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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Volume 15, No. 2, Spring 2007

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What's Inside . . . Volume 15, No. 1, Spring 2007

Senator Carper Visits New Castle ATRC
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) visited the New Castle County Assistive Technology Resource Center at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington on Monday, April 9, for a first hand look at the wide range of reusable assistive devices available to individuals with disabilities.

Print Access Vs. Copyright Law: A Legal Expert Weighs In
Sometimes schools will say that they are precluded from providing text alternatives to students with print disabilities because they are concerned about violating copyright law. Several months ago, I asked Ron Hager, Staff Attorney with the National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project (a project of Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. in Buffalo, New York), to weigh in on this issue.

Doors Open on New Financial Loan Programs
Need assistive technology (AT) but can't afford to purchase it? Because many devices are expensive, folks are often forced to go without. Insurance and state agencies rarely pay for AT such as hearing aids, vehicle and home modifications, and adaptive computer hardware. Sometimes you can only get funding for a "bare bones" device that doesn't really meet your needs. In other cases, you may be eligible for funding through insurance or a state agency, but you can't afford to wait months to get the device because you need it right now. If any of these describe your situation, the Delaware Assistive Technology Loan Program may be an option to consider.

Something To Talk About
DATI now has a discussion board on its website. For those of you who may be new to the world of online discussion boards, a discussion board is a place where you can post questions and messages, and respond to questions and messages left by others. It's also a place to share information for the greater benefit of the community.

AT Bargain Basement
Hello, True Believers, and welcome to our Spring installment of the AT Bargain Basement. This is the home of the assistive technology bargain, and I am your host, Marvin. For those of you who are new to the Bargain Basement, welcome! Pull up a seat and get nice and comfortable. If you're a Bargain Basement regular, welcome back! It's always good to have new and familiar friends on the journey through the land of the AT Bargain.

Quick AT for a Temporary Disability
Recently, I got a call from my son Brian's science teacher. She had broken her predominant arm in a fall, had a cast on, and was having a tough time using the computer. She wanted to know if there was anything that could help her during the time she would be wearing a cast.

We often get calls from people experiencing temporary disabilities resulting from accidents, surgeries, or other circumstances. Often, they do not know where to turn for help, and may not be aware
that help is indeed available.

Technology for Transition–Memory Aids
Memory is a critical consideration during transition planning. When a person routinely forgets important tasks such as taking medication or making meals, transitioning to a home environment may be problematic. When a person can't remember the tasks necessary to perform a job, transitioning to or maintaining employment becomes a challenge. When a person cannot remember the names of family and friends, communication becomes strained.

Participate in a Research Study
A research team at the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access at The State University of New York at Buffalo is currently conducting a federally funded study on how the built environment influences people's ability to perform routine activities.