Meet Gabe DeLeon, ATR’s Low Vision Service Provider

Gabe DeLeon – Adaptive Technology Resources (ATR) – Low Vision Service Provider and Certified OrCam Trainer

Photo of Gabe DeLeon
Gabe DeLeon, Low Vision Service Provider

For the past several years, Gabe has been working with individuals who are Blind or have Low Vision throughout Wisconsin. Gabe’s focus is on our Veterans; working in conjunction with the Visual Impairment Services Teams throughout the VA System in Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee, Madison, and Tomah VA Centers. Installing low vision and blindness equipment, training veterans on their use, and assessing what is in the best need of the Veteran are among Gabe’s goals. His experience has extended to a variety of low vision clients of all ages and his patient, thorough, relaxed and caring training style have impressed many of his clients.

Gabe’s expertise extends to the following products:

• Tabletop CCTVs with 17″, 19″, and 22″ LCD monitors

• Tabletop CCTVs with PC Connectivity

• Portable handheld video magnification

• Wearable Portable OCR (Optical Character Recognition) solution

• Standalone scan and read appliance

• CCTVs with near, distance and self viewing

Onsite demonstrations of these low vision solutions are provided by Gabe free of charge throughout Wisconsin. He has set up equipment for clients in a variety of locations including clients’ homes, schools or workplaces.

Gabe’s thorough, professional and courteous service has been appreciated by numerous clients of ATR. If you would like to meet Gabe and examine ATR’s new line of low vision solutions, please call us so we can assist you.

If you would like to meet Gabe and learn more on the devices or services we can provide to patients with low vision or blindness, contact Gabe DeLeon at 800-770-8474 ext. 108 or email Gabe@adaptivetr.com with questions.

Gabe helping veterans
Gabe assisting his Veteran friends at Polish Fest in Milwaukee.

Meet Stephanie: ATR’s Customer Relations Consultant

Stephanie Klas Professional Photo

Stephanie Klas received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin Madison. She then subsequently received her Masters of Business Administration from Devry University, Keller School of Management. 

Her interest in adaptive technology began in 2002 when her son was diagnosed with bilateral optic nerve atrophy, a low vision condition. She quickly became proficient at researching and identifying technology solutions which would allow her son equal access to educational materials, and enable him to keep up academically with his peers. She has extensive personal experience with text to speech solutions, computer personalization, access to Bookshare, CCTV’s, low vision resources, and iOS applications. 

Stephanie has worked in various hospitals as a Social Worker and also at Apple Retail for three years. At Apple, she was initially a specialist, explaining the benefits and functions of Apple products and handling consumer sales. She was promoted to the Creative position where her focus was individual and group training. She completed an intensive program in Cupertino focusing on individual and group facilitation techniques for different learning styles. Her passion remained in assistive technology so she facilitated annual public accessibility events at the store. She has been asked to speak  about low vision and technology at events sponsored by Vision Forward, the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, and the Apple store.

Stephanie joined ATR as a Customer Relations Consultant in Nov 2015. Her focus is on supporting existing client relationships and building new ones. She works closely with educational institutions, government agencies, private companies, and individuals as they explore adaptive technology and find solutions for their unique needs. ATR’s team of professionals provide many product and service solutions, and Stephanie would be happy to explore them with you. 

“I have witnessed  first hand how technology can empower individuals and allow them to achieve their goals. Limitations are becoming obsolete and inclusive design is being embraced. It is truly exciting to be experiencing this era of unprecedented technology growth where mainstream solutions  are becoming more thoughtful and individuals have limitless possibilities. Imagination and drive propel us forward and I am humbled to be able to be part of creating and sharing equal access and opportunities for all.”

~Stephanie Klas

Meet Jamie: ATR’s Senior Technical Specialist

Jamie Schrauth

Jamie Schrauth received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. For the last 10 years, he has worked with individuals with multiple disabilities, assisting them in the acquisition of independent living skills. Jamie provides the following services to our customers:

• Integration of computer systems for clients
• Installation of computer systems, software and hardware
• Delivering, assembling and setting up any furniture required, including workstations, chairs, mats, and ergonomic apparatus
• Testing all software (productivity and adaptive) with the client to insure their functionality
• Instructing the client on maintaining and caring for their computer, operations of Windows and introduction to the computer system
• Troubleshooting and support for computer hardware and software
• Remote training and troubleshooting for clientsTraining in the following adaptive software programs: (• Kurzweil 3000• Dragon NaturallySpeaking• Read&Write Gold• ZoomText Fusion• ZoomText Screen Magnification• MS Office Suite of productivity software).

Jamie’s style of training is geared toward the needs of the individual. This is directly in line with ATR’s philosophy of training to the client’s needs. We know that clients and students will gain knowledge and confidence from Jamie.

HIMS Announces Polaris Firmware Updates

Polaris and Mini Side by Side

HIMS Inc. announced today a Firmware Update for the Polaris and Polaris Mini. This update includes the following:

Google Drive Integration

“The Polaris was already the most user-friendly notetaker on the market, and it just got better. The Google Drive integration in this firmware release creates a new folder in the File Manager that syncs to your Google Drive account. After signing in, you can copy and paste files into this folder and it will sync to Google Drive automatically. Now all of your files can be up to date on any device.”

Google Search

“Skip the clutter when searching the internet with the all-new Google Search integration on the Polaris. Our interface is easy to use and saves you time. Simply type your search and get results in an easy to navigate list. When you find the result you want, just hit Enter to be taken to that website. It’s just that easy!”

How to Upgrade

You can find resources for updating your Polaris Firmware on the HIMS website by clicking here, or by getting the resources from the links below.

Download the Latest Polaris Firmware
Download the Latest Polaris Mini FirmwareRelease Notes    (.docx)
Get the Latest Polaris User Manual
Get the Latest Polaris Mini User Manual
Upgrade Announcement (.docx)
Visit the HIMS website for all Polaris and Polaris Mini Resources

Meet Rick: President of ATR and licensed Occupational Therapist

Rick Ziller, President of ATR

Rick Ziller is a licensed Occupational Therapist who received a B.S. in Rehabilitative Science and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Concordia University. 

Rick began his career as a school based occupational therapist working with K-12 students with special needs. During that time he quickly realized his knowledge of technology was more than essential in the area of education, occupational therapy, and beyond. His time working in schools paved the way to his role as occupational therapist at ATR. While working the last several years as an occupational therapist for individuals with disabilities, Rick has experience in the following areas:

• Conducting AT evaluations for individuals with high-level special needs.

• Determining options in devices and services to suit clients’ educational, mobility, self-care, accessibility, sensory, and environmental needs.

• Analyzing physical limitation and creating custom solutions for technology access.

• Environmental modification to increase independence.

• Providing occupational, ergonomic, and self-care training.

• Referrals for a list of available solutions sources.

• Energy conservation & work simplification training

Rick is proficient in both Macintosh and Windows computers, has done an ergonomic analyses for a major manufacturer, and has experience adapting equipment to better suit the needs of those using it. Rick has a wide range of experience working with clients who have physical disabilities, visual impairments, and those clients with special needs, such as mobility impairments, cognitive and motor delays, traumatic brain injury, emotional disorders, autism, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other health impairments. 

Rick trains clients in a variety of software including Microsoft’s suite of productivity applications, Macintosh applications, text-to-speech and speech-to-text software. He teaches groups of teachers and students in the use of adaptive technology. Rick performs adaptive technology assessments, troubleshooting and support for adaptive software and equipment. In addition, he specializes in unique custom solutions to further the independence of others often creating voice access systems that cater to the specific goals of his client. 

“I am humbled every day by the amazing people I am privileged to serve. Getting to know our clients and help them overcome barriers to independence inspires me to reach further in my own life. Seeing what others can accomplish with a little help and encouragement brings a perspective that may have otherwise taken years to experience. We live in a time where technological advancements are plentiful but not necessarily designed for those who need them most, and this where ATR can help. We simply translate technology into a usable form; re-purposing it to allow others to achieve their goals.”

~ Rick Ziller, President of ATR, MOTR/L

Polaris Firmware Upgrades Available

Polaris and Mini Side by Side

HIMS, Inc. has just announced the May 2019 firmware release for the Polaris. This update contains new features that simply cannot be found in any other notetakers.

Google Drive Integration

The Polaris was already the most user-friendly notetaker on the market, and it just got better. The Google Drive integration in this firmware release creates a new folder in the File Manager that syncs to your Google Drive account. After signing in, you can copy and paste files into the folder and it will sync to Google Drive automatically. Now all of your files can be up to date on any device.

Google Search

Skip the clutter when searching the internet with the all-new Google Search integration on the Polaris. Our interface is easy to use and saves you time. Simply type your search and get results in an easy to navigate list. When you find the result you want, just hit Enter to be taken to that website. It’s just that easy!

Upgrade Today!

You can find resources for updating your Polaris Firmware on the HIMS website by clicking here.

The Sky is the Limit!

Jan using Dragon software on her computer

“Hi, I am Jan, and I have a disability. Specifically, I have erosive osteoarthritis, which affects my hands, feet, shoulders, neck, and back (as of right now at least). For someone who has always worked in an office setting, it was rather disheartening to realize that the arthritis was crippling the joints on my fingers making it difficult to do things most people wouldn’t even give a second thought to, including typing. It’s not that I ‘can’t’ type…. it’s just that any length of time spent typing makes the pain in my hands worse, therefore lessening the number of other things I can do later that day with my hands. This definitely led to me feeling down about myself. I want to get a job to provide for my family, but the effects of my disability, especially on my hands, made me feel like I would never be able to help support them, until I found out about all of the benefits I get being on disability.

I didn’t know what to expect when I started working with Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. I was so excited to meet my counselor and to see what DVR had to offer, that would hopefully help me feel successful again. One of the wonderful things that I have gotten to experience since working with DVR is the training that I have received from a company called Adaptive Technology Resources. My trainer’s name is Linda. She is very kind, super patient, and is an excellent teacher. You can’t help but feel good about yourself after having a training session with Linda, which is very important when you feel like you can’t do anything, due to your disability. Linda and I have been working on learning how to use a program called Dragon. I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities that I have been given through DVR and ATR, but I’m especially grateful for Dragon as it makes me feel like I can do anything again.

What a humbling experience to be able to work with such a program where all I need to do is talk into a microphone. There are commands that I need to learn how to use and memorize but once I do enough practicing, honestly, I feel as though the sky is the limit, and my disability is no longer holding me back!”

Thank you so much to ATR but especially to Linda, for helping me get my confidence back to apply for a part-time job doing what I enjoy!

Jan using Dragon software on her computer

Celebrate National Assistive Technology Day!

cctv magnifier for low vision

Celebrate with ATR the FIRST National Assistive Technology Awareness Day!

Just a few weeks ago, the US Congress designated March 27th as National Assistive Technology Day. Assistive technology helps people of differing abilities communicate, learn, work and play. It helps people become more productive and independent, and is really a game changer for many.

There are many different kinds of assistive technology (AT).

Educational AT

Using the Polaris and Polaris Mini

AT for Home Independence

Low Vision and Blindness Solutions


At ATR, we are dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities achieve their goals and pursue independence.

Established in 1995, Adaptive Technology Resources (ATR) was founded with the mission to serve individuals with unique physical & mental barriers by providing the necessary tools for success. ATR has been providing solutions to schools, agencies, businesses, and individuals for over 20 years. We take pride in serving our community by developing individualized, complete solution packages that are cost effective and designed to allow our clients to quickly and efficiently achieve their specific goals!

ATR provides comprehensive evaluations, recommendations, and outcome based solutions to support vocational, IEP, and personal goals.

Assessments are conducted by our licensed occupational therapists and all training is provided by ATR’s certified trainers.

NEW QBraille XL from HIMS, Inc.

QBraille XL User

In case you haven’t heard, the QBraille XL is one of the hottest braille products available right now and people are taking notice.  A Unique Blend of a Perkins Keyboard and QWERTY Function Keys! QBraille XL represents an entirely new type of 40-cell Braille display. The QBraille XL replaces the need for special keystrokes with the intuitively placed function keys found on all QWERTY keyboards. With the QBraille XL, closing an application means simply pressing the dedicated and familiar Alt+F4 buttons.

Don’t take our word for it… Read the NFB Review: The Best of Both Worlds: The QBraille XL Almost Perfectly Blends a Braille Display and a USB Keyboard

Don’t have a QBraille XL yet?  If you think the QBraille XL might be the braille display you are hoping for but want to learn more, email us at Info@AdaptiveTR.com or call 1-800-770-8474 ext. 106 for a free demonstration.

QBraille XL User

Quality Quest: 

HIMS has just announce the latest firmware release for the QBraille. Several quirks were quelled, including Mac Quick Nav Commands. Quickly check out the details. I’m sure you won’t have any qualms. Updates:1. Improved support for Mac computers, including: connectivity, Caps Lock commands, keyboard layout, and arrow key combinations.2. Pressing Escape will now function the same as pressing Escape on a keyboard in Windows. Pressing Mode + Escape will toggle between computer braille and your chosen grade.3. Added One-Handed mode.4. Improved usability of several Windows key combinations. To update your firmware, please follow these instructions:1. Extract the zip file and copy the folder and files to the root of an SD card.2. Place the SD card in the QBraille and connect to USB power.3. Long press the Power button to perform a complete shutdown.4. Long press the power button again to boot the unit.5. The unit will automatically upgrade and reboot once more. 
Here are your download links: https://www.hims-inc.com/brailleproducts_06/

Free Webinar for Polaris and Polaris Mini

Polaris and Mini Side by Side

Free Video Webinar 10/29/18 for Polaris and Polaris Mini

Polaris and Mini

ATR is offering a free educational webinar to describe the uses of the BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris Mini from HIMS for students and teachers and those looking for assistance with personal tasks.  Our specific focus will be the new updates recently released in the HIMS Fall Firmware Upgrade that include additional tools for students.

 

POLARIS MATH: Polaris Math makes creating and adding advanced graphs into the Polaris Word Processor quick, easy, and effective. Graphs can be embossed, saved as braille files, and much more.

 

NOTEPAD: Our new Notepad is our latest text editor that works with text, Braille, EPUB and PDF files with a highly stable and responsive experience. Our updated Word Processor creates DOCX files and can edit both DOCX and DOC, and can view PowerPoint presentations.

 

Betsy Binney will be conducting this webinar on behalf of ATR.

 

The 60 minute Zoom Demonstration will be available on the following date and time:

 

Monday October 29th 12:00 P.M.

 

Registration is required by Thursday October 25th.  To sign up for the webinar, please click here.  You will be sent a response email with instructions on how to participate in the Zoom video conference.

 

For more information Contact Us at info@adaptivetr.com or 800-770-8474 Ext. 106.   Or, refer someone to ATR today online using the Referral Form.

 

 

More About Polaris & Polaris Mini:

For individuals with a visual impairment, BrailleSense Polaris and Polaris Mini from HIMS offer a new standard in blind-friendly applications with the latest in cutting edge technology including:

  • Robust productivity tools, whether you’re in the classroom, at your desk, or on the road
  • Organization and schedule management tools
  • Information and communication in the office, at home, or on-the-go; including special features for Deaf-Blind populations
  • Built in GPS

Advanced features specifically designed for students and teachers include:

  • Sophisticated Calculation and Composition offers fraction calculation, Nemath and UEB Braille code entry into a fully functional scientific calculator.  Teachers and students can share assignments and homework without their teacher needing to learn strange abbreviations and code words
  • Use the Sense Dictionary to ensure stylistic and accurate composition.  Includes Dictionary, Thesaurus, and optional English/Spanish, English/French, and English/Italian bilingual dictionaries
  • Play and navigate DAISY and NIMAS compatible digital talking books
  • Listen to and record FM radio
  • Search for and play videos on YouTube, or stream audio content
  • Certified to use all Google services, including the play store. Thus, users can choose from among the thousands of accessible Android apps and access them via Polaris’s intuitive screen reader.

 

About Betsy Binney:

Betsy received both her MBA and PhD from Marquette University in business, finance and economics.  In 2011, Betsy began providing assistive technology training to ATR clients in both Windows and Mac environments. For over nine years, Betsy had been the Director of Technology for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired in Madison, Wisconsin.

 

Over the years, Betsy has helped blind & visually impaired individuals use computers to enhance their lives and gain employment. Betsy developed distance learning courses for blind users; created & presented classes on Web site accessibility to corporate clients; and designed the Council’s online Sharper Vision Store.  She also served as Chair for the Assistive Technology Review Committee for Microsoft Corporation from 1995 to 2007. In addition, she has worked with blind and visually impaired individuals on basic daily living skills such as home organization, identification of home appliances, personal care, and recreational activities.  She initiated and led more than nine low vision support groups in Wisconsin.