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Vol. 3, No. 2, March/April 1995 |
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Other Opportunities
Integrating Augmentative Communication Technology into the Classroom
An overview of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology and strategies appropriate for children and adolescents whose natural speech and writing do not meet their communication needs in their schools and homes. The focus will be on incorporating practical instructional and therapeutic strategies into ongoing educational goals and activities. The goal is to provide educational team members with resources that will help their students gain optimal benefit from the augmentative communication systems available to them.
Adaptive Play, Augmentative Communication, & Active Participation: An Inter-Disciplinary Approach
An overview of Adapted Toys and Play as a social, learning, and language activity. Typically, play involves more than learning causes-and-effect. Children also learn and use language; initiate and assert control over adults, siblings, and peers; and practice their fine and gross motor skills. Videotapes will be utilized to illustrate the richness of play, from fine motor and auditory-visual processing to language, communication and turn-taking. Demonstrations of toys and switches will help participants choose items that are most appropriate for individual children's unique motor, sensory, and language needs.
For further information about program content and registration fees, please contact: Augmentative Communication & Technology Clinic, A.I. duPont Institute, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE 19899, (302) 651-5600.
Chrysler Offers Incentives
The Chrysler Corporation is offering a cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 under its new Automobility Program. The money can be used toward the purchase and installation of adaptive driving and passenger equipment installed in all 1994, `95, and `96 Chrysler vehicles. The programs run through December 31, 1995. Customers also receive complimentary telephone debit cards with 30 minutes of prepaid calling time. For more information about the program, contact David Barnas with Chrysler at (313)252-8887.
Need to Send a Message Fast- In Braille?
Western Union now has a braille telegram service available. Call them at (800)325-6000 for details.
New AT Articles Available
The Assistive Technology Funding and Systems Change Project has produced the following informational articles:
- "The Americans with Disabilities Act and Assistive Technology" outlines how assistive technology devices and services can be used to meet the requirements of the ADA.
- "Tax Law Provides Subsidy for Assistive Technology" summarizes the Disabled Access Credit and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Removal, both of which reduce costs for employers who provide accommodations under the ADA.
- "Fast Facts on Individualized Education Programs" discusses ways to include assistive technology in an IEP and tips to help make sure it is!
Free copies of any of these articles can be ordered through the DATI Central Site by calling (302)651-6790 (V) or (302)651-6794 (TDD).
Augmentative Communication Workshops at A.I. duPont Institute
The Augmentative Communication & Technology Clinic of the A.I. duPont Institute in Wilmington is sponsoring two workshops this Spring. "Integrating Augmentative Communication Technology into the Classroom" is scheduled for April 12, 1995 and "Adaptive Play, Augmentative Communication & Active Participation: An Inter-Disciplinary Approach" for May 4, 1995. For more details and workshop information, please see the center calendar insert.
Your Chance to Advise the President!
The National Council on Disability (NCD) has been appointed by Congress to monitor ADA implementation and must regularly report to the President and Congress on the ADA's progress. As the Fifth Anniversary of the ADA approaches, NCD is collecting information on how truly effective the law has been. They would like to hear your personal stories as to the law's impact on your life and are particularly interested in hearing about varying types of successes and the methods you used to achieve those successes. These stories could be about your own personal experiences, those of your employer, or something related to changes in the community.
If you have personal experiences to share or would like to contribute input that might affect disability policy, send your stories to:
National Council on Disability
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1050
Washington, DC 20004-1107
Phone: (202)272-2004
TDD: (202)272-2074
Fax: (202)272-2022
New A.D.D. Support Network Formed
A series of meetings to discuss Attention Deficit Disorder issues among young adults is being supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation to the Applied Science & Engineering Labs. The meetings are not therapy, not lectures, and not advice-but a chance for young adults with ADD to share experiences and ideas or just listen to the concerns of other young adults. Meetings are scheduled for March 10 and April 28 at 7:00 pm in Room 116 of Purnell Hall, University of Delaware. For more information, contact Rick & Mary Ellen Foulds @ (302)234-0208 or email Greg Foulds at kluge@brahms.udel.edu.
