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the REACHER e-Newsletter                               

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii                                                                
In This Issue
Special Event-Day at the Beach
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Autism Resources
Latest Technology
Employment Opportunities at ATRC
Save The Date
Upcoming Events
Quick Links

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Special Event Day at the Beach
From the Department of Parks and Recreation and Accessurf 
 

Date: Aug 2, 2014

Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Place: Kualoa Regional Park

 

Camp site A; accessible parking and drop off. All others will be asked to park in area B parking lot

 

Activities:   FREE Canoeing, swimming, stand-up/prone paddle boarding, kayaking, Hawaiiana crafts and scavenger hunt

 

 Bring: Friends, family, picnic food, drinks and snacks

 

* No pets allowed. Only working service animals

Understanding the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The National Council on Disabilities Addresses Concerns
 
Over a decade ago, the National Council on Disability (NCD) helped kick off U.S. disability community consideration of an international treaty by publishing a White Paper titled Understanding the Role of an International Convention on the Human Rights of People with Disabilities.[i] Since that time, NCD has published numerous documents and reports[ii] in support of the development, signature and ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).[iii] Through the development phase of the treaty and our support throughout the process, NCD has proudly encouraged the ratification of this first international treaty to address disability rights. This treaty will extend the values of the Americans with Disabilities Act abroad and improve access for Americans with disabilities, including veterans, who live, work or travel abroad.

NCD now takes this opportunity to weigh in on several of the misperceptions that have been discussed as the treaty is considered by the United States Senate.
 
For a full list of the NCD's explanations regarding these misperceptions, please visit the NCD website.
ACT Early Hawaii Team
From the Center on Disability Studies/University of Hawaii Manoa
 
Below are a few resources that may be of interest to families with Autism:
 
1. Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive resource guide for all states. There is also a list of tool kits for families, such as the 100 Day Kit (created specifically for families with newly diagnosed children to make the best possible use of the 100 days following their child's diagnosis of autism), Advocacy Tool Kit, and Family Support Tool Kits - 4 separate kits for parents, siblings,grandparents and friends:  

The site also provides some apps that parents may find useful, including
games that focus on communication and social skills:  
 
2. Autism Society has another great site that includes helpful resources for those with autism,  family members, as well as professionals. Autism Society also provides updates on the latest autism news and press releases. Next Steps is a guide for families new to Autism.
 
3. P2P USA provides emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained 'Support Parent'. Through a one to one "match" experienced support parents provide emotional support to families and assist them in finding information and resources. This is not a resource about autism or specific to autism but a great resource to share with families.
Latest and Greatest Technology
VisioBook
The Next Generation Video Magnifier is Here!
 

The first product of it's kind, the VisioBook is a high quality, full-colour reading device for visually impaired people of all ages.

 

Now you can fully enjoy all the benefits of a desktop video magnifier wherever you are. The highly portable VisioBook is as small as a laptop computer and has the same functionality as a regular desktop magnifier, plus some exciting additional features. Thanks to the specially designed and unique folding mechanism it can be set up and folded away in a few seconds to a very compact and portable size, the likes of which has never been seen before for this kind of product. It magnifies your documents and photos wherever you are, even away from a power outlet, thanks to the built-in batteries that offer 5 hours of continuous use. After use, you can fold it down easily and store it in a very small place.

 

For more information on this device, please visit the VisioBook website.  
If you would like a demonstration on the VisioBook or to apply for a short-term loan of this device, please contact the ATRC offices at 808-532-7110 or atrc-info@atrc.org  

 
 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT ATRC
ATRC continues to provide top quality programs and services across our state. We are seeking employees committed to working with persons with disabilities. We
have an employment opportunity for the following full-time position:

VOCATIONAL SPECIALIST (VS)
The VS will work collaboratively with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors to provide job placement and retention services to individuals with significant disabilities (SD) and most significant disabilities (MSD).  Individualized services are to be provided to enable the individual with SD/MSD to achieve meaningful employment consistent with his/her strengths, resources, concerns, abilities, interests, and informal choice.

Visit our website: www.atrc.org for detailed descriptions of the positions and other employment opportunities. Contact Barbara Fischlowitz-Leong via barbara@atrc.org to express your interest and/or to ask questions.
Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society: 18th Biennial Conference
 
Imagine 2030: Mobilizing Our Community Across Generations
 
September 29-30
At the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa 
2424 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu 96815

This year's conference will provide global, national and local perspectives on how communities are mobilizing across generations to improve the elements of communities that enhance independent living with the goal of having older citizens take a more active role in their communities.

Day One: Speaker Amy Tomczyk, Director of Outreach and Education of Blue Zones.  Blue Zones, developed by National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner, are places in the world where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long, full lives.

Day Two: Features AARP's and Who's efforts to create "Age-Friendly Communities." The goal is to enhance independent living for older citizens and encourage them to take a more active role in their communities.

For more information, visit www.hpgs.org

Upcoming Events
Aug. 6 - Kaiser Permanente Senior Summit Learning Series at Leeward YMCA
Aug. 11 - Kaiser Permanente Senior Summit Learning Series at Kaiser Waipio Clinic
Aug. 13 - AARP Simple Steps to Fall Prevention, Better Health, and a Home for Life (Hilo, HI)
Aug. 14 - AARP Simple Steps to Fall Prevention, Better Health, and a Home for Life (Kona, HI)
Aug. 18 - AARP Simple Steps to Fall Prevention, Better Health, and a Home for Life (Kaua'i. HI)