A closer look, winter 2008

A Closer Look

Increasing Access and Acquisition

of Assistive Technology for Georgian's with disAbilities

An Assistive Technology Publication of Tools for Life, The Georgia Assistive Technology Act Program

Winter 2008

TFI-TV
There's the FBI and then there's TFI. It's a name, a movement and oh yeah, it's also a TV show, Tools for Independence Television. It's a mouthful, so just call it TFI-TV. It is a television program by people with disabilities for everyone.

Episode #1 Episode #2 Episode #3 -

is a program about transitioning people with disabilities from nursing homes. is about housing, home accessibility modifications and visitability. is about assistive technology.

Much of the video was shot by people with various types of disabilities who were

trained on how to use professional video equipment. Assistive technology played a big

role in production of the shows. Wheelchair users used specialized tripod systems to

conduct shoots. One individual operated all of the primary functions of the professional

video camera using only a mouth stick. The tripod devices are available for loan and will

expand your imagination on how people with disabilities can get involved in multimedia

opportunities.

Disability Connections, The Middle Georgia Center for Independent Living, Inc.,

produced these three pilot episodes with funding assistance from the Georgia Governor's

Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Georgia Department of Labor Division of

Rehabilitation Services Tools for Life Program.

The programs ran numerous times on a local government access channel in Macon,

GA. Those of you fortunate enough to be

reading this article can preview the shows on

www.disabilityconnections.tv or otherwise

called DCTV. In the near future, it will be

made known to everyone and will be a place

not only to watch videos, but to contribute

your own material, interact with others and

discuss many of the issues facing the

disability community today. So check out a

sneak preview of TFI-TV!

Episode #2 Housing "ADA Celebration"

Michael Leverett, Disability Connections

Director's Notes
by Carolyn Phillips
"We must Think, Act, Work and Live from a place of Abundance. We have enough time, money, and resources." This is one of Tools for Life's Guiding Principles. We have seen amazing programs, projects and solutions develop again and again when we apply this philosophy to our work of creating effective approaches to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology for all Georgians. When people stop focusing on barriers, whether real or perceived, and start thinking of the possibilities, then conversations change, and dreams begin to be realized. This edition of A Closer Look focuses on an innovative project, two powerful programs, and several solutions that were born from this Guiding Principle of Abundance.
A few years ago, I was doing work at Disability Connections (DC) in Macon and had the opportunity to go to lunch with Mike and Jerilyn Leverett. We discussed many of the wonderful activities going on at DC as well as some of the challenges their center was facing. Our conversation then turned to an innovative idea Mike and Jerilyn had that would reach out to more Georgians and raise awareness about independence, transition,
Continued on page 2
1

A Closer Look

"AT is Hope . . ."

Director's Notes
by Carolyn Phillips
Continued from page 1

Did You Get Everything You Wanted?
By Martha Rust

home modifications and the power of assistive technology (AT). Mike is multitalented and has excellent skills in the area of video production. These skills combined with the passion of Jerilyn, Mike and the DC Staff lead to the idea of developing a TV show.

With the holiday season behind us, you may still be looking for the perfect present. Don't worry, it can still be found and it should not empty your wallet any more than it already did.
If you are still shopping for a child, there are many educational toys as well as play toys in the mainstream that assist children with disabilities too. Some of these items include talking calculators and books, children's laptops, educational video games, and puzzles. Electronic toys that light up or move can be easily adapted for accessibility.

They shared their vision with me and many other people, developed a plan, created strategic partners and their dream of TFI-TV has now become a reality.
Tools for Life (TFL) is a proud partner in the development of TFI-TV. TFITV is a creative and effective approach to reaching more Georgians. I would encourage you to read more

If you would like do-it-yourself advice; there are a few

Puzzle with Knobs

websites that can give a step-by-step on how to make a switch using for Easier Grasp

a battery interrupter. www.ataccess.org/resources/wcp/enswitches/enadaptingtoy.html www.scienceshareware.com/toys.html
Online auctions and classifieds such as eBay and craigslist, can be searched to buy anything from everyday electronics to those hard to find items at an inexpensive price. Of course as the buyer you need to beware that all transactions are directly between you and the seller and you will need obtain information regarding user guides and warranties.
Did you know that you could search for a piece of assistive technology on specific websites? gTrade, Georgia's Assistive Technology Online Equipment Exchange Program, can be accessed at

about TFI-TV and check out

www.gtradeonline.org. For a complete list of assistive technology

their first three Episodes.

online exchange programs across the country, please visit the Pass

In 2006, a group of

It On Center website at www.passitoncenter.org.

leaders from TFL, the

So now you have a general idea of what you are looking for.

Assistive Technology

Here are a few websites that may assist you in searching for the

Resource Centers (ATRCs), Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), the SILC and the Independent Living Centers (ILCs)

Teddy Bear

perfect gift:

Adapted Switch

Happy

Shopping!

www.disability-resource.com/toys.html www.fisher-price.com/us/default.asp www.enablingdevices.com/catalog www.leapfrog.com/en/shop.html

gathered to discuss how we

can get more AT in to the hands and homes of Georgians with disAbilities. We looked at the problems we faced without

considering lack of time, money and resources and after two days of discussions and creating solutions, the concept of

the Southeastern Technology Access & Reuse (STAR) Network was born. We developed this concept further and

submitted a grant to RSA to fund the STAR Network under their AT Reuse Demonstration RFP. It was funded for three

years and the STAR Network started their work immediately. This Network is exceeding their original goals and has grown

significantly. (See the article on page 3 for more details.) TFL, Touch the Future/ReBoot, FODAC, the ATRCs and

participating ILCs have done a exceptional job through their collaboration and creative solutions to increase the acquisition

of AT for Georgians with disAbilities throughout the Southeast.

In 2007, the Center for Financial Independence & Innovation, Inc. (CFII) was created. CFII is one more powerful

example of going where the dream makes sense. Jackie Wilks-Weathers and her CFII staff have built upon the success of

Credit-Able Georgia's Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and grown CFII into a progressive, innovative nonprofit

focused on assisting Georgians with disAbilities to gain financial independence. (See the article on page 4 for more

details.) TFL is excited about our partnership with CFII and look forward to our continued collaboration.

These are just three of many examples of successful projects and programs developed when leaders with a passion

focus their vision, develop their ideas, build strategic partnerships and work from a place of abundance. We have

accomplished a lot in the area of AT access and acquisition in Georgia for people with disAbilities. However, our work is far

from done. We need to continue to refine programs and create innovative solutions that are effective and efficient. As

budgets get tighter and people start putting up barriers, I encourage you to continue to create, focus your vision, build

collaborations, and work from a place of Abundance. With this approach, you, too, will soon see your dreams being realized!

2

"AT is Independence . . ."

A Closer Look

A Successful First Year!

The STAR Network (Southeastern Technology Access & Reuse Network) has finished its first year with great accomplishments and even greater approval ratings (results of a survey sent out in September)! Since the start of the STAR Network in January 2007, it has added four Outreach Centers located in Macon, Rome, Augusta and Conyers, Georgia. It is in the process of adding several more Outreach Centers throughout the state to serve the under served areas with refurbished computer, AT and DME equipment.

STAR Success
Behind every reused AT device, there is a story to be told,
a dream being realized, a goal being met.
Disability Connections Macon, GA: Two consumers received laptop computers so they could go back to school and be more productive, A school also received two wheelchairs for emergency purposes.
Disability Link NW, Rome, GA: Ms. C. lives downtown and is used to being able to walk everywhere. She has bi-polar disorder and after several surgeries due to cancer she has severe back trouble. Through the STAR Network she was able to get a scooter and a shower bench. She is now comfortable and able to be downtown using her scooter.
Tech-Able, Conyers, GA: Although it is in the beginning stages the STAR Network program is providing an opportunity for Tech-Able to assist Emory Life Long program to establish a computer distribution program.
Walton Options, Augusta, GA: A wheelchair was delivered to a consumer who did not have insurance. He can now be more active and independent.

To date the STAR Depot Center Coordinators, Bob Rust with Touch the Future/ReBootTM, and Andy Laubscher with FODAC, have accomplished many goals. Just take a look at the numbers:
* 24 visits to Outreach Centers or Candidates for Outreach Centers
* 26 Training sessions on STAR Modules
* 15 Consumer referrals to Outreach Centers
* 138 DME requested deliveries * 65 Computer and AT requested
deliveries * Picked up 111 DME, 194 computer
and AT donated items. The most important accomplishment has been the many success stories from the Outreach Centers that were able to service their consumers better by being part of the STAR Network. Read some of those stories under the box, STAR Succss. These and many other success stories associated with the STAR Network have given both Andy Laubscher and myself the greatest satisfaction in our jobs and a reason to expand the Network even further.
Bob Rust, PMP, C.P.M., Touch the Future, Inc.
Volunteers in action at the Star Network Equipment Depot

Need a Ride?
Checker Cab Adds Accessible Vehicles
Atlantans with disabilities now have a new transportation option. Checker Cab has added three wheelchair accessible vehicles to its fleet of taxis. The fare is the same as a regular taxi.
For reservations, call 404-351-1111.
Wheelchair Accessible Cab
Mark Your Calendar October 22-26, 2008 Atlanta Hilton Hotel
The TFL Team
Doris Chadwell AT Specialist
Connie Freier Administrative Operations Coordinator
Joy Kniskern AT Services Director
Tom Patterson Pass It On Center Coordinator
Liz Persaud Training and Development Coordinator
Carolyn Phillips Program Director
Martha Rust AT Funding Specialist
Valerie Wiley Graphic Artist
3

A Closer Look

"AT is Success . . ."

Credit-Able has Moved to...

Georgia Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Program
1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30345
404-638-0390 Office 1-800-497-8665 GA Only
404-486-0218 Fax 404-486-6333 ATL. Metro TTY 1-866-373-7778 Toll Free TTY
www.gatfl.org info@gatfl.org
Assistive Technology Resource Centers
Tech-Able 1114 Brett Drive, Suite 100
Conyers, GA 30094 770-922-6768 Phone/TTY
770-922-6769 Fax techable@techable.org
www.techable.org
Touch the Future, Inc. Home of RebootTM and the Assistive Technology Center
4508 Bibb Blvd., Suite B10 Tucker, GA 30084
770-934-8432 Phone/TTY 770-934-8433 Fax
info@reboot-atrc.org www.reboot-atrc.org
Walton Options for Independent Living, Inc.
948 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30901 706-724-6262 Phone/TTY 706-724-6729 Fax Tjohnston@waltonoptions.org www.waltonoptions.org
Disability Connections The Middle Georgia Center for Independent Living, Inc.
170 College Street Macon, GA 31201 478-741-1425 Phone/TTY 1-800-743-2117 Phone/TTY 478-755-1571 Fax Lanemll@aol.com www.disabilityconnections.com
FODAC 4900 Lewis Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 770-491-9014 Phone 770-491-0026 Fax www.fodac.org
4

The Center for Financial Independence & Innovation, Inc. This new organization formed to promote financial independence among Georgians with disabilities. Services/programs under CFII Credit-Able Georgia's Alternative Financing Program for Assistive
Technology, Home and/or Vehicle Modifications Home Buying Education Seminar Financial Education Workshops, including: money management/budgeting,
financing for AT, and understanding your credit Any disability organization can request the home buying education seminar and the financial education workshops. For more information please contact Natalie Wilkins at 404-541-9005 or natalie@thecfii.org
The Center for Financial Independence & Innovation (CFII) information: 1419 Mayson St. N.E, Atlanta, GA 30324
404-541-9005 Office 404-541-9002 Fax www.thecfii.org

Mark Your Calendar October 22-26, 2008 Atlanta Hilton Hotel
Touch the Future/Transition will be collaborating with SERID (Southeastern Regional Institute on Deafness) to share best practices and solutions as well as showcase the latest in assistive technology for people with disAbilities. More details coming soon!

Data Corner by Connie Freier

Tools for Life and the Assistive Technology Resource Centers have just wrapped up another successful year!
Data collected is required by the National Information System for Assistive Technology (NISAT), a data collection instrument and performance report for statewide AT Programs. Data collection procedures continue to be updated with information that allows TFL to grow and develop new projects.
Data Details from October 2006 through September 2007

New Persons Assisted (Direct Service) - 3,641

Information and Referral -

3,860

Training and Technical Assistance

Groups -

173

Individuals -

520

Vocational Rehabilitation Clients Assisted - 580

Loaned Equipment

Pieces of equipment checked out -

430

Recycled Computer Project

Number computers place from

inception of project 1994 2007 Over 7,000

Tools for Life data and resources are made available to everyone on the web at www.gatfl.org or call 404-638-0390 for more information. Individuals and groups advocate for funding that is needed to increase availability of additional state-of-the-art assistive technology equipment that would greatly increase daily living for persons with disabilities.
The contents of this issue of A Closer Look were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to the Georgia Department of Labor/Tools for Life Program.
These contents, however, do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Georgia Department of Labor, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government or the State of Georgia.