The AT Messenger ... bringing technology to you Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) Volume 7, No. 2 April/May/June 1999 Critical Senate Hearing Features Delawareans WASHINGTON -- On February 4, 1999, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on legislation that would help individuals with disabilities go to work. The bipartisan legislation--S. 331, the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999--was introduced last month by Delaware Senator William V. Roth, Jr. (R-DE), along with Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY), Jim Jeffords (R-VT), and Edward Kennedy (D-MA). In his opening statement, Roth explained: ÒWe are here to discuss a simple goal-- helping individuals with disabilities go to work if they so choose. The simple fact is that people with disabilities are often presented with a Catch-22 between working and losing their Medicaid or Medicare. This is a choice they should not have to make. But even modest earnings can result in a loss of eligibility for Medicaid or Medicare. Without health insurance, medical treatment often becomes prohibitively expensive for individuals with disabilities. Without medical treatment, it becomes impossible for many to work. My constituents in Delaware have made it clear that lack of access to health insurance is a real barrier to employment.Ó Testifying at the hearing was Larry Henderson, Chair of DelawareÕs Developmental Disabilities Planning Council and Director of Independent Resources (the Delaware Center for Independent Living). Henderson testified: ÒWhen people come to us, they are ready to live independent lives. Reality dictates that employment be a goal. Out of 140 consumers that we assisted last year, 75% faced the decision between loss of benefits versus employment. A mere 5% chose to take the risk. Under the Work Incentives Act, persons with disabilities entering the workforce could maintain the medical coverage they were receiving under Social Security or Medicaid.Ó The Work Incentives Improvement Act would create two new, voluntary, state Medicaid options. The first option permits people who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (that is: their disabilities are severe enough to qualify for SSI), but earn incomes higher than the SSI eligibility cut-off, to buy into Medicaid. The second option allows states to permit individuals with severe, medically determinable conditions who would otherwise lose eligibility because of medical improvement to buy into Medicaid. Under either option, Medicaid remains the Òpayor of last resort,Ó meaning that any private sector insurance an individual possesses would be the primary payor for health care services. States would be free to require beneficiaries with access to employer-based health insurance to take advantage of that employer coverage. The bill also extends Medicare Part A coverage for a ten-year trial period for individuals on SSDI who return to work. In addition to these health coverage innovations, the bill also provides a user- friendly, public-private approach to job placement. Because of a new payment system, vocational rehabilitation agencies will be rewarded for helping people remain on the job, not just getting a job. Roth stated: ÒThis combination of health care and job assistance will help disabled Americans succeed in the workplace. And our society will be enriched by unleashing the creativity and industry of people with disabilities eager to work.Ó On March 4, the Senate Finance Committee Òmarked upÓ and passed S. 331, the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. Must-Have Resource for Older Delawareans Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities has recently published the 1999-2000 Guide to Services for Older Delawareans. This booklet, free to those who request it, offers a wealth of information on: Assisted Living Companion Programs, Education, Employment, Food Programs, Housing Information, Legal Services, Medical/Health Care, Mental Health/Counseling. Senior Citizen Organizations, Senior Centers, Transportation and more. The Guide to Services for Older Delawareans can help you get the most out of life. Learning about services and programs available throughout Delaware can help you keep your independence and quality of life. The booklet contains a Spanish-language version of the listings. Call Delaware Health and Social Services, 800-223-9074. Federal Update for Seniors: Medicare Changes by Laura J. Waterland, Esquire, Staff Attorney, Disabilities Law Program Medicare is the primary health insurance for many older persons and people with disabilities and is now the largest payor of health care in the United States. Recent changes in the Medicare program made by Congress in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) will undoubtedly have a profound impact on health care for many Americans. The new Medicare Part C or ÒMedicare+ChoiceÓ Program created by the BBA will be implemented in 1999. Congress created Medicare+Choice to provide more options for Medicare recipients while saving money and decentralizing the Medicare program. Currently, Medicare benefits are paid under traditional Medicare fee-for- service, and, in some areas, managed care programs. Medicare+Choice allows for the creation of new health care delivery systems. Recipients can be expected to be bombarded with advertising from these new plans in the coming months. Medicare recipients should very carefully consider any changes to their existing coverage. Currently, no one is required to switch to Medicare+Choice. Recipients who are happy with their current coverage need not change their enrollment. Under Medicare+Choice, recipients may choose to receive Medicare-covered services through any of the following types of health insurance plans: 1. Coordinated Care Plans. New managed care plans, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), provider sponsored organizations and preferred provider organizations will closely resemble existing HMO-type managed care programs in which beneficiaries have a primary care physician who acts as the gatekeeper to specialized services and hospitalization. Some plans will limit the enrollerÕs choice of providers; others will offer benefits not covered by traditional Medicare, such as prescriptions and eyeglasses. Plans may charge a separate premium for these services, although this premium may be combined with the premium charged for Medicare co-payments and deductibles. Plans will be paid a capitated rate by Medicare. 2. Private Fee-for-Service Plans. Medicare makes capitated payments to a Plan, which then reimburses private providers at negotiated rates. These rates are not subject to Medicare fee limitations or review, and private providers are not at financial risk. However, a provider must accept no more than 115% of its contracted rate as payment in full. This system resembles private indemnity-type insurance plans. Beneficiaries can go to any physician who accepts the insurance; however, they may be subject to balance billing and, because providers are not paid (presumably) lower Medicare reimbursement rates, beneficiaries can expect greater costs. 3. Religions and Fraternal Benefit Society Plans. These organizations may provide Medicare+Choice Plans, and can restrict enrollment to their members. 4. Medical Savings Account (MSA) and Medicare+Choice High Deductible Option. This limited, experimental plan combines insurance coverage with a high deductible ($6,000 in 1999) with an MSA. Medicare pays the premium for the high-deductible insurance and deposits the difference between the premium and what it pays annually for the average beneficiary into the MSA. The MSA balance is used to pay expenses until the high deductible is met. If the MSA money runs out before the deductible has been reached, the beneficiary must meet the deductible out of pocket. Remaining balances in the MSA are rolled over into the next yearÕs MSA. 5. Private Contracts Outside of Medicare+ Choice, the BBA allows beneficiaries to enter into private contracts with a provider, a group of providers or a network of providers. These providers have opted out of Medicare, but then contract individually to provide Medicare-covered services. The doctor is not required to submit bills to Medicare and is not limited to Medicare reimbursement rates. Perhaps the most important question is whether the scope of coverage will change. In theory, all Medicare+Choice Plans, (except MSAs) must provide all current Medicare A and B covered services. Medicare pays for assistive technology in the following ways: as durable medical equipment and speech pathology services under Parts A and B; and as prosthetic devices under Part B. Additionally, Medicare covers home health services, although the scope and availability of these services was reduced by the BBA. The advantage of decentralization may be cost-savings and perhaps more services. Plans must pass on any cost-savings achieved through efficient plan administration to the enrollees in the form of additional benefits. Plans may offer supplemental benefits and charge uniform, separate premiums. The risk is that new plans may not uniformly cover needed services and are not as easily policed as the federal government. The bottom line is that, as these new delivery systems come Òon-lineÓ and as beneficiaries choose which type of system works best for them, the Medicare system will be fluid. The new ÒchoicesÓ will prove confusing and stressful, at least in the short run. Please consider the following guidelines (Guidelines drafted by Center for Medicare Advocacy) in assessing your insurance needs: 1. Review the benefits of the new Medicare program. Compare those benefits with the coverage you have now under the traditional Medicare program and any continuing Medigap insurance plan, or with your Medicare managed care plan. 2. Determine which of the new options is actually available in your service area. While the plans theoretically may be in operation in January 1, 1999, very few of the new options will be available nationwide. 3. Participate in Health Care Financing AdministrationÕs (HCFA) beneficiary education campaign prior to making any enrollment decision. You will receive a booklet from HCFA describing your options. HCFA also has an Internet Website with information about the options (although critics have described some of the information as difficult to access and sometimes misleading.) See http://www.hcfa.gov or http://www.Medicare.gov. You may also get information from HCFA regarding the Medicare+Choice program by calling (800) 318-2596. 4. Be wary of glowing promises from new Medicare+Choice plans. Consumer advocates have long been critical of marketing abuses by Medicare HMOs eager to sign up beneficiaries, and there is no reason to think that the new plans will be any less aggressive in Òpuffing their goods.Ó 5. Before making a choice, carefully list the pluses and minuses of each plan. Some clearly promise more generous or convenient health care, but at a high cost. Others emphasize cost savings, but may be reluctant to authorize health services that are expensive or ongoing. 6. ÒLet the dust settleÓ before making a choice. Some plans, for a variety of reasons, may decide to discontinue serving certain communities. It is important to see whether plans become stable and trusted parts of your medical community. You do not need to make a change or choose a new Medicare+Choice option. Remember that the traditional Medicare program will still be available. Individuals who fail to make an election will remain in the original Medicare program or, if they are in a Medicare HMO, they will remain in the HMO. A beneficiary who wants to adopt a Òwait- and-seeÓ position can remain with his/her current program. There will continue to be opportunities to enroll in the new plans. A Reminder Lower income Medicare recipients are entitled to have the Medicaid Program pay their Medicare premiums. Additionally, some recipients are also entitled to have Medicaid pay their Medicare deductibles and co-payments. For individuals on fixed incomes, these Òbuy-inÓ programs offer significant savings. Be sure to call your local Medicaid office and find out if you are eligible. Federal Update for Older Persons, Part II: Clinton AdministrationÕs Proposed FY 2000 Budget by Laura J. Waterland, Esquire, Staff Attorney, Disabilities Law Program President ClintonÕs proposed FY2000 budget contains a number of exciting provisions designed to assist the elderly and their caregivers in maintaining independence at home. The FY2000 budget represents a significant package of employment, housing, and health initiatives for the elderly and people with disabilities. 1. National Family Caregivers Support Program. The National Family Caregivers Support Program, strongly advocated by Vice President Gore, would fund states to create Òone-stopÓ shops providing information and referral, caregiver counseling and training, respite care, and other services. The Budget projects spending $125-million-a-year for five years. The program would be administered through the federal Administration on Aging. 2. Long-Term Care Tax Credit. A proposed $1,000-a-year federal tax credit is designed to compensate for a wide range of formal and informal long-term care arrangements. This proposal is estimated to cost approximately 5 billion dollars over five years, and to assist 2 million Americans: 1.2 million elderly, 500,000 non-elderly, and 250,000 children. A person would qualify for the credit if he or she was unable to complete three or more activities of daily living. The credit will most likely be claimed by spouses and other relatives of people needing long-term care. The credit is available based on certified need for long-term care, rather than incurrence of expenses. The proposal recognizes the value and cost of home and community care arrangements as well as care provided in institutional settings. 3. Assisted Living and Subsidized Housing Initiatives. In a move which recognizes that low-income seniors need a broader spectrum of community-based housing options, the Budget proposes $100 million in competitive grants to convert existing 202 properties (subsidized housing for the elderly and disabled) to assisted living properties. The properties would provide 24-hour staff, two meals per day, and Medicaid home and community-based services or personal care services for Medicaid recipients and accessible services for non-Medicaid eligible residents through local and community providers. The Budget also proposes a new Section 8 housing voucher program to target units within low income housing projects for extremely low income elderly. 4. Medicaid Community-Based Long-Term Care Option. This program would give states more flexibility in offering Medicaid coverage to individuals who choose to stay in the home or community instead of an institution. This program, designed to remove MedicaidÕs Òinstitutional bias,Ó would allow states to expand community-based Medicaid to people with income up to 300% of SSI limits. 5. Assistive Technology Funding. For seniors with disabilities who want to work, FY2000 proposes two initiatives. One is a $1,000 tax credit for individuals with disabilities to help cover the costs associated with employment, such as special transportation and assistive technology needs. The second initiative proposes that $35 million be used to accelerate the development of information and communication technologies which can improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and enhance their ability to work. Assistive Technology for AlzheimerÕs Disease by Ed Salisbury, Kent County ATRC As the population ages, the number of people with AlzheimerÕs Disease continues to grow. According to the AlzheimerÕs Association, AlzheimerÕs Disease affects one out of ten people over the age of 65. Those over the age of 85 have almost a 50% chance of getting the disease. Many times Medicare and private insurance companies do not provide adequate long-term coverage; therefore, 70% of those who have this progressive, degenerative disease of the brain are cared for at home by a family member. Although there is currently no cure for AlzheimerÕs, products are available to help make life easier for people with this disease and to assist those who contribute to their care. Products designed to help with tasks such as bathing, mobility, and monitoring can be purchased from a variety of mail order catalogs as well as from local home health suppliers and even retail stores. Many people in later stages of AlzheimerÕs disease find bathing and toileting difficult. The installation of grab bars in the bathtub/shower as well as the addition of non-slip matting can reduce the risk of injury due to falling. If the person is unable to bathe independently, bath benches and removable showerheads make bathing much easier for the caregiver or family member. If the person with AlzheimerÕs is unable to enter the tub or shower area, a shampoo tray can be used by the caregiver almost anywhere to wash his or her hair. When bathroom safety is an issue, the EZ-Bathe allows complete bathing of the individual without ever leaving the bed. He or she needs only roll into the vinyl tub which is then inflated using a vacuum cleaner. The fill hose is then attached to a faucet up to 25 feet away. Another hose is used to drain the tub into the bathtub or sink. Another problem facing many people with AlzheimerÕs is reduced mobility. For those who are able to walk but have problems with steps, the CairStair system reduces the height each leg must be lifted on standard size steps. Many people, especially in the latter stages of AlzheimerÕs, must use a wheelchair for mobility. This makes transfers from the chair to a bed or couch very difficult, especially if the individual is being assisted by an elderly spouse or family member. The BeasyTrans is a portable transfer aid providing friction-free, no-lift transfers. A common fear of most family members and caregivers is that the person with AlzheimerÕs will wander from the house or long-term care facility and become lost or injured. Products are available not only to alert others in the house or facility to individuals wandering, but also to prevent wanderers from gaining access to the outside. The BedTender and ChairTender systems sound an alarm whenever the person leaves the chair or bed. In a facility setting, the Resident I.D. monitors each patientÕs location in the facility and alerts staff to attempted exits. The system can also be set up to lock doors when a wandering patient approaches. The WanderCare system acts as both a monitoring and tracking system. Family or staff is alerted when the individual wanders from a designated area. The WanderCare then acts as a tracking system allowing family or staff to quickly locate the person before an accident occurs. These are a few of the many items that are available to assist caregivers when taking care of a person with AlzheimerÕs Disease. Time Marches On, But These Tools Will Help You March With It Michael Meyreles, ATP, New Castle County ATRC Dressing, grooming, cooking, and mobility are just some of the activities we all do every day. As we get older, these tasks can get more difficult to accomplish. This article will focus on some of the low-tech devices that can help with some of the tasks we encounter during the day. Getting Dressed Dressing aids should be sturdy and lightweight and will: ¥ Help you reach your clothing and pull it toward you; ¥ Hold the garment so you can insert your arm or leg; ¥ Pull the article of clothing on without straining your back, shoulder, or arms; ¥ Easily attach and detach from your clothing. Sock donners, buttoners, and dressing sticks are some examples of dressing aids. Long-handled shoehorns can help you put your shoes on independently if you cannot reach your feet. Elastic shoelaces can help if you no longer have the fine motor ability to tie your shoes. Today, both shoes and sneakers are available with Velcro closures. Also, Velcro can be used to replace buttons and zippers and make fastening your clothes easier. Bathing and Grooming Before getting dressed in the morning, many people take a shower or a bath. With bathing, safety is your first consideration. Safety treads or rubber mats placed on the tub floor can prevent slipping. Grab bars firmly attached to the wall can help you enter and exit the bathtub or shower safely. Tub benches can help if you can no longer stand in the shower. Also in the bathroom, grooming aids are relatively inexpensive and can help you remain independent. Long handles or large grips added to combs, toothbrushes, and sponges can make all the difference in the world for some people. Preparing Meals Once awake, washed and dressed, the next thing we usually think about is food. There are a whole host of kitchen gadgets available to make life easier in the kitchen. If you have lost the use of one hand, there are cutting boards with protruding stainless steel nails to hold whatever you need to cut. Table-mounted or under-cabinet-mounted peelers, graters, and jar openers are great tools. Large handles can make it easier to get a firmer grip on utensils. Or, utensils can be equipped with cuffs for folks who cannot grip a spoon or fork at all. To prevent bowls or dishes from sliding, a non-slip mat such as Dycem can be helpful. Getting Around The ability to move freely within your home and in the community is valuable. If you are a person who has a problem with mobility, balance or coordination, there are devices available that can assist you. For persons with a weak or painful grip, or limited range of motion, a reacher or grabber might be the answer. Reacher/grabbers are used to reach an item that is out of armÕs length. There are many types but basically they consist of a pair of jaws controlled by a trigger mechanism. They can range in length from 2Ð3 feet long or fold for easy carrying. As we age, mobility can be hindered by many factors such as pain and weakness in the legs, poor balance, or paralysis. Changes in the home environment, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs can enhance mobility to insure continued independence. In the case of home modifications designed to enhance mobility and safety, several things can be done. For instance, installing grab bars at critical locations, removing area rugs, installing a low pile carpet or rearranging your furniture can all improve mobility and safety within the home. With regard to canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, there are many varieties available, but keeping safety in the forefront, you should consult a physical therapist for a proper assessment and device recommendation. Upcoming Events of Interest Facilitating Cognitive, Behavioral and Motor Performance in Children: The 11th Annual Pediatric Rehabilitation Conference Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE Friday, May 7, 1999. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Medical Education at 302-651-6750; email . RESNA Annual Conference (RESNA--The Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Society of North America) Long Beach, California Convention Center June 26Ð29, 1999. For more information contact RESNA at 703-524-6686; email . ÒSeeingÓ the Importance of Trying Before Buying By Amy Bowles, Sussex County ATRC Every day at the Assistive Technology Resource Centers, we receive calls from consumers with a variety of needs and requests. Many of the requests require an AT Specialist to research certain pieces of technology, then send the information to the consumer. Sometimes, the ATRC has the particular piece of equipment in its lending program. The lending program allows the consumer to try a product before deciding to order it. Consumers can also have Òhands-onÓ time with technologies through the ATRCÕs various outreach activities, i.e. workshops, health fairs, and inservices. But in most cases, the best way to tell if a piece of equipment will meet your needs is to Òtry before you buyÓ through the ATRC lending program. Sometimes relatives will make the first contact with the ATRC on behalf of an older family member. This was the situation recently in Sussex County. A consumer called our office hoping to find a piece of equipment that would allow her aunt, who is experiencing vision difficulties, to continue to read on her own. Her aunt wanted to be able to read her books, mail, bills, and checkbook. The caller had heard of a magnifying glass that had a light, and thought it might help her aunt. We found information on various pieces of technology that we hoped would meet her auntÕs needs, and sent the information to the family. One of the pieces of technology that we suggested was the CCTV. This CCTV doesnÕt have anything to do with television programs! The CCTV is a closed caption television that will magnify (up to thirty-two times the original size) any object that is placed on the tray. The magnified object appears on the TV screen so that it is easier to see. There is also a light that illuminates the object. If the object being magnified is text, the background color can be changed to black, making the print white. Sometimes the change in contrast makes the object or text easier to see. After learning how the CCTV works, the consumer decided it was definitely something that she wanted to try with her aunt. It offered a lot more than a basic magnifying glass! She borrowed a CCTV from the ATRC lending ÒlibraryÓ of devices for two weeks. When her loan time was up, she returned the CCTV to the ATRC. She was so excited! This product had worked so well for her aunt that after using it, they called and ordered one from a manufacturer. Their trial with the device gave them the opportunity to realize that they wanted one with a bigger screen than the loaner. They also found other aids for low vision from a catalog that had been sent to the family with the original information, and had decided to purchase several other pieces of equipment. What a great success story! This is just one of the many successful outcomes that have occurred as a result of the DATIÕs presence in the state. If DATI has helped you get the devices and/or services that you needed, let us know. We love to hear the positive results that come in from our Òcustomers.Ó Who knows? Maybe youÕll see your story on the pages of The AT Messenger! Delaware Recycles Assistive Technology If you are interested in an item, please call the number listed next to the item. If you would like to add or remove an item from the list, call 800-870-3284, press 1 for English, then press 3 for the DATI Central Site office. All prices are negotiable and all area codes are 302 unless noted. Devices Available Ambulation/Mobility Brace, plastic, used to control drop foot, Free, Mary, 629-4643 Cane, straight, wooden, Free, Donna, 731-1775 Crutches, wooden, Free, Donna, 731-1775 Walker, $40, Connie 653-7341 Walker, 4 wheel folding walker/cart, w/seat & basket, like new, $150 firm, Rosalie, 652- 1921 Communication Canon 7P Communicator, w/tape print out, single switch scanning or keyboard access, new, $650, Dick or Gloria, 910-686-9744 CheapTalk 8, brand new, $125, Amy, 349-5996 Computers/Software Powermac 4400/200 PC, $1,000; Apple Multiscan, $200; High Resolution Printer, $200; 10' Nonlaser Printer Cable, $12; above computer & components can be purchased separately or as a pkg for $1,412, Margaret, 836-0559 Co:Writer & Write:OutLoud/Mac, $200; Simon Sounds It Out, $18; Access to Math, $39; Intellikeys/Mac, $200; Set of 3 Living BooksÐ ArthurÕs Birthday, ArthurÕs Teacher Trouble, & Little Monster at School, $20; No 1 & 2 Instant Access Sets for Living Books, $12; IntelliTalk/Mac, $20; IntelliPics, $60; Hands-On Concepts/Mac, $39; Holidays Coloring Bk, $27; Learning to Tell Time, $27; Set of 4 Edmark Software-- MillieÕs Math House, BaileyÕs Book House, SammyÕs Science House, & ThinkinÕ Things, $25; Set of 4 Instant Access Overlays from Edmark, $30; software as a pkg for $706 or separately at prices listed above, Margaret, 836-0559 Personal Care/Home Management Bath Chair, w/commode, arm rests, back support, $100, Catherine, 652-6641 after 5 p.m. Bath Chair, w/arm rest and back support, $30, Kathy, 644-2214 Bedside Commode, w/arm rests, freestanding or over the commode, brand new, $30, Tony, 378-3780 Environmental Control Unit-one unit w/two controls, one for bedroom and one to be mounted on w/c, can be used from bed or w/c; TASH infrared remote for TV, speaker phone, 2 pneumatic switches, wireless transmitter, modulars, and many extras, $2,000 firm, Jim, 734-9106 Geriatric Chair, new, reclining, w/tray, $400, Sarah, 322-8112 Hospital Bed, Electric, adj., traction bar, $1,500 or B/O, ask for Michele only, 368-8864 Hospital Bed, Electric, $150, Richard, 610-565-3636 Hospital Bed, Electric, 3-position, $600, Stephen, 947-1637 Oxygen Concentrator, w/Alarm and D tank, B/O, Robert, 325-4063 Regulator for H Tank, $150, Doris, 834-5769 Shower Chair, w/back & arm rest, attaches to the tub, $65, Sarah, 322-8112 Shower Chair/commode, w/arm rest, $75, Ruby, 764-8585 Stair Glide, Silver Glide, approx. 14', $800, Linda, 832-9203 Stair Glide, Silver Glide II, neg., Jay, 734-8400 Stair Lift, National Wheelovator Falcon, for 4 steps, neg., Cheryl, 368-7230 Tens Unit, Century 2100, carrying case & supplies, B/O, Sharen, 856-0969 Three/Four-Wheeled Powered Scooters Omega, $2K, Brad, 517-773-2158 Rascal 240, w/ Swing Away Rack-n Roll, drive scooter onto rack that attaches to car hitch, used 5 times, $3,500, Doris, 834-5769 Scooter lift for minivan, $100, Dick, 764-1714 Scooter, Legend Pride, $1,000, Elma, 337-8304 Scooter, Pace Saver Junior, small adult, 3-wheeled, upholstered seat, 2 baskets, charger, Shirley, 368-3383 Scooter, 3-wheeled, 2 batteries & charger, red velvet upholstery, key operated, T-Bar, one-year old, $1,800, William, 479-5383 Vehicles/Accessories Bruno Curb-Sider, used one month, mounts inside the back of a van and swings out, $1,500, Mike, 629-7127 Gresham Driving Aid, left-hand control for brakes and gas, B/O, Richard, 998-9666 Hand Brake/Throttle, new, GM, $375, Barbara, 678-0515 Wells-Berg Hand Controls for brake and throttle, $75, Dick, 764-1714 Vision Aladdin Video Reader...a personal reader and magnification system, $1,200 or B/O, Paul, 478-7714 Wheelchairs/Accessories Adult, Electric, $1,500, Barbara, 654-6723 Adult, Electric, Action Storm Series, extra wide, w/battery charger, rear shock absorbers, joy stick & attendant control, like new, $2,000, Catherine, 656-8884 Adult, Electric, w/charger, E&J, $900 or B/O, Mary, 984-1225 after 6 p.m. Adult, Electric, joystick, Hoveround, reclines, hi-back, video and manual inc., neg., Josephine, 764-5324 Adult, Electric, w/charger, manual inc., std, $900, Dolores, 856-3261 Adult, Electric, Action 9000, inc. joystick & battery charger, 1 1/2 yrs old, $1,500, Ruby, 764-8585 Adult, Electric, Invacare, 18 inch, w/gel seat & charger, good condition, $350, Gail, 737- 8721 Adult, Electric, std, reclines, swivel seat, adj. desk arms, recline leg rest w/tilt footplates, 4 speeds, $2,700, Susan, 410-546-5810 Adult, Electric, $4,000, Judy, 655-9408 Adult, Manual, La-Bac Tilt 'n Space, $1,500 or B/O, Sandi, 992-0225 Adult, Manual, Invacare, w/Jay Back, $600 Firm, William, 652-1914 after 9 p.m. Young Adult, manual, 15", good condition, free, Asha, 737-2098 Child, Quickie, Manual, w/tray, $275, Vernessa, 655-9840 Child, Zippie by Quickie, Manual, Pink & Black, tilts, $500, Jamie, 945-8668 ChildrenÕs, variety, Free, Kristen, 672-1960 Devices Needed Computer, w/Pentium processing, Windows 3.5 or 95, donation only, Ida, 633-6905 Computer upgrade to 1GB, fast modem, reasonable price or donation, John, 994-3067 Geriatric Chair, extra width, Sarah, 322-8112 Hospital Table, Alison, 762-1621 Hoyer Lift, Sarah, 322-8112 Lift for Scooter, one that attaches to a car, free or reasonable price, Zoan, 697-1291 Outer 2 Lift for van, free or reasonable price, Elma, 337-8304 Pump for feeding tube, Heather White, 934-8031 Lift Chair, reasonable price or donation, Anthony, 993-0513 Lift Chair, reasonable price or donation, Courtney, 235-6073 Lift Chair, Sue, 645-6894 Portable ramps, reasonable, Marian, 378-1992 Shower Transfer Bench, willing to pay reasonable price, Sue, 645-6894 Speech Language Master (Franklin), willing to pay reasonable price, Diane, 284-0514 Stair Glide, willing to pay reasonable price, Chris, 834-8734 Stair Lift for bi-level-stairs, landing, and then stairs again, total of 14 steps, Sharon, 410- 398-7238 UPlift Seat Assist, willing to pay reasonable price, Ralph, 368-5550 Van, accessible, Sue, 645-6894 Wheelchair, manual or electric, extra width, Sarah, 322-8112 Wheelchair, lightweight transfer, Shirley, 737-4666 Note: If you are looking for items not on the list, contact the Central Site office at 1-800- 870-DATI. New items are added regularly. If there has been no activity or interaction with the contributor to the list within six months, items are automatically removed from the list. Note on liability: The DATI assumes no responsibility for the condition of any products exchanged through this information service. It is the responsibility of the owner to provide accurate information about product specifications and condition. Additionally, terms or arrangements made for any product exchanges are the sole responsibility of the exchanging parties. Vision Õ99: International Conference on Low Vision: Vision Rehabilitation for the 21st Century At this triennial international conference, unifying the field of vision rehabilitation, an interdisciplinary group of global experts in vision care and vision rehabilitation will share new ideas, insights, and creative solutions to problems associated with vision impairment in both developed and developing countries. VisionÕ99 is hosted by Lighthouse International, in partnership with The International Society for Low-Vision Research and Rehabilitation and The World Blind Union and is an official event of the United Nations International Year of Older Persons 1999. For more information: Vision Õ99 Lighthouse International 111 East 59th St. New York, NY 10022-1202 Tel: 212-821-9482 Fax: 212-821-9705 Email: vision99@lighthouse.org URL: www.lighthouse.org/vision99.htm To Contact DATIÕs Central Site office or the ATRC closest to you, call 1-800-870-DATI Press #1 for English or #2 for Spanish, then press #3 for the Central Site office #4 for the New Castle County ATRC #5 for the Kent County ATRC #6 for the Sussex County ATRC TDD callers: Do not press #1 or #2 and your call will be answered on a TDD line at the Central Site office. DATI Equipment Loan Policy DATI has a wide variety of equipment at the Assistive Technology Resource Centers for the primary purpose of demonstration and short-term loan. The policy for the loan of the equipment is as follows: The standard loan period is two weeks, defined as the day borrowed (e.g., Monday the 10th) to the same day two weeks later (e.g., Monday the 24th). Loans may be extended providing there are no names on the waiting list and/or that an extension will not interfere with an existing reservation. The maximum loan period is 4 weeks. A maximum of four (4) devices may be borrowed at a time, i.e., during any single loan period. However, combinations of devices may be treated as a single device if the components are interdependent--either operationally, or because one component is required for the user to access another. Equipment loans across State lines are not permitted. Borrowed equipment must also remain in Delaware throughout the loan period. DATI Throughout the State. . . 1-800-870-DATI New Castle County ATRC Easter Seal Society of Del-Mar 61 Corporate Circle, Corporate Commons New Castle, DE 19720-2405 (302) 328-ATRC; (302) 328-2905 (TDD) Kent County ATRC Easter Seal Society of Del-Mar Kent County Community School 65 Carver Rd. Dover, DE 19904-2716 (302) 739-6885; (302) 739-6886 (TDD) Sussex County ATRC Easter Seal Society of Del-Mar Delaware Technical & Community College Arts & Science Building, Room 320B Rt. 18, P.O. Box 610 Georgetown, DE 19947-0610 (302) 856-7946; (302) 856-6714 (voice or TDD) The AT Messenger is published quarterly by the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI). Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative Center for Applied Science & Engineering University of Delaware/duPont Hospital for Children P.O. Box 269, 1600 Rockland Road Wilmington, DE 19899-0269 Phone: (800)870-DATI or (302)651-6790 TDD: (302)651-6794; FAX: (302)651-6793 Internet: dati@asel.udel.edu; http://www.asel.udel.edu/dati/ Beth Mineo, Director Joann McCafferty, Staff Assistant Julia Mercier, Information and Outreach Coordinator Sonja Simowitz, Project Coordinator DATI is a joint project of the Center for Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Delaware and the duPont Hospital for Children. 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. DATI Publications List The following publications are available from the DATI Publications Office. All prices include shipping and handling (ask about large quantity orders). Please be sure to indicate the items you wish to purchase and include a complete mailing address for shipment. Funding Fact Sheets Set of five fact sheets providing overviews of the policies and practices of five major funding streams in Delaware relative to assistive technology. Price: Single copies are free. 2Ð9 copies are $1.00 ea. 10 or more copies are 50¢ ea. Public Schools Medicaid Medicare Voc Rehab & Independent Living Social Security Set of five (single set is free, 2-9 $5.00/set, 10 or more copies $2.50/set). 1997 Guide to Funding Resources for Assistive Technology in Delaware Comprehensive guide to the primary resources for assistive technology funding in Delaware. The guide contains information on eligibility, coverage policies, and application procedures. The material is bound, with index tabs for convenience. Prices: 1Ð9 copies are $20 ea. 10 or more copies are $15 ea. Assistive Technology: The Right Tools for the Right Job A video profiling Delawareans working in their chosen professions with support from assistive technology. (Please indicate: open-captioned or closed-captioned format) Prices: 1Ð9 copies are $15 ea. 10 or more copies are $10 ea. Independence Through Technology Video An introduction to the many ways in which assistive technology can impact lives. The video contains information about the DATI and other AT resources in Delaware. (Please indicate: English or Spanish) Price: $10 ea. (any quantity) Free Publications Independent Living Brochure Series Five colorful brochures describing the benefits of assistive technology for activities of daily life. You Can Get There From Here (Reaching and mobility aids) Zip It Up (Clothing adaptations and dressing aids) Around the House (Housecleaning and storage) Cleanliness Is Next To... (Personal care and grooming) WhatÕs For Dinner? (Cooking and dining) Set of Five Brochures Delaware Recycles AT Brochure Description and contact information about the DATIÕs equipment recycling program-- includes punch-out Rolodex card for easy reference. Selecting & Obtaining Assistive Technology Brochure Outline of steps to be taken in acquiring assistive technology, including assessment, vendor selection, funding, training, and follow-up. Order information: Your mailing address: Name: Address: Phone: Number of items ordered Total Amount Enclosed Please make all checks payable to the University of Delaware/DATI and mail completed order form to: DATI, University of Delaware/duPont Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 269, Wilmington, DE, USA 19899-0269 Phone: 800-870-DATI or (302) 651-6790; TDD (302)651-6794; Fax: (302) 651-6793