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the REACHER e-Newsletter                               

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii                                                                
In This Issue
RTS Available
Give Aloha
Volunteer Opportunity
Employment Opportunity at ATRC
Latest and Greatest Technology
HIDA Workshops
Save The Date
Upcoming Events
Quick Links

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Rehabilitation Technology Services Now Available

 

ATRC Hawaii provides rehabilitation technology services (RTS) to vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumers statewide. Services include:  individual assessment, consultation and planning, provision of services, devices, training, and maintenance for the individual with a disability, and employers or other individuals who provide services to, employ and/or involved in the major functions of the individual with a disability.  The goal of these services for VR consumers: 

  • Increase, maintain and/or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
  • Determine their VR needs and to help prepare, secure, retain or regain their employment. 
The target population is persons with significant disabilities including cognitive, physical, and mental impairments, who are referred by their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.  These may also include persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and deaf/blind.
 
Some of the specialized training that ATRC provides includes, but is not limited to: speech recognition software, eye gaze technology, augmentative communication, screen reader, screen magnification software, educational text to speech readers, tablet and smartphone accessibility, and customized computer training for either PC or MAC. 
 

For further information about the RTS program contact your DVR counselor or Jodi Asato at jodi@atrc.org.

Give Aloha 2014              

Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program

Foodland Supermarkets are matching patron donations to the non-profit organizations of their choice for the entire month of September.  To participate and donate to the Assistive Technology Resource Center, show your Foodland Maika'i card to the cashier and make your tax deductible donation of up
of $1.00, $5.00 to $249 per person/per organization at checkout.  ATRC's organization code is 77049 (you can also give our name to the cashier). 

 

ATRC would like to properly acknowledge your donation, so please save your receipt and contact us directly at 808-532-7110. 

Volunteer Opportunity
ATRC is Looking for Tech Savvy Volunteers                              

 

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii is currently looking for volunteers to help out with our Computer Refurbishing Program. We are an officially licensed, Microsoft-certified PC refurbishing program that restores computers to be given to individuals with disabilities looking to use it for employment, educational, or communication purposes.  

As a volunteer, the duties are as follows:
  • Manually examine and repair computer hardware and peripheral components
  • Test functionality and assess problems older computers
  • Troubleshoot computer systems problems
  • Take apart and re-assemble computer components and parts
  • Use small handheld tools such as screwdrivers, voltmeters, etc
  • Manually set up computer systems and hardware, and install or re-install software programs for computer users
  • Work with colleagues (e.g., other computer repair and maintenance technicians) to resolve computer-related problems (troubleshooting)
  • Read and review technical support manuals or other materials

Please contact Joseph Go at joseph@atrc.org if you are interested.
 

 Employment Opportunity 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 a detailed description of this position. Contact Barbara Fischlowitz-Leong via barbara@atrc.org to express your interest and/or to ask questions.
Latest and Greatest Technology

Brought to you by our AT Trainers, Joseph Go and Jensen Tabil.  Technology listed

here is available for demonstration and possible loan from our AT Depot.  For more information, please visit our website: www.atrc.org/TryAT.aspx 


 

Smartlux Digital - Handheld Video Magnifier

 

Example of a Smartlux magnifier over a daily planner.
The SmartLux Digital is a revolutionary, portable video magnifier that has a multitude of features, all for a very economical price.

The large 5" LCD TFT display provides 5x, 7x, 9x, or 12x magnification (even less when used in hand-held mode) along with 5 different viewing modes that include full color, black on white, white on black, black on yellow, and yellow on black.  Illumination is provided by 2 hi-tech SMD LEDs and the tactile control buttons are easy to understand and use.  Images can be captured and up to 20 can be stored.

You can find more information on this product at their website.

 

Read And Write Gold


 

This computer software enables individuals to scan text and have it read allowed to them using the leading edge in text to speech technology. This technology is especially useful in the education setting, where students can learn to read on their own.  The system highlights words in the text as they are being spoken to the listener and will display the definition of any word with the click of a button. 


 

You can find more information on this product at their website: www.readwritegold.com/


 

Pocket Talker

The Pocket Talker is an easy to use and versatile portable amplifier that provides users with the ability to hear more clearly in difficult listening situations. With the ability to be used for one-to-one conversations or in small groups as well as for TV and radio listening, the Pocket Talker is ideal for use at home or on the go.

 

The Pocket allows each user to amplify sounds up to 44dB with the volume control while the included microphone helps minimize background noise. This compact amplifier delivers clear and full range, high quality sound, making each conversation a joy to be a part of. 

HIDA Offers Free Workshops                             

HIDA - Hawai'i Branch of the International Dyslexia Association is offering three  free workshops in the Fall in collaboration with Wayland Baptist University Hawai'i (located in Mililani Mauka).  They are excited to be offering these workshops in Central Oahu for parents, educators and others. The workshops are:

  • Saturday, Sep. 6
  • Saturday, Sep. 20
  • Saturday, Oct. 4

Please see the attached flier for additional details: HIDA Workshop Flier 2014 

 

For more information on the Hawai'i Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, please visit their website: http://www.dyslexia-hawaii.org/  

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 23 - Aging in Place Workshop (Ala Moana Hotel 8:30am - 2:45pm)

Aug 25 - Honolulu Elderly Housing Outreach (Waipahu)

Aug 25 - Hale Poai Elderly Housing Outreach

Sep 12 - Arcadia Benefits Fair (Honolulu)

Sep 18-19 - High Tech/Low Tech Seminar

Sep 25 - Castle Caregivers Support Group

Sep 28 - Outreach at St. Stephens Diocese of Honolulu  

 

Contact Jensen Tabil, Jensen@atrc.org for further information.