YOU might say it all started with spell-check. In the 1980s, with the introduction of word processing programs like WordPerfect, it became apparent that computerized proofreaders could come to the rescue of struggling spellers and bad typists. Thirty years later, an ever-growing array of assistive technology is available to help students read, write term papers and take tests. From pens that can remember to text that can talk, such technologies are now being held up […]
Category: Mobility
Who Are You Calling Disabled?
In an indoor rock-climbing class for patients with hand differences, a wall is just part of what they’re learning to surmount. By Jeff Weinstock “Take!” For the fourth time Akira has called out the one-word cue, prompting her rock-climbing instructor, Quinn, serving on the ground as her belayer, to “take” some slack out of the rope—that is, tighten it so she can sit back in her harness, stuff her hands in her chalk bag, and pause. […]
Federal report highlights trend of involuntary institutionalization during and after disasters
The National Council on Disability (NCD)—an independent federal agency—today released its latest report, titled, Preserving Our Freedom: Ending Institutionalization of People with Disabilities During and After Disasters. NCD – which advises the President and Congress – examined available data from several major storms and disasters and found that people with disabilities are frequently institutionalized during and after disasters due to conflicting federal guidance; a lack of equal access to emergency and disaster-related programs and services; […]
Mobility Devices for Young Children
What are Kiddie Canes, Pre-Canes, and Alternative Mobility Devices? The long cane used by some people with visual impairments has a white shaft, a black handle, and is red near the bottom. The long cane provides a traveler with information about the ground in front of him as he moves. There are several alternative types of mobility devices that children with visual impairments who are very young or who have additional disabilities can utilize. These […]
Holiday Travel Tips for People with Disabilities
The Transportation Security Administration has shared some important tips to help you better prepare for security screening at our Nation’s airport screening checkpoints for the 2018 holiday traveling season. In anticipation of increased wait times and long lines, we are providing the following TSA travel tips: • All travelers should arrive at least two hours early for domestic and three hours early for international flights, to allow plenty of time to get through security screening. […]