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TechTalk
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| Used Equipment Website: IATP maintains a database of used assistive devices that are for sale or donation. To sell, donate, or search for an item, visit www.iltech.org |
Reason #8 You could win door prizes or other exciting giveawaysAfter overwhelming support in both houses of the Illinois Legislature, on December 12th, 2008 Governor Balgojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism.
The new law is named “Brianna’s Law” for Brianna CiCianni who was diagnosed with autism in 2006 and was denied coverage by her family’s health insurance company. At the time of diagnosis, doctors said the girl would never learn to speak.
Undeterred, Brianna’s parents sought therapy, paying for it by borrowing against their home and dipping into college savings accounts. $80,000 later, Brianna, who is now 5, can talk.
“Brianna’s Law” will force insurance companies to cover up to $36,000 a year in occupational, physical, speech and behavioral therapies in addition to psychiatric and psychological services.
The coverage will be provided to children under the age of 21 who have health coverage through an individual or group policy for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Health coverage provided to state, county and municipal employees must also provide autism benefits.
The law does NOT apply to: Self-insured, non-public employers; Self-insured health and welfare plans; Insurance policies or trusts issued outside of Illinois. The law does not change the autism coverage provided by public health care programs such as FamilyCare and All Kids. The law became effective December 12, 2008. Any policy issued, delivered or renewed after this date must include autism coverage.
If you are covered by a group health insurance policy issued before December 12, 2008, you may have to wait until the policy’s renewal date before eligibility.
If you are covered by an individual health insurance policy issued before December 12, 2008, you may have to wait until the renewal or anniversary date.
For more information: Division of Insurance Consumer Services Section at 312-814-2427 or, Office of Consumer Health Insurance toll free at 877-527-9431 or
Visit website www.ins.state.il.us.
| Information & Assistance: You don’t need a crystal ball. Call IATP for all your AT information. 800-852-5110 v/tty, IL only |
IATP produced a DVD presented by Barbara Doyle titled:
Safety and Autism Spectrum Disorder - Empowering Children and Adults with Devices and Technology.
It provides useful information about using simple devices to keep people with autism safe. It’s available for only $5. Call Jane at 800-852-5110 v/tty,
IL only, or visit our website at www.iltech.org for more information.
| Let IATP’s Training and Evaluation Unit help remove the barriers in your life. Call today for an appointment. 800-852-5110 v/tty, Illinois only. Training: IATP provides on-site workshops free-of-charge (for 15 or more people) for non-profits, schools, support groups and more! Call 800-852-8550 (v/tty Il only) for details. |
Colleges and universities are “the new frontier, in terms of access to education for students with learning differences," said George Jesien, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, in the September 22nd edition of the Wall Street Journal. Meredith College in Raleigh NC, seems to be on the leading edge of that frontier.
Students with disabilities are applying to colleges at more than five times the rate of the 1980s; it is particularly interesting to see how U.S. colleges and universities are addressing the requirements of these students. The only legal requirement is to provide "reasonable accommodations." to college level students.
However, Jill Trianna, head of disability services at Meredith College said, "Disability Services provides Reading Technology... to our students...This software is useful for students with and without disabilities as it proves to enhance comprehension of any print material required for class. This concept is referred to as Universal Design."
The college secured funding for the project through a diversity grant. Its goal is to develop a Reading Technology (RT) pilot that: orients participants to the purpose and benefits of reading technology; trains participants to use the RT programs effectively and efficiently; gets feedback about RT programs from participants in order to guide future RT funding and availability.
The committee was looking for ease of interface, variety of useful tools, and programs that fit into the concept of Universal Design. WYNN and another reading software program were chosen.
After training, the disability services staff offered students the classes. Attendees included students with and without disabilities. They were asked to enroll in the RT pilot's Blackboard course to complete training modules for both programs, use the software in the Learning Technology Lab, and then post their comments to a discussion board. Since this is a new project, time will tell how this aspect of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will help all students at Meredith College. But, past experience with UDL, tells us that all students will benefit and be able to design their study and work skills that meet each students unique needs.
| Becoming a homeowner is no longer a dream for people with disabilities; it can be your reality. Call 800-852-5110 v/tty, IL only. |
SEAC serves parents of special needs children. The SEAC provides free legal assistance to low-income parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Services focus on obtaining appropriate educational and early intervention services for children who qualify for special education or 504 plans. They also provide training to parents and caregivers, school personnel and others.
Their service area includes: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties. The SEAC has assisted over 1,300 families in the past three years.
The Special Ed Advocacy Center (SEAC), established April 2004, is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is to ensure that children with disabilities in the Chicago metropolitan area receive all appropriate educational services provided under current law.
The SEAC financial support comes from individuals interested in promoting the organization' s purposes.
Jill M. Dressner, Attorney at Law, is the Executive Director. The Center is located at: 1935 S. Plum Grove Road, PMB #274, Palatine, IL 60067.
847-736-8286, 847-397-7011 fax, jmdressner@aol.com, www.specialedadvocacycenter.org
| Safety and Autism Spectrum Disorder is a DVD developed by IATP. It is available for $5.00. Call 800-852-5110 v/tty, IL only for details. |
Scholarship Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Recently released reports from the College Board, a not-for-profit association comprised of more than 5,400 colleges and universities, indicate that college students can expect about a six percent increase in tuition costs for the 2008-2009 school year. Private four-year colleges and universities will cost on average $25,143 for a year’s tuition with public four-year colleges and universities costing about $6,585 per year. Tuition costs have increased steadily since the 1980’s, and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education reports that between 1982 and 2007 college tuition rose 439 percent while the median family income has only increased by 147 percent.
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program maintains a Funding Manual on our website, www.iltech.org, which includes a section on college scholarship opportunities specifically for students with disabilities. Some of the following are included on the website, in addition to a few new scholarships we’ve recently learned about:
NFBI Scholarship: Each year the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois awards qualified blind students scholarships during their annual convention. Applications are now available for scholarships up to $2000. The deadline is March 31, 2009. Visit www.nfbofillinois.org to download an application or contact Deborah Kent Stein at (773) 631-1093 for more information.
ACB Scholarship: The American Council of the Blind has opened their 2009 scholarship application process to students who are legally blind and entering their freshman year of college. All applications for this scholarship program must be submitted by email. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2009 - visit www.acb.org or email pcastillo@acb.org for more information.
ChairScholars: The ChairScholars National program awards high school seniors and college freshmen up to $20,000 for tuition. Recipients must have a physical disability, but it is not required that they use a wheelchair. No electronic applications are accepted and the deadline is February 21, 2009.
To apply visit www.chairscholars.org or call (888) 926-0544.
NCLD Anne Ford Scholarship: The National Center for Learning Disabilities Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 award presented annually to a high school senior with an identified learning disability who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree. Although applications closed in December for the 2008 award, potential recipients are encouraged to visit the NCLD website (www.ncld.org) and review the scholarship criteria. The application process is lengthy and there is considerable competition each year.
Alexander Graham Bell College Scholarship: The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study. Applicants must have hearing loss diagnosed prior to the age of seven to qualify. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 - $10,000 per student. The application deadline is April 20, 2009. For more information visit www.agbell.org.
| Located in Springfield, IATP’s Demonstration has room after room of devices to try out. Call for a tour. 800-852-5110 v/tty IL only. |
Ten Dollar TechTen Dollar Tech is a regular column featuring low cost technology or adaptations.
Cilla Sluga, IATP Training Director uses a crutch. She props it up against her desk, the wall, the printer, and without exception it slides to the floor making it difficult to reach. She asked Tom Ridley, IATP’s Demonstration and Loan Coordinator if he could help her figure out a “holder” for her crutch.
The pictures tell the story. Now, she always knows where her crutch is and it is within reach. The device is a Crawford handle holder swivel hook, available at most hardware stores. Cost: $3.00. This adaptation would also work for a person who uses a cane.
If you have a Ten Dollar Tech idea, send it to csluga@iltech.org with a materials list, directions and a picture.
We’ll share it with our readers and give you all the credit.
kReader Mobile as the American Winner of the “Calling All Innovators” Competition - The kReader Mobile software makes it possible for an individual to have access to everyday print on their mobile phone. The user snaps a picture of any printed material, such as a book, email, restaurant menu, receipt, sign, handout at a meeting, and many other documents, and the device then reads the material out loud. The software also converts the image to editable text, which can be translated, dropped into an email, or put into a search engine. The kReader Mobile can read print in 16 languages and can translate from any of these languages to any other.
For more information, visit www.KNFBReader.com.Equip For Equality Assistive Technology Help - Equip for Equality's AT Project handles cases having broad impact on major AT problems, including access to government services, schools and private businesses. Our work also includes technical assistance, advocacy and, in certain cases, representation to individuals with disabilities in such areas as Medicaid, Medicare, Special Education, Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation.
For more information contact EFE, 20 N. Michigan, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 341-0022 Se Habla Español ASL. (800) 537-2632
ABLEDATA - ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, we can help you locate the companies that do.
You can use the site without registering. Or, if you prefer, you can set up custom-defined site styles, save recent searches, and sign up for email updates. Visit ABLEDATA at www.abledata.comTech Matrix - Tech Matrix is a guide to technology tools for learning. Use TechMatrix to find educational and assistive technology products for students with special needs. Create a customized matrix by subject and/or learning support. Send your customized matrix to a friend or colleague.
The TechMatrix is a product of the National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) and Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd). It is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and NEC Foundation of America.
Confused about what to do next? IATP’s 4-6 week Device Loan Program can help. Use the device and decide with confidence. For more information call 800-852-5110 v/tty, IL only.
What follows are pictures and brief descriptions of the devices highlighted in the regular print newsletter.
| Signing Times DVDs For Young Learners - Four DVDs: Playtime Signs, Everyday Signs, My Day Signing Time, My Neighborhood Signing Time. $22.00 each |  |
| Guidance Balls teach children emotional, social, and behavior skills. Approx 8 inches. Pump included; latex free. Includes: Positive Attitude Ball; Less Stress Ball; Stop, Relax & Think Ball; You & Me Ball; Helping, Sharing, & Caring Ball; Anger Control Ball $120.00 |
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| Food Cutting Box: Teach children fine motor control for cutting and language develop for learning the names of food items. $22.00 |
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| Wikki Stix are soft reusable sticks that can be used for fine motor skills and for fun. Make shapes, pictures, wrap around a pencil for better grip. Many uses. $10.00 |
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| Magnetic Dress Up Ballerina - Eight inch wooden doll comes with stand and 27 changes in clothing. Tougher than paper dolls. $14.00 |  |
| Letter/Number Talking Puzzles - Hear each letter or number out loud when you place the correct piece in this fun, new puzzle! $19.95 each |
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| Jumbo Talking Elmo - Switch Activated Elmo says 8 phrases. He makes a great cuddly friend! Size: 27"H x 7½"W. Requires Capability Switch and 3 AA Batteries. $70.00 |  |
TECHTALK is a publication of TechConnect & Illinois Assistive Technology Project (IATP) 1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100, Springfield, IL 62701. 217-522-7985 v, 217-522-9966 tty, 217-522-8067fax, 800-852-5110 v/tty IL only. Send comments and articles to Cilla Sluga, Editor. csluga@iltech.org. Call to subscribe to this free newsletter. Please call with any address or subscriber changes.
This newsletter was developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, its contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government. IATP is funded through a contract with DHS/DRS and this publication does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of DHS/DRS and no official endorsement should be inferred.
