The AT Messenger ....bringing technology to you Published by the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative Vol. 3, Issue 5, Sept/Oct 1995 If Knowledge is Power... ...then this year's DATI conference will strengthen both consumers and service providers in the quest for improved AT services. When you join us for this event on Thursday, September 28 at Clayton Hall in Newark, you will be astounded at what your $10 registration fee gets you--early morning refreshments, a keynote address telling us in plain English what is going on in Washington, presentations on a wide range of AT topics, lunch, and an exciting exhibit of AT products and services. You've told us what kinds of topics you'd like to see addressed at this conference, and our line-up for this year reflects these preferences: Medicaid coverage for AT, accessibility issues in Delaware schools, seating and positioning, computer access, use of AT by elder citizens, rehabilitation robotics, and AT applications for people with limited cognitive abilities. Turn to the next two pages for the conference schedule and session descriptions. You'll find a registration form in the middle of this newsletter; please copy and share it with others who don't yet receive the AT Messenger! As with most good things, this is a time-limited offer, so send in your registration today. Assistive Technology: More Power to You Schedule of Events 8:00-9:00 a.m. Registration 9:00-10:00 a.m. Opening & Keynote 10:00-10:30 a.m. Break for Exhibits 10:30-Noon Breakout Sessions 1-3 Noon-1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions 4-6 2:30-3:00 p.m. Break for Exhibits 3:00-4:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions 7-9 Session Descriptions 1) AT Overview Maureen Schweitzer, DATI Kent County ATRC Basic introduction of assistive aids from low-tech to high-tech for people of all ages and disabilities. The role of the DATI ATRCs and other related services will be discussed. 2) What is Happening with Medicaid Coverage of AT? Brian Hartman, Esquire, Disabilities Law Program This seminar will provide an overview of Medicaid coverage of AT and an opportunity to discuss consumer issues. The panel will include an attorney, a provider, a Medicaid administrator, and DATI staff. 3) School Accessibility Panel Sue Weimer, P.A.I.R., Chair; Wayne Carter, Larry Field, Gerard Landreth How accessible are our schools? This group of panelists will discuss the current status of accessibility in our schools, and mechanisms through funding and advocacy to improve access. 4) Computer Access for Everyone-Intellikeys, Click-It & More Ed Salisbury and Patty Hove, DATI Kent County ATRC Overview of alternative access methods for IBM and Macintosh computers, especially focusing on Intellikeys, Overlay Maker and Click-It, a new product from Intellitools. Participants will gain an understanding of the broad applications of these technologies for educational and vocational purposes. 5) Overview of Wheelchair Seating & Positioning with an Emphasis on Technology & Assessment (Session I) Nancy Ranalli, Jill Bauder, Michael Meyreles, Easter Seal Society of Del-Mar Demonstration of various technology to assess appropriate seating and positioning needs. Presentation will include an actual seating evaluation. Session I will include information on basic seating systems and components. 6) Assistive Technology & Home Modification for Older Persons with Disabilities Thomas Burford, Center for AT, SUNY Buffalo This presentation will provide an overview of applications of assistive devices and home modifications that will aid older persons to carry out the tasks of daily living and maintain their functional independence. 7) ECT Teaching: Practical Strategies for Teaching Functional Communication Skills Susan Quinlisk-Gill Environmental Communication Teaching (ECT) targets communication in meaningful contexts and provides partners with skills to prompt rather than preempt those with limited cognitive ability. The strategies presented are applicable in a multitude of situations. 8) Overview of Wheelchair Seating & Positioning with an Emphasis on Technology & Assessment (Session II) Session II will build on Session I through application to client case studies. 9) Robotics Research William Harwin, Bob Piech, ASEL, University of DE/A.I. duPont Institute, Richard Howell, Ohio State University Overview of existing robotic technology available for individuals with disabilities. Presentation will also include demonstrations of current research projects at ASEL, including projects in educational and vocational robotics and the Consumer Innovation Laboratory. NiCad Batteries by Dan Weirich Many adaptive devices use NiCads for their power. I've read more than one article regarding NiCad batteries and I don't want to plagiarize or be repetitive. However, there still seems to be some confusion regarding the charging of NiCad batteries and this article is written to eliminate some of the confusion. NiCad batteries have two lives. When discussing NiCads you must explain which life you are talking about. The first life is, "How long will the batteries deliver power to my device before going dead?" The second life is, "How long before they must be replaced?" The answer to the first question is dependant upon the batteries and the device they are powering. Batteries are rated in milliamp hours. This rating is power delivered multiplied by hours. An analogy to this rating would bežmy body can run one mile in eight minutes or eight body-minutes. Therefore (theoretically) I should also be able to run one-half mile in four minutes or even fifty miles in 400 minutes. As a matter of fact, I cannot run fifty miles but the point is this: milliamp hours are almost linear. If your device uses twice as much power as my device, my device will last twice as long as your device on a full charge if we both use the same batteries. Other factors such as temperature are also important but I'm not getting into all the possible factors. What this all boils down to is thisžif you are buying NiCad batteries from a store, you should find out what the milliamp hour rating is for the batteries. Bargain batteries may not be such a bargain if their milliamp hour rating is low. I just opened a battery catalog and can find double A batteries rated anywhere from 650 to 800 milliamp hours. If you draw 800 milliamps from 800 milliamp hour batteries, your device will run for one hour. If you draw 400 milliamps from the same batteries your device will run for two hours, and so on. To make this more confusing, NiCad batteries have a memory. If the batteries in your device are capable of running eight hours on a full charge, but you repeatedly stop the device after four hours and then recharge the batteries, after a while your batteries will only be capable of delivering power for four hours. NiCads "remember" how much is asked of them. The best way to use NiCads is to always run them all the way down followed by a full recharging. By the way, this memory problem is temporary. Repeatedly fully charging and discharging will bring the battery back to its maximum capacity after a period of time. Another factor is age. The milliamp hour rating is for new batteries. As time passes the capacity will decrease. Fortunately, modern NiCads keep most of their capacity until just before they fail. Once the capacity starts to decrease, it's time to buy new batteries. Just like my body and running žage matters. The second life is related to the number of recharges. NiCads can typically be recharged a few hundred times (200 to 500). No one will tie this number down because it is totally dependant on the user, the device, and the environment it's stored and used in. It's analogous to two driversžthe first driver slows the car gradually when coming to a stop sign and the second driver continues at full speed until the last moment and then slams on the brakes. The second driver will have to change the brakes sooner. In any event, if you have to recharge your batteries daily you may have to replace your batteries after the first year. If you need your device daily there is little you can do to lengthen this life. If you have the option of operating your device on either NiCads or plugging it into the wall (what we engineer types refer to as "AC"), plugging it into the wall will lengthen this life. Of course they will last longer if you don't use them. This isn't quite true however; read on. In the real world, most devices don't draw a constant amount of current. Tape recorders draw a lot when rewinding and fastforwarding but much less when just playing. Microprocessors have "sleep" modes which cause them to draw much less power when they are not computing. People forget and leave batteries dead for weeks at a time and then find they don't hold a charge like they used to. Operating in cold temperatures and storing in hot temperatures both cause problems. If you leave your device on and it doesn't have a circuit to protect against it, the batteries may get damaged. If NiCad batteries are completely shorted out, individual cells may act as if they are plugged in backwards and then the whole battery pack won't deliver the proper voltage. When I advise you to run batteries completely, I am referring to the power level your device considers as run down. Some devices beep or illuminate a "battery low" light at this level. My advice is this: when using NiCads let them run down completely prior to recharging. If you occasionally break this rule, it's not the end of the world, but don't make it a habit. Also, if you have the option of using either AC or batteries, use the AC. But (and this is a big but) you should run the batteries completely down a minimum of once per month or they will "remember" that they don't have to deliver any poweržand they won't. This article was based on one originally appearing in July 1995 "Voice of Vision". Dan Weirich has given his permission to share it with our readership. * Ed Salisbury, DATI AT Specialist in Kent County, adds: For any system using a laptop computer, a deep cycle battery charge is recommended along with an extra battery or two. A deep cycle charger discharges the battery completely before charging thus helping to avoid the memory effect. For systems that have easily accessible batteries, it is a good idea to have an extra charged battery on hand that can be used while the other battery is charging, especially if a deep cycle charger is being used. Making Your Mobile Home Accessible We've recently learned of two resources for those considering adapting mobile homes to improve accessibility. * How to Modify a Mobile Home for Accessibility (free) The Access Group 222 Cherokee St. Marietta, GA 30060 (404) 514-7454 * Mobile Homes, Alternative Housing for the Handicapped (HUD-0000-59, $10) HUD User P.O. Box 6091 Rockville, MD 20849 (800) 245-2691 (Voice only) Delaware Recycles AT There are thousands of people in Delaware who use AT, and many, many more who need it. That is why the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative has begun its equipment recycling program, called Delaware Recycles AT. The program provides a means for people to sell or donate the equipment they no longer need to those who could benefit from it. This is how it works: DATI maintains a database of equipment that people wish to sell or donate, and another database of equipment that people are seeking. DATI does not handle the actual transfer of equipment between parties, but simply puts them in touch with one another so that they might work out the details of the transaction between them. Since the start of the program last year, many equipment exchanges have taken place. People have been able to acquire things that they could not otherwise have afforded to purchase. If you'd like more information, or have equipment or an equipment need, call the DATI office at (302) 651-6790. Devices Available: Bath Chair-Good Condition-Free! Bathtub Bench, Good Condition, $100 Bathtub Transfer Bench, $120 Bean Pillow with liner & cover, $55 Bedside Commode (2), $55 each B.O.S.S. 8000-Casio Organizer, $130 Child Bath Support Seat (2), $190 each Commode Chairs-Good condition-Free! Geriatric Chair-Brand New, $600 High Back Toilet Support/Child, $225 Invacare Patient Hydraulic Lift-Good Condition, $500 Leg Braces-(2) for left leg, needs minor repair, Free! Manual wheelchairs-adult, Good Condition, Free! Outdoor stair lift-Free! Portable Shampoo Tray, $30 Portable & Hand-held Shower Hose, $5 Quad Shower/Commode Chair, $1,050 Raised Toilet Seat w/rails, $60 Raised Toilet Seat, adjustable, $35 Scan Man w/catchword PRO OCR for windows, $280 Scanning Lightwriter, $1,400 Shampoo Rinse Tray, $30 Shower Chair with Toilet Pail and Foot rests, $200 Sonic Alert Baby Cry Signaler, $30 Telecaption Caption Decode, $115 Three-wheeled Scooter-child's, Good condition, Free! Three-wheeled Scooter with carrying baskets, motorized lift to store chair in trunk, Good condition, $2,500 Trunk Lift for Rascal brand three-wheeled scooter, Good Condition, $20 Tubby II Chair, $190 Unmouse, $80 Upper Body Brace, Like New, Free! Voice dialer telephone, 5 years old, price negotiable Walkers-Good Condition-Free! Walker-Works Fine-$20 Windsor Feeding Machine-Good condition, $700 or best offer Devices Needed: 386 PCs Easy Lift Chairs Stair Glides TDD Three-wheeled Powered Scooters Video Cassette Recorder Wheelchairs (manual & electric) Wheelchair Ramp (portable) Protecting and Enhancing AT Access in Delaware During the Fall of 1994, the Disabilities Law Program (DLP) of Community Legal Aid Society was awarded a subcontract from the DATI to provide additional legal advocacy services to individuals being denied access to or funding for AT devices. Since that time, DLP attorneys and paralegals have focused attention on a number of issues affecting both children and adults in Delaware who need AT. A priority objective for DLP during the first year was to ensure that school districts consider a child's AT needs when developing the IEP, or individualized educational plan. Throughout this year, DLP staff were successful in advocating for the inclusion of AT devices in the IEPs of several children with special needs. One child was supplied with a Dynavox, a device to augment her spoken communication, through the educational planning process. Other children were assisted in acquiring devices such as a computer with an adaptive keyboard and a laptop computer with special software. In order to provide the appropriate AT for students, it is essential that the IEP process include an AT evaluation when the student's needs warrant such action. It has become clear to parents, educational personnel, and DATI and DLP staff that specialized expertise is needed in each school district to coordinate AT evaluation, service delivery, and training for staff, parents, and students. DLP is committed to working toward a more systematic, unified approach to the provision of AT-related services. Other activities under the DLP subcontract from DATI have led to developments for individuals who need Medicaid coverage of AT devices. The efforts of the DLP staff have led to review and clarification of Medicaid's policy on coverage of augmentative and alternative (AAC) devices for adults and children. Other coverage issues have included whether devices such as printers and writing components for children should be covered by Medicaid. variety of other issues have been brought to the attention of the DLP AT staff. One of these pertains to the need for special fire alarm and security devices for persons with disabilities residing in apartment buildings. Another concerns the lack of AT for use by residents of group homes. A second component of the DLP's work with DATI has been to assess whether any follow-up services were needed by those who had previously contacted the Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) for assistance. Currently the DLP staff, through the ATRCs, is conducting a survey of health care professionals and providers who work with consumers. The purpose is two-fold: simultaneous with raising awareness about the services provided by DATI and DLP, surveyors are attempting to learn of specific individuals who may have been denied coverage for AT devices. DLP may then be able to offer assistance in pursuing more positive resolutions for these cases. Opportunities... AT Seminars Offered by the University of Virginia The University of Virginia was recently awarded a Rehabilitation Technology Training Grant by the U.S. Department of Education. As part of the grant, the University is offering AT seminars for rehabilitation professionals who desire to improve their AT services to individuals with disabilities. Each seminar will cover a specific area of AT, such as wheelchair seating, mobility, AAC, assistive devices for daily living, and transportation. For each topic area, the seminar will focus on objectively identifying a customer's abilities and needs, developing realistic and measurable goals, establishing an effective plan for meeting the customer's needs, and measuring the outcomes of the service. Most importantly, the seminar will offer a hands-on presentation of the spectrum of assistive devices currently available, with a focus on the features, similarities, and differences of the components and systems. Each seminar will close with a discussion of past and present R&D related to the particular area of AT being addressed to assist the participant in incorporating today's R&D into tomorrow's service delivery. Upcoming seminars include: Wheelchair Seating and Positioning: Improving Your Services From Assessment Through Follow Up; Understanding the Integration of AT for Functional Mobility; and AAC: Matching Client Needs & Abilities With Technology Using A Features Analysis Approach. For brochures and additional information, contact the University of Virginia's Division of Continuing Education at (804) 982-5313. The seminars are funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education, Grant Award #U129E50003. Advancing Careers in the Sciences One of the newest dimensions of the Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories (ASEL) is the Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (SEM) program, which is designed to increase the number of individuals with disabilities in SEM academic programs and professions. The SEM mentoring program pairs high school students with mentors who are SEM professionals. The students and mentors communicate and work on SEM projects using Internet resources such as e-mail and the World Wide Web (WWW). The participants in the program all have computer accounts with access to the Internet, some of which were provided as part of this program. In addition to available accounts, the program maintains a computer loan bank. Students accepted into the program, and who do not have the necessary computer equipment, may borrow from the available equipment. Through use of the equipment and a connection to the Internet, students have access to world-wide resources such as university libraries, international research laboratories, and government agencies such as NASA. Students and mentors also participate in electronic newsgroups and discussions on topics related to both SEM and disability issues. Additional mentors and students are being sought to participate in this program. If you are a student with an interest in the sciences or a SEM professional willing to mentor a student, please contact the SEM program. Also, new and used equipment is needed to expand the computer loan program. Your participation or used equipment could make the difference to an aspiring student. Applied Science & Engineering Laboratories P.O. Box 269, Wilmington, DE 19899 Phone: (302) 651-6830; FAX: (302) 651-6895 TDD: (302) 651-6834 Email: sem-info@asel.udel.edu WWW URL: http:/www.asel.udel.edu Delaware's Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities is offering services in transportation, home modification, assistive technology, and attendant services for consumers. Persons who are interested in learning if they qualify for any of the four new services are encouraged to speak to the intake worker at their local DSAAPD office via the numbers below: New Castle County : (302)453-3820 (800)223-9074 Kent/Sussex Counties: (302)422-1386 (800)292-1515 TDD - Local : (302)453-3837 Toll Free: (800)964-0303 DATI Throughout the State... New Castle County Delaware Elwyn 321 E. 11th St. Wilmington, DE 19801-3499 (302)657-5647; (302)657-5893 (TDD) Kent County Easter Seal of Del-Mar Kent County Community School Carver Rd. Dover, DE 19901-2716 (302)739-6885; (302)739-6886 (TDD) Sussex County Easter Seal of Del-Mar Delaware Technical & Community College Rt. 18, P.O. Box 610 West Building, Room 320 Georgetown, DE 19947 (302)856-7946 (voice or TDD) The AT Messenger is published bi-monthly by the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative. Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative Applied Science & Engineering Laboratories University of Delaware/A.I. duPont Institute P.O. Box 269, 1600 Rockland Rd. Wilmington, DE 19899 Phone: (302)651-6790 TDD: (302)651-6794 FAX: (302)651-6793 Beth Mineo, Director Ron Sibert, Funding Specialist Bob Piech, Consumer Activities Coordinator Sonja Simowitz, Staff Assistant DATI is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education, Grant #H224A10005. This publication does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of NIDRR/ED, and no official endorsement of the materials should be inferred. The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, marital status or disability in conformity with applicable laws.