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Brought to you by Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program at MDRC.

Assistive Technology Webinar Series

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Use the public chat area on the right hand side. Questions and comments are encouraged and

expected! The session is being recorded. We will start recording now.

About the Webinar

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AT for Emergencies

August 25, 2011Michigan Disability

Rights Coalition (MDRC)

Disasters Everyday situations Two Presentations Included Today:

An Overview of FEMA and AT An Introduction to Michigan AT Program’s

Demonstrations on AT and Communication in Emergency Situations

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Two Types of Emergencies

Jessica Mitchell Regional Disability Integration Specialist for

FEMA Region V 536 S. Clark St., 6th Floor

Chicago, IL 60605 312-408-5499 (office) 312-576-2624 (cell) jessica.mitchell@dhs.gov

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Presenter

Disasters begin and end locallyDisaster declaration processTypes of disaster assistance

available for presidentially declared disasters

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Short Overview of how FEMA Works

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

SheltersCall centersCommunity Relations teamsEmployees

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Where FEMA uses Assistive Technology

When and why it was formed Lessons learned from former disasters Initiatives under current administration

Role within FEMA During presidentially declared disasters During steady-state activities

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FEMA Regional Disability Integration Specialist

Talk to your director of independent living

Talk to your emergency management officials

Grant guidanceOrganize Facebook page?

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How can you help?

For emergency management communities

Preparedness resources for individuals with disabilities

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Resource Handouts

Website at http://www.copower.org including a new AT Directory

Used Equipment Exchange: AT Exchange at http://www.atxchange.org

Low Interest Loans for AT through UCP Michigan’s AT Loan Fund

Device Demonstrations available at different locations throughout the state.

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Michigan’s AT Program

Hands on experience with devices Compare and contrast features and benefits Make an informed decision about whether AT

will help them Not a formal assessment/evaluation An overview, not training on how to use the

device

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The Purpose of Demonstrations

Hearing Loss Association: Hearing Technology Resource Specialists – 10 kits of devices

Small changes, Big Difference for community living low cost items

AT for People who are Neurodiverse Low Vision Superior Alliance for Independent Living

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Device Demonstrations

Communication in Emergencies

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Every day emergencies including: Ability to function at home alone Back-up plan for communication using low

tech items Ability to manage medication Ability to catch someone’s attention Ability to read and write

The transfer of information between individuals by any means.

The information does not have to be true or complete.

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Communication Overview

(from Lisa Bardach)

Needs and Wants Information TransferEtiquetteSocial ClosenessSelf-talk

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Why Do We Communicate?

Getting attentionMeeting wants/needsExpressing opinionsRecalling informationUnderstanding information

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Communication Functions

Speaking (verbal expression)Understanding (auditory

comprehension)Reading Writing Thinking (cognition)

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Communication Modalities

Low cost items may be an entry point and not necessarily a final product for daily use especially with work/school needs. 

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AT Demo: Low Cost Devices

Devices and strategies that can help with catching someone's attention, remembering important information, using the telephone, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking.

Include low cost back up plans for emergency and disaster preparedness.

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AT Demonstration Focus

Demonstrations are done by everyday users of AT who have been trained to demonstrate a variety of items that improve communication.

Demonstrators do not sell or promote specific products.

Funding and resource information is available at each personalized demonstration.

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AT Demonstrations

Includes devices with audible and visual messages.

Communication boards(useful back-up strategy!)

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Some Devices

Single message recording devices

A talking photo album Devices with multiple messages;

also have step-by-step for sequenced communication

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More Devices

Telephones

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Hands on practice is key to deciding what works best

Magnifiers Items for medication Time management Voice amplification

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And More

Pen friend talking labeling system

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Devices - New

You Tube Video of PenFriend Demo

Multiple uses for basic communication Also has voice-over features A universal design option

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Devices – iPod Touch

If a primary device is not available - emergency back up of free/low cost software

Reading and writing devices: computer, netbook or device like the Franklin Spelling Master

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Computer-based Communication

Magnification lightning express: www.xpscreenreader.com 

Magnification and screen reader www.satogo.com 

Screen Readers NVDA: www.nvda-project.org Thunder: www.screenreader.net 

Free Software

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Assessments by professionals must be done to access many of the funding sources.

ATXchange Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund

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Funding Note

Demonstrations are arranged by:

Disability Network Wayne County/Detroit313.923.1655

Disability Network Oakland Macomb586.268.4160

United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Detroit 248.557.5070

Need more information?Cathy McAdam @ 313 563-1412 or

mcmcadam@prosynergy.org

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Contact Information

Questions?

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Thank you for completing the online survey about this webinar. A link will be emailed to you.

If you do not want to receive email notices of future assistive technology webinar opportunities, please send an email to mdrc@prosynergy.org and ask to be removed from the AT Webinar list.

Thank you!

“When you are unable to communicate, people talk behind, beside, around, over, under through and even for you. But never with you. You are ignored until you feel like a piece of furniture.” – Richard Creech

“It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark” - Howard Ruff

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Final Thoughts