide information on assistive technology evaluations and sites where these are available, resources to try out different kinds of technology through loan programs and funding sources to purchase the desired technology. For more information, call Jack Stewart at 304-293-4692, extension 1104.

Job Squad, Inc. Providing Employment Opportunities

Formed in 1984, Job Squad, Inc. provides employment opportunities, training and supports for people with physical, developmental or psychiatric disabilities. Whether the individual works on a government contract or at a community business, Job Squad provides the job training and supports to assure successful employment experiences. For more information, call Russell Sickles, Supported Employment Manager, Job Squad at 304-848-0850.

An Employment Resource

The Seeing Hand Association, Inc. helps individuals who are blind or have visual impairments reach their personal and professional employment goals, by offering services in computer learning, job development/placement/support services, support groups, local independent travel and a low vision clinic. For more information, call Joyce Britt at 304-232-4810.

Assistive Technology in the Workplace

A new training opportunity "Assistive Technology in the Workplace: Tools to Accommodate Employees with Disabilities" is available to small business owners, human resources staff and other employers.

This free presentation:

• Helps businesses understand how simple accommodations can support staff and maintain productivity
• Demonstrates how these accommodations can provide outreach to loyal and hard-working employees
• Can be offered in 30, 60, or 90-minute sessions to meet your training needs
• Is hands-on and interactive
• Provides attendees with informational packets to share with others

To arrange for a session for your company, call 800-841-8436 or e-mail pathsinc@gmail.com.

Serving West Virginia Farmers and 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.

1-800-841-8436 or agrability@hsc.wvu.edu

Bale gardens are:

• Economic, instant and virtually foolproof
• Easy to make and maintain
• Need no digging, weeding, minimal bending and very little watering
• Ideal for the elderly and individuals with physical challenges
• Swiftly disassembled and may be recycled as compost at the end of the season

A bale garden consists of bales of hay or straw. Straw provides fewer seeds resulting in fewer weeds. Place the bale on its side lengthwise to make planting easy by parting the straw. Make sure the string is running around each bale. You do not want to place the twine side touching the ground as most twine will fall apart with time.

Planting

Part the stalks by hand or with a shovel to open up an area the size of the root structure of your seedlings. You can also cut out a small section of hay/straw instead. Add some potting soil to the opening and plant your seedlings a little deeper than in a regular dirt garden. The number of plants per bale depends on the mature size of the plants. Two tomato plants or three pepper plants are recommended per bale. Marigolds are natural bug repellents and can be added to each bale.

Water as necessary. It is important not to let the bales dry out between waterings. The bales will dry out quickly in the beginning and may need watering twice a day, but as they decompose they will hold water longer.

One of the advantages of bale gardening is that plants in bales are easily accessible from a wheelchair or walker since they are up off the ground.

Fertilizer

Use liquid fertilizer twice a week for best results. Use a watering can or use an applicator that waters the plants and fertilizes at the same time.

Weeding

If the bales sprout wheat or oat straw, pull out the sprouts or trim them with a pair of scissors.

It is not too late for you to try bale gardening!!

For more information on accessible gardening, call Tammy Hare at 800-841-8436or e-mail thare@hsc.wvu.edu.

Taking Charge of Your Health and Safety is a federally funded program for West Virginians that is housed at West Virginia University. Taking Charge is in full swing in 17 counties across the state. One-hundred and twenty-four individuals and 23 community programs have volunteered to take part in the program. Volunteers are teaching seniors what they can do daily to improve their health and safety.

Taking Charge staff trained volunteers on the program’s educational materials and health information and the different ways the program can be used. The success of the Taking Charge program is due to the hard work of its staff, the partnership between WVU’s Extension Services and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities and the warm welcome it has received from participating counties.

Free home assessments in six pilot counties are now underway. With the help of the Community Living Initiatives Corporation (CLIC), money is available to pay for recommendations from the home assessment team. Home assessment professionals and homeowners will team up to decide what modifications to make. Taking Charge is looking for applicants for free home assessments in Marion, Summers, Braxton, Greenbriar, McDowell and Marshall Counties.

If you are interested in receiving free health education materials, becoming a volunteer or would like Taking Charge to come to your senior center or social group to give a free presentation, call 800-841-8436 or e-mail takingcharge@hsc.wvu.edu. More detailed information can be found on the Taking Charge web site located at www.cedwvu.org/programs/takingcharge.

What is Important to You?

• Taking care of yourself in your own Home?
• Staying independent?
• Having the freedom to get around?

Do not wait to take charge of your own health. Even if you feel ‘fine’ today, taking charge can slow or prevent many age-related problems that can appear tomorrow.

Feel Your Best

• Keep Moving - Physical activity protects and improves your emotional, mental and physical health. It also reduces stiffness and arthritis pain.
• Keep Connected - Staying in touch with friends and family keeps the brain sharp and helps maintain mental health.
• Keep Informed - Play an active part in your health care decisions. Learn about any health condition you might have. Do not be afraid to ask for help or information.
• Stay Healthy - Avoid habits that can harm your health, such as smoking, eating foods high in sodium and fat, and heavy alcohol use.

Green Thumbs collaborates with Master Gardener groups to raise awareness about the wide variety of ergonomic tools and accessibility options available to persons with musculoskeletal conditions. Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints is a project at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities funded by the WV Bureau for Public Health.

Using the proper tool is a vital part of successful gardening. Whatever style of tool you choose, there are a few universal pointers that will help you as you garden. As with any activity, be sure to consult your doctor or physical therapist for any precautions you should take, but here are a few simple suggestions to get you going:

• Use tools with longer handles to cut down on the need to bend over or kneel.
• Keep tools sharp and in good condition to conserve energy.
• Use the lightest weight tool possible to complete tasks.
• Use tools with a soft, pliable non-slip handles for easier gripping.
• Garden in raised beds, trellises or containers that minimize bending and stooping. Raised beds can be built from scratch or with the aid of raised bed kits.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands and joints.

Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints has a selection of assistive garden tools available for loan through CED’s Virtual Loan Library online at www.cedwvu.org/wvats.

For more information, call Tammy Hare at 800-841-8436or e-mail thare@hsc.wvu.edu.

Center for Excellence in Disabilities
West Virginia University
959 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: 304-293-4692
877-724-8244 or TTY: 800-518-1448
Email: contact@cedwvu.org