[NFBWV-Talk] WV Assistive Technology Systems March Update

[Ed McDonald]

WVATS COUNCIL UPDATE
MARCH 2023


The next meeting of the WVATS Advisory Council will be held May 16, 2023, virtually via Zoom from 10-12.

WVATS NEWS
WVATS hosted 40, third semester OT students for an introduction to assistive technology. They were shown a presentation to gather some information about the basics of assistive technology, then they were show the lab, the kitchen, and AAC devices. The students seemed to really enjoy the presentation and were excited to take what they learned into their academic and personal lives. We are continuing to build a relationship with the Occupational Therapy school to continue having students educated about assistive technology and how it can improve their practices.
Doug hosted a talk with WVU's Honor College to discuss overcoming barriers by utilizing assistive technology. This discussion was part of their latest initiative at the Honors College called "Honoring Diversity Series" for the spring 2023 semester. Doug talked about how assistive technology is all around us, how to find the right technology for you, and the implications of universal design and how that plays a role. 

OPPORTUNITIES
WV TBI Conference - March 29th, 2023
The WV Traumatic Brain Injury conference is being hosted as a one-day hybrid event. It will be held on Wednesday, March 29th from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM at the Bridgeport Conference Center. There will be a full schedule of opportunities for people with TBI, caregivers/ family members, as well as professionals to attend sessions. For more information about their conference you can visit: https://tbi.cedwvu.org/conferences-and-events/wv-tbi-conference-2023/ 
Fair Shake Network Ice Cream Social - March 8th
FSN will be hosting their annual ice cream social at the State Capitol Building on March 8th, 2023 from 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM. The event will be held at the upper rotunda House side, the event is free and open to the public. For more information, you can visit: http://www.fairshake.org/news-and-events/ 

WVABLE Webinar Event- March 17th
WVABLE's webinar titled: helping individuals with a disability save for today and invest for tomorrow will be held on Friday, March 17th at 12:00 PM. This webinar will cover what WVABLE is, why it is important, what they offer as benefits and who is eligible to receive those benefits. They also cover what the WVABLE funds can be utilized for and how one can make contributions to the account. To register for this webinar please visit: https://wvtreasury.com/Savings-Programs/WVABLE/WVABLE-Events/WVABLE-Event-Registration?eventid=20 

THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT 
Super Vision + Magnifier (free)
This app provides a magnifying glass for smartphone users to assist persons who have low vision or visually impaired. The app allows for magnifying purposes like identifying small objects, reading small printed documents, etc. and allows the user to magnify, increase brightness and invert images. The key feature of this app is that is provides stabilization of the magnified image, so even if the person operating the magnifier is shaking, the image is clear and defined on the screen. The app is available for iPhone and Android users. 
Qcard (free)
This app was developed by someone who survived a brain injury. He grew frustrated with his inability to remember important information so the Qcard app is a reminder app. It helps people with executive function and memory issues manager their lives in a simple and intuitive way. It helps guide the user through tasks like laundry, cooking a meal or following a routine for their day. The app is able to connect to family members to delegate and manage tasks. This app is available for free for iPhone and Android users. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
You can find regular updates and information on our services and devices on the WVATS Facebook page (WVATS), Twitter (@WVAssistiveTech) and Instagram (wvassistivetechnologysystem). Like and share the social media posts to help increase our outreach throughout the state and help raise AT awareness and access.

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