Summer youth program

Applications for the Logan Options for Independence summer youth program are due May 15.

Click to view the flier larger.

Free online webinar: Using the latest technology to foster communication

The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) will present a FREE online interactive training, “Using the latest technology to foster communication,” on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

NOVA-7 communication device by Saltillo.

This free training will be presented by Jean Bosco Walsh, AT Consultant for Saltillo Corp. Saltillo Corporation is dedicated to making personal communication possible to individuals who are unable to use their natural voice. Jean will explore the TouchChat app that is a total communication application available for your idevice. She will then discuss the latest communication devices from Saltillo that are based on the Android system. These communication devices are completely fundable through Medicaid and private health insurance companies.

Jean is a Special Educator with a Master’s in Education. She taught students with significant disabilities in Georgia and Colorado for over 15 years. She’s presented at ‘Closing the Gap’ for 14 years, and has also been an ATIA presenter. She’s also presented at regional Assistive Technology Conferences in Arizona and Colorado. For the past seven years, Jean has worked exclusively in the Augmentative Communication Field. Currently, she is a consultant for Saltillo Corporation covering Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.

In order to participate, you will need a computer with high-speed Internet access. If you are interested in participating please RSVP by Monday, May 13, 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, May 10, 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.

1st edition of the UATP e-newsletter out!

Learn more about this project that helped
2-year-old Jaela that was built in the AT Lab.

UATP is excited to share the first ever edition of our e-newsletter. View it on Constant Contact, and let us know what you think! We'd love to hear from you and invite content ideas.

AT Solutions for students with Learning Disabilities

There's a common misconception by many that assistive technology doesn't apply to cognitive disabilities like a learning disability. Nothing is further from the truth. With the advent of high-tech AT, solutions for students have never been better.

A great compilation of such tools has been made available by the Adaptive Technology Center for New Jersey Colleges, "AT Solutions for students with learning disabilities."

Writing and reading tools such as electronic text readers to portable notetakers are a few of the ideas in this pdf.

Help us help you!

The goal of UATP is to help Utahn's with disabilities get and use assistive technology. That also means providing training and resources to professionals who work with people with disabilities.

 

To accomplish this goal, UATP provides free online webinars about a variety of assistive technology topics every fall and spring. Also, UATP is starting an e-newsletter in May to provide updates and AT news to the Utah community.What topics would you like to see covered? Know of new AT we should know about? Send us your ideas to utahatp@gmail.com. Help us serve you better by letting us know what you need help with.

Foundation helps Utahns get assistive technology

Assistive technology can be expensive, and isn't always covered by insurance. That's what the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation helps Utahn's with - affording AT through loans and small grants.

Over the last quarter, from December to March, UATF approved 27 loans for Utahn's with disabilities to purchase assistive technology. Most loans went to hearing aids and adpated vans, though any AT device is eligible. Loans are through Zion's bank with interest rates half of prime - around 1.63%.

UATF also gives small grants - up to $250 - to help with the purchase of AT. Eight small grants were given last quarter to buy devices such as iPads for communication needs. Grants for iPads require an evaluation by a professional. All grants are given to those below poverty level.


UATF loans can help a child with a disability 
get a communication device like an iPad.

Small business loans are another aspect of UATF. Utahns with disabilities who need AT to help them work or who need to have unique work conditions. One October loan request was approved for $10,000 to help an individual start “Enjoy Amplification” - a music speaker/amplification sales store.

Do you know someone who could benefit from help of the UATF? Find applications and more information online at http://www.uatf.org/.

New accessible housing available in Brigham City

Utah's Neighborhood Non-Profit Housing Corporation has new accessible and affordable housing available in Brigham City. Discovery Place is now accepting applications for people with phycial or developmental disabilities for one and two bedroom apartments. Also available are six-unit group-home for people with developmental disabilities that provides 24-hour care and case management.



Discovery Place accessible housing in Brigham City.

Property features include:

• Rents are 30% of Adjusted Gross Income
• Free Basic Utilities
• Smoke-Free
• Small Pets Welcome
• Limited Access Entry
• Mobility Accessible
• Roll-In Showers Available in Some Units
• Beautiful Community Room with Fireplace & Kitchen
• Handrails throughout Building
• Elevator
• Library/TV Room
• Located Near Bus Lines
• Directly Across from a Planned Community Park
• Near Medical Centers



Accessible kitchen in Discovery Place housing.

• Close to Shopping & Restaurants

Commons area at Discovery Place housing.

The property is professionally managed by Danville Development Corp. Learn more at www.danvilledevelopment.com, or call 435-723-0831, or discovery.place@danvilledevelopment.com.
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