About WVATSWVATS Quarterly Newsletter
Spring 2007
Articles:
[WVATS]
[Resources]
[ADAPT News]
[WVATS News]
[Powerful Tools]
[National News]
[State News]
[Employment News]
[AgrAbility]
[PATHS]
SPORTS: FOR ME? YOU BET!
No matter what your age or physical ability, the West Virginia Challenged Track & Field Championships and Challenged Marksman Championships offer something for everyone - from first-timers exploring the world of sports to physically challenged individuals looking for an outlet for their competitive nature.
With an extensive variety of events and user categories, you do not have to be a hard-core athlete to participate in these activities. From young children to older adults, there is something to help increase your physical activity and level of functioning. Social, psychological and emotional benefits are also realized when an individual can say, "Hey, I can do that"! "I can compete"! "I can excel"!
Each individual competes in their respective divisions - age, gender, physical functioning level and everyone competes within their capabilities.
West Virginia currently boasts several National Record holders in both Marksmanship and Track and Field, and you could be next! The 2007 WV Wheelchair Track and Field Championships will be held on June 1 and 2 at West Virginia State University in Institute, followed by the WV Challenged Marksman Championships on June 29th in Nitro. Both events offer pre-event clinics and workshops to support and encourage participants.
For more information on how you can participate, contact Jeremiah Gagnon, a certified recreation therapist at 304-388-7608 or jerimiah.gagnon@camc.org, or write WV Wheelchair Track-n-Field/Sports, Inc., Post Office Box 1444, Charleston, West Virginia 25325.
New Assistive Technology Listserv Available
Many times news and events arise that are relevant but timely, making it difficult to get the information out to interested individuals quick enough. WVATS has created an e-mail listserv for assistive technology news and events in West Virginia. If you are interested in receiving current assistive technology news by e-mail, call 800-841-8436 or e-mail jhayhurst@hsc.wvu.edu.
Coaches Needed
The West Virginia Wheelchair Basketball League is looking for individuals interested in coaching an elite wheelchair basketball team. Beginning in April, practices will be held bi-monthly in a central location to accommodate players from around the state. Travel expenses for the coach will be reimbursed.
For more information, call Flora Meets at 304-395-4752 (cell), 304-345-2354 (home) or e-mail her at msb0733@yahoo.com.
The Resource Section
Braille Fortune Cookies
Lucky Touch Braille Fortune Cookie Company, a student-operated business at the California School for the Blind, produces the world's only genuine braille fortune cookies. The company sells individually-wrapped plain or chocolate dipped braille fortune cookies that contain both braille and large print fortunes. The cookies are available for holidays, birthdays, weddings, special events and meetings and can also be customized with advance notice. For more information, call 510-794-3800 or e-mail ssung@csb-cde.ca.gov.
National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC)
NIMAC serves as the national storage site for publishers' electronic files of print instructional materials in the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) format. NIMAC is where NIMAS files can be accessed by authorized users who convert them into accessible textbooks for elementary or secondary school students with qualifying disabilities. For more information, go to www.nimac.us or call 877-526-4622.
"Voice of the Diabetic"
The audio newsletter, "Voice of the Diabetic," is a free quarterly magazine that reaches 325,000 people and is available in print, audio and e-mail versions. The magazine, which is produced by diabetics for diabetics, focuses on making life less complicated for those with diabetes. To receive a free subscription, e-mail your name, address, phone number and desired format (print, audio or e-mail) to subscribe @diabetes.nfb.org or call the National Federation of the Blind at 410-659-9314.
Limbs for Life
Limbs for Life assists people with limb loss in the United States and the rest of the world in acquiring prostheses they would otherwise be unable to afford. Limbs for Life also sponsors a Therapy Network of qualified physical and occupational therapists who provide free assistance to those who receive prosthetic awards from Limbs for Life. For more information or to sign up for a free newsletter, call 888-235-5462 or go to www.limbsforlife.org
Free 411
1-800-FREE-411 (373-3411) is a free way to access directory assistance for residential and business telephone numbers. The free directory assistance can also be accessed on the web at www.free411.com
West Virginia Miracle Sports Complex
The West Virginia Miracle Sports Complex, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, is a special field that was designed specifically for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.
Built with a specialized "mondo" synthetic surface for easy mobility of wheelchairs and walking devices, this complex has all the amenities needed to allow children and adults an opportunity to actively participate in team sports.
Organized using the "Buddy System," all children, regardless of ability, wear a team shirt, bat in each game and score in each game. Everyone is a winner.
For more information, call SteppingStones at 304-983-7837 or e-mail miraclefield@mylanpark.com.
Low Tech Assistive Technology Solutions
Whether it is a low cost solution, or tips for making assistive technology, this new column will provide ideas for everyday ways to make life easier.
- Take a piece of hot water pipe insulation, available at hardware and plumbing stores, and cut a short section that matches the length of your handle.
- Use pipe insulation that has an inner diameter which will fit snuggly around your handle. If this makes it too bulky, you can cut a lengthwise wedge out of the insulation to make it fit better.
- Fit the insulation around the handle and wrap it tightly with plastic tape.
Another example which might work well for toothbrushes, pens and pencils:
- Go to your local dollar store or discount store.
- Buy a package of foam hair curlers of the size you need. A package of eight is usually $1.00.
- Pull out the plastic device that closes the curler.
- Put your handle through the hole in the center of the foam.
You can buy utensils and other items with built up handles from companies like MaxiAids and Independent Living Aids. Items will run between $10.00 for one utensil or a set of four for $30.00.
For more low cost solutions call WVATS at 800-841-8436.
Portions of this article were taken from Easy Things to Make...o Make Things Easy by Doreen Greenstein.
Tool Kit on For Parents
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education released a CD version of the "Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities: Parents' Materials," designed to assist parents and states in their efforts to work together to raise the achievement of all students with disabilities.
The Parent Tool Kit compiles materials to augment the previously released CD, "Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities," and offers a collection of resources on the same areas addressed, including assessment, instructional practices, behavior and accommodations. The new documents were written specifically for parents and include information they need as they work with schools to ensure their children are receiving a quality education. The material may be downloaded at: www.osepideasthatwork.org/index.asp
ADAPT News adaptwv@hotmail.com
ADAPTWV and NWVCIL Introduce Study to Legislature
By Ken Ervin
ADAPTWV and the Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL), with the assistance of Delegate Barbara Evans Fleishauer, introduced House Concurrent Study Resolution 51 during the 2007 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature.
Over the last several years, individuals who required out-of-state placement (particularly individuals on ventilators and individuals with traumatic brain injury) have been stripped of their West Virginia citizenship and forgotten. West Virginia citizens are forced to leave their friends and family and live in virtual exile in neighboring states including Ohio and Pennsylvania. Since these individuals no longer receive WV Medicaid, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources absolves itself of responsibility and the individuals are forgotten. The Study Resolution is the first step in gathering the data necessary to educate policymakers and the general public about this vital problem.
Because of the issues surrounding out-of-state placements, ADAPTWV and NWVCIL asked the Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources Accountability (LOCHHRA) to do the following in the Resolution:
- Request the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to undertake a study of long-term care as it relates to the number of adult state residents in out-of-state long-term health facilities.
- Include a review of the costs and options for their care in West Virginia
- Consider measures to reduce the cost of health care for residents of long-term health care, including ways to bring them home
- Request that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance solicit the testimony of experts and family members of those citizens being treated in and out of state.
- Request that the committee report to the 2008 regular session of the Legislature on its findings, conclusions and recommendations and to provide drafts of legislation to enact the recommendations.
When these findings and recommendations are reviewed by the general public, they will represent the first real opportunity to ensure that the civil rights of adults in out-of-state placement are respected.
Assistive Technology Virtual Loan Library
WVATS is operating a Virtual Loan Library, an online database of assistive technology devices, books and other resources for people of all ages with disabilities, their families and service providers. The Virtual Loan Library allows users to see a photograph, read a detailed description and borrow a device or book from the comfort of their home, school or place of employment. If your organization has assistive technology devices, books or other resource materials you would like to include in the Virtual Loan Library please call Jamie Hayhurst-Marshall at 800-841-8436. You can visit the Library at www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/virtuallibrary
Recycling Bulletin Board
When you visit the Virtual Loan Library, you will notice a Bulletin Board for user postings. This Board is designed for individuals to post used and/or no longer needed assistive technology for giveaway, trade or sale. Disclosing user information on the Bulletin Board is the user's choice. WVATS will not disclose information such as phone numbers or addresses. WVATS has no way of monitoring the condition or price of an item listed on the Board. For this reason, WVATS is not responsible in any way for equipment listed by patrons. For more information or to post a device, call Sarah at 800-841-8436.
WVATS News
New Assistive Technology Added to the WVATS Loan Library
The following is a selection of new equipment available through the WVATS Loan Library. These specific pieces of equipment are examples of some of the high-tech communication devices that can only be loaned out to professionals at the WVATS Lab in Morgantown.
Toby Churchill Lightwriter SL35: The Lightwriter is a small, portable text-to-speech communication aid engineered for people with speech impairments. Its dual display, choice of keyboard layouts and languages and long battery life make it a good choice for many individuals. It includes a DECtalk speech synthesizer and allows the user to hook up an external keyboard or switch (for the use of Morse code capabilities.)
Dynavox Mighty Mo: The Mighty Mo is a speech generating device with digitized speech that was designed for ease of use and programming. The Mighty Mo has a bright colored screen that can be easily seen anywhere and comes with eight preprogrammed page sets with prerecorded voices for immediate use. The Mighty Mo features 100 minutes of recording time and an onboard universal remote control for common household appliances. It also has visual and audio scanning with auto, switch, two-switch and inverse auto-scan options.
AbleNet FL4SH: FL4SH is a scanning communicator that features a vibrant and highly visible scanning light source that frames each picture symbol in succession. FL4SH incorporates automatic overlay detection - an innovative use of barcode technology that allows it to recognize individual overlays and adjust its output accordingly. This technology puts an end to switching levels. The device can be adjusted for different viewing angles and can be operated by direct selection, one or two switches or one switch per message.
The devices in the library can be borrowed for up to four weeks. For more information, call 800-841-8436.
New Fair Shake Network Officers
The Fair Shake Network is an association of West Virginians dedicated to a "fair shake" for people with disabilities and to the belief that diversity makes our communities stronger. The Fair Shake Network provides training and systems advocacy on issues affecting people with disabilities through statewide, grassroots and cross-disability activities. WVATS is a member of the Fair Shake Network.
Congratulations to the new Fair Shake Network officers for 2006-2007. Executive Committee: Cathy Hutchinson, Chair; Jeri McDonald, Vice Chair; Linda Maniak, Secretary; Penney Hall, Treasurer; Dave Sanders, At Large. Board of Directors: David Stewart, Cathy Hutchinson, Penney Hall, Jeri McDonald, Dave Sanders, Jeanne Grubb, Kelly Simpson, Linda Maniak, Vicki Smith, Nathan Parker
For more information, call 800-497-4746 or go to www.fairshake.org
Assistive Technology Assessment Clinic
Comprehensive assistive technology assessments are available for adults, children and youth through the Assistive Technology Assessment Clinic (AT Clinic) at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED). Assessment programs are overseen by a nationally certified Assistive Technology Practitioner and designed to help individuals identify and use assistive technology to support independence and enhance quality of life.
The interdisciplinary clinical assessments are conducted from the CED and usually include environmental assessments in the home, school and/or worksite for:
- Computer access
- Environmental controls
- Adaptations to living and work environments
- Sensory impairments
- Activities of daily living
- Recreation
For more information, call the Center at 800-841-8436.
Powerful Tools
Owasys model 22C Screenless Talking Phone
The Screenless Talking Phone is a fully accessible talking cell phone designed specifically for the blind. It has a standard keypad with large keys that are spaced far enough apart for easy navigation. All menus are spoken and arranged in an easy-to-follow list.
The phone has a speaker-phone and allows you to hear numbers as you enter or delete them and hear what you have entered by pressing the information key. This phone was tested by the International Braille and Technology Center. For more information, call 877-292-2747 or visit www.screenlessphone.com
Long Strong Crayons
Long Strong Crayons are a pack of nine brightly colored long, thick crayons that are very break-resistant and long-lasting. These crayons are designed to fit a big kid's palmer grasp or whole hand grasp better than conventional crayons. They produce a good line with light pressure, yet will not break if a child bangs them. These crayons are available for under $3. For more information call 800-308-2208.
Big Lamp Switch
The Big Lamp Switch replaces smaller rotating knobs and allows more leverage when turning a lamp on or off. The two-inch oversized knob is easier to grasp and turn and its larger size is easier to see than standard knobs. The Big Lamp Switch will work with most standard lamps and is easy to install. The switch is affordably priced at under $10. For more information call Dynamic Living at 888-940-0605 or visit www.dynamic-living.com
iBOT
The iBOT Mobility System is a power wheelchair that allows you to travel over grass, gravel and sand, climb curbs up to five inches, go up or down stairs and raise yourself to eye level.
An integrated combination of sensor and software components and multiple computers work with motion sensors to help maintain balance. When the sensors detect movement, a signal is sent to the computers. This electronic balance system is custom-programmed to the user's center of gravity, to monitor and respond to subtle changes in motion.
Reach forward to shake hands, and your iBOT Mobility System moves with you. Lean back and it moves away as well. The iBOT Mobility System constantly realigns and adjusts its wheel position and seat orientation to keep the user upright and stable at all times, even when driving up and down curbs or inclines.
For more information, call 877-710-4114 ext 8004 or go to www.ibotnow.com.
National News
NFB Launches New Web Portal
The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS) Web Portal (www.blindscience.org), a clearinghouse of information and resources related to blind youth and their participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The NCBYS Web Portal, funded under a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), provides easy, centralized access for teachers, students, parents, and others to gain the knowledge necessary to make STEM fields accessible to youth who are blind. Users can not only find high tech solutions but also low tech, simple tools and strategies to teach and learn STEM subjects.
This portal also provides users with a career section where they can read biographies and hear interviews of scientists and engineers who are blind, including Abraham Nemeth, developer of the Nemeth Code for math. Users can also explore career opportunities and science programs available to students who are blind, such as the Excellence through Challenging Exploration and Leadership internship program and the NFB Youth Slam. For more information, visit www.blindscience.org or call 410-659-9314.
New Web Site for Long-Term Care Planning
The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information web site provides comprehensive information about long-term planning, services and financing options, along with tools to help people begin the planning process.
The web site is designed to increase public awareness about the risks and costs of long-term care and the potential need for services and to provide objective information to help people plan for the future. For more information, go to www.longtermcare.gov
State News
West Virginia Youth Disability Caucus
The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC) will host the WV Youth Disability Caucus on June 15-18 at the Charleston Marriott Hotel. All youth (ages 16 - 21) with a disability are invited to submit an application to serve as a delegate to the Caucus.
This is the second WV Youth Disability Caucus and it is designed to expose youth with disabilities to the concept of disability pride, expand knowledge of what a disability is, help delegates set goals, teach them about organizations and systems that exist to support them as people with disabilities and provide an opportunity to connect with mentors and community leaders. The participants also learn the legislative process and get hands-on experience in a mock legislative session at the State Capitol.
"The Caucus is a hands-on way to teach youth about power, to have input into policy decisions that affect them and to involve them in the grassroots advocacy efforts in the state and nation," said Ann McDaniel, WVSILC executive director.
The skills and information Caucus delegates gain will be used to set goals and make decisions about their futures. Delegates to the first WV Youth Disability Caucus, held in 2005, used the skills and knowledge they gained to write and secure passage of legislation to establish the third week of October as "Disability History Week." This effort resulted in the first such legislation and designation in the country.
"The 2005 delegates set a high bar for this year's group but I am confident they will develop the skills and self-confidence to make their own contribution to their community and state," McDaniel said.
For more information, please call the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council at 800-642-8207 ext. 4624.
Employment News
M-WIN Enrollee Update
The Medicaid Work Incentive Network (M-WIN) is the state Medicaid Buy-in program and has over 450 participants enrolled, working in the community and purchasing health care benefits through Medicaid. To apply for M-WIN, call your local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office. Office locations can be found on the DHHR web site at www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/county or by calling 800-642-8589.
M-WIN UPDATE
The table below shows enrollees by age, county and gender. The number of participants is increasing steadily.
451 Enrollees
(County of residence)| Barbour | 7 | Mingo | 20 |
| Berkeley | 13 | Monongalia | 9 |
| Cabell | 10 | Monroe | 2 |
| Fayette | 21 | Nicholas | 1 |
| Gilmer | 2 | Ohio | 2 |
| Grant | 3 | Pendleton | 1 |
| Greenbrier | 29 | Pocahontas | 3 |
| Hampshire | 5 | Preston | 1 |
| Hardy | 5 | Raleigh | 3 |
| Jackson | 10 | Randolph | 7 |
| Jefferson | 4 | Roane | 2 |
| Kanawha | 5 | Summers | 7 |
| Lewis | 25 | Taylor | 1 |
| Lincoln | 1 | Tucker | 7 |
| Logan | 14 | Upshur | 3 |
| Marion | 37 | Wayne | 1 |
| Mason | 40 | Webster | 9 |
| McDowell | 22 | Wetzel | 1 |
| Mercer | 75 | Wood | 1 |
| Mineral | 1 | Wyoming | 9 |
Counties with Most Enrollees
Mercer 75
Mason 40
Marion 37
Greenbrier 29
Lewis 25
McDowell 22
Fayette 21
Mingo 20
Gender
Male = 158 (35%)
Female = 293 (65%)
Average Age = 43.97
Average Male Age = 40.31
Average Female Age = 45.95
16 - 21 = 24
22 - 34 = 93
35 - 44 = 80
45 - 54 = 161
55 - 64 = 92
65 + = 1
Workforce One-Stop AT Training
The West Virginia Disability Program Navigator Project and West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) collaborated to implement cross-trainings in assistive technology within the WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers in January. The DRS team visited One-Stop Career Centers in Region V for three to four hours trainings at each site. The DRS team consisted of Mary Lou Wiegand, Assistive Technology Specialist; Phil Lauerman, Driver Education Teacher; and Terry Courts, Information System Specialist II/Assistive Technology Services.
Hands-on computer software demostrations with One-Stop employees showed them how to use AT programs (Co-Writer , Dragon Dictate , Kurzweil , Jaws , Zoomtext ) to become more familiar with assistive technology to help job seekers with disabilities. These assistive technology cross-trainings will continue to take place at WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers throughout the state. For more information, please call Shannon Austin, Disability Program Navigator at 304-232-6280.
Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
The West Virginia WIPA Project seeks to increase the number of social security beneficiaries served by continually conducting outreach to underserved populations throughout the state. From October to December 2006, the WIPA project opened 64 new beneficiary cases and offered training, technical assistance and direct service to 204 adults with disabilities.
During the same period, 235 professionals, adults with disabilities and general public members were trained. Since October 2006, Community Work Incentive Coordinators have exhibited and presented work incentive information to school students, parents, teachers and school administrators covering eight West Virginia counties.
With the addition of two new Community Work Incentive Coordinators, the WIPA Project is currently operating with a full staff.
Harry Bostic will be covering an 11 county region in southern West Virginia and can be reached at 304-720-3200 or by e-mail at hbostic@hsc.wvu.edu.
Amanda Stateczny will be covering a 17 county region in northern and eastern West Virginia. Amanda can be reached at 304-293-4692 ext 1150 or by e-mail at astateczny@hsc.wvu.edu.
Serving West Virginia Farmers & 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.
800-841-8436 or agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints Awards Announced
Thanks to support from the Osteoporosis and Arthritis Program at the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, West Virginia AgrAbility is partnering with Master Gardener groups to promote accessible gardening. Through a new program called Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints, groups with creative proposals for the construction of raised beds, vertical gardens or other accessible garden modifications can receive financial assistance to help pay for materials. Applicants were encouraged to work collaboratively with parks, senior centers or other sites in their communities where gardens can be used and maintained by individuals with arthritis, osteoporosis or other joint conditions.Awards were announced on March 14 to the following West Virginia Master Gardener (MG) groups:
- Harrison County MGs for the construction of 12 raised beds with trellises at the Clarksburg Mission Community Garden. Low income and homeless patrons of the mission will be given 'Gardening 101' courses and plots, while graded and mulched paths will improve access for individuals with mobility limitations. Award: $500
- Ohio County MGs for enhancing the grounds of Peterson Rehabilitation Hospital and Geriatric Center in Wheeling with wheelchair accessible beds. Residents, with assistance from Peterson staff, will maintain the gardens through a horticultural therapy program. Award: $500.
- Monongalia County MGs, for collaboration with BOPARC to construct raised garden beds at Jack Roberts Park in Morgantown, West Virginia. Award: $200.
- Tucker County MGs, for the construction of raised beds at Mt. Top Senior Center in Parsons Senior Center in Thomas and Parsons, respectively. Award: $300.
- Braxton County MGs, for the construction of raised beds at the Braxton County Senior Center in Sutton, West Virginia. Award: $500.
- Randolph/Tucker MGs, for the installation of planters and other accessibility and safety modifications to an existing patio at the Randolph County Senior Center in Elkins, West Virginia. Award: $500.
- Kanawha County MGs, (see photo) for accessibility modifications to existing 'Bird and Butterfly' and 'Serenity' Gardens at SunBridge Care and Rehabilitation in Dunbar, West Virginia. Award: $500.
For more information about the Green Thumbs, Healthy Joints projects, or to receive an accessible gardening fact sheet, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail West Virginia AgrAbility at agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Rural Rehabilitation Workshop Scheduled for May
Partnering with the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Association and the Division of Physical Therapy at WVU, West Virginia AgrAbility is hosting a training for therapists and rehabilitation specialists on May 18th and 19th, 2007, at the Euro-Suites Hotel in Morgantown. "Rural Rehabilitation: Agricultural Assessment and Accommodation" will provide participants with the tools necessary to work with farmers with injuries and disabilities, featuring sessions on farm culture, environment, hazards, site assessment, treatment solutions and equipment modifications. The training will feature an on-farm evaluation of equipment, small-scale livestock facilities, tools and farm-related assistive technology at the West Virginia University Organic Farm.
The ten hour training will also feature hands-on lessons from Dr. Therese Willkomm, PhD, O.T., on creating inexpensive, effective modifications that can be custom-made from everyday materials by therapists to meet an individual's needs. Training is limited to the first 40 registrants, and discounts are available for full-time students. For additional information about the upcoming training, or to receive a training brochure and registration form, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
Caddy Makes Trimming Grass Easier
In honor of National Arthritis Month in May, AgrAbility is featuring a gadget that reduces strain on the back, shoulders, arms and wrists. The Kwik Whip Cart can make using a gas-powered string trimmer much easier, as it rides on a pair of large cushioned wheels and has an L-shaped metal tube which clamps the trimmer at two different points.
The cart's anti-vibration technology reduces the risk of injury and allows one to trim under trees and other hard-to-reach places while bearing less weight and reducing the need to bend. The Kwik Whip Cart, manufactured by Cameo Industries, works with most types of gas and electric string trimmers. Learn more by contacting James and Shirley Olson at lukeo@tds.net
New Bridging Horizons Brochures Now Available
West Virginia AgrAbility is recruiting youth groups who would like to work with farmers (and members of farm families) with disabilities or injuries in their communities. AgrAbility staff can assist in identifying a community member in need, researching various modifications or tools, or offering design advice.
Project ideas might include using existing plans to construct a tool or coordinating a fundraising campaign to help a farmer purchase a device that will help them continue working with a disability. If you would like to receive copies of the new brochure for distributing to youth groups, or to receive assistance in identifying a farmer in need in your community, please call 800-841-8436 or e-mail agrability@hsc.wvu.edu
2007 Artist Showcase Another Success
The 2007 Artist Showcase at PATHS surpassed all expectations this year for the annual event. The fifteen artists who were part of the Showcase festivities at the Charleston Civic Center on February 21 & 22 made the most of this opportunity to interact with visitors, network with other artists and sell their unique, creative art works.
Over the past four years, the Artist Showcase has provided an added dimension to both the PATHS and Celebrating Connections conferences, increasing public awareness of the benefits of participation in the arts for individuals with disabilities. Originally designed to showcase artistic talent, the Artist Showcase has evolved to become a platform for encouraging interested individuals to explore the arts as an avenue to independence, employment, communication, socialization or just for fun.
For more information on future Artist Showcase events, or if you are a professional or aspiring artist and would like to be added to the artist mailing list, please contact Regina Mayolo at 800-841-8436 or e-mail her at rmayolo@hsc.wvu.edu
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 (mdanko@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.
The Assistive Technology State Plan is an interagency collaboration between the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) the designated state agency and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) the implementing agency.
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/
