WVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Winter 2006

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

Assistive Technology - What is it?

Assistive technology (AT) is any device that helps someone to do something that is otherwise difficult or impossible for them to do. Devices can range from something simple, like using Velcro to replace buttons, to high tech equipment such as talking software for computers and augmentative communication devices. WVATS works to assist individuals of all ages in finding devices and services to best meet their individual needs.

Where can you find it?

WVATS staff members are dedicating this newsletter to assistive devices you can find in our Demonstration Centers and Loan Libraries, or devices which we can assist you in finding. Sections of this newsletter have been categorized by individual need with devices and services showcased for that need. If you have a need for AT not featured in this issue, please call us to discuss AT devices and services that might assist you. WVATS staff chose to focus on low tech, low cost assistive technologies many of which you can find in your local stores. Higher tech items such as computer hardware and software are featured in the DBTAC section of this newsletter.

The last issue of this newsletter (Fall 2005) was dedicated to funding sources for assistive technology. If you find equipment in this issue that you are interested in purchasing, please refer to the previous issue for possible funding opportunities for you or your family or go to the WVATS web page to access the "WVATS Funding Guides."

To reach WVATS, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail us at wvats@hsc.wvu.edu

PATHS to Real Choice Conference

The Celebrating PATHS to Real Choice Conference and 2006 Artist's Showcase will take place at the Charleston Civic Center on February 14 and 15, 2006. The conference will provide adults, their families and/or support networks with practical information, resources and contacts. For more information see PATHS to Real Choice.

PATHS to Real Choice logo               West Virginia Real Choice logo


WVATS News

large button phone foldable walking stick

Assistive Technology in Your Local Stores

One frequently asked question regarding assistive technology is, "Where can I find it?" WVATS is featuring devices you can find in local stores to help individuals as they begin searching for assistive devices. Below are items found in various stores around the state.

rolling walker with seat magnifying desk lamp

WVATS encourages individuals to visit local stores to find assistive devices. Not everything can be found in local stores, however.If you can not find a device you are looking for, call WVATS staff to assist you. Please call 800-841-8436 for more information about the devices listed here, or for information on other devices.

WVATS Loan Library Update

The WVATS online assistive technology inventory system, which is comprised of assistive technology devices, recreation equipment, videos and books will be available online in the next few months. WVATS staff are working to put all of its statewide inventory equipment online. The system will allow users to browse the online inventory, see what items are available; if they are checked out, when the items will be available and to check out items. Requested devices will be mailed directly to the requester, who will be responsible for mailing the device back when the loan period is up. For more information, call WVATS at 800-841-8436.

ADAPT News   adaptwv@hotmail.com

Ken Irvin

Out of State and Out of Mind
By Ken Ervin

On Wednesday, October 12th my friend Mike O'Brien called to say that a young lady we had been working with for five years had passed away in Pennsylvania. Her parents had never wanted to send her away. Their dream and her dream was that she would be allowed to remain in her own home with her family and her supports around her, which would have enabled her to live a full rich life.

When the family first approached us asking for assistance, we thought the MR/DD Wavier was the obvious option. She had a developmental disability (a rare neurological disorder), which often left her confused, with irregular sleep patterns. She would often run away. This required almost constant monitoring. Once again, this seemed a perfect match for the MR/DD Wavier, which allows for 24-hour care. We were shocked when the application was denied both by the hearing officer and a circuit court judge. The judge refused to hear the case because by then the young lady was no longer considered a citizen of West Virginia. Out of State and Out of Mind.

A recent "Charleston Gazette" article, "Nursing Home Exiles," chronicled the stories of two women who were sent to The Arbors, a nursing home in Marietta, Ohio because a 1994 West Virginia law makes it acceptable for individuals who use ventilators to be moved out of state automatically based on the cost. According to the article, Specialty Select Hospital in Charleston has sent 15 people to Ohio in the last three years. One of the women profiled in the article told me that all the ventilator patients currently housed at The Arbors are West Virginia residents who have been forced to surrender their citizenship simply for the right to breathe. She has said on several occasions that she feels that her home state has forgotten her and that she is no longer wanted. The exile imposed on her by the State of West Virginia has forced her to leave her home, her pets and her elderly mother, who she helped care for and worries about everyday. This tactic allows West Virginia to defray the cost of care for these individuals. The burden of the cost is placed on the state where they are imprisoned; a cost savings for the state of West Virginia. Once again, our state has employed its Out of State and Out of Mind policy.

This strategy, however, fails to take into account the families torn apart, the holidays missed, or, in the care of the mother from the "Charleston Gazette" article, the children she sees only once every four months, if she is lucky. How would you feel if you were faced with this existence on a daily basis? West Virginia's policy of pushing citizens out-of-state based on their diagnosis is not just immoral, it is illegal. According to the 1999 Olmstead Supreme Court Decision, every individual has the right to live in the home of their choice. I wonder how many people, like my friend, will pass away never having the opportunity to return to their home and to those they love.



The Resource Section

How do you know what assistive technology you need?

With many different assistive technologies available, sometimes it is difficult to determine which is right for you.

An assistive technology service is any service that helps an individual select, acquire or learn to use an assistive technology device. These services include customizing, adapting, maintaining and repairing devices; assistive technology evaluations; funding; and technical assistance and training on device use.

The following are some resources that WVATS staff has found to help you with this process. If you have questions concerning services not included in this issue, please call WVATS at 800-841-8438 or e-mail us at wvats@hsc.wvu.edu

The WVU Speech Center

The West Virginia University Speech Center conducts therapy sessions, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm with the services of a fully certified supervisory staff. Individual as well as group therapy is offered each semester to meet the needs of the clients. Therapy sessions are conducted in seven treatment rooms.

The clinic also conducts augmentative communication evaluations as part of its services. There is a video monitoring system and fully equipped laboratory for acoustic and physiologic study of speech disorders. For more information, call 304-293-4241.

woman trying on glasses

WVU Eye Institute

The Eye Institute at West Virginia University offers a full range of eye care services including comprehensive eye exams; contact lens fitting; low vision evaluation and rehabilitation; laser vision correction; and subspecialty medical and surgical treatment. All physicians are Board certified and many have completed fellowships in specialized areas of ophthalmology. For more information, visit www.wvueye.com or call 304-598-4820.

Visually Impaired Seniors In-Home Outreach and Networking Services (VISIONS)

VISIONS is a statewide program funded by the Federal government to provide in-home services to West Virginians age 55 and older with visual impairments. The goal of VISIONS is to help these individuals achieve their desired level of personal independence.

VISIONS provides outreach to community groups through presentations at workshops and meetings, exhibits and demonstrations of low vision assistive technology at conferences and other events. For more information, visit www.cedwvu.org/programs/visions or call 800-642-3021.

man talking to person in wheelchair

West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, keep or advance in competitive employment. To accomplish that goal, DRS provides a broad range of vocational rehabilitation services, such as quality job training, rehabilitation therapy and other support services to people with disabilities across the state.

DRS also conducts assistive technology (AT) assessments and helps to pay for AT that is to be used for employment. DRS's goal is to empower people to support themselves and live independently. For more information, visit www.wvdrs.org or call 800-642-8207.

Local Center for Independent Living

Your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) is a resource center for persons with disabilities, offering direct and community-based services. Services include: intake/assessment; advocacy; independent skills training, peer and support counseling; benefit assistance; information and referral, awareness training; resource library, technical assistance workshops; and presentations. WV Centers for Independent Living work to help individuals and their community change a situation that has created a barrier for a person's independence. For more information, call 800-834-6408.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

This national organization works to promote awareness and education about speech disorders, augmentative communication devices, how to choose a device and an augmentative communication glossary of terms. For more information, visit www.asha.org or call 800-638-8255.

The WV Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The mission of the West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WVCDHH) is to advocate, develop and coordinate public policies, regulations and programs to assure full and equal opportunities for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing in West Virginia. The Commission also loans equipment, such as TTYs. For more information, visit www.wvdhhr.org/wvcdhh or call 877-461-3578.

Correction

In Volume XIV, Number 3 of the WVATS Newsletter, WVATS published information about the Children's Specialty Care program in the Resource Section. It has been brought to our attention that the information we provided was not current. Below is the correct information for this program:

Program Name - Children with Special Health Care Needs Program

Brief Description - The Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Program is part of the Division of Infant, Child and Adolescent Health, within the Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health. CSHCN provides medical and social service care coordination for children, age birth through 20 years, who have or might have a chronic or disabling medical condition and meet medical and income eligibility requirements.

Reimbursement for medical services may come from a variety of resources including Title XIX (Medicaid), Title XXI (CHIP), private insurance or by Title V for those children not eligible for other health care financing. For more information on the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Program, please call 800-642-8522.

We are sorry for this oversight.

Did You Know Easter Seals...

For more information call the WVATS Tech Team housed by the Easter Seals in Wheeling at 800-677-1390 or visit http://wv.easterseals.com

"Technologies for Easier Living"

"Technologies for Easier Living" is a new publication produced by the WVATS Tech Team located with Easter Seals in Wheeling. This guide features assistive devices for daily living with phone numbers and web addresses to find these devices. There is also a page devoted to web sites and phone numbers of various assistive technology resources. For more information call the WVATS core office at 800-841-8436 or the Northern Panhandle Tech Team at 800-677-1390.



Powerful Tools

pictures of several types of tools

Powerful Tools from WVATS

WVATS is featuring some of the powerful tools available for loan from the WVATS Lending Library. For more information on items you see here, call WVATS at 800-841-8436.

Recreation Tools
     Braille sheet music is just one of many items we have supporting the art of music.
     Basketballs made for individuals who are visually impaired, assistive fishing reels and squishy balls are just some of the many items found on our shelves for indoor and outdoor recreation.
     Finger paints, raised line coloring books, and Wack a Roto art are just some of the fun items you can use to bring out your inner Picasso.

Visual Tools
     Color Teller is a compact, portable, easy to use talking color identifier that enables people who are blind or have a color vision impairment to determine the color of objects.
     Max Enhanced Vision System is an auto-focus, desktop, color, video magnifier designed with maximum flexibility to meet a variety of needs.
     Talking Digital Thermometer allows individuals with visual impairments to hear their temperature read out loud.

Daily Living Tools
     Black & Decker Ergo Can Opener is designed to "walk" around the can and shut off automatically with no effort at all. Its soft, ergonomic handle and large blade lever provide a secure grip and it recharges in its storage base. This cordless can opener opens all can sizes.
     Touch and Glow enables individuals to convert an existing lamp into a touch lamp. Someone can turn a lamp on/off and select three brightness levels with just a touch to any metal part of the lamp.
     Text Telephone is a great item to accommodate anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing and wants to use the telephone. It has a large screen and full keyboard.



National News

DOJ Web Course: Reaching out to Customers with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Justice developed a web course to explain how businesses can achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and expand their customer base at the same time.

The Department notes that the potential market includes the approximately 50 million people in the U.S. with disabilities, along with their family members, friends and associates. The self-paced course is divided into ten short modules that include examples and practical solutions. Visit www.ada.gov/reachingout/intro1.htm to learn more.

NCD Calls for Changes

The National Council on Disability (NCD) released its annual progress report calling on the Federal government to be more creative in program design; be more accountable in measuring the impact of civil rights compliance for people with disabilities; and to provide greater cross-agency coordination in managing disability programs. For more information or to view the full report, visit www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/progress_report.htm

State News

West Virginia Accessible Voting Machines

The West Virginia Secretary of State's office recently approved the Election Systems and Software (ES&S) accessible voting machine. Counties can purchase them using Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding.

Two accessible systems are offered by ES&S. Below is a brief description of each system's accessibility features.

IVotronic

AutoMark

Wrapping Around the State of West Virginia

The West Virginia Mental Health Consumers' Association's Technical Assistance Center's Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) project is based on the works of Mary Ellen Copeland, a nationally noted author, educator and mental health advocate. WRAP's mission is to conduct peer support groups for adults with mental health and/or co-occurring experiences throughout the state of West Virginia. The WV WRAP program has over thirty trained facilitators statewide.

WRAP provides individuals with the opportunity to develop their own personal action plan and to learn about options for using wellness tools. For more information, call The West Virginia Mental Health Consumers' Association at 800-598-8847.



WV DBTAC News

Assistive Technology for Computers

Assistive technology (AT) products for computers are designed to provide additional accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments and disabilities. When selecting computer AT products, be sure to find products that are compatible with the operating system and programs on the computer being used.

Alternative input devices

These devices allow individuals to control their computers through means other than a standard keyboard or pointing device.

Additional computer AT products

primary source: www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx

Examples of AT in the WVATS Lab

The WVATS lab located in the CED office in Morgantown contains many assistive computer products. In this issue of the newsletter, we will focus on alternative keyboards that are available for loan and demonstration in the lab. Examples of these keyboards include:

Maltron dual-handed keyboard
dual-handed keyboard The Maltron dual-handed keyboard was developed with ergonomic comfort in mind. Specifically designed to avoid static muscle tension, it needs only easy and gentle finger, hand and arm movements and has a therapeutic effect. New understanding of how muscles work indicates that the root cause of keyboard pain is static strain from the positions the hands and arms have to maintain when using the standard keyboard, even when not keying. www.maltron.com/maltron-kbd-dual.html

Big Keys
big keys keyboard BigKeys Keyboard by Greystone Digital Inc. is the size of a standard keyboard but has one inch square keys, four times larger than a standard key. An easily accessible switch allows you to choose the keyboard layout that best fits your needs, QWERTY for standard use or ABC for easy learning. BigKeys is available in two versions: Plus and LX. Big Keys Plus has 48 keys and is available in easy to read bright colors or black on white. BigKeys LX has 60 keys and is available in black on white. BigKeys also has Assist Mode, a built-in sticky key feature, allowing you to enter multiple keyboard functions without simultaneous key presses. www.bigkeys.com/html/home.html

Half KB
Half Keyboard The Half Keyboard by Matias allows you to type with one hand, leaving your other hand free for other things. With the Half Keyboard under one hand and your mouse, trackball or stylus in the other, there's no need to go back and forth between your input devices. www.matias.ca/
To request a device seen here or to learn more about computer equipment call 800-841-8436.

Showcase of WVATS Software

Many AT software programs are available for public use in the WVATS lab. These programs are available for all age groups and all special needs and include the following:
     Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro
     Co:Writer
     Connect Outloud
     Creature Chorus Sterling Edition
     DBT - Duxbury Braille Translator
     Dragon Naturally Speaking
     Eensy and Friends
     EZ Keys XP
     Forgetful and Friends
     JAWS
     Kid Pix Studio Deluxe
     Kidspiration
     Kurzweil 3000
     Laureate First Word Games
     Letters & Numbers
     OnScreen Keyboard
     OPEN Book
     Out and About
     Picture Cue Dictionary
     Press To Play: Animals
     Press To Play: Sports
     Read and Write Gold
     Sentence Master
     Show Me Spelling
     SmartNav3
     Speaking Dynamically Pro for Windows
     Talking Screen for Windows XP
     TrackIR - Natural Point
     True Friends
     True Friends - A Coloring Experience
     Virtual Pencil
     Writing with Symbols 2000
     ZoomText



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


Making the Best of Winter Farm Work

head lamp on a hat

3 in 1 Head-Light

Don't fumble in the dark when the work day extends past dusk. January is National Eye Care Month, and headlamps are a hands-free way to keep the light trained on your task and prevent squinting. This lamp, from QC Supply or 800-433-6340, features fully adjustable head straps and lifetime LED bulbs that never need to be replaced.


wire stretcher

High Leverage Wire Stretcher

For those who reserve winter for fencing repair, here's an inexpensive tool for making repairs safer and easier to do without the benefit of a helper. This tool is available from Gempler's, which also makes two and three hook stretchers for splicing fence wire with one hand.

magnifier tweezers

Magnifier Tweezers

From splinters to garden pest identification, these tweezers with a built-in magnifier are the ideal tool for very small detail jobs. They are available from Lee Valley Garden Tools or 800-971-8158.


The Journeyman Mobility Vehicle

man driving Journeyman in the snow

Have you been looking for a mobility device that is rugged enough for fields and trails but small enough to navigate narrow spaces? The Journeyman is all-weather resistant, travels up to seven miles/hour and has even traveled on the Oregon Trail! Hubert Von Holten, designer of the Journeyman, has been modifying and designing farm equipment since the age of 14, after contracting polio at age five. His machine shop manufactures many of the personal mobility products offered by Life Essentials or 765-742-6707. The Journeyman also features a lift that enables users to access tall cabinets and tool shelves.

Tractor Safety Video Released

According the West Virginia University Injury Control Research Center (ICRC), tractor accidents have killed 29 people in West Virginia since 2000. Side overturns, which can occur when operating tractors on hillsides, are among the most common causes of tractor-related injury. WVU Extension Service advises farmers to make uphill turns cautiously and turn downhill if stability becomes uncertain. If you have to go up a steep slope, back the tractor up rear-first. WVU ICRC and the West Virginia Farm Bureau have recently produced a new video, "A Tractor Accident Can Happen to Anyone", which has already been distributed to nearly 6,000 farmers statewide. For a copy of the video or for more information on tractor safety, call 877-329-8137.

Eye Safety Tips for National Eye Care Month

Approximately 2000 work-related eye injuries occur every day in the United States, but even people who wear appropriate eye protection can be at risk for injury. Goggles or safety glasses can fog up and obscure your vision during dangerous tasks. To keep them from fogging, here are a few tips, courtesy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health:

Finding the Right Utility Vehicle

tractor being driven on a slope

You might look long and hard this winter at the utility vehicles available at your local dealership, but do you know at a glance the torque needed to turn the steering wheel on competing models, or which ones offer manuals in large print or alternate formats? The National AgrAbility Project has recently updated its utility vehicle product comparison data sheet to include information on ten different vehicles. Compare side-by-side details like seat size, angle and adjustability, tire width, the level of force needed to move the shift lever and much more. No where else can you find such a detailed tool to help you make the right choice when purchasing a utility vehicle for your farm.



2006 Artist Showcase at PATHS

artists showcase sample painting

The 2006 Artist Showcase at PATHS will be held on February 15-17 as part of the Celebrating PATHS to Real Choice and Celebrating Connections conferences at the Charleston Civic Center. This will be the fourth year for this event, which provides an opportunity for West Virginia artists with disabilities to both display and sell their work.

In addition to featuring the fine art and craft work of West Virginia artists with disabilities, the Artist Showcase is an effort to show how individuals with disabilities make positive contributions to our communities and workplaces every day, in many ways.

Artists of any age who meet the special requirements of the Showcase and who reside in West Virginia are invited to exhibit. Media accepted include: oil and acrylic, sketches, watercolor, wood carving, sculpture, printing, photography, stained glass, fabric art, jewelry and pottery.

Both professional and beginning artists are encouraged to participate in this non-juried event. Stipends to cover the $50 exhibitor fee are available to help artists who wish to exhibit.

Individuals interested in learning more about participating and visiting the 2006 Artist Showcase at PATHS should contact Regina Mayolo at 800-841-8436 or e-mail rmayolo@hsc.wvu.edu



WVATS Newsletter

Co-editors: Jamie Hayhurst Marshall jhayhurst@hsc.wvu.edu  and Melina Sissum Danko msissum@hsc.wvu.edu - Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University Publications

Editorial Committee: Jeanne Grimm, Monica Andis, Laura Werner, Stacy Miller, Lori Risk, Melina Sissum Danko. 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 National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), 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