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March 2011 Great Possibilities
LATAN Monthly E-Newsletter
Greetings!
LATAN assists individuals with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life and greater independence through increased access to Assistive Technology as part of their daily lives. LATAN is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit statewide entity funded in part by Federal AT Act Grant, State Appropriations, public and private foundation grants, and via generous donations.

LATAN provides this electronic newsletter to keep consumers, caregivers, educators, therapists, supporters and Louisiana citizens informed of our programs, activities and services for individuals with disabilities.

The AT Marketplace: Louisiana's Assistive Technology Classifieds
  ATMarketplacelogo
Looking for lower-cost AT to meet your needs? LATAN promotes device reutilization by advertising used items for sale or donation.LATAN's program, The AT Marketplace, is available for searching through latan.org.
911 Services for Individuals with Disabilities Survey
  Be Heard! Complete the Survey Today!
On March 16, 2011, the FCC's Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) released a national on-line survey to determine the most effective and efficient technologies by which persons with disabilities may access Next Generation 9-1-1 emergency services systems. The survey is available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) video. It will be available until April 24, 2011.
New Technology!
  Standing Wheelchair
People with disabilities who are confined to a seated position in a traditional wheelchair are now able to stand up and stretch out with ease and safety. The standing wheelchair, developed by a research team at Thammasat University with funding from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), will be one of the highlights at the NSTDA's Annual Conference.
LATAN Helps People Get the AT They Need
  AT Financial Loan Program Business Man Loan
You say: "I need AT."We say: "Let's help you get it!" We've been funding Assistive Technology needs since 2002.

For information about a loan to purchase Assistive Technology, contact:
Henry Bateman, Program Director:
Tel: (888).811.6672

Ora'Setta Brown, Program Assistant:
Tel: (800) 270.6185 (Voice/TT)

Disability Initiative
  Disability Initiative Flyer
The Disability Initiative is a partnership between the Louisiana Office of Economic Development and DHH. It seeks to offer individuals with disabilities the competitive advantage they need to gain access to programs and resources for self-employment opportunities.

LED's Disability Program Navigator coordinates with state and local agencies to ensure individuals with disabilities have the resources they need to obtain self- employment.

Outstanding Board Member of the Quarter
  Jennie Bourgeois Recognized for Silent Auction Efforts Jennie Bourgeois Photo
At their February 15 meeting, the LATAN Board recognized Jennie Bourgeois as the Outstanding Board Member of the Quarter. Jennie was applauded for her work on the Silent Auction fundraiser held at the 2010 LATAN Annual Awards Event. Board members expressed appreciation for all that Jennie did to make the Silent Auction a success.

Pictured with Jennie (left to right) are: Jim Parks, LATAN Board Vice Chair and Elaine Richard, LATAN Board Chair.

LATAN's North Louisiana Office is Moving!
  Same Great AT Service - Different Location MovingTruck Pic
Effective April 1, 2011, LATAN's North Louisiana AT Device Demonstration Center will move to:

8028 Shreve Park Drive
Shreveport, Louisiana 71129
Tel: (318) 841.1548

Our New Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 37313
Shreveport, LA 71133

Staff:
Susie Stewart, Program Director
Email: sstewart@latan.org
Phillip Harris, Program Assistant
Email: pharris@latan.org

In the Spotlight...
  Josh Miller Josh Miller Photo
LATAN is pleased to announce that our own Josh Miller is now an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) as certified by RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America). He recently passed his exam and met all other education, employment and CEU eligibility requirements.

Please join us in congratulating Josh for his major accomplishment. He now serves as the Program Director for the South Louisiana AT Device Demonstration Center. He may be reached at (225) 925.9500 or jmiller@latan.org.

Do You or a Client Need A Low-Cost Computer?
  Contact LATAN's Computer ReUse Program Desktop Computer PIc
A Louisiana resident with a disability or a limitation due to aging can purchase a refurbished computer through LATAN's Computer ReUse program. The refurbished computer comes with a flat panel monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and a licensed copy of Microsoft Windows XP Professional® operating system for $265, including tax, shipping and handling, and a processing fee.

Call 1.800.270.6185 (V/T) or visit the Computer ReUse page on at latan.org.

LATAN On Facebook - Become a Fan!
 
LATAN has its own Facebook page as a means to keep our consumers, friends and supporters aware of Assistive Technology activities, programs and services.

We invite you to sign up (it's free) and share your information and events that assist all individuals who live with a disability.

 

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network

phone: (800) 270.6185 (V/TT)
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