Does anyone know someone who has assistive technology that is sitting in a closet, not being used? Is there something uncomfortable about a device? Does it not work as expected? Do you know someone who needs assistive technology but cannot afford the cost? The Maker’s Movement may be the answer to some of these concerns.

Many library districts and colleges sponsor “Maker’s Events” where a person can request assistance to design assistive technology that can help a person to complete tasks more comfortably and efficiently. There may be a “make-a-thon” event in your community. To find more information go to: makerfaire.com/map.

This new trend is a result of the Do-It-Yourself movement and advances made in miniaturizing inexpensive electronic devices. People have long been frustrated with the high cost of assistive technology and the limits on custom fitting items to accommodate specific situations. Advances and information sharing are moving access to affordable assistive technology forward; and it may even be possible to print 3D prosthetics.

More Information

• The article, “Assistive Technology Loan Program” explains Alternative Financing Programs, where assistive technology resources are provided and affordable loans help people get the assistive technology that best meets their needs. Also, the programs offer an opportunity to establish good credit.
• Flier for the Alternative financing Program in New Jersey and New York (PDF)
• View a National Listing of Alternative Financing Programs (Word document)

EIN SOF is recruiting electronics users with disabilities for eight disability-specific focus groups in:

• San Francisco, CA – Sunday, December 3 (1:00-8:00 p.m.) and Monday, December 4 (2:00-9:00 p.m.)
• Washington, DC – Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7 (2:00-9:00 p.m.)

If you or someone you know might be interested in being considered and is available on the above dates, please email Tari Hartman Squire at [email protected] with the Subject Line: “SF Focus Group” or “DC Focus Group”.

Specifically, they are looking for electronics users with disabilities in the following categories:

• Deaf
• Hard of Hearing
• Blind
• Low Vision
• Mobility Disability
• Limited Dexterity
• Autistic
• Parent of Child with Autism

Today, there are high tech devices everywhere that are helping people to stay connected, be more independent and experience a higher quality of life. There are also resources that can help people afford the purchase of assistive technology (AT) including items such as home or vehicle modifications, hearing aids, computers, scooters, smart phones and even adaptive sports equipment.

People benefit from learning about a full range of resources and funding options that can help meet their needs. A person’s need for assistive technology is an opportunity for opening dialogue around their choice of AT and how to afford what best meets their needs. Are there ways for the person to increase their income through employment opportunities or to change their spending or increase their savings? Is there funding that will provide AT for employment? Are there work supports that can help a person earn and save money towards their purchase?  [Read more…]

On April 7, Pew Research Center published a new report and analysis for their Fact Tank entitled “Disabled Americans Are Less Likely to Use Technology.” Read the report.

Do you have an idea for innovative technology that can improve lives of people with disabilities? NIDILRR’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program can help.

This year, NIDILRR’s SBIR program will fund up to ten Phase I feasibility (or proof-of-concept) projects for approximately six months (for up to $100,000 each). After completion of the Phase I stage, most of these businesses can compete for Phase II awards. Phase II awards can last up to 24 months for a total of up to $575,000.

• Please visit the grant page or grants.gov and search for “NIDILRR SBIR”.

NIDILRR’s SBIR program is unique among SBIR programs in that it focuses solely on the development of knowledge, products and services that benefit the lives of people with disabilities.  The purpose of the broader SBIR program is to: stimulate technological innovation; increase small business participation in federal research and development; foster and encourage participation by minority and disadvantaged persons in technological innovation; and increase private sector commercialization of technology derived from federal research and development.  [Read more…]

Greetings from the Accessibility Engineering Team here at Google! As part of our efforts to make Google products more accessible, we conduct research sessions with users with all types of disabilities. So far this year, we’ve conducted research sessions with users in the blind / low vision, deaf / hard of hearing and motor and cognitive impairment communities. Take a look at some of our current projects!

Feedback gathered during these sessions is invaluable in making Google products more accessible for everyone.

We conduct studies both in-person as well as remotely via video or phone. Selected participants will receive a thank you gift for their time in the form of a prepaid Visa gift card, or from a selection of brands including AMC, Cheesecake Factory, iTunes, Sephora, Toys ‘R Us and more.

Anyone with a disability / impairment who would like to take part in a study testing our products can sign up online. Once you have signed up you will be notified of upcoming research studies that are a match for your unique user profile. Feel free to forward this email to anyone with a disability who you feel may be interested!

Why not get your friends or family involved? Anyone without a disability who is also interested in taking part in our research can sign up online!

For any questions or concerns regarding our user research program contact: [email protected]

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document (PDF) is now available for the AFP Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), which closes June 6th.

You can also download a recording and transcript of the AFP FOA conference.

• Title: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program
• Agency: Administration for Community Living (ACL)
• Center: Center for Integrated Programs (CIP)
• Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2016-ACL-CIP-ATTF-0164

[Read more…]

June 20-21, 2016; Sacramento Convention Center (Sacramento, CA)

The Ability Tools Reuse Conference will take place June 20-21, 2016 in Sacramento, California. This exciting conference will bring together people from around the country interested in the reuse of assistive technology and durable medical equipment.

Not sure if you should attend? If your organization:

• Distributes used wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and other medical equipment to the community;
• Operates a medical device and equipment Loan Closet or Device Library;
• Takes in donations of assistive technology / durable medical equipment;
• Wants to start a reuse program.

Call for Presenters: Do you have expertise in an area of assistive technology or durable medical equipment reuse? Are you interested in sharing your knowledge at the Ability Tools Reuse Conference?

Please consider submitting a brief workshop proposal. Multiple presenters and panel presentations are welcome. CFILC will contact all workshop proposers by Friday, April 22nd. Successful proposers will receive information regarding next steps. Please remember that each presenter needs to register for the conference individually. Workshop proposals are due by Friday, April 8th, 2016.

More information: www.AbilityTools.org/Reuse-Conference

The National Federation of the Blind has launched a petition demanding that the Obama administration issue a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) addressing the obligation of public accommodations to provide websites that are accessible to individuals with disabilities conformant to Title III of the ADA. The release date of the actual rule proposal for revising the Title III regulations of the ADA, originally scheduled for January of 2012, has been extended until sometime in 2018, eight years beyond the issuance of the original Advanced notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM) and at least a year after the end of his administration.

Because this is a “we the people” petition, upon reaching 100,000 signatures, the Obama administration is required to respond. As people with disabilities, we know first-hand that equal access to the internet is paramount for education, to obtain and retain employment, and for everyday tasks such as paying bills, online shopping, booking travel, and the list goes on and on.

Please sign the petition and share it with your networks!