Best in Tech Conference 2010
Speakers and Resources
Ken Metz, a past counselor of the Department of Rehabilitation who presently serves on the Board of the California Council of the Blind presented the Talking HD Radio from Dice Electronics. He can be reached by email at: KenMetz@SBCGlobal.net or by phone at: 323-793-1805
Robert Stigile, president of the NFBC San Fernando Valley Chapter and first vice president of the state board of the NFBC, presented the Braille Note Apex from Humanware and Sendero GPS 2010. He can be reached by email at: nfbebents@gmail.com or by phone at: 818-419-5331
Julian Vargas, portable assistive technology specialist and vice president of the NFBC San Fernando Valley Chapter, presented Mobile Geo and also gave a brief overview of the existing options in accessible cellphones. He can be reached by email at: prtblaccess@gmail.com or by phone at: 818-794-9554
Nick Guttinger, a student at Cal-State Northridge studying assistive technology, demonstrated Android accessibility and discussed it’s pros and cons.
Tiffany Manosh,, a member of the board of directors of the NFBC and president of the NFBC River City chapter, discussed and demonstrated iPhone accessibility and some of her favorite apps. She can be reached by Email at: tmanosh@sbcglobal.net or by phone at: 916-202-3486
Dr. Bill Takeshita, Chief of optometry, Center for the Partially Sighted, Discussed the Apple iPad and it’s built in accessibility that is helpful for individuals who are blind or low-vision. He can be reached by email at: bill@drbillfoundation.org Or by phone at: 310-988-1970
Bob Sweetman, from Sweetman Systems, discussed and demonstrated Freedom Scientific’s Open Book 9 and Pearl camera. He can be reached via his website: www.sweetmansystems.com or by phone at: 818-893-5887
Keith Christian, teacher for the visually impaired, demonstrated the iBill currency identifier and the Pen Friend labeling system. He can be reached by email at: KeithChristian@Roadrunner.com
Dr. Brett Nagatani, Director of technology, Center for the Partially Sighted, discussed the latest in video magnifiers particularly Enhanced Vision’s Transformer. He also talked about the C-Desk software. Dr.Nagatani can be reached by email at: BNagatani1980@gmail.com or by phone at: 310-988-1970
Racquel Decipeda, Program Coordinator with the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles Hands On Volunteers Program and secretary of the NFBC San Fernando Valley Chapter, shared some valuable information about funding sources options outside of the Department of Rehabilitation that can help individuals to acquire assistive technologies. Below you’ll find detailed information about the sources she discussed:
National
Federation of the Blind
Assistive Technology Loan program
Chairperson: Curtis Chong
Contact #: 515-277-1288
Contact Curtis for an application and details about their 3% low-interest
loan program.
Lillie Perry
Foundation through the California Council of the Blind (CCB)
Contact person: Obbie Schoeman
Phone #: 818-790-3993
Call Obbie to find out about requirements and details on how to apply for
the loan program. 3% interest rate.
Hazel hurst
foundation
P O Box 519
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone #: 909-624-0923
Speak with Gwen to learn more about their 0% interest loan program and to
request an application.
Inspiration
Foundation
6010 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website:
www.inspirationfoundation.la/index.html
Visit their website for details and to apply online.
Change a Life
Foundation Grant through the Center for the Partially Sighted
6101 W. Centinela Ave., Suite 150
ulver City, CA 90230
Phone #: 310-988-1970
Call CPS for details on this loan program, or ask for Dr. Bill Takeshita.
Mobile Access
Payment (MAP) Program
Through Handy Tech North America
Website:
www.handytech.us
Handy Tech North America in partnership with Code Factory, are pleased to
reintroduce a new financing option by which consumers may pay for any of
the Code Factory products over a twelve month period, interest-free. This
program is only available for US
Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) & Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)
www.dcu.org
Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) & Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) can join the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) to take advantage of access loans to assist someone with a disability. Borrow from $1,500 to $25,000 or more for up to 72 months with no down payment required. The borrower need not be the beneficiary of the purchase. Qualified purchases include, but are not limited to: assistive technology, durable medical equipment, housing modifications, and rehabilitative equipment.
National:
Foundation for the Advancement of the Blind
4058 Moore Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 301-0344
This foundation provides funds for persons with visual impairments who
want to purchase assistive devices.
National:
International Association of Lions Clubs
300 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
(800) 747-4448
Website:
www.lionsclubs.org
Many Lions Clubs provide vocational assistance to persons who are legally blind. The international office refers requests for equipment or other assistance to the appropriate district offices. You may find your local Lions Club to find out information about assistive technology fund assistance program.
The Association of
Blind Citizens
Website:
www.assocofblindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm
Email: atf@assocofblindcitizens.org
The Association of Blind Citizens provides financial assistance for the purchase of technology products. Applicants must be legally blind and a resident of the United States. Applications must be submitted on line. If selected to receive a technology grant, applicants will be asked to provide documents such as tax returns and bank statements. Persons eligible to apply must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000.
CALIFORNIA
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM (CATS)
Website:
www.atnet.org
California Department of Rehabilitation
2000 Evergreen
Sacramento, CA 95815
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 944222
Sacramento, CA 94244-2220
Information and Referral: Colin Corby
Project Director: Kathi Mowers Moore
Phone: (916) 263-8687
TTY: (916) 263-8685
FAX: (916) 263-8683
E-mail: kmowers@dor.ca.gov
Racquel can be
reached by email at:
Racquelmd29@hotmail.com
or by phone at: 818-457-1482