assistive technology at work, home or play

Assistive Technology at Work, Home or Play

DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

One of ten regional centers that provide technical assistance,

training and materials on the ADA.

This presentation is sponsored by DBTAC & the Pennsylvania Initiative on AT (PIAT), Institute on Disabilities at Temple University

Cool Tools

That

Create Access!

Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)(Authorized and funded by the

Assistive Technology Act of 2004, as amended)Administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services

Coordinators at the VATS three Regional Sitesprovide community contact points for

assistive technology information and resources.

Virginia’s Disability Program Navigator Initiative(funded by a Department of Labor – Cooperative Agreement)

A strategic alliance between the: Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services & Virginia Community College System

(overseer of the Virginia Workforce Network)

Navigators assist Virginia’s Workforce Centersin being accessible for all customers

physically, programmatically & via communications.

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Assistive Technology (AT) A device/service/strategy or practice that - alters the

demands of the environment to meet the abilities of the individual.

AT benefit – helps qualified individuals

with disabilities beeffective employees

Universal Designcreates an environment that accommodates the abilities of the greatest number of people.

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What is AT

Devices - “any item, piece of equipment, or product system,whether acquiredcommercially, modified, orcustomized, that is used toincrease, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities” (AT Act of 1998, as amended)

Services - "any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (AT Act of 1998, as amended)

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Assistive Technology Devices

HIGH

4%

Mid25%

($501 to $5000)

Low51% ($1 to $500)

• Customized design• Higher cost• Specialized training

• Modified design • Moderate cost • Some training

• Readily available• Inexpensive• Easy to learn

No Cost = 20% of all accommodationsSource - Job Accommodation Network

(over $5000)

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Everyday Items?Where do I find Low, Mid & High Tech Devices?

Common local storesHome Depot, Staples, Dollar Stores

Specialized vendorsProvided in your handout

ProfessionalsRehabilitation EngineersVocational Counselors AT Specialists

VATS Program: WWW.VATS.ORG1-800- 435- 8490 or (804) 662 - 9990

(Toll free Information and Referral)

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Photo Phone by Ameriphone

Foto Phone Dialer

Voice Activated Switch

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DesktopTalkingCalculator

Jabra Wireless Headset

OMNI is a portable "all-in-one“talking bar code scanner.

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Super Ear Plus

Lightwriter 9

CAN-DO Magnifying Lamp Amigo

CCTVsDome Magnifier

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Portable ReachersPistol Grip D-Grip

EZ - Grab

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Writing Bird

Grippers

Speed Grip Electric Stapler

Wireless Remote Control Padlock

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For PowerPoint's use high contrast font color and

at least 18 point font for easy reading. This is 24.

Use a matte finish. Avoid using glossy paper typically used in magazines or brochures, that produces glare.

(lessens legibility for folks who are older or have partial sight)

Tips For Making Print More Readable

Use accessible sans serif fonts like: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma

Serif fonts are harder to read because ofsmall strokes at the edges (e.g. Times New Roman)

F F SerifsSans-serif

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See It Right!

• Copied as seen on white paper:

• Copied as seen through a color transparency.

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MS Accessibility Features

www.microsoft.com/enable 15

Keys-U-See Keyboardwww.maxiaids.com

Roll it or Fold it Keyboardwww.cyberguys.com

Track Ball

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Screen Filters

Glare Filter Privacy & Improved Contrast Filter

Laptop Shade 17

Desks / Workstations

Sit/Stand Adjustable Desks Height Adjustable Desk with Hand Crank

Motorized Height Adjustable Desk 18

Universal Design:Access for Everyone

The design of products

and environments

To be usable by all people,

to the greatest extent possible, without

the need for adaptation or specialized design

Ron Mace (NCSU)

UD makes life EASIER for EVERYONE

Whether you are at work, home or play!

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1. Equitable Use

2. Flexibility in Use

Automatic Doors/Ramps

Right/Left handed scissors Rubber gripped utensils20

TIP: In addition to emergency evacuation maps, provide arrows to show the direction to exits.

EXIT

3. Simple and Intuitive

4. Perceptible Information

5. Tolerance for Error

Large Dial watch

Undo feature in word processing 21

6. Low Physical Effort

7. Size and Space for Approach

Lever door handlesKnob grippers

Entrances at least 36 inches wide 22

What Makes Life Easier?

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Partner with the Individual

Determining Accommodations

What do they need?

What has worked?

Focus on strengths.

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Utilizing AT & UDCreates an environment that

enables everyone the opportunityto accomplish their tasks/activities.

• Equalizes the playing field

• Maximizes individual talents

• Increases productivity/participation

• Attracts/maintains a diverse workforce

• Makes work/home/play safer

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We are here to help!

Sinclair Hubard Disability Program Navigator InitiativeShenandoah Valley Area – Office in Harrisonburgsinclair.hubard@drs.virginia.govOffice: 540-434-5981

Rick Barrow Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)Southwest Regional Site at Virginia Techrbarrow@vt.edu Office: 540-231-0976

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