Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Application Deadline: Monday, January 9, 2023 | 9 PM ET

APPLY FOR THE FELLOWSHIP

The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) is now accepting applications for fellows for a one-year self advocacy project.

SARTAC will select six fellows, who will grow their leadership skills as they work on their projects with host organizations. Fellows will work on their projects about 14 hours per month and will receive $5,000 to complete their one-year project. The fellowship begins on March 1, 2023 and ends February 28, 2024.

SARTAC will choose fellows and contact all applicants by February 14, 2023.

To learn more about the application process, SARTAC will hold a Zoom meeting on Thursday, December 1st, at 1 PM ET. Meeting information is below:

• Meeting ID: 324 815 633
• Call-in number: 1-929-436-2866

Learn more about the fellowship and find past and present projects and examples of final products on the SARTAC website.

For more information, please contact Candace Cunningham or call 816-235-5833.

With the holidays fast approaching, we know it can be stressful to shop for loved ones and coworkers.

But we have great news: The Arc’s new online store has tons of great items that would make the perfect gift!

Browse the catalogue to see an exciting lineup of items, including clothing and accessories that showcase The Arc and its mission of inclusion for all.

The store ships straight to your door and directly helps support The Arc’s advocacy and the resources they create throughout the year to help educate people with disabilities, their families, professionals, and allies on disability issues. Make sure to buy any items before December 4 to get your items before the holidays.

Help continue to protect and improve disability rights and shop with The Arc this season of giving!

SHOP NOW!

PS: Did you know you can also support The Arc at zero additional cost when doing your other shopping on Amazon, during the holidays and all year long? Simply select The Arc as your Amazon Smile organization and shop just like you normally would. That’s it!

The National Federation of the Blind administers an accessibility inclusion fellowship program under a non-visual accessibility initiative grant from the State of Maryland.

The Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship is a one-year fellowship awarded by the National Federation of the Blind to three Maryland professors to assist them in integrating accessibility into their curriculum and teaching methods in at least one course. We award $2,000 to an instructor of a University System of Maryland school or a professor of an independent Maryland college, and two awards of $1,500 each to Maryland community college instructors. For more information, visit the Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship Program. 

How to Apply

Take advantage of this opportunity to start including accessibility concepts in your course offering.

Apply today by submitting the following information via email to mhackert@nfb.org. Applications for the 2023 Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship must be received by December 31, 2022.

• Name:
• Professional Title:
• Name of Your Institution:
• Email Address:
• Phone Number:
• Course Title:
• Is this a required course, or elective?
• Cover letter

In addition, please provide copies of your class syllabus, the course description from the college catalog, and two professional references. Please submit your application to mhackert@nfb.org by December 31, 2022.

The National Federation of the Blind administers the Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship program under a non-visual accessibility initiative grant from the State of Maryland.

Your existing course does not need to have an accessibility component. If chosen, the NFB will work with you through our Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access to enhance your course curriculum to include accessibility concepts by providing consultation and assistance with course instruction.

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University are conducting a research project (IRB#00021611). The overall goal of this three year research program will be to develop a caregiver implemented AAC intervention delivered via telepractice for young children (24-36 months) with complex communication needs. In study 1, parents and speech-language pathologists will be interviewed regarding their perspectives on the implementation supports, features, and resources parents and speech-language pathologists need in order to participate in a caregiver implemented augmentative and alternative (AAC) intervention via telepractice.

The total time commitment will be approximately 2-3 hours. Participants will be compensated $50 for their time. Parents are eligible to participate in the study if they have a child between 24-60 months with complex communication needs and limited natural/verbal speech. Speech-language pathologists are eligible to participate in the study if they work with children ages 24-36 months of age and currently have at least one child on their caseload who could benefit from AAC strategies. Speech-language pathologists must also have at least 2 years’ experience providing any form of AAC (including picture symbols, iPad, sign language, text, and others).

Interested participants may follow this link: https://redcap.link/earlyaac to read and sign the study consent form. 

Study Flyer PDF

Accessible Device Showcase Seminar – December 14, 2022, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET

Whether you are buying for yourself or you are searching for the perfect gift for family or friends, it can be hard to find consumer electronic devices that are accessible to blind and low vision individuals. 

The National Federation of the Blind in partnership with the Maryland Department of Disabilities is hosting an Accessible Device Showcase Boutique that will help you fill your gift giving and personal wish lists with the latest in accessible consumer electronic devices. From smart homes to leisure activities, we will cover: 

• Video games 
• Smart home devices 
• Mobile applications 
• Toys and games 
• Home appliances  

Register today for the Accessible Device Showcase Seminar, December 14, 2022, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

Contributed by Lynelle Ross

The college experience poses unique and often trying obstacles for students with visual disabilities. Yet, earning a college degree is far from impossible. Universities and private organizations are doing more than ever to help visually impaired students. Between counseling, accommodations, learning tools, and specialized housing, there is much to understand about the options available to college students with visual disabilities. In this guide, we take an in-depth look at the evolving college experience for blind and low vision students, as well as offer useful tips and resources. 

Earning a college degree is no easy feat, regardless of circumstance or background. As such, for those with visual disabilities, educational success at the college level can be exceptionally difficult. The path to the graduation ceremony is lined with unique and often difficult challenges for blind and low vision students.

The good news, however, is that colleges are doing more than ever to help level the playing field for those with visual impairments. School accessibility departments, on campus clubs, and private non-profit organizations often work in tandem to make college life for those with vision loss easier and more enjoyable.

From testing accommodations, to reading tools, to special housing, there is a lot to learn about the college experience for those with visual impairments. In this guide, we explore how having a visual disability impacts the college experience, what universities are doing for visually disabled students, tips for visually impaired college students and their families, and other resources. 

Read Full Article Here