Walton Foundation for Independence's LIVE WORK PLAY, Assistive Technology edition

LIVE •WORK •PLAYSpecial Edition: Increasing awareness of assistive technology

Sam Creech is a director of information technology, a computer teacher, guest lecturer, consultant and volunteer, with three degrees in computer science, education and psychology. He’s also working toward a Master of Science in Education and speaks three languages fluently.

But most people don’t see him that way. They don’t see his accomplishments—they see his wheelchair. They see his augmentative alternative communication device. They see that he has a disability—and that makes them uncomfortable.

For Sam, the person, it’s a daily challenge. “People who have never been around an individual with a disability may not know how to react,” he said. “After all of my accomplishments in life, potential employers do not see my resume as a reflection of my skills and value…When I go to a Mexican or a Chinese restaurant…I use my device to answer their questions. They are shocked when finding out I speak Spanish and Chinese. Again, it is about perception.”

Sam’s disabilities stem from birth, when his body was deprived of oxygen. He’s not affected cognitively but uses a motorized wheelchair to be mobile and

a speech device to communicate. His bathroom has a roll-in shower and chair, and he travels with a driver in a van with an automatic retractable ramp.

A conversation with Sam is a lesson in the value of listening. It takes him a few moments as he purses his lips and tilts his head back and forth, using a small dot on his glasses to type out words and

phrases, which the computer then speaks for him as he sits back with a grin.

It wasn’t always this way. As a child, his communication was limited to a handful of index cards that he would point to, and even in college, rudimentary speech devices involved typing out a series of numbers to create a single letter. For example, he used to say “Sam” by typing “423 2824 454.” When asked if his current device is much better, he throws his head back in laughter and agreement.

Assistive technology has provided Sam with the tools to lead a better life: “I didn’t want to sit at home and draw a monthly check. I wanted to push the envelope, I think because I was born in the radical ‘60s,” he said with another grin.

Yes, living with a disability is a daily struggle. Not everyone will know how to react or what to say. But Sam hopes that the general public will just listen—and be aware of how just a small piece of assistive technology can make a person with a disability a part of the community. All of us, after all, probably already use some form of assistive technology in our daily lives, whether it’s voice texting or a long-handled “grabber” for items on high kitchen shelves.

When these items become more familiar, Sam believes that then perception will change. “[We will] start seeing AT as a tool not the identification. In other words, people first, then disability and tools.”

Sam Creech: Living Life Fully

INSIDELOCAL RESOURCES FOR ASSISTIVE DEVICES

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MAKE LIFE EASIER WITH TOOLS FOR LIFE

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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AT [is] the tool, not the identification. In other words, people first, then disability and tools.

Walton Foundation for Independence Supports Assistive Technology in the CSRA

The Walton Foundation for Independence is the CSRA’s only foundation that raises funds and supports adaptive sports & leisure, accessible housing, assistive technology, home modifications and other programs for people with physical disabilities. Your community support is always needed to help combat the long waiting lists and needs of the community of people with disabilities in this region. To find out more, visit www.waltonfoundation.net or to donate now, visit www.waltonfoundation.net/donate.

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Area Agency on Agingwww.csrardc.org/csra/aging/aaa.htm3023 Riverwatch Parkway, Ste. AAugusta, GA 30907706-210-2018 888-922-4464

Barney’s Pharmacybarneysrx.com2602 Peach Orchard Rd.Augusta, GA 30906706-798-3500Barry Bryant

Bonro Medical Inc.www.bonro.com 4490 Washington Rd., Bldg. 100, Ste. 16Evans, GA 30809706-210-4730Jennifer Roese

Care Medical – Augustawww.caremedicalsouth.com1238 Fenwick St.Augusta, GA 30901706-854-7911

Duramedwww.duramedmedical.com1543 15th St.Augusta, GA 30901 706-737-0500

Georgia Carolina Mobility, Inc.4405 Evans to Locks Rd., Ste. AEvans, GA 30809706-228-7977Todd Curry

Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired-Augustawww.gachi.org 107 Shartom Dr.Augusta, GA 30907706-860-1637Lisa Rivera

Hearing Aid Associateswww.hearingmatters.net 3328 Washington Rd., Ste. DMartinez, GA 30907706-868-8862Ricky and Norma Robinson

Lions Club-Augustahttp://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/augustaga 948 Walton WayAugusta, GA 30901

Lions Club-Evanshttp://www.evanslionsclub.org/P.O. Box 212013Augusta, GA 30917

Medi Home Carehttp://www.msa-corp.com/companies/medihomecare.aspx4314 Belair Frontage Rd., Ste. BAugusta, GA 30909706-447-4320Heather Edwards

Midlands Prosthetics and Orthoticsmidlandsprosthetics.com1008 Druid Park Ave.Augusta, GA 30904706-737-7371Karen Beckner

Petsch Respiratory Servicewww.petschrespiratory.com104 S. Belair Rd., #8Martinez, GA 30907706-863-6252 Brenda Stafford

ResCare Home Care Serviceswww.rescare.com4426 Evans to Locks Rd.Evans, GA 30809706-210-3891Julia Heyman

Need an Assistive Device?Here’s Help!Local resources offering assistive technology and other resources for those with disabilities and seniors, courtesy of the Area Agency on Aging and Walton Options for Independent Living

SNT Access Communications Elevators and

Lifts LLC

www.sntaccess.com

795 Eve St.

Augusta, GA 30904

706-832-4995

Christopher G. Johnson

Sunrise Oxygen and Home Medical Products,

Inc.

3452 Peach Orchard Rd., Ste. D

Augusta, GA 30906

706-793-7001

Lori Garland

University Health Care Speech and Hearing

Center

www.universityhealth.org/speech-and-hearing

1430 Harper St. Ste. C-3

Augusta, GA 30901

706-774-3594

Rhonda Kalbas

Walton Options for Independent Living

www.waltonoptions.org

Project Independence/Tools for Life

948 Walton Way

Augusta, GA 30901

706-724-6262

Kathy Pelletier

Walton Options for Independent Living

www.waltonoptions.org

Star Network

948 Walton Way

Augusta, GA 30901

706-724-6262, x323

Deversly Holloway

Make Life Easier with Tools for LifeBy Ben Jacobs, Accommodations Specialist at Tools for Life, Georgia Institute of Technology

I used to be one of those who would talk loudly to you just because you were in a wheelchair. If you asked me what AT or Assistive Technology was, I wouldn’t have had a clue. Meeting my wife, Liz, and learning about AT changed my life. Liz has been with Tools for Life since 2002 and serves as the training, outreach and development coordinator. Today, I work as the accommodations specialist at Tools for Life at the Georgia Institute of Technology, which is the state’s Assistive Technology Act Program, dedicated to increasing access to AT devices and services for Georgians of all ages and disabilities.By helping others understand what

AT is all about, we can be the catalyst for change in the lives of many other people. So let’s jump in!

What is AT or Assistive Technology?

AT is a broad spectrum of useful tools that help people with disabilities be more independent. AT permeates our society today, and regardless of your level of ability, you probably use some form of AT every day, for example, ramps, automatic doors, and voice recognition on your phone.Some examples of low-tech AT

include modified eating and writing utensils, and modified door handles. Many of these items are now available in your local stores. This technology doesn’t run on electricity, but that doesn’t make them any less important to an individual with a disability.High-tech AT includes a wide range

of technological marvels that can make all the difference in a person’s life. Communication devices, also known as Alternative Augmentative Communication or AAC devices, give a voice to those who are unable to speak. Eye tracking devices and software allow those with significant limited mobility to operate computers and accomplish any number of tasks. Smartphones are able to read text aloud for those with learning disabilities or vision difficulties.

Life With AT

It’s my belief that all people regardless of ability level have the right to lead a personally gratifying life and also have a right to privacy. Educating oneself as to what AT is available requires more work and thought at the beginning but can alter the flow of daily living tremendously. There are many examples where AT has made independent living for a person with a disability possible, including having a full-time job, being able to go out and enjoy life without a constant chaperone, having your own home and living independently in it.

One of my friends leads a very successful life in spite of the fact that she no longer has typically functioning limbs. Her home is equipped with environmental controls that allow her to answer the door, adjust temperature, manipulate lighting, even control different entertainment options in various rooms, such as music or TV. Her vehicle has been equipped with specialized AT so that she can still drive herself where she needs to go. This leads to her being able to have a full-time job and to be active in the disability community as a member of several different advocacy groups. She has mentioned before that her life now is much better than when she was an able-bodied person and that she wouldn’t be doing all of the great things she is doing today without assistive technology.

The Solution is Out There!

Through AT, one can tear through any perceived limitations. You would be surprised at what is possible today. I truly believe that there is no unsolvable situation. Even though the solution may not be simple or immediately evident, it is out there. No one needs to live life thinking that they are incapable of doing what they need to because of a disability. Don’t give up on a better life for yourself or a friend or loved one. Independence is achievable!

Oversized remote control

CareLine phones and safety pendants for emergencies

For Those In NeedUnfortunately, not all AT is built with

affordability in mind. The costs involved in the research, development and materials of some AT can prevent it from being offered at what most would consider an affordable price. But there are many programs out there that can help:

Reuse programs

These programs accept donations of previously used AT and offer it back to those who need it at low or even no cost!

• Friends of Disabled Adults and Children(FODAC), www.fodac.org

• Walton Options for Independent Living, www.waltonoptions.org

• National Pass It On Center Reuse Locations Database, passitoncenter.org. Search here to find your local reuse program.

Loans

Loan programs are available to help you get the equipment you need to be more independent.

• Tool’s for Life’s Dollars & Sense Funding Guide (gatfl.gatech.edu/ds) includes numerous funding resources, worksheets and helpful strategies. For more information, call 800-497-8665.

• Additionally, Tools for Life supports the Credit Able program (www.techable.org/creditable), which provides low-interest loans to individuals with disabilities, their family members or even business owners to purchase assistive technology and/or home and vehicle modifications.

Hope and Independence Fund

In the CSRA, Walton Foundation for Independence also offers a Hope and Independence Fund (www.waltonfoundation.net/hope) to help purchase assistive technology, supplies and/or services that are required to perform daily living activities or fill a physical care crisis in the pursuit of living independently. Individuals must meet certain criteria, and all fund requests are made via Walton Options for Independent Living.

Brain and Spinal Cord Trust Fund

The fund provides grants for Georgians of up to $15,000. Examples: It could be $15,000 at one time to help purchase a van, it can be $2,000 for a computer, or $2,000 for bathroom modifications. Visit gatrustfund.org.

For Children

• Children’s Medical Services (CMS). This agency may arrange for or pay for all eligible medical, transitional and assistive technology services, as funds are available, for children with spinal cord injuries. Children’s Medical Services also provides care coordination and other needed medical/health services for eligible children and their families. CMS may provide, arrange for and/or pay for comprehensive physical evaluations, diagnostic tests, inpatient/outpatient hospitalization, medications and other medical treatments, therapy, durable medical equipment, hearing aids related to the child’s CMS-eligible condition, and genetic counseling. Visit dph.georgia.gov/CMS.

•Fragile Kids Foundation. This foundation may provide medical equipment not covered by private- or government-sponsored insurance. Visit www.fragilekids.org.

For more information about

assistive technology and

how Georgia’s Tools for

Life Network can help you,

please visit

www.gatfl.gatech.edu,

call 1-800-497-8665,

or send an email to

[email protected].

Every state and territory

has an AT Act program.

If you do not live in

Georgia, you can find your

AT Act Program

on the RESNA Catalyst

Project website.

Envelope writing guide for those with low vision

Amplified alarm clock for the hearing-impaired

Magnifier for pill bottles

Alternate keyboard for those with limited motor control