ABILITY ANYWARE

Spring 2017 @>>>>>>

*Stellar! DEVPOST's Abilities

Hackathon 2017
Noteworthy Books

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Neuroplasticity .LQGOH)LUH


0XVLFians Global Accessibility

Awareness Day (GAAD) will be
celebrated on May 18, 2017.
Disability Related
TV Series & Films

Ability Anyware Assistive Technology

(AT) Survey
 Ability Anyware Digital Quarterly's mission is to disseminate
assistive technology (AT) news that facilitates the
accessibility, safety, digital literacy, employment, quality
health care, housing preference, self-determination,
recreation, creativity, and dignified recognition of
persons with disabilities.

From the Editor 2

AT World:Putting AT on the Map 3

Ability Anyware AT Survey 3

*STELLAR! DEVPOST'S Abilities Hackathon 2017 4

Editor's Pick of Apps 6

AT for Daily Living & Safety 6

Neuroplasticity 7

Noteworthy Books, Films, TV 15

Music: Ability Anyware's Playlist by Artists with Disabilities 18

We are on Twitter! @AbilityAnyware

1
 From the Editor
Ability Anyware Virtual Workshops
(Please request at least 2 weeks
in advance)

My Safety Matters:
Technology for
Safety

At Ability Anyware, we work diligently to find and distribute

assistive technology (AT) news. This includes technology and
personal products, as well as disability-related services and
training for persons with disabilities across gender, ethnicity,
cultural background, and age. We consider disability Accessibility in Windows
diversity (hearing, visual, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care,
independent living). Not all information shared by
Ability Anyware reflects the opinion of individuals involved
with or featured in our publication. Individuals with
disabilities contribute to the content and design of our
magazine.
Tanya Maxwell
Editor-in-Chief Accessibility in iOS (Mac)

Alternative formats of this publication (audio, large prints, simplified

language) are available upon request.
Please submit your request to info@abilityanyware.com

Accessibility in Adobe

Accessibility on YouTube

According to the Census Bureau, more than

56 million individuals with disabilities are reported
living in the U.S.

We offer advertising opportunities for businesses (including

startups), nonprofit organizations, and exceptional
individuals to be featured in our publication. For more To register for workshops,
information, contact us at info@abilityanyware.com contact us at
info@abilityanyware.com
2
 AT World: Putting AT on the Map!
Accessibility in the
Google Universe Your Input = Output

Google is the most

widely used search
engine. With
Google, users Physically Challenged
can retrieve the Action Foundation
information they (PCAF) in Ghana, as
What is Assistive seek quickly and featured in The World's
Ability Anyware
Technology (AT)? easily. Google would like your input Worst Place to be
is well aware that on which AT you use. Disabled?, needs your
AT is any form of individuals with We are also support! They provide a
technology (high or disabilities need interested in stories nurturing home to youth
low) that aids access to about barriers with disabilities, who
individuals with information too. encountered in your were ostracized in their
disabilities in mobility, They make life (tasks, equip- villages. PCAF teaches
daily tasks, personal information and ment, surroundings). these youth skills
care and safety, technology Ability Anyware necessary to lead
communication, job accessible to Assistive Technology independent,
duties, medical individuals with Survey will gather productive lives. Please
treatment, exercise, disabilities through important data like click here to support:
recreational activities, Google this to share with http://www.pcaf.com.gh
and creative Accessibility developers in
expression. With features. updating, creating,
possibilities afforded and releasing AT. Assistive Technology
via AT, developers a11YNYC (AT) Act of 2004
continue to create A11YNYC "group established a total of 56
apps and devices with exists to advance AT centers across the
the disability accessibility and nation under the RESNA
community in mind. inclusive design. (Rehabilitation
Our goal is to bring Engineering Society of
YOUR BUSINESS together NYC's North America) Catalyst
AD HERE accessibility Project. The centers,
community to You can request a funded via a
share ideas, best copy of the survey Rehabilitation Services
practices, and our and assistance with Administration and
experiences. If completing the U.S. Department of
you're interested in survey or audio & Education grant,
accessibility and alternative formats provide employment
inclusive design of the survey by services, such as job
then we want you emailing us at traning. To find out
in this group. We info@ability more about these
meet monthly, our anyware.com. centers, please visit
previous RESNA Project website:
presentations are http:www.resnaprojects.
archived on org/allcontacts/
YouTube (https:// statewidecontacts.html
youtube.com/ 3
a11ynyc"
* Stellar!
DEVPOST hosted its hands or fine motor skills to to paint on individuals with visual
annual Abilities a canvas using their voice or head impairment.
Hackathon from movements. The Smart Track Chair,
AgeWell, REACH, Phoneword, Lucille, Lucille is a SMS chatbot
March 10 - 12,
Sign 2 Speech, and Phone Captions
2017 in Baltimore, which enables an efficient,
were also awarded.
Maryland. simple, inexpensive way to
collect patient satisfaction
The Smart Track Chair enables
The event was "a data.
individuals to control their power
collaborative
operated wheelchairs via head
effort to engage Sign 2 Speech, converts
movements. AgeWell can predict and
the tech American Sign Language
prevent falls and other accidents
community in (ASL) to speech to
experienced by seniors via use of data
human-centered facilitate communication
sensors on an equilibrium platform.
design practices between Deaf and
for individuals with hearing individuals.
needs related to
their impacted REACH is "an image-
abilities." guided app gripper for
height accessibility." It can
The event serve
awarded "wheelchair users and
developers for elderly population getting
creating through everyday life with
accessible apps in The Smart Track Chair (above) greater ease, especially
the following when reaching items in
categories: Phoneword, was created "in an attempt grocery stores."
to solve a problem using a human
Transportation/
centered design approach." The Phone Captions, an app
Mobility
inspiration for this app was "a user story for individuals with difficulty
Wearables
from the Perkins School for the Blind" hearing, enables user to
Leisure/
with an "irritating issue that blind people view words on phone
Entertainment
face from time to time dialing phone screen as "other party
Aging
numbers that use words instead of speaks."
Technology
numbers (ex. 1-800-GOT-JUNK)."
Winners at the For more details on these
The app "uses Amazon Alexa to listen for accessible apps and other
event included
a sequence of spoken letters and innovations, please visit
Facepaint v1.0,
converts them to telephone keypad the DEVPOST website
an app that
digits." This makes the process of dialing
enables
phonewords more accessible for
individuals
without use of
4
 editor's pick of at apps

World Institute on
Disabilities (WID)
"The World Institute on Disability WID)
is a nonprofit that works to fully
integrate people with disabilities into
the communities around them in a
variety of different ways." The center
was Co-founded by Ed Roberts, the
disability advocate responsible for
curb cuts in sidewalks at intersections
which benefit millions of people in
the U.S. alone. WID is based in
Berkeley, California. Whether moving
in a wheelchair, pushing a stroller,
riding a bike or skateboard, or
crossing an intersection with
luggage, we all feel a sense of relief
at the sight of a curb cut!

Accessibility Pen Pad by Kenichiro

Features in Kindle Tanaka is a free app
Fire that enables a person
Kindle Fire's access- with disabilities to
bility includes write out or draw
features such as images instead of
Voice View, text-to- typing on a PC. It is
speech, for available on the Ed Roberts, Co-founder of WID
individuals who are Windows Store. &inventor of the curb cut
blind or visually
impaired, Bluetooth WID's programs include Health and
for individuals with Wellness, Employment and Benefits,
mobility and fine Climate Change and Disaster
motor impairments, Preparedness, and International.
and closed WID's CAPE (Curriculum on Abuse
captioning for Deaf Prevention and Empowerment) is a
or hearing impaired, "comprehensive training curriculum
stereo to mono for consumers and trainers to
audio for "using a educate services providers, people
single ear bud or YOUR BUSINESS AD with disabilities, and family members
have hearing in one OR SPECIAL about abuse awareness and
ear." MESSAGE HERE prevention strategies, with a focus
on self-protection for people with
disabilities living independently."

5
6
 at for daily living & safety
Digital Literacy
What is digital literacy??How can one get
it? When do we need it??Digital literacy is
the ability to understand/use digital devices
and interpret digital content.
Digital literacy is required on a daily basis for
tasks such as communication, work related
activities, school assignments, shopping, travel,
recreation. Digital literacy can fill a
communication gap for individuals with
difficulty speaking or articulating words.
Austim Expressed provides specialized training/
lessons to help adolescents develop their
digital literacy/life skills. They have different
modules for understanding the Internet,
safety, daily activities, education, and
professional development.
UCLA, a Pathway of Study for Students with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
UCLA Extension offers a variety of courses for
adults with diverse interests. This includes
Pathway, a specialized curriculum for students
with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. "Pathway at UCLA Extension is a
two-year certificate program for students with
intellectual and other developmental
disabilities, offering a blend of educational,
social, and vocational experiences, taught
and supervised by experienced
6
instructors sensitive to the individual needs of
our students. On campus, Pathway students
attend classes and participate with UCLA
students in the many social, recreational, and
cultural activities of a major university."
For more information or request a tour,
please contact UCLA Pathway at
(310)794-1235 or
pathway@uclaextension.edu.
Nationwide reports of missing persons with
disabilities calls for greater safety training.
Programs like Project GET SAFE in hospitals,
schools, day treatment programs, and
residential facilities help reduce safety risks
and protect the vulnerable segment of our
population. This includes individuals with
disabilities, children, and seniors. Please
visit Project GET SAFE Training & Resources
Center for access to web-based safety
lessons.
Common shortage of manpower in hospitals,
residential facilities, and day treatment
programs can lead to insufficient monitoring
during moments that are critical to personal
safety. Furthermore, individuals with disabilities
have challenges reporting abuse, neglect, or
danger. Assistive technology is a safeguard
and can be ubiquitous when humans are not.
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10
 Noteworthy Books
Hands of My Father: A The Disabled
Hearing Boy, His Deaf
Parents, and the Language
Veteran's Story: The
Sacrifices of Our Ability Anyware
of Love (Paperback &
Hardcover)
Veterans and Their
Families (Paperback encourages the
& Kindle)
promotion of disability
related literature in
accessible formats.
This can include large
print, digital format,
audio books. One
option is Audio Books
by Thailisting, a free
app with access to
A Caregiver's Survival
Guide: How to Stay Healthy
thousands of books
When Your Loved One is
Sick (Paperback & Kindle)
for streaming on your
phone (available on
the Windows Store).
Other audio book
apps include
Amazon's audible
and audiobooks
available on Google
Play and iTunes.
The Mind and the Brain:
Neuroplasticity and the
Power of Mental Force
(Paperback & Kindle)

Drawing on the Right Side

of the Brain: The Definitive,
4th Edition
(Paperback & Kindle)

11
 noteworthy films & tv series

Please click on
images for film
details including
content and
maturity level of
films.

Spectrum: A Story of the

Mind

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 Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the "capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to

change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory
stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction," (Encyclopedia Britannica,
2017). According to Dr. Norman Doidge, internationally acclaimed psychiatrist
and author, neuroplasticity has significant implications in treating individuals with
brain damage (from birth or sustained).

The documentary, Changing Your Mind: The Wonders of Neuroplasticity (2010),

reveals successful treatment for individuals suffering from Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD). Leading expert Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, UCLA Research Psychiatrist,
demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of neuroplasticity focused intervention.
The cohort of patients under his care experienced reduced disruptive cognitions
and subsequent behaviors. Additionally, neuroplasticity treatments have proven
helpful with stroke survivors and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Further information on neuroplasticity can be obtained from Huntington's

Outreach Project for Education (HOPE) at Stanford University, a branch
dedicated to neuroplasticity research.

8
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Julia, The New Friend with Autism
on Sesame Street

17
18
ability anyware's playlist (songs performed by artists with
disabilities)

1. "America, the Beautiful" by Ray Charles

2. "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder
3. "I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World" by Ronnie Milsap
4. "Con Ti Partiro" by Andrea Bocelli
5. "Fr Elise" by Beethoven
6. "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
7. "Chopin's Revolutionary Etude" interpreted by Rex Lewis-
Clack
8. Kim Ji Sun
9. "I'll Fly Away" by The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama
10. "As the Years Go Passing By" by Jeff Healey

YOUR BUSINESS AD OR
SPECIAL MESSAGE
HERE

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20
In Loving Memory of Gene Wilder
June 11, 1933 - Aug 29, 2016

21
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