Empowering Technologies for Persons with Disabilities
Spring 2007
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Discovery Empowering Technologies for Persons with Disabilities |
Spring 2007 |
Talking Devices and Pictures Give Expression at Kakaako Park
It is said, “A Picture is worth a 1000 words.” A picture can also say, “I want to find a gummy worm in a pool of Coco Puffs.” The latest Easter Seals’ KATS Club Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) outing took us to Kakaako Park on a recent Saturday. Each family had prepared their child’s communication board or communication device to “talk” about worms, tossing a ball in a parachute or blowing bubbles from a very prolific bubble blowing machine. Honolulu was warming up, but next to the ocean, under the pavilion, the conditions were perfect for a picnic in the park using communication devices and picture symbols.
| At a workshop two weeks previous, parents with the help of the Easter Seal Team (with support from staff from Kapiolani Women's and Children’s Hospital and ALOHA STAC) also prepared a journal page to record exciting activities. One of the fathers, Glenn Yoshida, has developed an effective two button talking device for his daughter. On this particular Kakaako outing, Glenn rolled out from the family truck an electric wheelchair that he modified. With an adapted professional game controller, Glen controlled the wheelchair from a distance. The children played a rousing game of wheelchair tag. What a fun activity to end an outing at the park. Definitely there were things to talk about using devices and pictures after the park excitement was over. |  |
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| Glenn Yoshida controlling his daughter’s power wheelchair with a remote switch. |
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Portable Screen Readers Technology devices allow many people to access computers, surf the Internet, and send e-mail. One helpful software application is a screen-reader, which identifies information displayed on the computer monitor for those who have trouble reading due to visual or learning impairment. One issue that becomes apparent is the user is obligated to use the computer in which the software program has been installed. Recently, multiple companies are addressing this issue for screen-reader software. The software is now being placed on USB flash drive sticks which plug into any type of computer. The user can now take this device to school, the library, or home without downloading the software to a dedicated computer. Headphones can then be plugged into the flash drive so others are not disturbed. Also the special settings are saved, and the user does not need multiple licenses to operate the software.
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Early Childhood Workshops Assist Two fun Early Childhood Mini Tech Fairs were held recently to highlight software, access devices and “authoring software” to enhance learning for young children with delays or disabilities. The first workshop held at Easter Seals in Honolulu focused on early literacy. The Fair included Kathy Lewis’ fun books, using the Unity vocabulary, which encourages augmentative and alternative communication users to read using their devices; check out her web site at www.at-p.com. Two step scanning was one of the computer access features demonstrated by Madie Chun and Del Paalani. Much of their information comes from the internationally recognized teacher Linda Burkhart, who has a fascinating web site, entitled, “Simplified Technology” dedicated to technology access and early learning, at www.lburkhart.com. Hilo Easter Seals and ALOHA STAC hosted an Early Childhood Mini Fair on May 12. The fair included the Make-it Take-it switch workshop, where parents and professionals got to make their own switches. These switches allow a child with a challenge to operate their battery operated toys. Plans and explanation of a similar switch can be found on the web sponsored by ALOHA STAC’s national organization, Alliance for Technology Access at www.ataccess.org under “Welcome to... We Can Play”, then “Adapting Battery Operated Toys for a Switch” and finally “Making Your Own Inexpensive Switch.” There you will find directions and pictures for making your own switches.
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IDEA Revision Changes
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004 updates the federal law for the education for children with disabilities. Hearings and presentations have been held around Hawaii by the Department of Education to solicit feedback before the revisions are applied to Hawaii's version called Chapter 56. An excellent overview of IDEA revision and Chapter 56 can be found on the Special Parent Information Network website at www.spinhawaii.org. We called June Callan, State Resource Teacher at the Special Education Section of the Department of Education, to learn how the changes might impact the area of assistive technology. June explained that medical devices that are surgically implanted, or the replacement of such a device are not covered in the new version of IDEA 2004. For full coverage of assistive technology under Chapter 56, please visit http://www.teleschool.k12.hi.us/attf/.
Literacy Website Helps Young Learners
The National Research Council’s study states that “children who are exposed to reading at an early age make symbol/language connections, and are more likely to be reading at the appropriate age level by the end of third grade.” LiteracyCenter.Net, sponsored by the US Department of Education, offers free pre and early reading activities to assist parents and teachers in meaningful lessons. The curriculum is aimed at kindergarten and first grade learners, and is offered in English, Spanish, German, and French. Subjects include: colors, letters, numbers, phonemes, shapes, writing, and words. Conveniently there is nothing that must be downloaded, and the website does not require a sign up. Please check out this source at: www.literacycenter.net
Chefs Du Jour, a Culinary Extravaganza
| Easter Seals Hawai’i announces a newly expanded “Chefs Du Jour” set for August 11, 2007 at Aloha Tower. Alan Wong and a celebrity line up of top culinary stars will be featured. There will be live music, along with fine and vintage wine tasting. Additionally there will be a fabulous silent auction featuring exquisite wines, dinners, trips, experiences and a unique selection of "Made in Hawaii" products. Funds raised from this event will go to support Easter Seals programs and services for autism and youth services. In previous years this event has been a sell out, so reserve your table as so as possible. Contact Lesli Yogi at 536-1015. |  |
Millie Rogers was dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. In January of 1989, Millie Rogers and nine parents, professionals and persons with disabilities were enrolled in a class at UH learning about a new field of accessible technology. Millie and the nine others were challenged by a guest speaker to establish a center for accessible technology (AT), to make this technology revolution available to all. Millie eagerly participated in numerous meetings to produce a grant to begin services at ALOHA STAC. Her dedication and her belief in AT, kept her actively participating and advocating in countless meetings, raising funds, and speaking to the public at fairs and workshops until the time when she was no longer physically able. Millie demonstrated the power of technology especially through her use of her wheelchair. Through her determination and a talented wheelchair support team, she used her head controls to travel at will. Millie celebrated the joy of others. Life was not easy for Millie, but it was something for which she was very grateful. She was a cheerleader for Aloha STAC and her cheer was often, "Go for it!" Millie was also an intelligent woman. Her body limited her ability to express her thoughts and feelings, but she surely found a voice though the computer. Her e-mails expressing her reflections on life and her encouragement to others will continue to provide hope and will make us appreciate the blessings that we have been given. |
ALOHA STAC STAFF OFFICE VOLUNTEER DISCOVERY EDITORS OUR MISSION The mission of Aloha STAC is to provide individuals with
disabilities and their families access to computers, peripheral tools,
and appropriate |
Contributions & Membership
Aloha Special Technology Access Center
710 Green Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
_________________________________ Name _________________________________ Home Address ________________________________ City State Zip Code |
_______ $55 - One Year Membership _______ $100 -
Sustaining Membership
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Annual Members Meeting, 12-2 PM
June 30th, members of ALOHA STAC will have a chance to meet together and set the course for ALOHA STAC for the next couple of years. In the past we have had a balance of family/professional consultations, workshop activities and a lending library. We look for new input to assist the Center in meeting the changing needs of the community. ALOHA STAC members, as well as nonmembers, are encouraged to attend the Annual Membership Meeting. Elect the board members who will help guide the Center for the next three years. If you are a member, but will not be able to attend, please call (523-5547) and we can mail or fax a proxy ballot to you. Please join us at the Easter Seals building, 710 Green St.
