Misc. Resources:
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Fall 2001
Volume X, Issue 4
A.T. Life Reporter
A Newsletter about Assistive Technology for People with
Disabilities
Navajo-ABLE AT Evaluation Team
Working with Chinle Valley Community
Recent trips to Chinle, AZ and to Shiprock, NM have kept the Navajo-ABLE
project assistive technology (AT) multi-disciplinary evaluation team hopping,
and Navajo Nation staff are helping to bring positive changes to individual
student's lives. On-site assessments, evaluations, consultations and technical
assistance visits have resulted in the placement of more than $10,000
worth of loan equipment in the Chinle Valley community alone.
Members of the Chinle Valley multidisciplinary evaluation team include
Diane Boehm, Physical Therapist (PT) on contract with the Navajo-ABLE
project, Julia Sells, Physical Therapist for Chinle Schools, and Kathy
McWhorter, Navajo-ABLE Project Director. Julie Bisbee, an augmentative
communication specialist on contract with the Navajo-ABLE project, has
also been working closely with students who have unique communication
needs.
Julia Sells has been a physical therapist for nineteen years, all but
two months of which she has spent on the Navajo Nation. She has worked
with the Chinle Valley School for nine years and says, "My goal .
. . on the Navajo Nation is that the services there should be the same
as what children would receive if they lived elsewhere."
Diane has worked since 1977 as a physical therapist, primarily in the
pediatric field. She was inspired to become a PT when as a volunteer,
she observed a therapist working for United Cerebral Palsy, "It looked
to me as though the therapist was performing magic with her hands, the
way the children were responding and improving over time. I now know that
. . . it is the help of a whole team of people. . . and with what assistive
technology offers, the scope of potential improvement has increased beyond
imagination."
Diane and Julia are shown above with high school student Ronnie Clitso,
as they consult on the proper fit of his AFO's (ankle-foot orthoses).
Ronnie is one of eleven individuals who recently received full AT evaluations
to determine specific technology supports that may enhance his educational,
recreational, rehabilitative and therapeutic programs.
"The Chinle Valley School staff and the Chinle Unified School District
personnel are wonderful, dedicated people, and we have truly enjoyed working
with each and every one of them," remarked Kathy McWhorter, Navajo-ABLE
Project Director, who has been on-site for the evaluations. "I'm
particularly impressed with the efforts of Judith Jake, Family Services
Coordinator, who has not only helped us identify individuals who would
benefit from AT interventions, but has helped us obtain permissions and
referral packets for each person, and then prioritized those referrals
to maximize our time on-site." Efforts to secure additional equipment
and to train school personnel in the use of the devices are ongoing in
this community.
Another special person who has been actively coordinating evaluation
services with the project is Marilouise Chee, a vocational rehabilitation
counselor in the Shiprock area. Working collaboratively with the Native
American Protection and Advocacy Project (NAPAP) and the Shiprock branch
of Dine College, Marilouise is helping individuals expand their capabilities
both on-the-job and in college settings. Her tenacity and commitment to
her clients has made a lasting impression on our staff, and has broadened
the scope of services provided through Navajo OSERS programs.
El Equipo de Evaluación de Navajao-ABLE AT Trabajando
con la Comunidad Chinle Valley
Miembros del club multidiciplinario del equipo de evaluación de
Chilnle Valley incluye a Diane Boehn, físico terapeuta (TF) en
contrato con el proyecto Navajo-ABLE , Julia Sells, físico terapeuta
para las escuelas de Chinle, y Kathy McWhorter, directora del proyecto
Navajo-ABLE. Especialista aumentativa comunicativa, Julie Bisbee, en contrato
con el proyecto de Navajo-ABLE, ha estado trabajando muy cerca con estudiantes
que tienen nececidades de comunicación únicas.
Julia Sells ha sido terapeuta física por diecinueve años
y solo ha pasado dos meses en la nación Navajo. Ella ha trabajado
por nueve años con la escuela Chinle Valley y dice, "Mi meta…en
la nación Navajo es de que sus servicios séan los mismos
que los niños recibirían como si estuvieran en cualquier
otro lugar."
Diane ha trabajado desde 1977 como física terapeuta, principalmente
en el area pediatreico. Ella fue inspirarda en ser una física terapeuta
(FT) cuando siendo voluntaria, observó a una terapeuta trabajando
para La Unión de Paralisis Cerebral, "Por medio de la terapeuta
me pareció a mi que estaba realizando magia con sus manos, la manera
que los niños respondían e improvisaban con el pasar del
tiempo. Ahora sé que…es la ayuda de todo un quipo…y con
lo que ofrece la asistencia tegnológica, el potencial de mejoramiento
se ha desarrollado más allá de la imaginación."
En la parte superior podemos ver a Diane y Julia con Ronnie Clitso, estudiante
de la secundaria, mientras consultan la medida apropiada de su talonera
ortopédica (TOP). Ronnie es una de lsa once personas quien recientemente
ha recibido evaluaciones completas de AT para determinar una ayuda específica
que pueda enlazar su programa recreacional, educacional, rehabitacional
y terapéutico.
"El profesorado de la escuela Chinle Valley y el personal de la
escuela Uníficada del distrito Chinle son maravillosos, personas
dedicadas, y disfrutamos verdaderamente trabajar con cada uno de ellos,"
acentuó la directora del proyecto Navajo-ABLE, Kathy McWhorter,
quien ha sido acompañante en las evaluaciones. "Estoy particular-mente
impresionada por el esfuerzo de Judith Jake, coordinadora de servicios
familiares, quien no solamente nos ha ayudado a indentificar a personas
que se beneficien de las intervenciones de AT, sino que también
ayudó a obtener paquetes de permisos para cada persona y luego
dió prioridad a las referencias para maximizar nuestro tiempo.
revistas referentes a nuestro propio tiempo en esenario."Esfuerzos
para acegurar equipo adicional y para entrenar personal escolar en el
uso de invenciones están trabajando en ésta comunidad.
Otra persona especial, quien ha estado coordinando activamente sevicios
de evaluación con el proyecto, es Marilouise Chee, una consejera
de rehabilitación vocacional en el area de Shiprock. Trabajando
colaborativamente con la protección Nativo Americana y Proyectos
Avanzados (NAPAP) y la rama de Dine College de Shiprock, Mariloise ayuda
a personas a aumentar sus abilidades en ambos, en el trabajo y en las
aulas. Su tenacidad y entrega para sus clientes ha hecho una impresión
duradera a nuestra facultad, y han ampliado las perspectivas de los servicios
provehidos por los programas Navajo OSERS.
Partnership with San Juan Center for Independence Builds
Ramps at Homes in Four Corners
Helping people with disabilities gain access to their homes - at a price
way below the average- was the focus of a recent NMTAP partnership with
the San Juan Center for Independence in Aztec, NM.
According to Tom Peoples, procurement specialist at the San Juan Center,
the average cost to build a wheelchair ramp is $3,000. But thanks to the
team efforts of NMTAP and the San Juan Center and the generosity of Glen
Vaer, owner of Lucky's Contracting in Farmington, ten ramps have been
built in the Four Corners area at a cost of only $20,000!
Tom Peoples explained, "We selected 10 people from those on our
lists - three from NMTAP files and 7 from the San Juan Center's - who
had ramp requests that cost closest to the $3,000 average. But we could
only pay $2,000 per ramp. So fortunately, Glen Vaer came to the rescue
and donated the difference, including his labor and some of the materials.
Lucky for New Mexicans, Glen and his business, Lucky's Contracting, like
doing work for the disabled."
Creative financing appears to be the rule, rather than the exception
when it comes to paying the construction costs of wheelchair ramps throughout
the state. A financial collaboration between NMTAP and the Navajo Chapter
House in Beclabito, NM allowed two families on the Navajo Reservation
to receive wheelchair ramps that together cost a total of $8,700 - with
NMTAP paying $4,000 and the Beclabito Chapter House donating the rest.
While ten people with disabilities can now access their homes by rolling
up a ramp directly into their front door, there are another 306 on waiting
lists for ramps and there is a two year backlog on requests for home modifications.
A few of these folks will be assisted by local charitable organizations
such as the Kiwanas, Elks, and Civitans - who Mr. Peoples approaches for
individual jobs. But there is not enough money to help everyone in need.
Costs range from $250 to $300 for a 36 inch door, while the average cost
of a bathroom modification is $6,400. It's estimated that the cost to
fulfill all the pending home modification requests is over $1 million,
with only $100,000 or so coming in from such sources as DVR, NMTAP and
other organizations.
Mr. Peoples and NMTAP's Director Alan Klaus are mapping out ways to locate
other sources of funding to help New Mexicans with disabilities. If you
have any ideas, or would like to offer your support, please contact Alan
at (800) 866-2253 ext. 8533 or Tom at (877) 484-4500.
NMTAP Strengthening Services
For its DVR Clients
If you're a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, look to NMTAP for help
with assistive technology.
A recent agreement between NMTAP and the Division of Vocational Rehablitation
(DVR) allows DVR consumers to borrow AT equipment from NMTAP's ABLE loan
bank for AT evaluations. The Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE) must
address assistive technology needs of each consumer. Here's how it works:
- Call our information and Referral Specialist, Caroll Cadena, at (800)
866-2253, with your request. She'll gather some basic information.
- A Release of Information Form to request a copy of the client's current
IPE, AT evaluation, and any other information that would help NMTAP
ensure that the client receives the appropriate AT equipment will be
sent to the consumer/counselor.
- Upon receipt of the consumer's information, Lorie Gulley, the AT
Specialist for NMTAP will consult with the consumer/counselor to determine
the appropriate AT equipment. NMTAP will then complete a Loan Agreement
and lend the AT equipment to the client for 3 months, with one 2 month
extension allowed.
- One week before the Loan Agreement terminates, NMTAP will remind
the client and counselor that the equipment is due back to NMTAP and
to make arrangements for its return. NMTAP is responsible for shipping
the equipment to and from the client.
- Once the AT equipment is returned, the client and counselor are required
to complete the final portion of the Loan Agreement, submitting a brief
summary of how the equipment was used and how it worked.
Rehabilitation Counselors are encouraged to call the NMTAP office with
suggestions for equipment they would like to see in the ABLE loan bank
and any AT equipment trainings they would like to receive. For more information
about ABLE, please call Lorie Gulley at 800 866-2253 ext. 8529, or (505)
954-8529, or via e-mail at lgulley@state.nm.us.
Or, visit NMTAP's website at www.nmtap.com.
Computer Donation from Los Alamo Engineering Firms Help
Navajo Student in Raton
How did the employees of two Los Alamos engineering firms make a difference
in the life of a six year-old Navajo boy in Raton? It's all about connections,
collaboration and caring.
Jose Martinez is a six-year-old Navajo boy living in Raton, New Mexico
who has worked with Marianne Potts, case manager for the Medically Fragile
Program at the University of New Mexico, since July 2000. Jose is a multiply
handicapped child, considered medically fragile, and receives Occupational
Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology services. He
is the son of Don and Mary Heeley, who were foster parents to Jose from
the time he was four months old, until this year when they legally adopted
him. Jose's physical impairments make it too difficult for him to attend
the nearby school on a regular basis, so therapists come into his home
to work directly with Jose.
After getting to know Jose and his special needs, Ms. Potts learned that
an upgraded home computer system would greatly enhance his ability to
communicate and participate in schoolwork. So she used her connec tions
and contacted Steve Diamond and Dave Munger. These two engineers began
soliciting donations on Jose's behalf from the Los Alamos firms of Merrick
Engineering and Cottonwood Engineering. In a heart-warming act of compassion
and generosity on the part of the secretaries, engineers and other employees,
as well as from contributions from the two engineering firms themselves,
these wonderful folks raised enough money to purchase the recommended
new computer system for Jose.
In the meantime, Ms. Potts had contacted the Navajo-ABLE program for
a home evaluation for Jose to determine the types of assistive technology
that would benefit him and his family. Project Director Kathy McWhorter
and the Navajo-ABLE evaluation team of Julie Bisbee, an augmentative communication
specialist, and physical therapist Diane Boehm went to Raton and met with
Jose and his parents to assess Jose's capabilities and AT needs. The team
recommended assistive technology such as a touch screen, a special keyboard
called "Intellikeys", and a sound card for his new computer
system so Jose can communicate and study like other children. Kathy McWhorter
recently spent two days with the Heeleys and Jose setting up the new equipment,
training them all on the system and testing out several different AT options
for Jose.
Kudos to Cottonwood Engineering, Merrick Engineering, Marianne Potts
and Navajo-ABLE for caring enough to make a difference in Jose's life.
We also send special appreciation and acknowledgement to the generous
employees of these Los Alamos firms who dipped into their own pockets
to help a six-year-old boy from Raton.
Tatiana Abras Named
AT Coordinator for LAPTOP
On Friday September 28, a large turnout of representatives from the Acoma
and Laguna school communities came to join the new AT Coordinator for
the Laguna and Acoma Pueblo Technology Opportunities Project (LAPTOP),
Tatiana Abras, OT, present a multimedia overview of the project. Tatiana's
presentation, which included music and photos, gave attendees of the LAPTOP
Consortium meeting a chance to hear about the project and its assistive
technology loan bank for students on the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos. LAPTOP
is a federally funded outreach effort of NMTAP that provides assistive
technology services and expertise to assist the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos
in meeting the unique educational needs of Indian students with disabilities.
As AT Coordinator, Tatiana will be managing the loan bank, initiating
procurement for new devices (from LAPTOP Consortium funds) and working
with Mike Chambers, the Project Coordinator at Laguna Middle School. She'll
be inventorying, tracking, updating, and delivering AT equipment, and
will be responsible for maintaining and programming the devices, as well
as conducting student assessments and coordinating Consortium meetings.
Tatiana will continue working half-time as an Occupational Therapist for
the Laguna Schools and half-time AT Coordinator. She recently became a
certified Assistive Technology Practitioner, joining NMTAP's Kathy McWhorter
as one of the only seven ATPs in New Mexico.
Thanks to funding from LAPTOP, over $50,000 worth of equipment is in
place in the AT loan bank. AT devices and equipment range from special
software for students with visual impairments and learning disabilities,
to adaptive computer hardware such as touch screens and extended keyboards,
to adapted toys for infants and toddlers.
The next meeting of the Consortium will be held on November 7, 2001 at
the Sky City Casino. This luncheon meeting will be a community forum to
discuss ways to continue this important program once funding ends next
year. For more information on the luncheon meeting, or details on LAPTOP,
please contact Tatiana at (505) 552-9091or e-mail her at tabras@surfree.com.
A Tribute To Cathy Gaines
Cathy Gaines was a member of the NMTAP Coordinating Council since 1991
and served as its first chairperson. Cathy passed away on July 30, 2001
in Santa Fe, although her spirit and energy will always be with us. Here
are a few words in her honor from NMTAP staff and friends:
I was saddened to learn that Cathy Gaines died today. She had just returned
from a trip to Hawaii with her family and was having some blood work done
at the hospital when her heart stopped. I had known Cathy since 1980 when
we both worked together at New Vistas. She worked on the first early childhood
grant in the state and continued to work to expand services in New Mexico
for preschool children with disabilities throughout the 1980's. As you
may know, although she was only 50 years old, she had been experiencing
congestive heart failure for many years. She is the mother of a severely
disabled child, who attends the Santa Fe Public Schools. She was the first
chairperson of the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program and the first
and only Assistive Technologist with the Santa Fe Public Schools. She
will be truly missed by her family, friends, and the people of New Mexico.
Andy Winnegar, Deputy Director, DVR
I remember Cathy for all the good spirit she shared with me as a member
of our Coordinating Council and as a friend. Alan Klaus, NMTAP Director
I was saddened to read of the death of our friend Cathy Gaines. Family
and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches. My
deepest sympathy and sorrow for your loss of true riches. James O.
Clark, Jr. President, Council on Consumer Affairs
Cathy Gaines was a beautiful person who always looked out for the other
person first. She was extremely kind and compassionate and yet was a doer.
She accomplished many things in her short life and did so willingly and
with a conviction that she could make a difference. She was an exceptional
example of reaching out to those less fortunate and working with them
even though she had so many of her own issues to contend with. She will
be dearly missed and always and forever remembered for all she did and
all she stood for. Suzanne Barslund, Z-ACT Director at the VAMC &
NMTAP Coordinating Council Member
Whatever It Takes (WIT) Program Funded!
As reported in the last A.T. Life Reporter, NMTAP has developed a new
program "Whatever It Takes" to address transportation issues
for persons with disabilities. We recently learned that WIT was approved
for funding out of more than 131 applications by the Rehabilitation Services
Administration of the US Department of Education!
The purpose of this new transportation model is to create a consumer-supported
transportation network for persons with mental and/or physical disabilities
of working age, necessary for competitive employment opportunities. Services
and resources will be coordinated through the WIT's central switchboard
to provide effective communication. This will be accomplished by a statewide
toll-free telephone, Internet Web posting and e-mail, and travel mapping
services. These new rehabilitation strategies to deliver effective transportation
will result in meaningful employment outcomes for program participants.
The State Rehabilitation Council, along with the NMTAP Coordination Council,
has recognized transportation as a continual barrier to employment for
persons with disabilities in New Mexico, particularly in the rural areas
of the State. The Councils have worked with the New Mexico State Legislature
in 2001 to expand the availability of low interest loans for purchase
of modified vehicles. Council members and staff will continue to advocate
for transportation funding through meetings with state, city and county
officials.
New Program on Electronic Accessibility
Through an agreement with the Independent Living Research and Utilization
Center (ILRU), NMTAP has begun a new program offering a variety of strategies
for collecting, synthesizing, and disseminating information related to
the electronic accessibility. The five year program is funded by NIDRR
with the following objectives:
- Computer and accommodations resources to increase and enhance Information
Technology (IT) and access training and technical assistance,
- New resources for working in schools and with parents on accommodating
all students with disabilities, with an emphasis on IT accommodations,
- Online CASA network in New Mexico to provide expert and timely consultation
to I.T. professionals on electronic and universal access solutions,
and
- Workshops and direct one- to-one access consultations.
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