Misc. Resources:

Summer 2001
Volume X, Issue 3

A.T. Life Reporter

A Newsletter about Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities

What's Inside This Edition

Curious about what's happening beyond the borders of our state with regards to assistive technology (AT)? Heard rumors that new Section 508 regulations have been published? Ever thought about how you would get around town if you were in a wheelchair?

See inside for articles on what NMTAP is doing to make transportation easier for job seekers with disabilities, the recent Section 508 regulations regarding accessibility to Information Technology, and a heartwarming story about how a Carlsbad area man regains his independence.

Assistive Technology Financial Loan Programs:
Local and National Perspectives

One of the priorities for NMTAP over the past year has been the expansion of its Low Cost Financial Loan Program for people with disabilities. Many of you will remember that NMTAP's request for a $535,000 appropriation for expansion of its loan program was approved by both the 2001 House and Senate only to be vetoed by Governor Johnson. Not to be deterred, NMTAP will be back at the Legislature this January to try again. To help put this issue into perspective, here is some data on the impact that AT financial loan programs have had nationally and what NMTAP is doing in New Mexico:

• Loan financing programs are in place in thirty-one states across the US for persons with disabilities needing assistive technology with an estimated ten more states/U.S. Territories anticipating establishment one of their own in the next year. NMTAP established its low cost guaranteed financial loan program in January 1998.
• Over $9.7 million from states and over $18 million from private lenders have been used to support these assistive technology financial loan programs. NMTAP will be requesting an appropriation from the 2002 State Legislature for matching funds to expand its program.
• State Technology Act projects (NMTAP is New Mexico's state tech act project) have invested over $1 million to provide seed money to initiate and maintain these programs. NMTAP has invested $100,000 in seed money to establish the loan guarantee.
• In 2000, nationwide, over 800 consumers submitted loan applications. NMTAP received 54 loan inquiries and sent out 54 loan applications in 2000 - 2001.
• Overall rates on the loans ranged from 1% to 12%, with typical loan rates falling below the prime rate. For loans made for terms of 60 months or less, NMTAP's loan rates are the same as the prime rate.
• The nationwide estimated average loan amount was $7,500. Individual loan amounts ranged from $500 up to $20,000. The average amount of NMTAP's loans is $4,450. Individual loan amounts have ranged from $480 to $6,300.
• Devices for which loans are most frequently requested include: vehicles and vehicle modifications, computers and adaptive software, home modifications, and hearing aids. NMTAP's most frequently requested loans are for van lifts, motorized wheelchairs, and hearing aids.
• Public and private partnerships are the common ingredient found in all assistive technology financial loan programs. NMTAP is partnered with Wells Fargo Bank to bring this program to New Mexicans with disabilities.

It is clear that financial loan programs can make a huge difference in the lives of people with disabilities, as we have found here in New Mexico. An expansion of NMTAP's program will provide the opportunity for low and middle income persons with disabilities to receive equal access to credit financing - and we'll be heading to the Capitol in January to try to make sure that it happens!

Programas de Asistencia Tecnológica de Préstamos Financieros: Prespectivas Nacionales y Locales

Una de las prioridades de NMTAP en los últimos años ha sido la expanción del bajo costo de su programa de préstamos finan-cieros para personas con discapacidades. Muchos de ustedes recordarán que NMTAP pidió $535,000 dólares asignados para el crecimiento de sus programas de préstamos que fue aprobado por los dos Senado y Casa de Representantes del 2001 sólo por ser votado por el Gobernador Johnson. Sin darnos por vencidos, NMTAP regresará a la legislatura este enero para intentar nuevamente. Para ayudar a poner este tema en prespectiva, aquí hay algo de información sobre el impacto que el programa finaciero de préstamos AT nacionalmente y que está haciendo NMTAP en Nuevo México:

Programas de financiamien-tos de préstamos son ubicados en treintaiun estados a travez de los Estados Unidos. Territorios anticipando establecimientos propios para el próximo año. NMTAP estableció el programa de préstamos financieros garan-tizados a sus precios bajos en enero de 1988.

• Más de $9.7 millones de dólares de los estados y más de $18 millones de prestamistas privados han sido usados para mantener este programa de asistencia tecnológica de prestamos finan-cieros. NMTAP pedirá un crédito de la Legislatura Estatal del 2002 para igualar fondos y extender sus programas.
• Actas de Proyectos Etatales Tecnológicos (NMTAP es el acta de proyectos tecnológicos estatal de Nuevo México) ha invertido más de $1 millón de dólares para proveer dinero inicial y empezar a mantener estos programas. NMTAP ha invertido $100,000 en dinero de inicio para establecer la garantía del prestamo.
• Por toda la nación, en el año 2000, más de 800 consumidores presentaron sus solicitudes de préstamos. NMTAP recibió 54 pedidos préstamistas mandó 54 de ellas en los años 2000 y 2001.
• El grado total de la línea de prestamos del 1% al 12% con una línea tipica de prétamos que cáen bajo la cantidad prima. Por préstamos hechos por seis meses o menos, la línea de préstamos de NMTAP son los mismos que la cantidad prima.
• La cantidad establecida del préstamo calculado fue de $7,500 dólares. Una cantidad de prés-tamos individuales desde $ 500 dólares a $20,000 dólares. La cantidad promedio de los prestamos de NMTAP es de $4,450 dólares. La cantidad individual de la línea de préstamos han empezado desde $ 480 a $6,300 dólares.
• Invenciones para los cuales son los préstamos más frecuentes incluye: Vehículos y sus modificaciones, computadoras y software apropiado, modificaciones al hogar, y auxiliares prostáticos auditivos.(para el oído) Los pedidos más frecuentes de NMTAP son préstamos para elevadores en las camionetas, sillas de ruedas motorizadas, y auxiliaries protáticos auditivos.
• Asociaciones privadas y particulares son los ingredientes de fundación común en todos los Programas de Préstamos Finan-cieros de Asistencia Tecnológica. NMTAP y el banco Wells Fargo se han asociado para traer estos programas a los nuevo mexicanos con discapacidades.

Es claro que programas de préstamos financieros pueden hacer una gran diferencia en la vida de la gente con discapacidades, como lo hemos encontrado aquí en Nuevo México. Un crecimiento del programa de NMTAP brindará la oportunidad a personas de bajo y medio recursos económicos con discapacidades para recibir un acceso equitativo a financiamiento de crédito y, ¡nosotros estarémos en dirección a la capital en enero para asegurarnos de que ésto pase!

Working Together, Making It Happen

William C. Miller of Malaga, NM is one satisfied consumer after working with NMTAP and Open Hands to regain independence. Here's what happened:

Last November, Andy Winnegar, Deputy Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation had just finished presenting NMTAP's request for an appropriation for expansion of its financial loan program at the Interim Legislative Health and Human Services Commitee when Representative John Heaton of Carlsbad asked for help for one of his constituents. According to Rep. Heaton, he knew of a gentleman who used a wheelchair and needed help obtaining a lift for his van.

Caroll Cadena, NMTAP's Information and Referral Specialist next spoke with Mr. Miller to determine his specific needs and requirements. Ms. Cadena knew that Open Hands, a non-profit organization in Santa Fe had recently obtained a donated hydraulic wheelchair lift. After coordinating with Mr. Miller, Open Hands, Mr. Miller' father, and with the addition of a freight company, financial assistance from NMTAP to pay for installation and a firm that could install the lift, everything came together. Mr. Miller is now using the lift on his Dodge Van. "There's nothing like getting your independence back," said Mr. Miller in a recent telphone interview. "It means a lot to me to be able to get around on my own." Mr. Miller will be completing his degree in computer science at New Mexico State University's Carlsbad campus this fall.

He has nothing but praise for the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. Here's an excerpt from his letter to NMTAP:

Thank you Caroll for everything! If I could just find the words to express the felt deep hearted thanks for you, and everyone who has helped me. . . I have used the lift now for a couple of weeks , it has tremendously improved my family's lives and my own. For the first time in over a year, I was finally able to use my electric wheelchair for college, shopping, visiting friends, going fishing, and really gaining my independence back.

Section 508 & New Mexico

One of the big issues in this age of technology is the need for making it all accessible for people with disabilities. In fact, computers can be a great equalizer for those with disabilities as hardware, software and computer adaptations can help keep individuals with mobility, visual or hearing impairments connected to others both near and far. But the technology has to be accessible to all. So, as of June 21, 2001, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act now uses the federal procurement process to ensure that technology acquired by the federal government and federal websites are accessible to people with disabilities. For website accessibility training on Section 508, go to http://www.section508.gov/classes.html.

What is NMTAP doing to comply with Section 508? NMTAP was a key player in the development of the State of New Mexico's Information Technology Strategic Plan, ensuring compliance for the State. The State's Information Services Department, in consultation with the NMTAP, will serve as the clearinghouse among state agencies for access and adaptability information, for training, and for coordination - particularly for agencies lacking the resources or ability to accomplish these activities on their own.

Working on its on behalf and with input and recommendations expressed by Greg Trapp, Commission for the Blind, Karen Courtney, Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Terry Brigance, Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, NMTAP requested that the following be included in the plan:

Policy: Agencies will provide employees, including those who have disabilities, equal access to electronic office equipment and telecommunications devices to the extent such needs are determined by the agency and can be provided by industry. In providing equal access , agencies will consider:

1. Access to and use of the same databases and application programs by employees, including those who have disabilities.
2. Utilization of enhancement capabilities for manipulating data (e.g., peripherals) to attain equivalent end-results by employees, including those who have disabilities.
3. Access to and use of equivalent communications capabilities by employees, including those who have disabilities.

Log On To www.nmtap.com

Our newly updated, easy-to-use and eye-appealing website is up and ready for customers! With just a few clicks of your mouse you can:

1. See the cool devices in our ABLE Loan Bank inventory - including product names and photos of some of our most popular items.
2. Speed up your application for services by downloading NMTAP's application for funding assistance.
3. Identify special education contacts (including name, phone numbers and e-mail addresses) at your child's school district so your child can receive the AT that he/she needs.
4. Apply today for our low interest financial loan program for people with disabilities by completing an on-line application.
5. Discover what the Navajo and Pueblo ABLE programs are doing for children and students on the Navajo Reservation and the Acoma and Laguna Pueblo communities.
6. Learn more about how assistive devices are covered under New Mexico's Assistive Device Lemon Law, including downloading an application that you can send to the New Mexico Attorney General's Office.
7. Find answers to frequently asked questions about assistive technology - such as: "How do I identify the kind of assistive technology I need?"

Whatever It Takes: New Solutions in Transportation for People With Disabilities

We're all familiar with many of the specialized terms used in the disability community such as: augmentative communication, adaptive equipment, and environmental controls. But how many of you have heard of the phrase, "transportation disability"? Some of us may even be considered to have a transportation disability and not know it.

Simply put, a transportation disability is a physical or mental limitation which requires a person to find accessible public or private transportation in order to travel. This phrase can be associated with many different physical or mental limitations including orthopedic, muscular, neurological, cognitive or sensory issues and with a number of different transportation solutions such as: purchasing an adaptive equipment or vehicle, hiring a driver, or using accessible public and private transportation systems such as buses, taxis or van services.

Here in New Mexico, due to the lack of mass transit services and the rural nature of our state, persons with transportation disabilities are more likely use their own car or ride with family and friends than they are to use public transportation. When public transportation is available, routes of city buses are not always convenient to one's home and work, while the capacity of public vehicles equipped with lifts during commuting time is already strained. In addition, some systems require 24 hour advance notice for use.

The State Rehabilitation Council Transportation Committee with the NMTAP Coordinating Council have recognized that transportation is a continual barrier to employment for persons with disabilities both in New Mexico and in the country.

NMTAP and DVR worked together with the State Legislature in 2001 on this issue (see cover article on the Financial Loan Program) to increase funds available for motor vehicle modifications and the purchase of adaptive vehicles. NMTAP staff and Council members are going to continue this battle with their new Vision Statement, "Whatever It Takes". The focus of this effort will be to apply for grants to establish programs targeting the transportation disability issue, to advocate with state, city and county officials to heighten awareness and public funding, and to help individual consumers through NMTAP's toll-free number to "Get It and Keep it on the Road". The aim is to get persons with disabilities on the road to a job, to a day of recreation, or on the road to visit with friends.

Here is a list of suggestions the committees have developed thus far as to what is needed in New Mexico. If you have other ideas, please let us know:

• Loans and grants for consumer vehicle purchases and repairs;
• Transportation van pools and ride shares;
• Personal motor vehicle and van modifications and repairs;
• Adaptive driver evaluation and training;
• Drivers for hire available to and from homes and work-sites;
• Individualized computer travel mapping; and
• Adaptive equipment and technology assistance services

To effectively address the needs involved with breaking the transportation barriers, NMTAP has also proposed new statewide Peer and Family Certified Drivers for Hire, along with peer transportation coordinators who will assist with various reimbursable transporta tion needs such as commuting or locating jobs, medical appointments or tele-commuting positions or business ownership.

Look in our fall edition of the A.T. Life Reporter for an update on "What It Takes."

Students Receive ABLE Loans in 2000-2001 School Year

Nine different school districts and Regional Center Cooperatives (RCC) worked with NMTAP's ABLE loan program to provide loans of equipment to students during the 2000-2001 school year. Students received loans of equipment varying from a computer laptop to audio equipment for the hearing impaired to computer software to augmentative communications devices. Schools in Northeast RCC #4, covering Las Vegas, Mora, Pecos, Santa Rosa and Wagon Mound, requested assistance most frequently, followed by the Bernallilo and Los Lunas Public School Districts. The Dynavox 3100 and the MACAW II, both augmentative communication devices, were the most frequently requested devices.

If you are interested in taking advantage of the ABLE program, which offers free, short term loans of assistive technology devices to students in participating school districts, please either check out our website at www.nmtap.com and click on the ABLE button. Or you may contact Lorie Gulley via V/TDD at (800) 866-2253 ext. 8529 or via e-mail at lgulley@state.nm.us. School districts and RCCs will be renewing their cooperative agreements with NMTAP in August.

NMTAP Partners With the Southwest DBTAC to Expand Information Technology Accessibility in Region

In other efforts to increase accessibility to technology, but this time focusing on students and schools, NMTAP is working closely with the Southwest Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC). The goal of the collaboration is to expand training and consultation services on the ADA and accessible information technology (IT). With a primary focus on accessibility to technology in the schools, Southwest DPTAC, with the help of NMTAP and others, is developing a regional plan to address training needs to improve accessibility to computers, the Internet, and other information technology.

Southwest DBTAC is one of 10 federally funded regional resource centers on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and covers New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Louisiana. It provides information, problem solving assistance and referrals for implementing the ADA. Southwest DBTAC, established in 1993, is the only national ADA Center offering a Hispanic Outreach Program. In addition to its other programs, and with the help of NMTAP and other Tech Acts, it will soon offer the following services addressing IT accessibility to educational institutions throughout the Southwest: trainings, consultations, on-line listserv discussion groups, and e-bulletins.

In order to implement these services, NMTAP will be:

1. Participating in DBTAC's Computer Accessibility Services Assistance (CASA) Network by identifying IT experts in New Mexico who will provide technical assistance;
2. Publicizing the CASA network to elementary, high school, and post-secondary institutions;
3. Promoting and disseminating e-bulletins and chat sites on the Network throughout the State;
4. Making weekly contributions to the weekly listserv to identify best practices in schools and to report on pertinent developments in the State regarding educational policies and legislative activities that effect schools' purchases of IT or the accessibility of IT;
5. Assisting DBTAC with organizing an IT conference in New Mexico; and
6. Providing trainings on IT access as possible.

"Arts For Life" In Taos, NM on September 6-8, 2001

Very Special Arts (VSA arts) of New Mexico presents Arts For Life/Artes Para la Vida "Transition & Transformation through the Arts," in Taos on September 6-8, 2001. This Learning Institute focusing on transition and transformation through the arts, is geared towards educators, service providers, artists, and their families and friends. The program will feature Dr. Elias Katz, who is the co-founder of Creative Growth, the first studio arts program for adults with developmental disabilities. He is also the current President of the National Institute of Art and Disability. Other activities include workshops, site visits, and hands-on learning. Registration deadline is August 29. For more information, contact Katie Brillhart at (505) 345-2875 ext. 15, or NM Relay Network (800) 659-8331.