Champions of Assistive Technology Annual Awards
Champions of AT Honored at LATAN's Annual Awards Event
The 2011 award winners were honored for their commitment and tireless efforts to promote the benefits of Assistive Technology devices and tools for individuals who live with disabilities. Assistive Technology helps people remain independent whether at work, home or in the community and contributes to a higher quality of life for all.
(Pictured left to right): Elaine S. Richard, Chair of the LATAN Board of Directors, Tessie DiFulco, State Representative Nancy R. Landry, Julie Nesbit, President & CEO of LATAN. Back row: Brad Marsh, Brian Sinclair, Ron Blereau, former Board Chair; Scott Rogers and Mark Kaebnick.
LATAN proudly salutes the 2011 Champions of Assistive Technology. Each one has contributed to the advancement of LATAN's mission to provide access and pathways to assistive technology across Louisiana.
Agency Award Champion
Brad Marsh, Rehabilitation Technology Specialist at Louisiana Tech University Center for Rehabilitation Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST), is honored for assisting the Device Demonstration Program to secure low-cost office space at Louisiana Tech University and for lending his expertise to LATAN’s AT specialists during device demonstrations.
Citizen Champion
Tessie DiFulco, who serves as the Person with Disabilities Employment Specialist with Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge, is honored for the assistance and support she has provided to LATAN since its inception, helping to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to assistive technology. Ms. DiFulco advocates strongly to persuade individuals and agencies to focus on the benefits of AT for Louisiana residents.
Business Award Champion
Brian Sinclair, Founder and Proprietor of Learning By Logic, is honored for establishing a company that restores accessible and affordable housing in the post-Katrina era. Mr. Sinclair’s company has provided hundreds of consumers with ADA-compliant home entry modifications and interior accessibility solutions.
Legislator Award Champion
The Honorable Nancy R. Landry, Louisiana State Representative for District 31, is honored for authoring a bill that became Act No. 379 during the 2011 Regular Legislative Session. The Act authorizes a rebate of state sales tax paid on vehicles modified for use by or for a person who lives with an orthopedic disability.
Media Award Champion
Scott Rogers, host of “The Around Town TV Show” is honored for his willingness to include and promote LATAN’s services and programs on his television show. Thanks to Mr. Rogers, LATAN increased awareness of assistive technology for a wide audience in the Baton Rouge Metro Area and surrounding parishes.
Mark Kaebnick, Regional Sales Manager for Tobii ATI, is honored for going above and beyond to lend LATAN Tobii ATI’s state-of-the-art PCEye to use for device demonstrations. Although Mr. Kaebnick is based in California, he personally hand-delivered the device to the LATAN office. He also plans to provide LATAN with additional devices for demonstrations, including long-term loans.
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention – Agency
Ozala Mazar, AT Coordinator
Jefferson Parish Public Schools
Honorable Mention – Agency
Office of Aging and Adult Services
Department of Health and Hospitals
Honorable Mention – Business
Bill Spickerman, ADA Coordinator
SporTran
