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Volume 12, No. 2, Spring 2004 |
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What's Inside . . . Volume 12, No. 2, Spring 2004
DATI Launches New Website
Over two years in development, Delaware’s most comprehensive AT
Website “went live” on March 2. Found at www.dati.org,
the site has something for everyone, from AT novices to those searching
for a specific device, provider, or funding tip.
Congress Considers Future of State AT Projects
There are indications from Capitol Hill that a bill providing continued
federal support for the national AT infrastructure may be introduced
in the Senate as early as April. The proposed legislation reflects considerable
efforts by Republican and Democratic Senators and their staff, the disability
community, and others who are committed to improved AT access.
Housing Workshop Informs and Energizes
Despite the bitter cold, an enthusiastic crowd turned out on January
23 for the Universal Design in Housing workshop sponsored by DATI. Dick
Duncan, Training Coordinator at the Center for Universal Design at North
Carolina State University, provided an overview of universal home design
features, products, and home building plans in the morning, and then
shared his expertise with the group in a lively question-and-answer session
in the afternoon. Attendees included consumers, builders, contractors,
architects, therapists, AT specialists, state social service and housing
agency representatives, and many advocates concerned with the limited
stock of accessible housing in Delaware.
Help!
I’ve Got Pac-Man Fever
Okay, I admit it. I enjoy video games, and I am not alone. In 2003, according
to NPD Group, the leading marketing information provider, the console,
portable, and PC game industry made a reported $11.2 billion in sales.
I know I was not responsible for all of those sales! Millions of people
around the world enjoy playing video games. The games provide a means
of interactive entertainment that can rival some movies. Yet, physical
or sensory limitations may prevent some individuals from playing. The
controllers that most console and PC games use can be difficult for those
with limited dexterity to manipulate. Video games may also limit those
with visual impairments, as the games usually rely heavily on the player
being able to see and interact with actions or events on the screen.
However, there are modifications and adaptations that may make video
games more accessible.
Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Announces Annual AT Conference
The Department of Therapeutic and Rehabilitative Services at the Alfred
I. duPont Hospital for Children is sponsoring its Annual Assistive Technology
Conference.
Go
Fish — With Adaptive Fishing Equipment
If you have ever wanted to kick back, relax, and enjoy a day of fishing,
but did not think you could because you could not find adapted fishing
equipment or tournaments, read on.
Let’s Play! Playground Accessibility and
the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
is a broad, remedial statute designed to eliminate discrimination against
persons with a disability in all facets of society, including recreational
areas such as playgrounds. The ADA mandates that playgrounds be accessible
to children with disabilities, who numbered roughly 5.1 million in 1994.
For Many, AT Brings Enjoyment Back to the Theatres
If you or someone you know no longer goes to the theatre because of sensory
difficulties, there are products you should know about.
The AT Bargain Basement
Hello again and welcome to the leisure activities installment of the
AT Bargain Basement. For those of you who are new to this column, I try
to find assistive technology for $100 or less. I also try to find devices
that are available locally at places such as Wal-Mart ® and Radio
Shack. Well, I broke that last rule again this issue by doing
some Internet and catalog shopping. I did find some good devices, so
let's get this party started!
Parents Must Plan Summer Activities Early
It may be hard to plan summer activities while snow flurries grace the
view from the living room window, but finding the camp or program that
is a good fit for a child with disabilities takes time. Parents who start
the process early are more likely to find the appropriate accommodations
and a better fit for their child.
DATI Sponsors Money Management Skills Workshop
The workshops will be conducted by the Delaware Community Reinvestment
Action Council (DCRAC) and the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
(DATI). Each session is limited to ten participants, and registration
will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis.