WVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Spring 2006

Articles:   [WVATS]   [Resources]   [ADAPT News]   [Tools]   [State]   [National]   [DBTAC]   [AgrAbility]

Transition Planning

The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004 included several transition issues such as career planning, job training and functional skill development for students receiving special education services. Transition services for students begin at age 16.

Specific transition services recommended in IDEA are:

The plan for transition should include the assistive devices the student will use throughout the school system and into adult life.

WVATS staff is dedicating this newsletter to transition planning for children transitioning through the school system and from school into higher education, work or adult life.

Assistive technology is a major component of success for students in school and it is important to ensure that assistive technologies travel not only with children throughout school but also beyond.

For more information on assistive technology and transition planning call WVATS at 800-841-8436.

Celebrating PATHS to Real Choice Conference

The 2006 conference was held February 14-15 at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia. Celebrating PATHS to Real Choice provided adults, their families and/or support networks with practical information, resources and contacts in the areas of: Employment; Advocacy and Due Process; Assistive Technology Funding; and Community Inclusion.

On day two of the conference, all-day workshops were held addressing the fundamentals of assistive technology, computer access assessment training and transitioning through the school system.

PATHS

Artists Sell Thousands

Fifteen artists displayed their work, and sold several thousand dollars worth of art at this year's Artist's Showcase at the PATHS Conference. The Showcase extended from the PATHS Conference into the WV Department of Education's Celebrating Connections Conference, allowing more than 1,800 people to view it.

The Showcase promoted the work of artists and artisans with disabilities and long-term health care needs. Conference attendees were able to enjoy art exhibits ranging from photography to pottery and to purchase art from these West Virginia artists. Artists had a diversity of disabilities from a potter who is blind to patients on the civil and forensic units at William R. Sharpe Jr. Psychiatric Hospital.

ADAPT News   adaptwv@hotmail.com

Ken Irvin

What is "Money Follows the Person"?
By Ken Ervin

Policymakers in West Virginia over the years have been hesitant to fund community programs because they believe that to support these services would create a greater burden on the average tax payer. However, if a state chooses to allow money to follow people to the home of their choice this is not the case.

According to HCBS.org (the Clearinghouse for Community Living Exchange Collaborative web site), West Virginia spends an estimated $385 million per year on long-term care. Over $250 million of these funds are spent to maintain and support nursing homes and other institutions in our state. This amounts to 64.9% of our Medicaid Long Term Care dollars being spent on nursing homes rather than allowing people to live in their homes among their friends and family.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) minimum data set, approximately 2,000 West Virginians with disabilities indicated they would like to return to their own homes. Allowing money to follow the person would let the money allocated to that individual in the nursing home follow them into the community to be spent on the supports they need to live at home. This would not require new money or a new program. Money Follows the Person would allow our state to use money that has already been budgeted for long term care to be used in a way that protects the rights and choices of citizens with disabilities. The FairShake Network, ADAPT WV, and Centers for Independent Living supported a Money Follows the Person bill in the 2006 West Virginia Legislative session.

To learn more about Money Follows the Person check out www.adaptwv.com and www.bridges4kids.org

Money Follows the Person Federal Bill Passed

The Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Act was passed in Congress in early February, 2006. According to the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), in 2007, states can apply to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to receive a better Federal match for community-based services. About 40 states over five years will be selected to receive the enhanced rate, which will range from 12% to 25% or higher depending on the state.

The federal legislation is directed to assisting persons move into the community from nursing homes and other institutions, and to support people in their own homes and communities. Go to www.aapd.com or call 800-840-8844 for more information.

WVATS Welcomes New Advisory Council Officers and New Members

Nominations for WVATS Advisory Council officers were taken at the January 2006 WVATS Council meeting. The following were voted in as the 2006 Council officers:
     Todd Rundle - President
     Ron Jalbert - Vice-President
     Karen Davis - Secretary

WVATS also welcomed new Advisory Council members at this event. The new members are Brenda Goodfellow, Peggy Huffman, Rick Martin and Vicki Shaffer.

WVATS continues to look for new council members with disabilities who use assistive technology. For more information, call 800-841-8436

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WVATS News

WVATS Requests for Proposals

WVATS awards subcontracts to nonprofit organizations interested in expanding or implementing programs to increase awareness about and access to assistive technologies in the areas of:

This year's awards went to:

WVATS will be offering more subcontracting opportunities, so if you are a nonprofit entity or know of one that might be interested please call 800-841-8436.

Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center

The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) was selected as a 2006-2007 Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center (MARC) by the Microsoft Corporation. WVATS is the only Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center in West Virginia. The 2006-2007 MARC programs will begin in April 2006.

Organizations that were selected had to meet these criteria:

MARCs show consumers, family members and caregivers what is possible with accessible technology solutions available on computers running Windows operating systems. These centers, including WVATS, are designed to meet a variety of needs including reduced eyesight, wrist/arm discomfort, hearing loss and other disabilities. These centers demonstrate accessibility options and assistive technology products that can add to an individual's computer skills and proficiency.

Each center, including WVATS, will be equipped with video demonstrations and accessibility tutorials that show how to make computing easier, more convenient and more comfortable. Free Microsoft Accessibility Resource CD Sets are available at each center so individuals can take information to use at home, school and work. Call 800-841-8436 for a free set.

As a MARC, WVATS will be advertised on the Microsoft Accessibility website, in newsletters, articles, etc.

For more information about the Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center program, visit www.microsoft.com/enable or call Microsoft Corporate Headquarters at 800-642-7676.

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The Resource Section

pieces of a puzzle

Assistive Technology Tools

Assistive technology for children with learning disabilities (LD) is defined as, "any device, piece of equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for an individual's specific learning deficits." Schwab Learning has developed an Assistive Technology Database to help individuals learn more about AT tools and how they might be helpful to children. For more information visit www.schwablearning.org.


boy opening an office door

EARN

The Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) is a free service that connects employers looking for quality employees with skilled job candidates. This web site is a one-stop source for disability employment information including:

For more information call 866-327-6669 or visit www.earnworks.com

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic has Electronic Educational Materials

cassette and CD

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, (RFB&D) a nonprofit volunteer organization, is the nation's educational library serving people who have difficulty reading standard print because of visual impairments, dyslexia or physical disabilities.

RFB&D records educational and reference materials that are not available on tape or disc from other sources, in areas such as history, math, science and economics. RFB&D's library contains more than 104,000 titles in subjects from literature and history to math and the sciences, at all academic levels, from kindergarten through post-graduate and professional.

Anyone with a documented disabilityis eligible to use RFB&D's audio textbooks. RFB&D offers two types o fmembership: individual and institutional (for schools). For more information, call 866-732-3585 or visit www.rfbd.org

AHEAD

The Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) is a professional association that promotes inclusion of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education. It addresses current issues regarding disability, education and accessibility to achieve universal access. Members give training to higher education personnel through conferences, workshops, publications and consultation. For more information, call 781-788-0003 or visit www.ahead.org

sample letters using APHont

Do You Like This Font?

WVATS is testing a new font called "APHont," developed for readers with low vision by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). This font is supposed to have characteristics that have been shown to enhance reading speed, comprehension, and comfort for large print users.

Let us know if you like or dislike this font by calling WVATS at 800-841-8436 or e-mailing wvats@hsc.wvu.edu
The font is available to download for free from the APH at www.aph.org/products/aphont.html

Free On-line Resource for Postsecondary Education

student wearing a backpack and walking with a cane

More and more high school students with disabilities are planning to continue their education in postsecondary schools, including vocational and career schools, two- and four- year colleges and universities.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education provides information which explains the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities who are preparing to attend postsecondary schools. This pamphlet also explains the obligations of a postsecondary school to provide academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids and services, and to ensure that the school does not discriminate on the basis of disability.

"Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities" is available in print and on-line to answer frequently asked questions about transitioning and can be reproduced and distributed. For more information, visit www.ed.gov or call 877-433-7827 to order a free copy.

The National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition (NASET)

The National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition (NASET) is a national voluntary coalition of more than 40 organizations and advocacy groups representing special education; general education; career and technical education; youth development; multicultural perspectives; and parents.

The goals of NASET are to:

NASET's "National Standards and Quality Indicators: Transition Toolkit for Systems Improvement" contains information and tools to provide a common and shared framework to help school systems and communities identify what youth need to achieve successful participation in adult life.

For more information visit www.nasetalliance.org or call 612-624-1143.

Planning for Transition to Work

Every student with a develop-mental disability is entitled to a free and appropriate education and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Before your child's 16th birthday, you, your child and the IEP team should begin discussing:

Information from EP Magazine November 2005 www.eparent.com
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Powerful Tools

Adapt-A-Lap Adapt-A-Lap easel

Adapt-A-Lap is a hands free reading easel and portable desk that is small enough to fit in a briefcase and light enough to take anywhere. It is designed to hold a book, magazine, reading or writing materials, or a notebook computer at a comfortable height, angle and position for the user.

Adapt-A-Lap has extendable telescopic legs that allow it to rest on the legs, lap, stomach or chest at the height and position the user chooses. It has elastic straps to hold books and other materials in place. It also holds a book in place when carrying the Adapt-A-Lap by its hand grip. Book pages are held flat by transparent monofilament lines to make reading easy.

For more information, call 800-419-2354 or visit www.adaptalap.com.

PlayStation Control Center

PlayStation Control Center

The PlayStation Control Center is an adapted game controller designed for those who need a larger controller or have trouble using the smaller controllers that come with the game.

Users can independently play the game by pushing on one of four positions on each of the two yellow disks. Disks operate with the slightest touch and can be used by one or two players. The control system panel is also adapted to take up to nine switches that control nine different game functions.

The control center works with PlayStation and PlayStation 2. Over 30 games have been tested to be compatible with the control center. For more information, visit www.enablingdevices.com or call WVATS to borrow one from the Loan Library at 800-841-8436.

ClearNote ClearNote magnifier

The ClearNote is a lightweight, flexible, portable magnifier that is designed for those who use a laptop or are simply in need of a magnification device. The system offers 3X to 46X magnification and full-screen reading and writing capability. It also features full auto focus and can be adjusted for near and distance viewing which is useful in environments like classrooms or offices where taking notes and reading distant black/whiteboards is often necessary. For more information, visit www.optelec.com or call 800-828-1056.

Dana Wireless by AlphaSmart Dana Wireless laptop

The Dana Wireless is known as the "laptop alternative," because it is lightweight, portable and easy to use. The Dana is approximately one-third the cost of a laptop and very durable.

The Dana Wireless includes built-in Wi-Fi capability, providing wireless connectivity for the classroom, campus, office or home. This year's model was updated to enable the use of the widescreen on the applications menu.

This product can be a useful tool for both students and professionals. For more information, visit www.alphasmart.com or call WVATS at 800-841-8436 to borrow one from the Loan Library.

Uniphone

Uniphone

The Uniphone is a new concept in TTYs that combines a telephone, TTY and amplified phone. People who are deaf, hearing impaired or hearing can all share one phone.

A full-featured TTY, the Uniphone includes a bright two-line display and a comfortable keyboard to make TTY conversations easy. The amplified handset lets you adjust the volume to the most comfortable setting. The Uniphone 1140 answers calls with your personalized greeting and takes TTY messages when you are unavailable.

For more information, call 888-640-1999 or visit www.enablemart.com.

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National News

New Accessibility Standards Adopted for Federal Facilities

The General Services Administration (GSA) has adopted new accessibility standards for Federally funded facilities. These standards will apply to new or altered buildings under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), which requires access to facilities designed, built, altered or leased with Federal money. These standards will apply to buildings built or changes being done to existing buildings after May 8, 2006.

New standards must also be adopted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which complements the ABA by ensuring access to facilities in the private, state and local government sectors. ADA standards are maintained by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation. Further information on the efforts to issue new standards under the ABA and ADA is posted on the Access Board's website at www.access-board.gov

New Captioning Requirements for 2006people watching captions on a screen

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network has prepared the Caption 2006 Information and Action Guide to provide information about what must be captioned as of January 1, 2006, when the requirements for captioning of many television programs increased.

This comprehensive guide summarizes the new requirements and includes information on how to file complaints or resolve problems with television captioning. Visit www.nvrc.org or call 703-352-9055 for more information.

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State News

CHIP Changes

The West Virginia Children's Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) is a low cost health care plan for children and teenagers of working families. The WVCHIP plan has two levels of co-payment participation, Group A and Group B. Members insured under Group A have co-payments for prescriptions only and members insured under Group B have co-payments for prescriptions and some medical services such as doctor and hospital visits.

In 2006, families can earn more and still qualify for CHIP and Medicaid. West Virginia children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP health care coverage if their families' gross income does not exceed 200 percent of the "federal poverty level." In some cases, children in families earning more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level are still eligible if the family qualifies for certain deductions, such as child care expenses.

Beginning in March, 2006, a family of three can earn as much as $2,767 per month and their uninsured children will still qualify for CHIP. Deductions for child care expenses and a $95 per month per parent work allowance may allow children in families at a higher income level to still qualify. Larger families may earn even more without the children losing qualification. For more information, call 877-982-2447 or visit www.wvchip.org

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WV DBTAC NEWS

eight smiling children

Assistive Technology (AT) and Special Education

AT can include low tech as well as high tech devices such as augmentative communication devices and computers with specialized software and peripherals.

IEP Fact Sheet
As part of the Individual Education Program (IEP) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), consideration must be given as to whether a student needs an assistive technology (AT) device in order to receive a free and appropriate education (FAPE).

IDEA requires that the following attend the IEP meeting:

IDEA mandates that the IEP address AT devices and services

Places where AT may appear in the IEP

two children walking - one using crutches

Can the student take the device home?
Although AT devices are owned by the school, students may use the devices outside of school property whenever necessary to achieve the completion of IEP goals. For example, if an IEP calls for use of an AT device so the student can do homework assignments, the student can take the device home after school and on weekends.

What happens during Transition?two girls in front of a school bus

The information above is adapted from a fact sheet funded by the U.S. Department of Education. For more details, visit the Protection and Advocacy for People With Disabilities, Inc. Web site at: www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org

Emergency Preparedness: Handbook on Disability and Special Needs

West Virginia University VMC/Homeland Security Programs: Handbook on Disability and Special Needs

VMC/Homeland Security Programs and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University, in cooperation with Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are engaged in a project to study and make planning recommendations for special needs populations in bioterrorism events and other disasters.

As a part of this collaboration, a handbook was prepared for course designers, emergency planners and related groups to provide a basic level of knowledge on disabilities and special needs.

Major topics in the handbook include:

  1. Special Needs and Emergencies
        1a. Community Planners' Roles
        1b. Individuals with Special Needs
  2. Disability Etiquette
        2a. Person First Language
        2b. Disability Acronyms
  3. Web Sites and Online Courses
        3a. Legal Requirements: Section 508, Section 255 and ADA
        3b. Accessibility and Usability
        3c. 508 Chart of "16 Standards"
  4. Resources and Links
        4a. Special Needs and Emergencies
        4b. Disability Etiquette
        4c. Legal Requirements
        4d. Accessibility and Universal Design

The handbook was compiled by Margo Neal, Technology Consultant, West Virginia Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) and Jamie Hayhurst-Marshall, Assistive Technology Coordinator, West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS), Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED). It can be viewed online. If you would like a printed copy, call Margo or Jamie at 800-841-8436.

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West Virginia AgrAbility Project logo

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

4-H is for Everyone

Despite its stereotypes, 4-H is not just for 'farm kids'. Nearly 60% of 4-H members are actually from large cities and their suburbs.

Their projects, too, are more diverse than meets the eye, covering eight topic areas such as healthy lifestyle education, communication, expressive arts, citizenship, civic education and consumer and family sciences-not to mention the well-known plant, animal and environmental activities. As part of 4-H's mission to enable young people to become independent, it offers coping, competency and contributing skills. You can learn more about projects for 4-H members with special needs at www.rce.rutgers.edu, and receive inclusive 4-H project ideas by calling 304-293-4692 or e-mailing agrability@hsc.wvu.edu

To find out how you or your child can become involved in 4-H as a way to build leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills and confidence, call your county extension office at 304-293-2694 or visit www.wvu.edu/~exten

FFA Members Present at AgrAbility Meeting

In late February, two students from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind (WVSD&B) made a presentation on their agricultural education activities to the AgrAbility Steering Committee. Justin Rhodes and Michael Jarvis, both FFA members who are hearing impaired, provided an impressive overview of their greenhouse, forestry, landscaping and agricultural mechanics projects.

Agricultural science education programs are housed in public schools and universities throughout the state and provide a practical approach to learning through a three-pronged approach:

FFA (formerly 'Future Farmers of America' and now simply 'The National FFA Organization') has nearly 500,000 members nationwide and offers scholarships for those who want to be involved in horticulture; livestock; landscaping; the environment and natural resources; food marketing; and business development. FFA groups also focus on public speaking and communication skills vital to building confidence and living independently. To learn more about joining FFA, call 304-558-2347 or visit www.wvffa.org for contacts at your local high school.

Welcome to AgrAbility Steering Committee

This fall, AgrAbility re-structured its Steering Committee to include more members and more ideas. Please join us in welcoming the following who have provided invaluable expertise and helped develop unique partnerships.

Spring into action

various gardening tools

For those of you itching to get a start on the season, ergonomic gardening tools are now available for loan from WV AgrAbility.

To learn more about what is available from AgrAbility through the Loan Library, call 800-841-8436. Stay tuned for new additions to the collection.

Business Planning and Enterprise Budget Guides for Farming

Even lemonade stand entrepreneurs will tell you that planning and budgeting is a critical part of starting a new business. If you want to begin selling products at a local farmers' market, through a web site or through a pick-your-own operation, you will not only need to evaluate your personal skills and resources but also to sit down and look at some numbers. The following web site contains many step-by-step tools to help you develop a plan for a new rural business. www.agmrc.org/agmrc/business/default.htm

Along with these resources, an AgrAbility specialist can help you evaluate your readiness for launching a small business, whether it is hand-made wool products, strawberries, herbal soaps or cut flowers. You are never too young or too old to become an entrepreneur.

Gardening For Life

WV Master Gardener logo

This spring, West Virginia gardeners will have a new tool to help their communities flourish. In partnership with the West Virginia AgrAbility project, the newly revised 2006 edition of the Master Gardener Manual (published by the West Virginia University Extension Service) features "Gardening for Life," a chapter on accessible gardening. In addition to tips on ergonomics, the chapter features ideas and resources on gardening with low vision, arthritis, limited mobility and reduced strength.

West Virginia Master Gardeners is a flagship program of the West Virginia University Extension Service, providing horticultural training to hundreds of West Virginians. Volunteers take the 30 hour Master Gardener course, then use the nearly 400-page manual as a reference for designing workshops in their communities.

Those seeking to 'dig deeper' into the exciting world of accessible gardening can learn more from the following books:

Contest for Youth

WV AgrAbility announces Bridging Horizons in West Virginia, a community project contest available for youth groups. Scout troops, FFA & 4-H clubs are invited to address special needs for farmers in their community. For a contest booklet, which includes possible project ideas, call 304-293-4692 ext. 1185 or visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/agrability

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WVATS Site Addresses & Numbers

WVATS Core Office
WVATS Northern Resource Center
Center for Excellence in Disabilities
West Virginia University
959 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
Voice & TDD: 304-293-4692
Hotline: 800-841-8436

WVATS Southern Resource Center
c/o WV Rehabilitation Center
P.O. Box 1004
Institute, WV 25112
Voice & TDD: 304-766-4946
Hotline: 800-SR-WVATS (779-8287)

WVATS Newsletter

WVATS Newsletter Editor: Melina Danko msissum@hsc.wvu.edu - Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University Publications

Editorial Committee: Jeanne Grimm, Melina Danko, Stacy Miller, Lori Risk, Kathy Torsney Layout: Kim Palumbo

All printed materials produced by WVATS are available in Braille, electronic format, cassette tape and large print.

This publication was supported by funds from the Rehabilitation Services Agency, Department of Education, grant number H224a050047. The lead agency is the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Contents of the newsletter are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Department of Education or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Web site address: www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/

Call WVATS Toll Free 800-841-8436
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