WATA Bulletin

Summer 1997

Meet Sean Barrett

I'm Sean Barrett, the new Assistive Technology Specialist for Western Washington, working for the Assistive Technology Resource Center. Essentially my duties include resource development and systems advocacy in western Washington for individuals attempting to access assistive technology. I started July 15, one month after I graduated from the University of Washington with a Masters of Social Work.

I spent the majority of my pre-graduate program life working for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, in a whole wide range of roles. I was a counselor on three different caseloads, assisted with a mass-eligibility program and spent a summer working as a graduate intern. My earliest days with VR were as a member of their advisory council, specifically as the chair of the strategic plan/order of selection/eligibility committee.

I am extremely happy to be working for the ATRC. I look forward to working with the Center and other WATA associated programs. I am thrilled to be using my education in an arena where I have very personal attachments. As a lifetime user of AT, I see not only the great good it can do, but also the need for change in areas where AT is both critical and mandated to exist. I look forward to my time at the ATRC.

Assistive Technology Fair features training

The Assistive Technology Fair, presented by the Idaho Assistive Technology Project and the Eastern Washington Assistive Technology Resource Center, will be held Friday, October 3, 1997, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cavanaugh's Inn at the Park in Spokane, Washington.

This unique event features 12 training sessions (eligible for in-sevice and clock hours), over 40 exhibits, and AT demonstrations. Advance registration for service providers is $25 or $35 at the door. Persons with disabilities and their families are invited to attend classes free of charge. For more information, contact Eastern Washington Assistive Technology Resource Center, Washington Assistive Technology Alliance, 606 West Sharp, Spokane, WA 99201. Phone, (509)328-9350 or (800)214-8731; Fax, (509)326-2261.

Conference offers look at latest technology

John F. Elmer
Shoreline Community College

A brief word of introduction: In 1983, Shoreline Community College began providing academic and personal support for students with significant cerebral palsy. Since 1993, we have been active in the provision of assistive technology to our students, primarily for computer and Internet access. We enjoy a long-standing collaboration and mutually beneficial relationship with WATA and the Assistive Technology Resource Center.

This spring, I attended the Technology and Disability Conference in Los Angeles sponsored by California State University-Northridge (CSUN), which was held March 18 - 22. For me, the opportunity to attend the CSUN Conference is one that I will value for some time to come.

My goals in attending were to gain insight into and knowledge of existing and emerging technology and it's application for persons with disability. I also wanted to look specifically for technology that could benefit students served by our program.

I was not disappointed.

Probably most exciting to me was the Speech Enhancer, a product based on recently patented technology that has already been licensed by NASA. It was almost magical. [Editors note: Dr. Jim Rothwell, president of Electronic Speech Enhancement, Inc. writes: "although it is certainly true we have been involved with representatives of NASA regarding an application of our speech enhancement technology, their involvement was solely on behalf of a third party, not on behalf of NASA itself. At no time has the NASA organization licensed our technology, nor is it anticipated that they would do so in the future. I trust this will clear up any misconceptions which might have occurred."]

The device consists of a headset microphone and a small processor box with speaker that is worn by the user. Its target users are people whose speech is generally only understood by a family member, therapist, or others well practiced in listening to the individual. The user simply talks into the microphone and their own voice emerges from the speaker in real time, but with remarkably improved intelligibility. There is no need for programming, practice, etc.-it just works.

I know it's not the solution for everyone, but it appears to be a major step forward. We're hopeful that it could benefit some of our students who are limited in their independence in the community because of communication barriers. Gee-I sound like their sales representative! You can get more information at their web site: http://www.SpeechEnhancer.com.

I was also pleased to have the opportunity to try out Madenta's "Tracker." This is a hands-free mouse alternative software program, that when combined with an on-screen keyboard, allows alternatives for mouse button functions and word prediction. This could be an excellent resource for a person for whom other devices (e.g., the use of a switch, an alternate keyboard, etc.) have proven ineffective.

Legislative & policy update

Frances E. Pennell
Policy, Funding & Systems Change Specialist

Congress just recessed for the summer having passed several bills of interest to assistive technology users. These include:

IDEA

The re-authorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may make it easier for schools to access outside funding sources while minimizing delays in providing AT for children with disabilities. It provides that schools shall first pay for necessary services and equipment and then bill other appropriate payors including Medicaid. To facilitate this process, the law requires the establishment of interagency financing agreements. Significantly, the law also adds assistive technology and services to the list of items that must be considered by the childs' IEP team.

Budget Compromise

Among the significant wins in the Budget Compromise are provisions which will guarantee Medicaid eligibility for children who lose SSI due to the 1996 rule changes; permit states to allow people with disabilities and incomes up to 250 percent of poverty to purchase Medicaid coverage; and make it easier for children under 19 with special health care needs to avoid placement in managed care. The compromise budget bill also sets aside $24 billion (funded through an increase in the tobacco tax) for states to provide health insurance for uninsured children. In Washington, this could mean an additional $23 million next year for expansion of the Basic Health Plan and/or Medicaid programs. States have the option of providing medical equipment and services under proposals that must be approved by the federal government.

The Washington state legislative session also ended on a positive note for users of AT. For a complete final report, please visit WATA's website at http://www.wata.org or call the Assistive Technology Resource Center and ask for a copy of the Final Legislative Report.

Calendar of Events

Technology & Inclusion - Fifth Annual Conference, September 22-24, 1997, Austin, TX

Focus is on inclusion and assistive technology. For more information call (512) 280-7235.

Training, September 24, 1997, Seattle, WA

Free training for consumers, consumer-advocates and providers on accessing AT in the Medicaid and Special Education Systems. For more information, call Marie Jensen at Washington Protection & Advocacy System, (206) 324-1521(V/TTY) or (800) 562-2702(V/TTY).

14th Annual PNW Institute on Special Education and the Law, September 29-October 1, 1997, Portland, OR

Update on special education law with regional and national experts. Cost is $275 if postmarked by Sept. 8th. For more information, call (206) 543-7258 or e-mail: slawd@u.washington.edu

Closing the Gap, October 23-25, 1997, Minneapolis, MN

Annual conference on assistive technology. 1997 Focus is on Microcomputer Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation. Registration received before Sept. 12 is $235.00. For more information, contact Closing the Gap by e-mail at info@closingthegap.com, by phone at (507) 248-3294 or check their website at http://www.closingthegap.com

Technology & Persons with Disabilities, March 17-21, 1998, Los Angeles, CA

One of the best annual conferences on assistive technology for people with disabilities. For more information, call the California State University at Northridge at (818)677-2578.