Transcript Devices
Assistive Technology Webinar Series Brought to you by Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program at MDRC. 1 1 About the Webinar Use the public chat area on the right hand side. Questions and comments are encouraged and expected! The session is being recorded. We will start recording now. 2 AT for Emergencies August 25, 2011 Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) Two Types of Emergencies Disasters Everyday situations Two Presentations Included Today: An Overview of FEMA and AT An Introduction to Michigan AT Program’s Demonstrations on AT and Communication in Emergency Situations 4 Presenter Jessica Mitchell Regional Disability Integration Specialist for FEMA Region V 536 S. Clark St., 6th Floor Chicago, IL 60605 312-408-5499 (office) 312-576-2624 (cell) [email protected] 5 Short Overview of how FEMA Works Disasters begin and end locally Disaster declaration process Types of disaster assistance available for presidentially declared disasters 6 Where FEMA uses Assistive Technology Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) Shelters Call centers Community Relations teams Employees 7 FEMA Regional Disability Integration Specialist When and why it was formed Lessons learned from former disasters Initiatives under current administration Role within FEMA During presidentially declared disasters During steady-state activities 8 How can you help? Talk to your director of independent living Talk to your emergency management officials Grant guidance Organize Facebook page? 9 Resource Handouts For emergency management communities Preparedness resources for individuals with disabilities 10 Michigan’s AT Program Website at http://www.copower.org including a new AT Directory Used Equipment Exchange: AT Exchange at http://www.atxchange.org Low Interest Loans for AT through UCP Michigan’s AT Loan Fund Device Demonstrations available at different locations throughout the state. 11 The Purpose of Demonstrations Hands on experience with devices Compare and contrast features and benefits Make an informed decision about whether AT will help them Not a formal assessment/evaluation An overview, not training on how to use the device 12 Device Demonstrations Hearing Loss Association: Hearing Technology Resource Specialists – 10 kits of devices Small changes, Big Difference for community living low cost items AT for People who are Neurodiverse Low Vision Superior Alliance for Independent Living 13 Communication in Emergencies Every day emergencies including: Ability to function at home alone Back-up plan for communication using low tech items Ability to manage medication Ability to catch someone’s attention Ability to read and write 14 Communication Overview (from Lisa Bardach) The transfer of information between individuals by any means. The information does not have to be true or complete. 15 Why Do We Communicate? Needs and Wants Information Transfer Etiquette Social Closeness Self-talk 16 Communication Functions Getting attention Meeting wants/needs Expressing opinions Recalling information Understanding information 17 Communication Modalities Speaking (verbal expression) Understanding (auditory comprehension) Reading Writing Thinking (cognition) 18 AT Demo: Low Cost Devices Low cost items may be an entry point and not necessarily a final product for daily use especially with work/school needs. 19 AT Demonstration Focus Devices and strategies that can help with catching someone's attention, remembering important information, using the telephone, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. Include low cost back up plans for emergency and disaster preparedness. 20 AT Demonstrations Demonstrations are done by everyday users of AT who have been trained to demonstrate a variety of items that improve communication. Demonstrators do not sell or promote specific products. Funding and resource information is available at each personalized demonstration. 21 Some Devices Includes devices with audible and visual messages. Communication boards (useful back-up strategy!) 22 More Devices Single message recording devices A talking photo album Devices with multiple messages; also have step-bystep for sequenced communication 23 Telephones Hands on practice is key to deciding what works best 24 And More Magnifiers Items for medication Time management Voice amplification 25 Devices - New Pen friend talking labeling system You Tube Video of PenFriend Demo 26 Devices – iPod Touch Multiple uses for basic communication Also has voice-over features A universal design option 27 Computer-based Communication If a primary device is not available - emergency back up of free/low cost software Reading and writing devices: computer, netbook or device like the Franklin Spelling Master 28 Free Software Magnification lightning express: www.xpscreenreader.com Magnification and screen reader www.satogo.com Screen Readers NVDA: www.nvda-project.org Thunder: www.screenreader.net 29 Funding Note Assessments by professionals must be done to access many of the funding sources. ATXchange Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund 30 Contact Information Demonstrations are arranged by: Disability Network Wayne County/Detroit 313.923.1655 Disability Network Oakland Macomb 586.268.4160 United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Detroit 248.557.5070 Need more information? Cathy McAdam @ 313 563-1412 or [email protected] 31 Questions? 32 Thank you! Thank you for completing the online survey about this webinar. A link will be emailed to you. If you do not want to receive email notices of future assistive technology webinar opportunities, please send an email to [email protected] and ask to be removed from the AT Webinar list. 33 Final Thoughts “When you are unable to communicate, people talk behind, beside, around, over, under through and even for you. But never with you. You are ignored until you feel like a piece of furniture.” – Richard Creech “It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark” - Howard Ruff 34