Summer 2015

Ability Anyware
In This Issue:
* Assistive
Technology
(AT) Apps
* Avonte's Law:
Tech & Safety
for Children &
Adults with
Disabilities
* Global
Accessibility
Awareness
Day(GAAD)
* Mission Possible:
Disability Advocacy
Delegation
* Noteworthy Books &
Performances

June 27th is Helen Keller's Birthday.

We dedicate this issue in her memory.
=

"I love you." in

American Sign
Language
(ASL)
2015

Content
Cover Art

Page 1

From the Editor

Page 2

Ability Anyware Workshops

Page 2

Editors Pick of AT Apps

Page 2

AT World: Putting AT on the Map

Page 3

Technology for Safety

Page 4

Global Acccessibility Awareness Day

Page 6

Mission Possible Campaign

Page 6

Noteworthy Books & Performances

Page 12

Voice Activated Apps

Page 12

Ability Anywares mission is to disseminate assistive

technology (AT) news that facilitates the accessibility,
inclusion, safety, employment, self-determination,
recreation, creativity, and dignified recognition of
persons with disabilities.
Please note that some of the bold text
in articles contain website and email links.

Cover Art

By Sharon, Deaf Artist

Sharon is a Deaf artist. She paints in
watercolor and oil, sketches in colored
pencils and charcoal, and dabbles in
electronic art.
Artists, submit your art to
ability.anyware@gmail.com (jpeg or png file) for
consideration to be featured in one of our
publications!
Please participate in the Ability Anyware Assistive
Technology (AT) Survey! You can complete it
online today! See page 3 for more details.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Ability Anyware:Mission POSSIBLE
October 17, 2015
More Details on Page 5

Alternative formats of this publication (audio, large prints,

simple language) are available upon request.
Please submit your request to ability.anyware@gmail.com
1

From the Editor

Ability Anywares Free Workshops:
1. My Safety Matters: Technology for Safety
2. Accessibility in Windows & Microsoft Office
3. Accessibility in iOS (Mac) & Pages
4. Accessibility in Adobe
At Ability Anyware, we work diligently to find and
distribute assistive technology (AT) news. This
includes technology and personal products, as well as
disability-related services and training for persons
with disabilities across gender, ethnicity, cultural
background, and age.
We consider disability
diversity (hearing, visual, cognitive, ambulatory, selfcare, independent living) in our content. Not all
information shared by Ability Anyware reflects the
opinion of individuals involved with or featured in
our publication.
Tanya Maxwell
Editor-in-Chief

More than 37 million individuals

with disabilities are reported
living in the U.S.
(2012 estimate by DisabilityStatistics.org).

5. Accessibility on YouTube
To register for workshops, contact us at
ability.anyware@gmail.com
Editors Pick: AT Apps

Car Dash
Windows 8 phone
app aids limited
mobility in access to
car features.
BARD (Braille &
Audio Reading
Download)
National Library Reading
Service app, available on
iPhone & iPad, aids
reading for visual &
physical disabilities.
Speech Recognition
Windows 8 PC app for
fine motor and/or visual
disabilities. Speech types
words on screen.

We offer advertising opportunities for

startups, nonprofit organizations, and
exceptional individuals to be featured in our
publication.
For more information, contact us at
ability.anyware@gmail.com

Finger Speller
Windows 8 PC &
phone app tests
mastery of Sign
Language letters.
Webtalk
Android app assists
website navigation by
reading webpage
content aloud.

Tobii EyeMobile
Windows tablet provides
hands-free tablet use through
an eye tracking system.
Learning Ally
Android audio reading
app assists dyslexia &
visual impairment.
Veggie Time!

What parent wouldn't love

this Windows 8 PC, phone,
tablet app? Colorful images
in matching game helps
children with (or without)
learning & speech
disabilities identify
different vegetables.
Encourages them to eat
their veggies!
2

AT World: Putting AT on the Map

Ever Wonder Who
Invented Those
Mini Ramps
(Curb Cuts) in
Our Sidewalks?

What is Assistive
Technology (AT)?
AT is any form of
technology (high or low)
that aids individuals with
disabilities in mobility,
daily tasks, personal care
and safety, communication,
job duties, medical
treatment, exercise,
recreational activities, and
creative expression. With
possibilities afforded via
AT, developers continue to
create apps and devices with
the disability community in
mind.

Millions of people have

experienced the
benefits of curb cuts at
one point in their
existence.
We can thank
Ed Roberts,
Co-founder of the
World Institute on
Disability
(WID), for that!
Whether moving in a
wheel-chair, pushing a
stroller, riding a bike
or skateboard, or
crossing an intersection
with luggage, we all
feel a sense of relief at
the sight of a curb cut.

YOUR BUSINESS
AD HERE

This simple form of AT

reduces the risk of
injury or death that can
occur from falling off a
curb or being stalled at
an intersection. AT
(high or low) is pivotal
in removing barriers that
impede daily activities,
independence, progress,
and the overall quality
of life for individuals
with disabilities.

Your Input = Output

Ability Anyware would

like your input on which
AT you use. We are also
interested in stories about
barriers encountered in
your life (tasks,
equipment, surroundings).
Ability Anyware
Assistive Technology
Survey will gather
important data like this
to share with developers
in updating, creating, and
releasing AT.

You can complete the

survey here: Ability
Anyware Assistive
Technology Survey
If you need assistance
with completing the
survey or require
audio & alternative
formats of the survey,
please contact us
at ability.anyware@
gmail.com.

Where Can I Access AT in

My Community?
If your access to AT,
Internet, and/or computers is
limited, most states have
assistive technology centers
which provide free use of AT
equipment or devices.
The Assistive Technology
(AT) Act of 2004
established a total of 56 AT
centers across the nation
under the RESNA
(Rehabilitation
Engineering Society of
North America) Catalyst
Project. The centers, funded
via a Rehabilitation Services
Administration and
U.S. Department of
Education grant, provide
employment services, such
as job traning. To find out
more about these centers,
please visit RESNA Project
website:
http:www.resnaprojects. org/
allcontacts/
statewidecontacts.html

AT for Personal Safety

Personal safety is a concern for all of us. The
heartbreaking case of Avonte Oquendo
brought the need for improvements in safety
technology for individuals with cognitive
disabilities to our consciousness. Speech or
verbal challenges hinder one's ability to
communicate threats to personal safety and
are compounded by visual, hearing, or
mobility impairments.
According to Avonte's Law, the Attorney
General can allot grants to law enforcement
agencies to "(1) reduce the risk of injury and
death
relating
to
the
wandering
characteristics of some individuals with
autism and other disabilities, and (2)
safeguard the well-being of individuals with
disabilities during interactions with law
enforcement."
Apps or devices with GPS (Global Positioning
System) help to give the location of a child or
adult with a disability. It's useful for children
without disabilities and senior citizens as
well. My Buddy Tag has GPS and a panic
button embedded in a bracelet. A person can
press the panic button to alert family
members and/or caregivers when they are
lost or in danger.
Ability Anyware
encourages developers to continue creating
affordable AT apps which accommodate and
protect persons with disabilities.

Effective use of tracking devices, real-time

camera surveillance, mHealth apps (health
related software for mobile devices) and
safety training, such as Project GET SAFE
in hospitals, schools, day treament
programs, and residential facilities help
reduce safety risks and protect the
vulnerable segment of our population. This
includes individuals with disabilities,
children, and seniors. Please visit Project
GET SAFE Training & Resources Center
for access to web-based safety lessons.

Mapping and monitoring a daily route to and

from home for a child or adult aids in closer
observation of loved ones' routes and
records any deviations.
GPS Tracker by FollowMee, available on
Windows Phone, is another form of AT for
personal safety. It converts phones and
tablets into GPS and can track individuals
with wandering tendencies.
Life Alert, introduced in 1987, is another
form of AT for seniors and individuals with
disabilities. It alerts emergency services and
loved ones of a person who has been injured
or is in danger. Life alert now has a mobile
app to enhance its life-saving service.

Common shortage of manpower in

hospitals, residential facilities, and day
treatment programs can lead to insufficient
monitoring during moments that are
critical to personal safety. Furthermore,
individuals
with
disabilities
have
challenges reporting abuse, neglect, or
danger. Assistive technology is a safeguard
and can be ubiquitous when humans are
not.
4

For over 25 years, Infogrip has been the

world leader in assistive technology,
ergonomics and special education
solutions. Our extensive experience and
product knowledge enables us to match
you with the best product that fits your
needs. We know that every person with a
disability requires something unique and
that "one size" never fits "all" in our
industry. That's why our customers
receive the individual attention they
need to find the product that is right for
them. We truly believe there is a solution
out there that can make using a
computer possible for every person with
any ability.
www.infogrip.com

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

YOUR BUSINESS
AD HERE

Global Accesibility Awareness Day

(GAAD) in May

The virtual world poses barriers for persons

with disabilities just as the physical world
does. A strong indicator of this is observed
in the profliferation of web-based services
and apps. This exponential growth has
implications for more accessible design in
technology products. Global Accessbility
Awareness Day (GAAD), celebrated on
May 21, emphasizes and raises awareness
about the concept of and realization of
accessible technology.
GAAD co-founders, Joe Devon, a web
developer,
and
Jennison
Asuncion,
a web accessbility specialist, conceptualized
and promoted this day as an opportunity to
share technology developments, training,
and online forums for assistive technology.
Mr. Asuncion provides insight on the "Art of
Web Accessibility" in this interview
transcript and online video. Closed
Caption (CC) can be turned on for this
YouTube video.
Video game development also requires more
focus on accessibility. #Accessibility Jam
was a GAAD event with a blog that promotes
and provides a portal for accessible games.

WHAT'S YOUR ABILITY?

RECRUITING DISABILITY ADVOCACY
DELEGATES FOR
MISSION POSSIBLE
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 17, 2015
Ability Anyware Seeks
Disability Advocacy Delegates
for Virtual Conference
What's your ability? Ability Anyware is
seeking delegates with disabilities to
participate in our Mission Possible
Conference on October 17, 2015. The
conference will be launched online to make
it more accessible for individuals with
physical disabilities. The last day to apply
is August 30, 2015.
Please contact ability.anyware@gmail.com
to apply or get more information about this
event.
More details about the virtual
conference will also be posted on our Twitter
page @abilityanyware.
6

OG Surf & Skate Supports Surfing Event for Children with Disabilities
OG Surf & Skate epitomizes the concept of a disability friendly business!
In spring of 2015, OG Surf & Skate donated gift bags to children with
disabilities at an event sponsored by the Best Day Foundation. With
great volunteers and assistive technology accommodations to surf
boards, children with physical and cognitive disabilites were able to surf
for the first time in their lives! Sports and physical activities are often
limited for children with disabilities. Best Day Foundation banishes this
limitation by making surfing accessible!
OG Surf & Skate sells specially selected merchandise, such as
contemporary and comfortable surf and beach clothing, accessories,
and sports gear for surfing and skating enthusiasts. Visit OG Surf
& Skate online or in person by making a trip to the quaint,
Victorian inspired beach town of Ocean Grove, New Jersey.

BEST DAY
FOUNDATION

Best Day Foundation is a volunteer organization that helps children with

special needs build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure
activities like surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snow sports, and more.
Please join us in creating special days for children with Autism, Down
syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, blindness, cancer, spinal cord injuries, and other
physical and developmental challenges. Learn more about Best Day
Foundation at www.bestdayfoundation.org.

A special education teacher partnered with an

experienced brewer to train and hire
unemployed adults with developmental
disabilities to
brew beer.

BEER = CAREERS

WWW.BREWABILITYLAB.COM
10

Ability Anyware's List of Noteworthy,

Disability Related Books & Performances
Click on titles for descriptions from other sources & links to websites.

Books
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

The Miracle Worker by William Gibson

Riding the Bus with with My Sister by Rachel Simon
What Do I See When I Look at a Tree? by the Maxwell Sisters
Pig Man by Paul Zindel
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

Films (Most films listed are for general audience.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Films with * require parental screening)

See What I'm Saying by Thomas Kaufman

Darius Goes West,Directed by Logan Smalley
Waiting for Ronald, Directed by Ellen Gerstein
A Room for Romeo Brass Directed by Shane Meadows *
Dance Me to My Song,Directed by Rolf de Heer *
Tru Confessions Directed by Paul Hoen

Plays
Spring Awakening on Broadway by Deaf West Theatre

Music Videos
Chandelier by Sia featuring Kristen Wiig & Maddie Ziegler
Hello by Lionel Richie
American Sign Language ASL Dedication Song "Man In The Mirror" by DeafTuber

Voice Activated Applications for Individuals

Who Cannot Read or Use Touch Screen
1. Window's Cortana
2. "OK Google"
3. Apple Siri
For information on Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines,
please go to:
http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-adastandards/background/adaag
11

In Our Next Issue:

*Digital Literacy
*AT at the Special Olympics
*Mission Possible Virtual Conference
*More AT Apps & Video Games
*Impact of Technology on Disability
*AT Devices
*More Noteworthy Books & Performances
*Ability Anyware's Holiday Gift Guide
*Ability Anyware's List of Disability Friendly Venues

12

Introduction to Advertising in Ability Anyware Digital Quarterly

Your visibility on a new disability friendly channel! Select advertising that fits your needs. Ability
Anyware offers an array of ad sizes and rates. Choose from a single issue ad to year-round placement. Ad sizes can be found in the
table (below). We offer color, premium, full-page ads, as well as other advertising options.
An estimated more than 37 million individuals with disabilities live in the U.S. Strategically place yourself for visibility
within the disability community. The disability community includes individuals with disabilities, their loved ones, disability
service professionals, businesses that serve the community, and other disability advocates.

Complimentary conversion of your advertisement to digital format and circulation on social media

Your purchase of advertising space in Ability Anyware includes a complimentary digital version of your ad as a supplement to
your paper ad and free circulation at disability friendly, assistive technology related, and disability friendly venues in the
New York Metropolitan area, as well as Ability Anyware's Twitter, LinkedIn, Scribd sites. We have more than 600
subscribers across the globe.

FREE PREMIUM FULL PAGE AD WITH PURCHASE OF ANY FULL YEAR AD PACKAGE!
AD SIZES

PLACEMENTS

THREE

YEAR

Premium Full page (includes bleed) 8.25" x 10.6875"

l page 4.6875 x 9.5662
2 page vertical 4.6875 x 7.1272 .
2 page horizontal 7.125 x 4.6875

Gift wrap an ad!

3 page vertical 2.25 x 9.5662 .

3 page horizontal 4.6875 x 4.625 .

Premium placement available : Inside Front Cover, Inside Back Cover, Back Cover,
Middle Page

Advertising closing dates for upcoming issues

Summer 2015 Issue

Winter 2016 Issue

Ad sales deadline ........................................July 10, 2015

Ad sales deadline .............................................October 26, 2015

Fall 2015 Issue - Special Issue

Spring 2015 Issue

Ad sales deadline .......................................August 31, 2015

Ad sales deadline .......................................February 22, 2016

Please contact us at ability.anyware@gmail.com to place an ad.

We can design your ad!

This requires that you send us and design specifications (what you want your ad to state, photos in jpeg or
png, logos, graphics) at least 2 weeks in advance. Once the design is complete, we will email you a proof.