Free online webinar: Accessibility with the iPad

The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) will present a FREE online interactive training, “Accessibility with the iPad,” on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. 

This free training will be presented by Andrew Porter, Utah

iPad by Apple

State University Apple Representative. Apple products are renowned in the disability community for their ‘out-of-the-box’ accessibility. The training will present iPad basics and quick user tips, with the main focus on the integrated accessibility features of the iPad as well as some accessibility apps.

Andrew Porter, a self-proclaimed "app"aholic, has always had an interest in technology and computers. Andrew’s life was changed about five years ago when he bought his first Apple MacBook laptop. Andrew worked at the USU Campus Store's AggieTech department as a sales associate, and is currently the Campus Rep for Apple at Utah State University.

In order to participate, you will need a computer with high-speed Internet access. If you are interested in participating please RSVP by Tuesday, Oct. 8, to Storee Powell via email storee.powell@usu.edu, or call 435-797-7412. Participant instructions will be emailed to you.

If you are a screen reader user please contact Sachin Pavithran at 435-797-6572 or sachin.pavithran@usu.edu, no later than Friday, Oct. 4, to make arrangements to participate via phone. If you need any other accommodations in order to participate in the training please let Sachin know by this date also.

Please feel free to pass on this information to anyone that you think might be interested.

CReATE, wheelchair reuse program, to re-open to public

Media Advisory:  Sept. 25, 2013

For Immediate Release Contact: Storee Powell, public relations specialist at the Utah Assistive Technology Program – office (435)797-7412, cell (208)360-2376, email storee.powell@usu.edu

CReATE's inventory of mobility devices
available to Utahans with disabilities.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 at 2 p.m.

Where: CReATE (Citizen’s Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment)

Judy Ann Buffmire Building

1595 W. 500 S.

Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Who: CReATE staff and former beneficiaries of the program (various Utahns with disabilities)

What: Citizens Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment (CReATE) has recently undergone changes to emphasize quick service and a wide variety of mobility device selection. To raise awareness of this vital service, CReATE will re-open to the public October 1^st starting with a press conference, featuring Utahns who have received chairs. CReATE is a non-profit that serves Utahns with disabilities by providing low-cost mobility equipment. Wheelchairs and scooters are donated from the community, and cleaned and refurbished to manufacturer standards by a technician. Utahns can get one for the cost of refurbishment – under $500. Trained technicians match people to appropriate chairs, and unused devices are recycled keeping them out of landfills.

Why: The need for low-cost mobility equipment for Utahns with disabilities is critical. Most insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, only pay for a mobility device like a power wheelchair ever three to five years. Often, individuals need an auxiliary chair for travel or other purposes. Mobility is essential to life, and CReATE helps keep people independent by providing it at a low-cost. Raising awareness of this service is important to help people learn how to get a mobility device or donate one.

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CReATE (www.createutah.org) is an initiative of the Utah Assistive Technology Program under Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities. Learn more about UATP online at www.uatpat.org. 

AT, a celebrity and fun at the UCAT 2013 Annual Open House

It's time for the annual open house at our partner, UCAT (Utah Center for Assistive Technology)!

UCAT Annual Open House Flier

Oct. 1st, UCAT will be showcasing the newest assistive technology devices. Vendors and staff will show the latest in wheelchairs, modified vehicles, augmentative communication, adaptive computer technology, independent living aids, ipad apps and give out over $150.00 in gift cards as door prizes. 

Also, meet extreme sportsman and motivational speaker, Clay Egan. He'll be showing off his rock crusher! Enjoy refreshments and a demo of the Actiontrack Wheelchair.

UATP will be a vendor to highlight the Citizen’s Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment (CReATE) Grand Re-Opening. Join us at 2:00 p.m. for a showcasing of the program and see our inventory of reutilized mobility equipment available to the public. More details to come.

AT Council meets to discuss current status of UATP

Nothing brings together a group like awesome food! Tuesday, AT Council members met and scarfed down Pier 49 pizza while discussing what's been going with UATP.

The AT Council is an advisory committee to UATP, providing feedback on our initiatives. 

The Utah Assistive Technology Program is looking for new members to join the AT Council. Members are not paid, although lunch is included at the bi-annual meetings. 

Meetings generally occur in March and September. Help with transportation can be arranged - meetings are in Salt Lake City.

UATP is looking for individuals (over 18 years of age) who are Utahns with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, seniors, or students with disabilities. 

We want more public input on UATP activities so we can learn how to better serve Utahns with disabilities. If you meet the above description, and are interested, email Storee Powell at storee.powell@usu.edu. 

Open house and youth activities at Options

Mark your calendars for all the fun coming up at Logan's Options for Independence!

An open house on Oct. 2nd will celebrate Options' new location. Come check out the new space, enjoy

Come meet Options' friendly
staff at the Open House!

refreshments and learn about the services provided. It will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at 106 E. 1120 N. Logan. All are welcome!

Options youth program focuses on provided activities for youth with disabilities. Here's what's coming up this fall:

• Thursday, October 8th from 4:00 to 6:00: a lesson on basic money management and getting shakes.
• Wednesday October 16th at 11:00: attending a matinee of a world famous blues concert at the Eccles theater with the option of going out to lunch at the Center Street Grill after for those who would like to stay. Rides to this activity are available. The matinee is free, you are responsible for your own lunch cost.
• Saturday, October 19th: Going to FRIGHTMARES at Lagoon. If enough people go, a group discount is available, so the cost will be about $35. Options will provide transportation and lunch. Bring your own spending and snack money.
• Saturday October 26th: a zombie walk fundraiser for OPTIONS. More details forthcoming!

If you are interested in any of these activities, please call 435-753-5353 or email Jennie at jostermiller@optionsind.org.

Run & Roll 5K

Help benefit the Utah Independent Living Center and those they serve by participating in the 23rd Annual Independent Living 5K "RUN & ROLL".

Run and Roll registration form

When: Saturday, September 14, 2013
Where: West Jordan Veterans Memorial Park (1825 W. 7800 S. – West of West Jordan City Hall)
Time: Registration Begins at 8:30 a.m., Race Begins at 9:30 a.m.
Learn more at www.uilc.org.

UATP needs you!

UATP needs you!

The Utah Assistive Technology Program is looking for new members for the AT Council. 

The AT Council is an advisory committee to UATP, giving input regarding our initiatives. Members are not paid, although lunch is included in the bi-annual council meetings. 

Meetings generally occur in March and September. Help with transportation can be arranged - meetings are in Salt Lake City.

UATP is looking for individuals (over 18 years of age) who are Utahns with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, seniors, or students with disabilities. 

We want more public input on UATP activities so we can learn how to better serve Utahns with disabilities. If you meet the above description, and are interested, email Storee Powell at storee.powell@usu.edu. 

Refurbished wheelchairs available to Utahns with disabilities

Refurbishing mobility devices to help Utahns with disabilities is the mission of CReATE (Citizen's Reuitilizing Assistive Technology Equipment).

In August, CReATE transferred three refurbished wheelchairs to individuals for a small fee. Also, CReATE recycled eight chairs that were unusable, keeping them out of landfills. 

Some of the devices available from CReATE.

To view CReATE’s latest inventory, visit www.createutah.org. 

To acquire a device, follow the steps below:
1. Contact CReATE staff at 801-887-9398.
2. The CReATE office coordinator will take down necessary information.
3. The interested person will be contacted to set up an appointment for an evaluation.
4. After the evaluation, the CReATE inventory will be reviewed to determine if there is an appropriate device.

To donate a mobility device:
1. Contact CReATE staff at 801-887-9398.
2. The CReATe office coordinator will discuss the procedure for making a donation.