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Great Possibilities December, 2006 
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Helping Our Neighbors... Consumer Spotlight Hurricanes Katrina and Rita brought devastation to our state. In the aftermath of the storms and all the confusion, it quickly became apparent that consumers who were displaced throughout the state needed our help. Over 600,000 homes in Louisiana were affected by the hurricanes. Individuals with disabilities were forced to leave behind vital equipment like wheelchairs and walkers that allowed them to maintain their independence. As news spread about the needs in Louisiana, there was a torrent of generosity from individuals in Louisiana, and in other states. The Scooter Store in Baton Rouge, as well as out-of-state programs and agencies, came to the rescue of many consumers. LATAN immediately started an Equipment Distribution Program for those who needed to replace equipment that had been destroyed by the storm or abandoned due to the hurricanes. (For more information on the program see page 7.) Our consumer spotlight article this quarter will focus on a few of those less fortunate individuals who were forced from their homes. The urgency created by the catastrophic storms shows in a comment from an 80-year-old evacuee from Chalmette, "I just couldn’t have taken care of my husband one more day without this (hospital) bed." While visiting the Port Allen area, we were introduced to some very special ladies from New Orleans who had literally lost "everything." Ms. Arnoult, who was living in one of the hotels in the area, needed a shower chair. When we delivered it and told her it was hers to keep, she said, "Oh, thank you. You know I lost everything. This will be the first thing in my next home." Mrs. Helen and Mrs. Mary Ann also received much needed equipment. Rose Hatcher, from New Orleans, called looking for a wheelchair to replace the one she had to abandon during her evacuation. "I'm grateful to LATAN for getting me a chair," said Rose. "I can't take care of myself without it," she explained. Ms. Effie Fisher, now located in Baton Rouge, said she was, "in desperate need of a wheelchair." Equipment was delivered to 4 siblings in New Orleans ranging in age from late 70s to the mid-80s. Their only means of buying groceries was for one of them to walk to the supermarket, but they had to rest before they could get to the store. A walker with a seat was provided, as well as an additional three walkers for the other siblings, along with other essential assistive technology. A 13-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and seizure disorders had to relocate to Lafayette and leave behind his specialized wheelchair and the customized shower chair he used when bathing. LATAN not only delivered a wheelchair and a shower chair for his use, we also provided an assessment at no charge to the family, so he can get the kind of chair he needs. By January 9, 2006, we had received nearly 500 requests for equipment. By the same time period, over 250 people had received equipment they had requested. One hundred fifty-six individuals had received manual wheelchairs. One hundred six individuals were referred for assessments that LATAN had received a grant to provide. Below are a few of the special people we had the opportunity and pleasure to meet and assist with equipment. LATAN LOAN PROGRAM NEARS $2 MILLION MILESTONE As it begins the new year, the LATAN Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program is approaching $2 million in loans for AT. As of January 1, 2006, the loan program has made 112 loans totaling $1.97 million. The LATAN Loan Program began in 2002. The program provides reduced interest, extended-term loans to individuals with disabilities who need assistance purchasing assistive technology. LATAN has partnered with Regions Bank to make these loans available. In many instances, individuals with disabilities have been unable to obtain conventional financing because of credit problems related to disability or illness. The LATAN AT Loan Program acknowledges disability-related credit problems and reaches out to these individuals through modified loan guidelines. If you, a loved one, or a friend needs help in purchasing needed assistive technology, please contact the LATAN AT Loan Program and request an application. We can be reached at (225) 925-9500 or (800) 270-6185. You can also request a loan application on line at www.latan.org. Showing Our Appreciation A Volunteer Recognition Awards and Open House was held Friday, December 2, 2005 at the LATAN offices so staff could honor three wonderful groups of volunteers who came forward to serve the people of Louisiana who have disabilities and use assistive technology as part of their daily lives. Two public figures were also honored for their part in passage of the Assistive Technology Act so programs could continue for our consumers. This year LATAN was proud to acknowledge: Senator Mary Landrieu for our Legislator award, as she was instrumental in restoring funding for the AT Act. She led efforts for a projected increase in funding beyond requested amounts. Congressman Rodney Alexander helped restore funding to the AT Act. Volunteer of the Year: Kenneth Ewing took the lead in manning Katrina Equipment Distribution Program warehouse deliveries, and delivered equipment throughout Louisiana to evacuees and their families. Volunteers who served Louisiana’s assistive device users through the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Equipment Distribution Program: Dorothy Arceneaux, Herman Averette, Meher Banajee, Ronald Blereau, Cheron Brylski, Armando Corripio, Marsha Hellmann, Carroll Hoover, Michael Ingram, Adele Mart, Lynda McDonald, Mona Miley, Frank Puckett, Sean Reed, Rhetta Sellers, Mark Tucker, David Wills and Cynthia “Red” Wood. The equipment distribution could not have taken place without the help of our wonderful volunteers. Media Award: Clay Young LATAN’s profile was greatly enhanced Clay Young, Media Award winner, and Julie Nesbit, LATAN President/CEO in the Baton Rouge area because of Clay’s efforts. Clay went out of his way to help LATAN get the word out, especially after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit and LATAN undertook its equipment replacement efforts. Our deepest appreciation for outstanding work on behalf of LATAN goes to all those mentioned and those who may have helped that we failed to mention. We sincerely appreciate those who give freely of their time to help LATAN programs continue. LATAN could not function and serve our consumers as we do without the following councils and those who serve on them. Loan Program Advisory Council, Diane Bannister, Dan Carroll, Anthony “Ike” Eichelberger, Clarice Eichelberger, Jan Faulkner, William Moak and Louis Prejean. LATAN Advisory Council, David Bowman, Rik DeJean, Janice Fruge’., Mitch Iddins, James Phillips, Lisa Robinson, John Schweitzer, Mary Tonore’ and Mattie Wilson. Classifieds We would like to encourage everyone to use this newsletter to "swap and shop" for new and used assistive technology devices. Just send your information and label it "Classified Ads" to: LATAN P.O. Box 14115 Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4115 Sonic Scooter with basket and rechargeable battery. It holds 200 lbs., Price: $800 Please contact for further information: 985-898-1943 or 985-892-2279 Be a Friend of LATAN There's no doubt about it-Assistive Technology (AT) helps people with disabilities live full lives, as independently as possible. Your gift to Friends of LATAN helps make AT accessible to many of your friends, neighbors and family members. Your support of LATAN today means an education or a job, and a fulfilling life in the future for someone you know and love . LATAN believes that Great possibilities are just around the corner. * Good Friend: $50 * Supporter Friend: $100 * Sustainer Friend: $250 * Benefactor Friend: $500 * Angel Friend: $1,000 * GREAT possibilities Friend: Over $1,000 * Other: _______________________________ Name: ___________________________________ Telephone: _______________ Email: _________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________ State: ________________________ Zip Code: _________________ My donation is in memory of _________________ or my donation is in honor of _________________. Please send a memorial or honor donation letter to _________________ , and mail it to __________________________________ . Please make your tax-deductible donation payable to LATAN at Post Office Box 14115/Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4115. Assistive Technology Resources for Students with Mild Disabilities by Dave L. Edyburn, PhD The use of technology in special education has evolved considerably in recent years. However, information about assistive technology for students with mild disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mental retardation and emotional/behavioral disorders, continues to be relatively difficult to locate. Language in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA ’97) requires that assistive technology be considered when planning the individualized educational program (IEP) of all students with disabilities. As a result, the 1997 reauthorization of IDEA serves as a marker event defining a new era relative to mild disabilities and assistive technology. (Note: the 2003 reauthorization of IDEA does not change this mandate.) The purpose of this article is to highlight resources that parents can access to learn more about relevant assistive technology applications for children with mild disabilities. Learning about Assistive Technology Parents and classroom teachers often recognize the struggles and difficulties a child has in her academic classes but are uncertain whether or not there are technological tools available to help the child become more successful. Indeed, the lack of awareness about the possibilities afforded by appropriate assistive technology remains a fundamental problem undermining the requirement to consider assistive technology during the IEP process. Action Planning The potential of assistive technology should be explored whenever a child repeatedly is unsuccessful with an essential task. Inadequate attention has been devoted to understanding how technology can be used to enhance academic, behavioral and social functioning. As a result, it may require considerable persistence to obtain appropriate assistive technology devices and services for students with mild disabilities. 1. Contact your child’s teacher and request that an assistive technology evaluation be conducted to identify appropriate assistive technology devices and services that will support your child in the problematic academic areas list on the IEP. An assistive technology evaluation will be conducted by the school without charge to the family. If assistive technology appears that will be helpful, it should be implemented as soon as possible and written into the IEP. 2. Learn more about assistive technology. Register at the Assistive Technology Training Online (ATTO) Project at http://atto.buffalo.edu and participate in free, web-based training at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. These materials are extremely well-designed and will contribute to your ability to advocate on behalf of your child. 3. A critical question that continues to stump parents and professionals alike involves the decision when to recognize the failure of instruction to help a child learn necessary information (i.e., basic math facts) and when assistive technology (i.e., a calculator) should be introduced. Read the article "Remediation vs. Compensation: A Critical Decision Point in Assistive Technology Consideration," (http://www.connsensebulletin.com/edyburnv4n3.html) and discuss the concepts with your child and your child's teacher. Attempt to reach consensus on how critical it is to "know" or "do" a task independently, and whether or not it is desirable to achieve functional performance through the use of assistive technology. In addition, what percentage of time will be devoted to using assistive technology and what percentage of time will be devoted to instruction and remediation to develop the skills? 4. Explore web sites like the Georgia Tools for Life (http:// www.gatfl.org) and the Closing the Gap Resource Guide (http://www.closingthegap.com) to identify potentially useful assistive technologies that can enhance performance across the life span. 5. Assemble a collection of hardware, software and webbased tools (i.e., a toolkit) to support your child’s performance. For example, if he has difficulty planning a writing assignment, consider Kidspiration or Inspiration (http://www.inspiration.com). Or, if keyboarding and spelling are difficult, consider a specialized word processor that features word prediction like Co:Writer (http://www. donjohnston.com) or WordQ (http://www.wordq.com). Difficulties reading may suggest the need for text-tospeech tools like CAST eReader (http://www.cast.org) or ReadPlease (http://www.readplease.com). Difficulties with math computations and math concepts may suggest the need for software tools like MathPad and IntelliMathics (http://www.intellitools.com). 6. Collect data about your child’s performance before using assistive technology (commonly known as "pre") as well as after he has had the opportunity to learn how to use it (commonly known as "post"). You may describe the pre and post differences anecdotally (i.e., he likes to complete the task) or you may find measurable differences (i.e., homework time is cut in half, written assignments are three times longer, etc.). Watch for evidence that the assistive technology is working, or not. Share this information with your child’s teacher and the IEP team and discuss additional strategies for enhancing academic, behavioral and social performance. New Assistive Technology Products and Where to Get Them ion-kids system The ion-kids system allows parents to give their kids space without giving up security. The two-piece system has a wristwatch-sized and shaped device that the child wears with interchangeable face covers. The device itself has a tamper alarm so that a parent or monitor can tell if the child has removed or dislodged the device. The device has a maximum sensing area of 200 feet indoors and 350 feet outdoors. Parents monitor the child’s activities with a cell phone-sized device. If the wrist unit is tampered with or the child wanders too far from the base, it emits vibration and light and sound alarms. This system worked well for our testers once they were able to get it programmed. The ion-kids system promotes independence for kids who have special needs while giving parents an additional tool to use to ensure the child remains safe. The ion-kids system has the EP Symbol of Excellence. For more information contact ion-kids at 512.334.6226 or visit their website at www.ion-kids.com. The Lightest Travel Wheelchair Introducing the lightest, most compact travel wheelchair! Made of high strength lightweight aircraft aluminum. The all new Wheelchair In a Bag folds and unfolds in seconds - making it the most easy-to-use transport wheelchair today. 16" Seat Width Weighs only 17 lbs., cost: $299. 18" seat width weighs only 18 lbs., cost: $369. Comes with a custom-fitted carry bag. Lifetime warranty. Thirty-day, 100% money-back guarantee, less shipping costs. Three ways to carry the Wheelchair in a Bag: folded with handle, bag shoulder strap, and seat belt which doubles as a shoulder strap! Flipback armrests, fold-out footrest, adjustable wheel locks. For more information call 877.737.9877 or visit http://www.wheelchairinabag.com. Amplified Emergency Connect Phone Do you have loved ones living alone? Do you worry about their safety? The AEC is a feature-rich telephone that will not only improve the quality of conversations but also connect family members in times of emergency. Some of the easy-to-use features include amplification for all hearing levels, from non-amplified to high amplification of 52 dB, strobe light ringer flasher, super loud ringer, speakerphone and caller ID/call waiting. A bonus feature includes a choice of two emergency remote dialing options (a pendant or wristband) that will dial up to six preprogrammed contact phone numbers. Price: $199.95. Available through Harris Communications at 800.825.6758 or you can visit their website at www.harriscomm.com. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Please see LATAN's website for additional dates and events: www.latan.org March 20-25, 2006: Los Angeles, CA. California State University, Northridge Center on Disabilities’ 21st Annual International Conference "Technology and Persons with Disabilities." This is a comprehensive, international conference, where all technologies across all ages, disabilities, levels of education and training, employment, and independent living are addressed. It is the largest conference of its kind! Visit www.csun.edu/cod/conf for more information. March 28, 2006: 611 N. Burnside Ave., Gonzales, Region III Assistive Technology Center. Stages & Evaluware. Participants will learn how to use Stages and Evaluware as tools for conducting informal assessments for their students. March 30, 2006: 611 N. Burnside Ave., Gonzales, Region III Assistive Technology Center. AlphaSmart/Neo/Dana This training will offer instruction on the use of the AlphaSmart, Neo, & Dana. These devices are inexpensive, lightweight, & portable word processors. For more information email: edwardss@apsb.org. April 5-8, 2006: Louisville, Kentucky, PEPNet Conference 2006, Roots and Wings. For more information, visit www.pepnet.org. April 7, 2006: 611 N. Burnside Ave., Gonzales, Region III Assistive Technology Center. Switches: 1& 2 Step Scanning. Participants will get a hands-on experience with the different types of switches, types of scanning and various software. April 27-29, 2006: TVI Workforce Training Center, I-23 & West Alameda, Albuquerque, NM, Assistive Technology Conference. For more information please phone 800-866-2253. May 3-5, 2006: Baton Rouge, LA, Adaptive Solutions 2006 Solutions for AT Conference. For more information call 225.387.0428 or visit www.adaptive-sol.vom/conference.htm May 16, 2006: 611 N. Burnside Ave., Gonzales, Region III Assistive Technology Center. Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education. This workshop will provide the participants with a continuum of AT tools from low to mid tech that will allow students to function more independently in the classroom. For more information email: edwardss@apsb.org. May 19-20, 2006: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Occupation-Based Wheelchair Seating and Mobility: Evaluation and Intervention. To learn more information about this session, view the schedule and to obtain registration information, please visit: http://www.iss.pitt.edu/ISS_SW.html. June 27-29, 2006: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative LATI Summer Institute offers a training for Louisiana educators on assistive technology. Visit: http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/specialp/1538.html for more information. Did You Know Toyota proudly states that it is the first car company to create cars for every need. It has been the usual practice to adapt cars to specific users. This is an expensive and time-consuming practice. Toyota researched very small markets that other car manufacturers tend to ignore. Toyota’s point of view is that they might just learn something that’s useful to everyone. They added a seat that swivels, a simpler set of controls, and wider doors that open automatically. The Toyota RAUM will make many accessible features widely available. By providing products for small audiences, many manufacturers could learn something new about the needs of greater audiences. Visit www.batfa.com/new_car_toyota_raum.htm for more information. Web sites that support the use of assistive technology by students with mild disabilities * Capturing the Potential: http://www.uwm.edu/~edyburn/ctp.html * Customizing Technology Solutions for College Students with LD: http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/technology/customizing_technology.html * LD Resources: http://www.ldresources.com * Tools for Living with Learning Disabilities: http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/technology/ccld_assistive_technology.html Reference Edyburn, D.L. (2000). "Assistive Technology and Students with Mild Disabilities." Focus on Exceptional Children, 32(6), 1-24. Dr. Edyburn teaches in the areas of mild disabilities related to learning and behavior at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He is the author of The Electronic Scholar: Using Technology to Enhance Research Productivity. The purpose of this article is to provide information about technologies, strategies and techniques for implementing any number of assistive technology devices, as well as information about how to incorporate assistive technology devices and services within Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). We encourage you to send suggestions or questions to epedit@aol.com. Computers! Computers! LATAN connected over 100 individuals with a functional limitation to low-cost, refurbished computers last year through its Computer ReBoot Program. If you or someone you know has a disability and cannot afford a new computer, please call LATAN at 225-925-9500 or 800-270-6185 to ask for an application or more information. You can also visit our website at www.latan.org or email the Program Director at jkaram@latan.org. Hurricanes Katrina & Rita Were you forced to leave behind your wheelchair, walker, cane, or other types of medical equipment and Through donations, LATAN is able to provide this equipment to people who have been displaced by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita. For more information, please contact the location nearest you: Baton Rouge, LA -- Andrea Fantacci, 225.293.8342 or 800.270.6185 Monroe, LA -- Henry Bateman, 318.343.7128 or 800.638.6115 Shreveport, LA -- Mitch Iddins, 318.671.8131 Lake Charles and Lafayette, LA -- Mitch Granger, 337.477.7194 Friends of LATAN 2005-2006 Donors Albertson’s Community Partnership Anonymous Friend of LATAN Henry & Liz Bateman Laura Blereau Ron Blereau John C. Bird Beau and Dorothy Boudreaux Martine Boudreaux Valerie Bradley Ruth Broome Isonel Brown Sandra & Greg Brown Maureen Cannon, Emma & Zoe Armando and Consuelo Corripio Jerry A. Coward Disability Funders Network David & Lelia Dragon Dennis Ensurd Barbara Fischlowitz-Leong Mary Fiser Rena Niven Fort Arleen Friloux Cris and Lanny Fulford Amy S. Goldman Darwin E. Good Susan Hellmann Institute on Disabilities Temple University Gwendolyn Jones Pearline Jones Judy Lynn Software Hilda Kinchen Kirschman’s Furniture Elissa McKenzie Cyndi Mabry Maryland A.T. Act Program Massachusetts A.T. Partnership Jeanne & Dick Maxfield Kristen and Dave Maxfield Molson Grange #1069, Oroville, Washington Patricia Murphy Candace Nemo Madeline Nesbit Dena & Fred Nodier Neurotherapy Specialists, Susan Ducote & Terri Williams Saundra Parker-Allen Suzanne Perry Cecil Phillips Eileen Pracek Louis Prejean Ruth Reed Amanda Rhame Frank E. Robinson Rollins College, Winter Park, FL Jesse & Carol Russell St. Aloysius, Congregation of Marilyn Scott Saralene & Roger Seals Sharon Skibicki Jim & Jean Slater, Slater Software Sharon Skibicki Tommie R. Smith Rebecca Spence Alma Stewart Gloria Taillon Laura Thibault Paul Underwood Carrie Varner Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Ashland Campus, SOTA Club Cathy & Paul Yarnell In Honor of: Becky Chenevert, LATAN Board of Directors Crystal Lea Cormier Mr. & Mrs. Nolan Cormier Roy Martin, LATAN Board of Directors Elaine Seeger – Robin Wagner In Memory of: Nelson Abell, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. James Fouts Gertrude "Gertie" Schwab Madeline Nesbit Willie Price Harrison Madeline Nesbit "Boots" Nesbit - Madeline Nesbit G.R.E.A.T. possibilities is published quarterly and mailed to any one requesting it. We hope the newsletter will be a forum for information exchange among all people interested in assistive technology. LATAN welcomes any and all input from others. Please address correspondence, with permission to print or request not to print, to the Editor, Clara Pourciau. Please copy and share the contents of this newsletter. We ask only that you credit the author, or if none is indicated, "Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network," as the source of the information. Individuals requiring an alternate format of G.R.E.A.T. possibilities and individuals requesting address changes, additions, or deletions to the LATAN mailing list should contact LATAN, PO Box 14115, Baton Rouge, LA 70898, 225-925-9500 or 800-270-6185. You can also communicate electronically with us by fax at 225-925-9560, email at rspence@latan.org, or visit our website at: www.latan.org. LATAN receives funds from the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 through the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education, Grant #H224A10028. This publication does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of any of these federal agencies, and no official endorsement of the material should be inferred. Julie Nesbit, President and CEO |
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