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Great Possibilities July, 2005 
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Jimmie's Story... Consumer Spotlight I was in Human Resource Management for about 20 years and I recall having to attend all the inforcontinued I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995. The progression of the disease has gradually resulted in my not being able to walk for the last 3 years. I now use a scooter to get around. MS changed my life, changed the present and changed what I had planned for my future. Due to the extensive travel requirements for my job I had to retire from doing something I loved. I was employed for 37 years at State Farm in Monroe. I cherished my job and had reached a management level position, which afforded an excellent salary, benefits and much job enrichment. My employer was wonderful and I was open and honest with them every step of the way regarding my illness and the accommodations I needed to continue working. Everything they could do for me in my work environment to make things easier they did, all I had to do was ask and show them exactly what I needed. They purchased a scooter for me to use at work. When I retired they gave it to me as a parting gift, so now I have a backup! MS affects the entire family. I am married and have two sons, both married with children. Mine and my husband’s "retirement plans" have been drastically changed by MS. We were going to travel and take our grandchildren on some wonderful trips. My disability keeps me from interacting with my grandchildren in activities I used to enjoy, swinging, bike riding, walks in the park, planting flowers, simple things that were so taken for granted. We have to be creative in finding leisure things to do that we can all do together. No more LSU football games high up in the stands of Tiger Stadium. No more picnics during the hot summer months. No more lounging at the beach. MS and the sun are brutal enemies. My husband and I use to enjoy dancing. We really miss that. MS has changed my husband’s life as well and that makes me angry. Our previous home was "paid for" and 4 years ago we decided to build a totally accessible home for me so I can go anywhere in the home and can enjoy cooking once again. Physical barriers are everywhere in the community. For most social events out - it takes a call ahead to make sure the venue is accessible and that there are accessible bathrooms. I can no longer attend social functions in the homes of my friends as most homes are not accessible - this falls under both physical and emotional barriers [editor’s note: LATAN supports the new Visitability Law being considered by Congress]. I’m a very outgoing, social person, very independent, and still have not adjusted to having limitations placed on my life and me. Financial barriers exist for us. It is expensive to be disabled! I’m blessed with a good retirement plan from my employer. I was able to retain my entire group medical benefits along with my company-sponsored investments. My husband is still working so we haven’t felt the financial pinch yet, but I’m sure we will. In order to maintain some of my precious independence I have a modified minivan equipped with a ramp and all the other “disabled” bells and whistles. I drive myself wherever I want to go and a van like this one isn’t cheap. They also don’t last forever. I’ll need a new van in a couple of years and retail prices on new modified minivans can easily exceed $42,000. Then there’s the scooter. They are $3,000-4,000 and a new set of batteries about every 4-5 months is another $175. When I was still working I made contact with a counselor at Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and they were a tremendous help in paying for the van conversion expenses. They also assisted in purchasing my first scooter. Now that I no longer am employed, Louisiana Rehab will not be available as a resource in the future. And let’s don’t even get into the cost of all medications (with one costing $15,000 a year)! I was in Human Resource Management for about 20 years and I recall having to attend all the informational meetings on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) when it was first introduced. Now in hindsight I wish I had paid more attention as the lawyers and ADA compliance officer gave us in-depth information about the laws and their application. The ADA was definitely needed but I suppose since I am inpatient by nature I feel the wheels move too slowly in "nudging" the WORLD to change! My wish is for Universal Design architectural principles and software applications to be MANDATORY - worldwide! My hobbies have definitely changed. Now I enjoy reading, shopping, cooking, meditating, and being a hospital volunteer at North Monroe Medical Center. I also do motivational speaking and give my testimony to women's conferences at local churches and other social groups. It is a way of sharing what has happened in my life, how God has brought me through some dark days and demonstrating how you "rise to a new level of normal" and move forward. The best advice I can give anyone with a disability is simple.... find a way to get out and keep moving. Stay as independent as you possibly can. Don’t wallow around at home having one “pity party” after the other. I thank GOD that I was born with a stubborn streak and also very hardheaded. It is those traits that kept me in trouble as a child that are now a PLUS as I battle MS head-on. I have found that my deep faith has been the catalyst that keeps me going day after day. For all of the physical strength MS has taken from me I have gained a spiritual strength like I could have only imagined. By the grace of God I get up every day and do the whole dressing/makeup/hair “thing,” then I do something - even if it is just a trip to the grocery store. I make sure my grandchildren see me as a positive role model in their lives. I refuse to be the “disabled” Nana that just sat in her recliner until she died! My grandchildren think there is nothing I can’t do! I stay away from negative, depressing people. I just don’t need that in my life. Am I angry that I have this horrific disease? You bet I am! But, I also have a life to live and I will. My list of "things to be thankful for" is very long, the other list is quite short, I’m blessed. Someone described me the other day as a "spunky" lady....I took that as a great compliment! Policy Updates Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction: IRS Code Section 190, Barrier Removal (Part 2 of a 3-part series) What is it? Businesses may take an annual deduction for expenses incurred to remove physical, structural, and transportation barriers for persons with disabilities at the workplace. Who is eligible? All businesses are eligible. What is the amount? Businesses may take a tax deduction of up to $15,000 a year for expenses incurred to remove barriers for persons with disabilities. Amounts in excess of the $15,000 maximum annual deduction may be depreciated. What expenses are covered? The deduction is available every year. It can be used for a variety of costs to make a facility or public transportation vehicle, owned or leased for use in the business, more accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Examples include the cost of: providing accessible parking spaces, ramps, and curb cuts; providing telephones, water fountains, and restrooms which are accessible to persons using wheelchairs; making walkways at least 48 inches wide. What expenses are not covered? The deduction may not be used for expenses incurred for new construction, or for a complete renovation of a facility or public transportation vehicle, or for the normal replacement of depreciable property. May I use the tax credit and tax deduction together? (IRS Code Section 44, Disabled Access Credit , allows small businesses to take an annual tax credit for making their businesses accessible to persons with disabilities.) Small businesses may use the credit and deduction together, if the expenses incurred qualify under both Sections 44 and 190. For example, if a business spent $12,000 for access adaptations, it would qualify for a $5,000 tax credit and a $7,000 tax deduction. Are there limits on annual usage? Although both the tax credit and deduction may be used annually, if a business spends more than may be claimed in one year, it cannot carry over those expenses and claim a tax benefit in the next year. How can this credit be deducted? The amount spent is subtracted from the total income of a business to establish its taxable income. In order for expenses to be deductible, accessibility standards established under the Section 190 regulations must be met. Where can I obtain additional information? Office of Associate Counsel, IRS, Passthrough & Special Industries, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20224, phone: (202)622-3110. MIG Grant Provides Financial Support for AT Exchange The Department of Health and Hospitals has contracted with LATAN to develop a searchable database of assistive devices available for no- or low cost to people with disabilities. Funds for the contract were made available through the federal Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, awarded to Louisiana Medicaid for the development of a Medicaid system that will support workers with disabilities. The funding will enable LATAN to develop and manage the "AT Exchange," a resource available online and by telephone to help people access previously owned assistive technology. "The Medicaid Purchase Plan, a Medicaid program for workers with disabilities, is dedicated to helping people with disabilities go to work and maintain employment, while keeping their health benefits," says Cyndi Mabry, LATAN Public Information Officer. "Access to assistive technology helps people become employed and stay employed," says Mabry. We Have a Place for You LATAN is looking for a few good men and women. There are lots of opportunities for you to help LATAN move forward in providing assistive technology services needed by individuals in the state. Opportunities include positions on the Board of Directors from all areas of the state, but particularly from the central, southwest, northwest, and northeast areas, and as a member of one of the Board task forces, such as governance, fund development, and public image. Additional positions are available on the individual program task forces: AT Loan Program, Computer ReBoot, PeerNet, Individual Advocacy, Public Policy, Public Awareness, AT Exchange and Program Development. We have also convened the LATAN AT Advisory Council, and are looking for AT users and family members who will be a part of the six focus groups we have set up around the state to give input to the Council. All of our positions are open to AT users, family members, and AT providers, in addition to other stakeholders and interested persons. Office volunteers are always needed. Bring your skills and interests, and we will find you a spot. Please call and let us know what you feel you can contribute and are interested in. Call 800-270-6185 or 925-9500 in Baton Rouge for more information, or email jnesbit@latan.org. Thank you for considering this request. We need you! 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 1998 Dodge Grant Caravan w/Wheelchair lift, 75K miles, $8,000. Perfect for child or small adult (floor is not lowered). New A/C and tires. All required maintenance is current. 225-272-7024 (Baton Rouge) 2000 Ford Van, High-top, Blue with Wheelchair Lift. Braun wheelchair lift with remote control. It folds in. Asking $22,000. Please call in reference to Jared's van: 985-876-6002, 985-851-2317 or 985-853-5044. 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. Credit Card Donations LATAN is happy to announce that making gifts to LATAN just got easier. Want frequent flyer miles and a tax donation, all at the same time? You can donate using the credit card of your choice at the LATAN website, www.latan.org or by calling 800.270.6185 or 225.925.9500 (in Baton Rouge) . We will provide a tax receipt for you, but you can use your credit card statement, if you prefer, at tax time when you make donations through the use of your credit card. Want to make a donation, but you don’t have all the cash at one time? We now have a monthly giving program so you can spread your gifts out over time. Call the LATAN office today and speak to Cyndi Mabry to make arrangements for charitable giving. Your donations are appreciated. Partners in Employment Partners in Employment, an online self-study course, is designed to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful jobs and jumpstart careers. Since 1987, Partners in Policymaking participants have strived to create a new employment culture - one in which willing workers are welcomed and embraced by satisfied employers and a supportive public. Hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members have learned new, exciting ways to open the world of work to everyone. This course has been created to give you the practical skills you need to find real, competitive employment in your community. Throughout the site, you’ll learn how other people with disabilities have overcome common obstacles to find jobs and succeed in the workplace. After completing this course, you will: * Understand the hiring process and how it might differ for people with developmental disabilities; * Understand supported and competitive employment; * Identify a “circle of friends” who can help you achieve your dream; * Know your strengths, skills and interests and how they might translate into a career; * Understand natural supports and how they might help you succeed; * Create a resume’ or portfolio that presents you and your abilities in the best light; * Know how to network and identify potential employers; * Be prepared for a successful job interview; * Know how to evaluate a job offer to make sure it fits your skills and dreams! Visit www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/employment and take the course at your own pace today! Announcing LATAN’s Newest Program: The AT Exchange Do you have assistive equipment you no longer use and don’t know what to do with it? Do you need a device but also need a good price to be able to afford to purchase it? Consumers have asked for a way to access previously owned equipment and LATAN has the answer! On October 1, 2005, LATAN will launch an online Recycling Database called The AT Exchange. The database will be available at the LATAN website, www.latan.org or by calling 800-270-6185. Consumers who visit our web site will be able see the listing of equipment available and the contact information to purchase the device. People will be able to list a device for sale or donation. We believe this program will bring increased efficiency to consumers seeking equipment and increased effectiveness to agencies and organizations seeking to distribute AT equipment back into the community. Partial funding for the AT Exchange is being provided by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and by the Department of Health and Hospitals through the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. If you already have equipment you want to sell or donate or just want to stay informed about the status of this program, email LATAN at cmabry@latan.org to be put on our AT Exchange Alert. We’ll email you when the AT Exchange is ready to accept device listings. Look for additional information in the next edition of Great possibilities newsletter. New Assistive Technology Products and Where to Get Them ROBOTRON PTY LTD Simon The Simon reading machine is the world’s lightest. This elegant and powerful device represents the culmination of two decades of experience in designing and manufacturing assistive devices, widely used and known by people who are blind and visually impaired all over the world. Simon costs $2,299.95. This remarkable reading machine combines all the attributes one should look for in a reading machine: speed, reading accuracy, simplicity of use, low weight and small size. We included all this, and yet, incredibly, we managed to keep the glass size at 14.5 x 8.5 inches (370 x 216 mm), the largest scan area available in any reading machine of its size and price, making it possible to scan two pages of a standard-size book at the same time. The machine weighs only 8.5 lb (3.7 kg), making it the first reading machine which can be carried around with ease. Visit www.sensorytools.com simon.htm for more information. Bionic Suit Offers Wearers Super-strength New Scientist April 9, 2005 A ROBOT suit has been developed that could help older people or those with disabilities to walk or lift heavy objects. HAL, or hybrid assistive limb, is the result of 10 years’ work and integrates mechanics, electronics, bionics and robotics in a new field known as cybernics. The most fully developed prototype, HAL 3, is a motor-driven metal "exoskeleton" that you strap onto your legs to power-assist leg movements. A backpack holds a computer with a wireless network connection, and the batteries are on a belt. Two control systems interact to help the wearer stand, walk and climb stairs. A "bio-cybernic" system uses bioelectric sensors attached to the skin on the legs to monitor signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles. While the bio-cybernic system moves individual elements of the exoskeleton, a second system provides autonomous robotic control of the motors to coordinate these movements and make a task easier overall, helping someone to walk, for instance. The system activates itself automatically once the user starts to move. The first time they walk, its sensors record posture and pattern of motion, and this information is stored in an onboard database for later use. When the user walks again, sensors alert the computer, which recognizes the movement and regenerates the stored pattern to provide power-assisted movement. The actions of both systems can be calibrated according to a particular user’s needs, for instance to give extra assistance to a weaker limb. The HAL 4 and HAL 5 prototypes have an upper part to assist the arms, and will help a person lift up to 8 pounds more than they can manage unaided. The new HALs will also eliminate the need for a backpack. Instead, the computer and wireless connection have been shrunk to fit in a pouch attached to the suit’s belt. HAL 5 also has smaller motor housings, making the suit much less bulky around the hips and knees. HAL 3 weighs 8.5 pounds, but the help it gives the user is more than enough to compensate for this. "It’s like riding on a robot, rather than wearing one," says Sankai. He adds that HAL 4 will weigh 7.4 pounds, and he hopes HAL 5 may be lighter still. Many requests for the devices from people with brain and spinal injuries have been received; so planning is to extend the suit’s applications to include medical rehabilitation. The first commercial suits are likely to cost between $14,000 to $19,000. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Please see LATAN's website for additional dates and events: www.latan.org August 4-14, 2005: New Orleans, TRAC Creative Music & Jazz Camp. A summer residential program for blind & visually impaired teen musicians. Applications are available at www.unotrac.org/jazzcamp.htm August 9, 2005: 9 am till 12 noon, Ticket to Work and Work Incentives. Sponsored by: Bayou Land Families Helping Families. This informative workshop will be held at Terrebonne ARC, Houma, LA. Telephone 1-800-331- 5570 and ask for Jeannie to RSVP or for more information. September 15-16, 2005: Atlanta, GA. Workplace Accommodations: State of the Science Conference. Visit http:// www.workplacererc.org/sos for more information. October 18-22, 2005: Minneapolis, Minnesota. 23rd Annual Closing the Gap Conference. For more information November 8-11, 2005: 8th Annual Accessing Higher Ground: Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference for Education, Businesses, for Web and Media Designers, University of Colorado, Boulder Campus. For more information visit: www.colorado.edu/ATconference November 9-12, 2006: TASH Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisc. Headquarter Hotels, Hilton Milwaukee City Center & Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. Please see LATAN’s website for additional dates and events: November 14-15, 2005: New Orleans, LA. People on the Move: Using All Transportation Options (ADA and Beyond). A FREE “train-the-trainer” initiative to increase accessible transportation in your community. Visit http://projectaction.easterseals.com for more information January 18-21, 2006: Orlando, FL. ATIA 2006 Conference, Showcasing Excellence in Assistive Technology. Visit February 1-4, 2006: St Petersburg, FL. ICADI, International Conference on Aging, Disability, and Independence. Visit www.icadi.phhp.ufl.edu for more information. 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. Making the Case for Workers with Disabilities FORTUNE magazine is creating a special advertising section in its October 2005 issue, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and the Center for Workers with Disabilities to discuss the benefits of employing workers with disabilities (and the accessibility products available to companies), and getting people with disabilities back to work. They will also educate the FORTUNE reader on the vast business tax credits and reduced labor costs that are realized by hiring these employees. Possible topics include: * how to prevent injuries on the job, * success stories from companies that have hired workers with disabilities, * disabilities and accessibility products created by and /or available to accommodate workers with disabilities on the job, * services available for treatment and rehabilitation, * workplace disability prevention, * how to find qualified workers with disabilities, * recommend disability friendly strategies, * information on the vast business tax credits and reduced labor costs realized by hiring these employees. Interested in "Aging in Place"? Resource for Successful Aging LATAN's "Assistive Technology for Aging in Place" is available for purchase at www.latan.org or by calling 800- 270-6185. "This valuable manual is full of low cost and easy do-it-yourself home modifications and lots of resources for older Louisiana citizens," says Clara Pourciau, LATAN Assistant Director and "Assistive Technology for Aging in Place" editor. The manual costs $25.00 plus $3.00 postage and handling. Sixth Annual Assistive Technology Camp Fun, laughter and learning characterized LATAN's 6th Annual Assistive Technology Camp held in Sibley, LA at the Camp Alabama site run by the Presbyterian Church. Campers, families and staff gathered during the weekend of June 24-26, 2005 to discover the stimulating world of assistive technology and the important place it can hold in the lives of children with disabilities. Families received hands-on instruction about adaptive computer devices (touch screens, child-oriented software, alternative switches), communication devices, and low-tech items. The 9 children who attended ranged from 3 to 6 years of age. Through the generous donations of computers and related equipment, four families went home with computers adapted for their children's use in their homes. Organizations that contributed equipment, funding and volunteer time and made the camp possible were Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN), Department of Education Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative (LATI), Orleans Parish Schools, National Cristina Foundation, URS Corporation, Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, and Families Helping Families. The children were encouraged to enjoy many summer activities such as swimming, coloring with crayons, using a bubble machine, canoeing, digging for dinosaur bones and listening to and telling stories. We were fortunate this year to have a marvelous activity with certified therapy pets by PAWS-NELA (Pet Assistance Welfare Society). Browse their web site at: www.pawsnela.org and see the wonderful benefits these animals can provide. These specially selected canines were an instant hit with the kids and their families. The photographs tell the whole story of the complete joy the kids felt at petting the dogs. During the scheduled play times the parents attended networking workshops prepared and given by Meher Banajee, Cyndi Mabry, and Laura Nettles. Make-and-Take activities led by Meher Banajee emphasized low technology AAC devices and use of switches to run battery operated toys and appliances (e.g. radios). Parents also benefited from learning opportunities sponsored by Families Helping Families who educated them on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process and how to advocate for their children with special needs. The success of the camp was made possible by the support and assistance of the volunteer staff: Meher Banajee, Frances Hilburn, Henry Bateman, Kitty Hoffman, Mary Armwood, Laura Nettles, Melody Benton, Cyndi Mabry, Madison Bateman, Ann Havard, Traci Berry and Daphne Washington. Special thanks go to LATI, the staff of Med Camps, Families Helping Families and the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council for providing the funding to make this year's camp a wonderful achievement. Laureate's Family Website Offers 50% Off! For years, Laureate has offered a 50% discount to parents and families who use their software at home. Now they have a special website just for families! During the summer months, many parents want their children to continue the progress they've made during the school year. If you're a parent who wants software for home use, please visit the new Laureate website for special savings! Please visit www.LaureateFamily.com for more information. Malpractice Insurance Coverage for "Assistive Technology Practitioners" In October of 2002, the Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) established a new category of professional malpractice liability coverage for "Assistive Technology Practitioners." HPSO is a national company that insures over 850,000 healthcare providers from a wide variety of healthcare related professions including PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, SLPs, SLPAs, Orthopedic Assistants, Recreation Therapists, Rehabilitation Assistants, and Rehabilitation Therapists. This was the first among HPSO's 79+ categories of healthcare professions that provides insurance specifically for assistive technology practice. The "Assistive Technology Practitioner" category provides three types of coverage: Coverage for individuals through an employer ($79/yr) Coverage for self-employed individuals with no employees ($129/yr. Full-time, $100/yr. Part-time) For information and application information on individual coverage, call (800) 982-9491, for business coverage, call (888) 288-3524. If you experience any problems related to the Assistive Technology Practitioner coverage, the HPSO Underwriter Representative with specific knowledge and background on the coverage category is Sally Adams. 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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