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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

. . . bringing technology to you

AT Messenger Logo - Bringing Technology to You

Volume 14, No. 2, Spring 2006

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What's Inside . . . Volume 14, No. 2, Spring 2006

Special Issue Emphasizes Expanded Services and Supports
We are using this issue of The AT Messenger as a way of updating our readers on a whole host of expanded services and supports being offered by DATI. As you know, the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative is our state program authorized under the federal Assistive Technology Act. The mission of the DATI is to enable people with disabilities to learn, work, play, and participate in community life more safely and independently with the help of assistive technology (AT). We accomplish this mission by providing information-and-referral both in person and via telephone, email, and our acclaimed website.

Community Programs Increase Access to AT
DATI’s partnership with the Tobin Foundation has yielded some wonderful outcomes for Delawareans with visual limitations. It has enabled DATI to add some terrific products to its inventory for demonstration and loan purposes.

The Hearing Loss Association of Delaware (formerly Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People) is partnering with DATI to expand the hearing-related equipment available for demonstration and short-term loan at the Assistive Technology Resource Centers.

Photo of IROCK-930 MP3 PlayerThe AT Bargain Basement
Hello true believers, and welcome to this installment of the AT Bargain Basement. This is the place where I, your humble AT Specialist, strive to find all of the assistive technology I can bring to you for under $100. If you happen to find any bargains, make sure you send them along to me, and I’ll enshrine them in the Bargain Basement! Now, let’s get to the bargains!

How to Identify and Prevent Medicare Fraud
A recent AT Messenger article on Medicare’s new criteria for wheelchairs and scooters (Summer 2005) highlighted an ongoing problem—Medicare fraud. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has cracked down hard in the last few years on durable medical equipment providers after numerous cases of fraud were discovered.

Photo of DV4 by DynavoxNew Inventory Items in DATI’s ATRCs
Since DATI's Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) opened in 1992, they have made over 8,200 no-cost AT loans to people in Delaware. One of the ATRCs’ biggest challenges is keeping the inventory of equipment up-to-date.

Desk Job Proves to be Painful for Some
Do you have arthritis? Has working with your computer become frustrating or painful? If you answered yes to either one or both questions, you should be aware that there may be tools or techniques available that can help.