BERKELEY — Even in middle school, Alva Gardner had her fashion standards. Jeans made expressly for wheelchair users — cut high in the back, low in the front, velcroed at the fly — seemed like a potential boon.
But when the mail-order pants arrived on her doorstep, Gardner, then 13 or 14, refused to wear them. Although easier for her to put on and take off than standard jeans, they were baggy and ugly, recalls the UC Berkeley undergrad. And baggy and ugly, she says, “would not have been good for my social life.”
Fast forward to 2012: Gardner, now a 22-year-old Berkeley senior, aspires to work in the clothing industry — designing for people, women especially, whose bodies don’t fit the “norm” (a word she utters ironically, aided by air quotes).
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Posted on May 16th, 2012
Tyler Austin is one of thousands of Canadians who can now speak, thanks to MyVoice, a new technology developed by two University of Toronto students.
Tyler, 18, is from Toronto and has cerebral palsy, which affects his muscle control and makes it difficult for him to speak. Until now, he had to depend on pointing to a few words on a board on his wheelchair to express himself. It was frustrating for everyone.
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Posted on May 15th, 2012
Often reviled for encouraging kids to spend too much time in front of screens, new research suggests that some video games may actually benefit those with cerebral palsy.
The finding comes from a new study in which researchers observed 17 children with cerebral palsy as they played four “active games” on the Nintendo Wii — Bowling, Tennis, Boxing and Dance Dance Revolution.
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Posted on May 15th, 2012
Transportation is a major obstacle for people with disabilities, with more than 500,000 never leaving their homes simply because they lack a way to get around, according to a new report.
The reasons vary, but the report out this week from The American Association of People with Disabilities and The Leadership Conference Education Fund found extensive problems for those living in both urban and rural locales when it comes to getting from point A to point B.
Read more.
Posted on May 15th, 2012
On May 1, 2012, the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program, part of the California Public Utilities Commission, will launch Visually Assisted Speech-to-Speech (VA STS), a new technology that can enhance the relay experience of individuals with a speech disability.
How does Visually Assisted Speech-To-Speech work?
In addition to a phone call to the relay service, the Speech-to-Speech (STS) caller will also use a webcam or videophone with Skype to connect with the communications assistant at the relay call center. This will allow the communications assistant to see the Speech-to-Speech user as they are speaking. Seeing the caller’s mouth movements, facial expressions, and gestures will enable the communications assistant to better understand and re-voice for the caller. Users of augmentative and alternative communication devices can also share the information they are typing via Skype using computer emulation. Special equipment and an Internet service to access the video service are required to make a call, but are not provided by the CRS.
How do I get started?
If you are curious about this new service, contact one of the California Relay Service providers’ Speech-to-Speech training lines.
Hamilton Relay: 1-877-632-9095, ask for the Speech-to-Speech (STS) training line (available 24/7);
AT&T Relay: 1-866-288-1909 CA STS customer service (available 24/7), or 1-866-844-2626 CA STS user training line (available M-F, 9am-5pm, or by appointment);
Or visit the website at: www.ddtp.org, and look for “VA STS” in the news section.
Posted on May 7th, 2012
A KTLP online survey launched in November, and completed by over 250 organizations representing over 1,000 vendored providers, shows that services for individuals with developmental disabilities have reached a “tipping point” in their efforts to provide quality services and supports in the wake of continuing cuts and freezes. Even if no further cuts are forthcoming, many programs may not make it through the next year.
The most shocking findings of the survey are that 10% of the responding organizations say they are within a year of going out of business if present trends continue, and over 33% report they are on the verge of having to close or consolidate programs/services in order to survive.
Read the full KTLP survey – In Danger of Collapse: A Survey of the Community Services System for People with Developmental Disabilities.
Posted on February 8th, 2012
The USC University for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is currently recruiting participants for the Family Support discipline in its 2012/2013 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (LEND) training program.
We are seeking parents of children with special needs who have a minimum of two years of experience working with other parents or as an advocate for systems change and are interested in receiving advanced training in our multi-disciplinary program.
If you have any questions, please contact Fran Goldfarb, Director of Family Support, at: fgoldfarb@chla.usc.edu or 323 361-3831.
LEND flyer
LEND brochure
Posted on February 7th, 2012
Please click on the image above to view a slideshow of photos from this year’s Ultimate Holiday Party. It was a lot of fun and a fabulous success!
Posted on February 1st, 2012
This article emphasizes the importance of setting up a special needs trust and planning for the future when there will be harsh cuts to government programs.
Read more: Special Needs Alliance Newsletter.
Posted on December 12th, 2011
UCP Foundations is offering a new art program for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Held at the Live Oak Community Center in Berkeley, classes meet every other Thursday through December 15. A range of art projects (including eggshell picture frames and build-your-own-oceans) encourage kids to experiment with different textures and media.
Read full article on the Examiner: New art classes in Berkeley offer hands-on fun for kids with disabilities.
Posted on August 23rd, 2011
