What’s new in Adaptive Devices & Global Environmental Technologies? August 14, 2014 in Milwaukee, WI

National Spinal Cord Injury Association – Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter (NSCIA-SWC) offers monthly SCI/D Peer Networking & Support Meetings Held on the second Thursday of every Month.

On Thursday, August 14, 2014 – 6:00pm-7:30pm,  Rick Ziller, of Adaptive Technology Resources will co-present “What’s New in Adaptive Devices & Global Environment Technologies?”

Date: August 14th, 2015

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Topic: What’s new in Adaptive Devices & Global Environment Technologies?
Presented by: Rick Ziller of Adaptive Technology Resources, Inc & Rob Horkheimer of Bridgeway Independent Living Designs

Location:  IndependenceFirst located at 540 S. 1st Street, Milwaukee, WI
Please visit on facebook and twitter via website: www.spinalcordwi.org

Agenda:

6:00 – 6:15 — Meet & greet with light refreshments
6:15 – 6:45 — Presentation on issues in relationships & disabilities 6:45 – 7:30 — Question & answer session and open forum

Information:

The NSCIA-SWC Peer Networking & Support meetings are informal sessions that offer opportunities to talk to individuals with similar disabilities, problems and interests and learn from each others’ experiences. While we are an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with spinal cord injuries or disorders, many of our topics are relevant to all who have disabilities; as well as their family members and caregivers. All are welcome to attend!!

Meetings are very informal and typically include a topic and a speaker to kickoff the meeting, followed by Q&A and general discussion. Light refreshments are also
provided. If you need transportation assistance, NSCIA-SWC will reimburse your roundtrip Transit Plus fees at the event. If you are commuting from more than 100 miles away, you are eligible for a $25 fuel reimbursement. Please let us know in advance if you will request reimbursement. Hope to see you there!!

RSVP:
To help us plan and contact you if necessary, please RSVP if you will attend.
By email: office@spinalcordwi.org or phone: 414-384-4022

 

Dyslexia Doesn’t Go Away

I was Diagnosed with Dyslexia in the 3rd Grade

dyslexia_study-skills_kurzweilLearning disabilities always make life difficult for students who have them. I know firsthand how difficult having a learning disability can be. I was first diagnosed with dyslexia in 3rd grade, at which point I had a 1st grade reading and spelling level and a 2nd grade comprehension level. Even high school was very difficult but I was able to work my way through the challenges and actually graduate with honors. Before I left for college I was retested to see where my disability was at and, unfortunately, none of my levels had increased any since my first diagnosis back in 3rd grade.

Dyslexia Made College Seem Impossible

With this disability it made it seem almost impossible to try to take on the challenges of college, or the workforce for that matter, but I was lucky enough to be introduced to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), who in turn introduced me to an adaptive consultant who taught me about assistive technology. He introduced me to two programs —Kurzweil 3000-firefly and Dragon NaturallySpeaking. This experience might be one of the most significant events of my life. With the introduction of these two programs, my educational and personal experiences completely changed. Instead of going to grandparents’ and neighbors’ houses to get help with homework and have them read books to me, I was finally able to be independent and do much of my own homework without any additional support. After my 1st semester in college of using Kurzweil 3000-firefly and Dragon, I was able to obtain a 4.0.

Assistive Technology Helped with My Dyslexia

I realized that now that I had these tools, I could get involved in other aspects of college that I never believed would be available to someone like me who simply had to spend all their time on homework. The next semester I began joining social groups and networking clubs. The following semester I got a job and was able to work while going to school. By the time my final semester came, I was in 6 social groups and officer of 3, I was in the honors program for the University and taking honors classes, as well as carrying an 18 credit class load while still maintaining my grades and working between 35 and 40 hours a week. The technology didn’t only give me the flexibility to be independent and complete projects on my own, but it helped me develop confidence and strengthen the person I could be. In addition, the technology gave me the time to develop other aspects of my life like a traditional college student does by working and getting in social groups. After 3 ½ years I was able to graduate with honors from my university. At that time I chose to be retested before entering the workforce to make sure I knew where I was with my disability. After only 3 ½ years of using this technology I had increased my reading and spelling levels by two grade levels and had increased my comprehension capabilities by over 13 grade levels. And doing this all while not getting any additional individual remediation. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the software and would have never made it through college without these tools.

Helping Others Find Success Despite Dyslexia is My Passion

Now 11 ½ years after my original graduation for my undergraduate degree, I have dedicated my life to helping others like myself find the relief and strength that comes from having the right solutions in their lives. While working full-time for a technology consulting company called Adaptive Technology Resource in Wisconsin, I was able to get my Master’s degree at night and still graduate in the top 20% of my class, all the while using Kurzweil 3000-firefly. To this day, assistive technology is a big part of my life and I use Kurzweil on a daily basis to read all of my emails, do research on new products, produce and proof reports, and so many other features I couldn’t list them all.

If there are individuals out there who have the will and the desire to be successful in the face of diversity such as a learning disability, there are tools that can help them overcome their disability and allow them to be independent and successful. I truly feel like I’m living proof of that and never imagine my life without my assistive technology tools. In many ways these tools are like the best friend I never had growing up. They are always there for me and don’t judge me when I make mistakes.

Join Me for a Webinar to See how Kurzweil 3000-firefly Helps with Dyslexia

I would love to share my personal experience with you. Register for a free webinar on May 20th at 12:00 PM Eastern when I will show you how I use Kurzweil 3000-firefly in the workplace.

“Takin’ Care of Business” – Success in the Workplace Even with Print Disabilities
Tue., May 20th, 12:00 PM ET

Written by:
Nicholas Hanford, MBA
Manager, Educational Sales & Training
Adaptive Technology Resources, Inc.

Safe Patient Handling Technology and Continuing the Rehabilitation Process at Home

Safe Patient Handling is a key phrase for protecting patients and caregiver and a national initiative for protecting the health of heath care professionals and individuals being cared for alike.  This initiative coincides with advancements in technology and resources for patient handling systems that help with: transfers, repositioning, and safeguards for standing and exercise activities.

Solutions for safe transfers, ambulation, and repositioning are highly individualized.  Seeking the perspective of an experienced physical or occupational therapist can be valuable in finding the right solution for safe transfer needs.

Ceiling Lift Transfers

Ceiling lifts: solutions for accessible transfers and exercise

Ceiling lifts provide safe and effective means of dependent transfers for individuals who require total assist for transfers.  Often times a ceiling lift can provide a great alternative to accessible bathroom remodeling as it can provide access to the tub and shower of the bathroom safely and effectively.

 

Ceiling lift transfers provide an advantage over hoyer lifts

–         space saving – don’t take up floor space

–         manageable for a single person to assist

–         no risk of tipping as hoyers can be top heavy

–         allow access over tubs

–         access to the bathroom without costly remodeling

Ceiling lift systems can also provide support that other lift systems do not provide, this includes standing activities with the support and protection of a standing harness system.  This provides a whole new level of opportunity for independence and safety.  See our YouTube video for more insight on use of a standing harness system for walking activities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srfs0vZmZYw

Ceiling Lift ExampleCeiling lifts can be both fixed as well as portable options which can be easily setup and taken down within 15 minutes, fit over variable sized beds, and holding weight capacities up to 440 pounds.

An alternative to ceiling lifts that work well for other situations include wall lift systems which can reach out up to 8 feet providing extended reach for transfers and assistance in the bathroom or the home.

Another standing system that provides an opportunity for access and safety in the home is the standing lift system such as the Sara Stedy.  These lifts can allow access on the standing into and out of the bathroom doorway with a narrow clearance and access.  This system is well suited to individuals who are able to come to standing with assistance but have limited endurance, or individuals who may be able to grasp, and have cognitive limitations (such as Alzheimers or Dementia, but have difficulty with following cues when up).  Optional trunk supports can be utilized in conjunction with these systems to provide increased support and stability.

Other lift technology iLift Technologyncludes options for power standing and power hoyer lifts,  there are a number of innovative solutions available from quality manufacturers such as Arjo, Waverly Glen, Prism, and Tollos.  Power standing lifts such as the one pictured provide a great transfer solution that promotes weight bearing, range of motion, and provides easy access for hygiene, lower body dressing and toileting assistance.

 

 

BILD is a unique company with physical and occupational therapists and factory trained lift installers.  We provide a variety of lift options, harnesses, and portable lifts.  BILD offers fixed ceiling lifts, wall lift systems, portable ceiling lifts, standing lifts, power hoyers, sara stedy, and power standing lifts.  We provide both sales and rental solutions for safety and independence.  Please visit our website online to learn more about accessible lift options, and work along with the region’s accessible lift experts to find the right solution for your home.  Visit www.bildnow.com or call us today at 262-671-2032 (WI) or 847-453-8866 (IL)