Thomas Gressman, “Assistive Technology for those with Disabilities” on Sept. 24th, 9AM pacific

Thomas Gressman, “Assistive Technology for those with Disabilities” on Sept. 24th, 9AM pacific. blogtalkradio.com/kindethics

Thomas Gressman is an Assistive Technology Specialist from the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living. Thomas is part of the Assistive Technology Department. The Three Rivers Center is one of many Centers for Independent Living in the US. TRCIL is a not-for-profit organization which provides services to people with disabilities in SW PA. Assistive Technology is one of those services. AT is defined as any device, or system of devices which helps a person with a disability accomplish a task. These can be very low-tech to very high-tech.

Their goal is to help people with disabilities live independently in the community setting of their choice by providing consumer controlled supports and services. Their services include Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Waiver programs, Housing, Deaf and Hard of Hearing services, Nursing Home Transition, Peer Support, Skills Training, Personal Assistance and Transitioning. The website is www.trcil.org

Other resources include:

Harris Communications www.harriscomm.com A good starting point for assistive devices for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing.

ASL Expo www.aslexpo.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaf_culture A good starting point for information on Deaf Culture
Hearing Loss Association of America http://www.hearingloss.org/

http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/ This site will direct people to a Center for Independent Living near them.

The Pennsylvania Initiative for Assistive Technology (PIAT) http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/piat/

PIAT Assistive Technology Lending Library http://disabilities.temple.edu/news/newsletterAT/
Pennsylvania Telecommunications Device Distribution Program (TDDP) http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp/

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) www.patf.us

Have a kind and respectful day.