| For a parent who has yet to acquire a cell phone, set | | | | devoted to devices just for children. Even if you think |
| the timer on the VCR, or is unaware that most people | | | | yourself pretty tech-savvy, you'll be astounded at the |
| no longer use VCRs, they may wonder how assistive | | | | array of gadgets and gizmos that benefit people of all |
| technology could fit into their lives. After all, you may | | | | ages in their day-to-day lives. |
| have never even used a computer much less taught a | | | | There are four major assistive technology |
| child how to use one. This is sometimes referred to in | | | | conferences each year, and a number of smaller ones. |
| the media as "the digital divide," where due to social, | | | | Among the most attended is a conference held in Los |
| economic or educational circumstances, a person may | | | | Angeles and hosted by California State University, |
| not have access to technology. Any parent might feel | | | | Northridge. Another major event is held in Orlando, |
| guilty at not being able to provide the very best of | | | | Florida. If you begin to suffer from information overload |
| everything to their child, but for a parent of a child with | | | | as a result of your conference experience, you will |
| a disability, the intimidation factor of assistive | | | | probably be able to find an entertaining alternative. |
| technology may add to their feelings of helplessness | | | | While conference attendance is open to the public, you |
| or inadequacy. Here are a few tips that will help you to | | | | should know that registration is not cheap; however, |
| demystify AT. | | | | you may be able to get a sponsor, apply for a grant or |
| Not all assistive technology devices are computer | | | | scholarship (I have personally benefited from one of |
| related. There are high tech, low tech and no tech | | | | these), or find a club or service organization to fund |
| options. As a person who is blind, one might think my | | | | your trip. It is well worth it. You'll be educated, inspired |
| home is outfitted with every technological wonder, and | | | | and very motivated to learn even more. It's a thrill to |
| it is. Yet, I find that one of the most useful assistive | | | | realize suddenly how some otherwise uninteresting |
| tools I use is a plastic template called a writing guide. It | | | | technological gadget can directly benefit your child in a |
| is simply a notebook-paper sized sheet of plastic with | | | | real way. |
| straight edges cut out of it, spaced about a quarter | | | | One of the most formidable barriers to assistive |
| inch apart. The writing guide is clipped to a sheet of | | | | technology is the cost. It's a niche market. None of the |
| paper. I can follow along the straight edge and | | | | technology vendors are selling millions of these |
| hand-write my personal correspondence - using a pen. | | | | devices; however, there are ways around that. There |
| Remember those? | | | | are innumerable charitable organizations that can help |
| Many assistive devices for children are much more like | | | | with the expense of adaptive and assistive devices. |
| a cool toy than any whizbang high-end computer. | | | | Additionally, there are government programs and |
| They are fun to play with and easy to learn. They | | | | vendor financing programs. The good news is, unlike |
| speak, they provide various types of stimulation, and | | | | typical consumer products, AT devices have a longer |
| they are specifically geared toward particular | | | | life in that you are seldom required to upgrade to a |
| developmental or mobility needs. | | | | newer version every few months. If it works now, it |
| Where does one go to learn about AT options? I | | | | will work later. Yes, there are always newer products, |
| suggest beginning with some reading material, | | | | but the latest thing may not be useful at all, especially |
| specifically a catalog. There are some wonderful | | | | since it may prove to be a frustrating additional learning |
| companies that provide independent living aids, | | | | process for a child already accustomed to the device |
| assistive and augmentative devices and various | | | | they are using. For a child with a disability, routine, |
| mobility products, and many offer print catalogs. Try | | | | consistency and familiarity are crucial developmental |
| Maxi Aids: 800-522-6294; or Enablemart: | | | | factors. |
| 888-640-1999. These are just two; be aware that | | | | Take your time while evaluating these products. As in |
| there are many others. If you are not computer literate, | | | | every other industry, there is a new vocabulary |
| find a friend who is or go to your local library. Many | | | | associated with assistive technology. Keep an open |
| libraries have workstations for the general public, and if | | | | mind, but do not allow anyone to talk you into buying |
| a staff member is available, ask for assistance surfing | | | | anything about which you have doubts. You are the |
| the web. Jot down a few phone numbers, then call | | | | authority on your child, and you know best the types |
| and request that you be added to their mailing list. | | | | of stimuli to which your child will respond well. The |
| Another great place to get tons of information and | | | | education gained by both you and your child will |
| hands-on demonstrations is at an assistive technology | | | | provide a quality bonding and growth experience that |
| conference. I'm not talking about a regular computer | | | | will enhance your lives in wonderful ways you have |
| convention or consumer electronics show. There are | | | | yet to imagine. |
| conferences specifically for AT, with row after row of | | | | Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. |
| booths, or even entire wings of convention centers | | | | |