June 2020

Program News

Program Policy and Procedures Update

Keep your eyes out! In the upcoming month, as ABLE Tech starts to prepare MOA agreements for the new year, we would like to ask that all partners review their program policies and procedures (P&Ps) that are maintained on the ABLE Tech Partner web page. Submit all P&P changes to Shelby Sanders by August 3rd. We will include the most up-to-date P&Ps with the new MOA agreement when those are sent to you to be signed later in August.

Device Loan Program Reopening

As requirements for social distancing are lessening, ABLE Tech plans to resume shipping of devices for short-term loans starting July 7, 2020. Staff will continue to thoroughly sanitize equipment following ABLE Tech’s established policies and procedures. ABLE Tech offices will remain closed to the public at least until July 7, however, virtual AT demonstrations /consultations are always available upon request.

Call (405-744-9748) or email (abletech@okstate.edu) to schedule a virtual AT demonstration or consultation. ABLE Tech will continue to monitor the guidance of Oklahoma State University to ensure community health and safety in light of COVID-19. Check the ABLE Tech website for updates, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19 Assistive Technology Devices and Services.

ABLE Tech to Launch NEW Device Inventory Database

ABLE Tech is excited to announce a new process for requesting short-term device loans, gently-used durable medical equipment (DME), and assistive technology (AT) exchange items. This database is called NATADS.

For over ten years, ABLE Tech has used NATADS to track device inventory and short-term loans. Now with new functionality, Oklahomans can use the system to register, log in, and submit a request for devices from a public access side.

There are multiple search functions to help you choose the best device(s) to request, and realtime feedback shows if items are available. The system is quick, reliable, and completely confidential. Create a free account on this site.

Once you are on the public site - you can choose between:

Device Short-Term Loan Program: to borrow NEW AT for up to 6 weeks.
Device Reutilization Program: to borrow GENTLY-USED DME for as long as it is needed.
If you previously requested items in the Exchange Program (Ex. specialized adult wheelchairs, pediatric equipment, braces, and walking boots), you will now choose the drop-down menu: Device Exchange/Reuse Program for this inventory and the Adaptive Baby Care items.

Upcoming ABLE Tech Events

Program Policy and Procedures Update

Register Now for AT Funding Workshops

Spots are filling fast for ABLE Tech's online AT Funding Workshops. If your district struggles to find money to buy tools needed for students with disabilities, make plans to participate in one of these virtual ABLE Tech workshops, “Funding Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities” on June 5th or June 12th.

Learn more about these ABLE Tech events

Tech Thursday Live Zoom Meetings Continue

ABLE Tech launched Tech Thursday as a way to connect with and support professionals during COVID-19. The first two months saw great success, with dozens of participants joining each session to learn about tools and technology to support online learning and more. Due to its popularity, Tech Thursday will continue as a monthly feature. Make plans to join us on June 18 when the topic is Computer Access with ABLE Tech AT Specialist, Shelby Sanders.

Spotlight on Success

Olivia is a 1-year-old girl from Noble County, diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome, a neurological disorder. Olivia’s SoonerStart Occupational Therapist recommended ABLE Tech’s demonstration and short-term loan program to Olivia’s family to explore AT solutions to improve her motor skills.

The family participated in an in-person demonstration with ABLE Tech’s AT Specialist to see what toys Olivia would respond to best. After demonstrating the adaptive toys, it was determined that AT would meet her needs! They borrowed several items through the short-term loan program to trial at home for six weeks to continue increasing her independence. The family was grateful for the use of these toys and to see the improvement in Olivia’s overall motor skills.

Assistive Technology Features

ABLE Tech has many tools in the loan inventory for supporting students with online learning and social isolation.

The Facebook Portal provides a simple solution for communicating through social media. Accessibility features such as Smart Camera and Smart Sound make it easy for individuals with disabilities to stay connected. Smart Camera adjusts the frame to follow the action, allowing for hands-free videoing. As more people enter a room, Smart Camera automatically widens to keep everyone in view. Smart Sound enhances the voice of whoever is talking while minimizing background noise. The camera and microphone can easily be disabled when necessary for privacy. Portal comes with Alexa Built-in, so it can be voice-activated to control smart home devices, listen to music, watch the news, and more, all hands-free. See Facebook Portal in the Device Loan Inventory

The Logitech USB Headset helps the wearer to hear and be heard when communicating over online meetings, entering text with dictation, or listening to text read aloud. Simply plug into the computer’s USB port for high-quality audio. The headset can be used with Skype, Yahoo Messenger, Gmail Voice and Video Chat, and more. The microphone sits close to the mouth to capture voice while minimizing ambient sound. See Logitech Headset in ABLE Tech Inventory

Microsoft has many free tools to make reading, writing, math, and communicating more accessible for all during times of social distancing and beyond. Accessibility features such as text-to-speech, dictation, translation/captioning, and record/playback for math problems can be used to support student engagement and accessibility for users with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), English Language Learners (ELL) or a combination of any of the broad range of unique student abilities.