| Regional Highlight | |
Join the Northeast Regional Demonstration Center for the Introduction to Mobi 2 Webinar.
March 21, 2012
10 AM - 11 AM
Free. Space is limited.
Register here.
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| Our Sponsor | |
FAAST is sponsored by the Department of Education/Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the State of Florida.
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| FYI | |
All the contents of FAAST Access Magazine are for general information and/or use. Such contents do not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) any decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is/are the personal opinion of such persons and are not subscribed to by FAAST, DOE, DVR or RSA. |
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Thanks for subscribing to FAAST Access Online. We hope you'll enjoy this month's special feature on establishing credit. These tips can put you in the power seat long-term when making AT purchasing decisions.
FAAST Core Services
Statewide and Six Regional AT Device Loan Programs
AT Device Reutilization/Refurbishing/Recycling Programs
AT Skills Development Trainings and Assessments
AT Device Demonstrations and Trainings
IDEA and Rehabilitation Act Transition Trainings Leading to Employment
Structured Presentations and AT Device Exhibits at Educational Conferences, Exhibit Fairs and Disability Specific Events
Public Awareness Activities; and Information and Assistance Services |
| AT Product Review | | |
BIGMack: It's a hit!
The popular BIGmack communicator by AbleNet is a sturdy communication aid that permits the recording of one message of up to two minutes in length. This device packs a punch with improved sound quality and battery life. The message can be re-recorded at anytime, and the device also acts as a switch. The BIGmack & LittleMack create opportunities for many individuals to try voice output communication as part of a communication system or an independent communication tool. One activation of the switch plays an entire message. The BIGmack is part of FAAST's Statewide Device Loan Library, so you can try it before you buy it. For tips on how to use it, visit this one-minute tutorial on YouTube. Also check out AbleNet's intro to the BIGmack and LITTLEmack. |
| Adaptive Software Spotlight | | |
Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology
By Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D., University of Washington
People with disabilities meet barriers of all types. However, technology is helping to lower many of these barriers. By using computing technology for tasks such as reading and writing documents, communicating with others, and searching for information on the Internet, students and employees with disabilities are capable of handling a wider range of activities independently. Still, people with disabilities face a variety of barriers to computer use. These barriers can be grouped into three functional categories: barriers to providing computer input, interpreting output, and reading supporting documentation. Hardware and software tools (known as adaptive or assistive technologies) have been developed to provide functional alternatives to these standard operations. Specific products, and approaches to using them, are described. Read on. . .
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| Housing Resources | | |
HUD & National Fair Housing Alliance Launch Campaign to Fight Housing Discrimination
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) have launched a new series of radio and print public service advertisements. The advertisements teach people about discrimination in housing based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status and disability. The campaign includes print ads in English, Spanish and Chinese.
We've collected up to date housing resources on:
- Mainstream Vouchers
- Florida Housing Assistance
- Community Development Programs
- Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Foreclosure Prevention, and much more. Read on. . .
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Featured App
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Swype Beta featuring Dragon GO!
Nuance, the company behind robust voice recognition software Dragon Dictation, has expanded into adaptive accessibility apps for Android devices. Late last year, it acquired Swype, the keyboard that allows for fast, continuous motion text input on Android touchscreens. What does this mean for users? Swype has been updated with a "Dragon Flame" key that, when pressed, initiates a voice-to-text system provided by none other than Dragon Dictation. Nuance is rolling out updates and bug fixes for more handsets rapidly. Read on. . . |
| Get to know a FAAST Board Member | | |
Dr. Mark Cerasale: On the front lines
Mark Cerasale, Ed.D. was appointed as a FAAST Board Member in 2006. He is currently serves as the Educational Technology and Exceptional Student Education Facilitator at Jackson Heights Middle School, Oviedo, FL. He oversees all school technology, integrates technology into the curriculum, and conducts technology training. Dr. Cerasale provides support facilitation services to middle school students with disabilities. Prior to this position, Dr. Cerasale served as the Supervisor of Exceptional Education and Medicaid Services Administrator and Florida Diagnostic Learning and Resource Systems (FDLRS) Technology State Loan Library, Special Education Teacher, Sanford Middle School. Dr. Cerasale is a 24-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard and was a member of the first cohort of the National Urban Special Education Leadership Initiative. In this month's board member profile, Dr. Cerasale shares what it was like to transition to teaching after over two decades of active military service. Read on. . .
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| Introducing: Melanie! | | |
Melanie Quinton, FAAST's New Horizon Fund Program Manager
The newest member of the FAAST family joined us this month filling the New Horizon Fund Program Manager position. Melanie Quinton comes to us with fourteen years of banking experience with a background in lending. Following in her father's footsteps, she grew up wanting to be a banker. However, her heart has longed to be a part of a non-profit, so she was thrilled to find FAAST giving her the ability to incorporate the best of both worlds with the New Horizon Fund Program. Her hopes are to grow the program to its max potential helping individuals with disabilities get the technology they need to improve their lives. Read on. . .
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| High-schoolers with disabilities awarded laptops | | |
The gift of technology lights the way to a brighter future for Florida teens
By Ray Ford, Jr.
More than 20 students across the state were presented with their laptops, thanks to a partnership between The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) and The Able Trust.
Many of us have to think really hard about a time when we didn't have a computer in our homes. But there was a time when the cost of such items pushed them out of the reach of the average American. Over time, as the technology improved and became easier to produce, the dream of owning a home computer became a reality; a luxury that most of us take for granted. Read more in the current edition of The Florida Grantor.
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| Resources: Credit Smarts by Mel | | |
Establishing credit: The basics
By Melanie Quinton
Below is a blueprint for establishing credit and using it wisely.
Open a bank account. This will not appear on your credit report, but evidence of an existing bank account could be requested on credit applications. This will also help you create good spending habits, which is an absolute necessity when establishing good credit. Make sure to research the bank that's right for you.
Become an authorized user on a credit card, if able and if it's wise to do so. When I was 18, my mother added me as an authorized user onto one of her credit cards. This was her way of helping me establishing credit and was a very easy way to do so. Keep in mind, though, you must be cautious and MUST make sure the credit card user has respectable credit and spending habits. If not, this could start your credit journey in the wrong direction. However, if you are the parent and have a child that needs to establish credit and know you have excellent credit history, consider calling your credit card company and having your child added. In some cases, you don't have to provide the child with a credit card. You can just have them added as a user to establish their credit, piggy backing on your good spending and payment habits.
- A second way to establish credit: To avoid being denied credit, attempt to apply for a card whose requirements you are likely to meet. I recommend starting with your bank. Read on. . .
Coming Soon: Maintaining your Good Credit and Credit Repair!!
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