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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) • Volume 12, No. 3 • Summer 2004

Legislation Reauthorizing AT Act Passes the HouseBeth Mineo MollicaDATI Director

On Tuesday, June 15, the U.S. House of Rep-resentatives passed HR 4278, the Improv-ing Access to Assistive Technology for

Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004, withunanimous consent. Before passage, CongressmanMike Castle spoke about the need for the legisla-tion and the important changes in the new law.Castle stressed that the new law would help indi-viduals acquire the AT that they need, and added, "Iam particularly proud of the AT work done inDelaware. The DATI connects Delawareans withtechnologies that provide many with the opportuni-ty to learn, work, play, and participate in communi-ty life safely and independently. Delawareans withdisabilities count on the Initiative for access totechnology for product demonstration and trial use,for information and consultation about equipmentand funding resources, and for the coordination ofresources among agencies and organizations…There is no other source in Delaware that couldreplace these services and supports…[This Act]will help to ensure that access leads to opportunity,and that opportunity results in enhanced employ-ment, academic achievement, and community life. I

urge my colleagues to support this reauthorization."(The full text of Congressman Castle's address canbe found in the Breaking News section of the DATIwebsite, www.dati.org.)

Federal funding for DATI,and the other state pro-grams funded by the ATAct, was scheduled to endwith the FY2004 appropri-ation, so Congressional attention to reauthorizationcame just in the nick of time. In the House bill,states are required to start shifting funds from ser-vice infrastructure to services that directly impactconsumers, such as equipment loan and/or equip-ment recycling programs. The House bill alsorequires states to offer alternative financing pro-grams that would enable individuals to borrow themoney they need for AT purchases. The DATI isalready structured in a way that is consistent withthe new Congressional mandate, so it is unlikelythat services will need to shift dramatically. That is,however, not the case nationwide. Currently, sever-al states have opted not to offer comprehensiveequipment loan and/or equipment recycling pro-grams. In addition, many states, includingDelaware, are just getting alternative financing pro-grams off the ground.

A Senate bill is expected to be introduced verysoon, and if it differs dramatically from the Housebill, it may take a while to work toward a versionthat both Houses of Congress can support. For reg-ular updates, check the Breaking News section ofthe DATI website (www.dati.org). Better yet, signup as a Breaking News subscriber and have thesenewsflashes delivered right to your inbox. Formore information, contact Beth Mineo Mollica atthe DATI Central Site in Wilmington. n

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:Universal Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2IL Program Serves As A Good AT Resource . 3Planning Must Accompany a Plane Ticket. . . 4Driving Down the Road to Independence. . . .7A Beginner’s Guide to DVR and DVI. . . . . . . 9The AT Bargain Basement. . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Inclusion and LIFE Dates Announced. . . . . .11Webinar to Focus on Methods. . . . . . . . . . . 12Delaware Recycles AT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Focus on CommunityLiving

2 • THE AT MESSENGER

Patricia L. Maichle, Senior AdministratorDelaware Developmental Disabilities Council

What is "Universal Design" in homebuild-ing and why should we use it? For thenewly formed Coalition for Universal

Design in Delaware the answer is "it is the mostsensible way to build homes for our generation andthose to come." The Coalition is made up of mem-bers from the Delaware Developmental DisabilitiesCouncil; the State Council for Persons with Dis-abilities; the American Association of Retired Per-sons; the Division of Developmental DisabilitiesServices; the Department of Health and Social Ser-vices; the Delaware State Housing Authority; theKristi Bingham Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Inc.;Mr. Grab Bar; Mephibosheth Housing, Inc.; Inde-pendent Resources, Inc.; the Arc of Delaware;Rebuilding Together; Delaware Assistive Technolo-gy Initiative; Easter Seals of Delaware and Mary-land's Eastern Shore; ADC Housing Coalition;NAMI-DE; SST Technologies, Inc.; andTull/Ramey, Ltd.

According to the Center for Universal Design atNorth Carolina State University (www.design.ncsu.edu/cud), universal design is housing for the life-span of all people. "The intent of the universaldesign concept is to simplify life for everyone bymaking more housing usable by more people at lit-tle or no extra cost. Universal design is anapproach to design that incorporates products aswell as building features and elements which, tothe greatest extent possible, can be used by every-one." It is subtle in its differences from barrier-free, accessible, and industry standard housing. Themarket for universal design in housing includeseveryone at some point in their lives, and themovement toward universal design in housing andconsumer products is becoming more viable as ourpopulation ages.

Examples of universal features in housing are:• Handles for doors and drawers that require no

gripping or twisting to operate, such as lever or loop handles

• Living space on one floor or stair landings big enough to accept lifts

• Audible and visual alarm systems• Storage space within reach of both short and tall

people• Wide doorways.

"Manufacturers and builders who use the universaldesign concept will design their products andbuildings to be as usable as possible by a largerpopulation including children, older people, andpeople with disabilities," states the Center for Uni-versal Design.

Persons with disabilities, as well as those who areaging, frequently find the search for decent, safe,affordable, and accessible housing a dead-endexperience. Finding housing with even basic acces-sibility features (e.g., an entrance with no steps)ranges from daunting to impossible. People mayfind a waiting list to get on the waiting list in someparts of Delaware. People with disabilities and theolder population still tend to be ushered to largecongregate living facilities and institutions whenwhat they really want and need is a home of theirown that they can use on a daily basis for as longas possible.

Steve Tull of Tull/Ramey, Ltd., and a Coalitionmember, has gone the extra ten miles to make uni-versal design in housing a reality in Delaware.Steve's response to the question of "How do wemake this happen?" was to make it happen.

“The more people that know about these features,the more people will ask designers and builders toinclude them. Demand drives the market,” statesTull.

With the tremendous development of land that isoccurring in lower New Castle, Kent and SussexCounties, now is the time to act. Tull has offered tobuild a demonstration home for other builders,architects, developers, real estate brokers, policy-makers, and the general population to experience.The home is scheduled to be completed this fall inSussex County, where it is expected most of thestate's new growth will occur in the next ten years.

Universal Design: A Sensible Way to Build and Buy Homes

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Universal Design (continued)"I think most of us would love to stay in our ownhomes for as long as we possibly can, and if wedesign those homes better they're going to be therefor us when we need them," states Beth MineoMollica, the Director of the Delaware AssistiveTechnology Initiative, in the DD Council Video onUniversal Design. This is why we must considerthis design concept now while new homes arebeing built in Delaware.

In addition to the home that Tull is building in Sus-sex County, the Easter Seals of Delaware andMaryland's Eastern Shore has offered the Coalitiona portion of their newly acquired property in Sus-sex County on which to build another homedemonstrating universal design. This home, when

completed, will function as a training center forpeople with disabilities who are either newly dis-abled and need to learn to live in a home again, orpeople who have had disabilities and are interestedin living in the community with supports. TheMephibosheth Housing, Inc., in collaboration withthe Department of Health and Social Services andthe Kristi Bingham Cerebral Palsy Foundation,Inc., will begin construction on an apartment build-ing in Wilmington using universal design conceptsin the coming year as well.

For copies of the DD Council Video on UniversalDesign or for information on the Coalition, contactthe DD Council office at (302) 739-3333 or visitour web site at www.state.de.us/ddc. n

IL Program Serves As A Good AT ResourceTom McDonoughDATI Funding and Policy Specialist

The Independent Living (IL) Program is agood resource to consider for funding ATthat is not covered by health insurance.

Authorized under The Workforce Investment Act of1998 ("the Act"), the State Independent LivingCouncil funds a project within the Delaware Divi-sion of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and theDivision for the Visually Impaired (DVI).

IL seeks to further individual and systems advoca-cy and to maximize self-determination, indepen-dence, and equal access. IL services do not have tobe connected to an employment goal. Therefore, ILis able to pay for AT if it will further the goal ofindependent living. In order to be eligible for ILservices, one must be a Delaware resident age 16or older, have a significant disability, meet a finan-cial needs test, and seek to live more independent-ly.

An IL applicant is assigned to an IL counselor, whohelps the individual to determine which serviceswill lead to more independent living. This processleads to the development of an Independent LivingPlan (ILP). The ILP lists any needed AT or service,such as vehicle modifications or environmentalcontrol units. After developing an ILP, the coun-

selor arranges for the necessary AT or service.Because the demand for services outweighs theprogram's resources, at times there may be a wait-ing period before the AT is provided. IL is able tocombine its resources with those of other publicand private agencies to maximize its ability toobtain AT for clients.

IL has specific guidelines governing access to cer-tain types of AT. For example, IL will pay for themost "cost-conscious" home modification option.In the case of vehicles, IL will consider paying forvehicle modifications but not the purchase of avehicle. When determining if vehicle modificationswill be covered, IL takes into consideration the age,mileage, and condition of a vehicle. IL will pur-chase a hearing aid for persons with significanthearing loss in the conversational speech range.The need for an aid must be proven with medicaldocumentation from a licensed audiologist. IL lim-its its purchase to one hearing aid or one set ofbilateral hearing aids in a client's lifetime. Hearingaid repair costs are not covered.

IL resources are limited. It makes sense to first pur-sue private or public health insurance funding for"medically necessary" AT (e.g., wheelchairs). ILwill consider funding an insurance copay in appro-priate cases. For more information, contact IL at(302) 378-5779. n


1 Harris Survey sponsored by The Open Doors Organization, the Travel Industry Association of America, and the Society for Acces-sible Travel and Hospitality. 2 Accessibility of airlines is usually not covered by the ADA, but rather by the Air Carrier Access Actof 1986 (49 USC section 41705, 14 CFR section 382). Accessibility of airports is covered by the ADA. Private airport transportationand parking services are covered by state and local accessibility laws. 3 The ADA generally states that no entity providing trans-portation services may discriminate against an individual in the provision of services based on disability (49 CFR section 37.5). Thiswould include requiring assigned seating, attendants, charging more for services, etc. 4 Publically owned airports are governed byTitle II of the ADA. 5 At Philadelphia International Airport, all shuttle buses that run from the economy (remote) parking lots to theterminals are lift-equipped. Philadelphia International Airport recently published a brochure entitled "Getting Around: A Guide forTravelers with Disabilities" which is available at http://www.phl.org/ada2.html#ada or by calling (215) 937-5499 or (215) 937-6755(TTY). 6 The requirement really only comes into play when a new purchase is made by an entity. If a company chooses not to pur-chase new equipment, then the traveler must fall back on the general non-discrimination provisions (49 CFR section 37.5).

Laura J. Waterland, Senior Staff AttorneyDisabilities Law Program

In 2002, travelers with disabilities spent $13.6billion on 31.7 million trips.1 At least $3.3 bil-lion of the $13.6 billion went to the airline

industry. That figure could double if travel wasmade more accessible. The Americans with Dis-abilities Act, Titles II and III, have numerous provi-sions covering various aspects of the travel indus-try. The accessibility requirements pertain not onlyto hotels and restaurants, but to transportation andairports as well.2 The ADA provides general non-discrimination language,3 but also creates specificrules for the acquisition of accessible transportationequipment. Frequently, getting to and from the air-port can present the most daunting of battles for thetraveler with disabilities.

Parking At or Near the AirportParking at the airport is a primary concern formany travelers with disabilities. Airports arerequired to provide accessible parking spaces in alllots.4 The number of accessible spots requireddepends on the total number of spots in the lot, butroughly one accessible space is required for every25 spaces. These spaces should be as close as pos-sible to the accessible route and shuttle bus stops.

If the parking lot is remote and requires shuttletransportation to the airport, then accessible shuttleservice should be made available. The requirementsfor accessible transportation depend on whether thelot is public or private. Shuttle buses at airports thatare run by public entities should all be lift-equipped5 (49 CFR sections 37.71 and 37.73).

The rules are less stringent for private parking lots.Some private lots may not offer accessible trans-

portation even though they should. Private parkinglots providing transportation to and from the airportare considered "private entities not primarilyengaged in providing transportation services" (49CFR section 37.101). Car rental companies wouldalso fall within this category. Both private lots andcar rental companies must follow certain rules inregards to purchasing accessible equipment. Theserules are similar to those for companies that are pri-marily engaged in providing transportation services(see below), except that the "equivalent service"option applies to the purchase or lease of newequipment that seats less than 16 people, ratherthan eight. Also, these companies are not specifi-cally required to ensure that new vehicles, seatingless than 16, are accessible. They must only ensurethat the vehicles meet the equivalent servicerequirements, whether or not they purchase a newvehicle.

Transportation from Outside the AirportIf an individual chooses to travel by private trans-portation from his/her home or hotel to the airport,s/he may have difficulty finding accessible service.ADA compliance by private transportationproviders has been poor, despite efforts by theUnited States Department of Justice to enforce thelaw.

Generally, private providers of transportation ser-vices, such as airport shuttle services, must acquireaccessible new equipment.6 Some airport trans-portation service is "fixed route," meaning it goesfrom one fixed point to another, on a fixed sched-ule. Other providers have a "demand responsivesystem," meaning the service is not to and fromfixed points and it does not operate on a schedule.The acquisition rules for private providers of trans-

Significant Planning Must Accompany a Plane Ticket

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SUMMER 2004 • 5

portation services are somewhat complicated anddepend on the size of the vehicle and whether theservice is fixed route or demand responsive.

Demand responsive transportation systems acquir-ing any new equipment, no matter the seatingcapacity, must buy or lease accessible equipmentunless they are able to meet the standard for"equivalent service" (49 CFR section 37.105).Equivalent service means the system, when viewedin its entirety, provides service to people with dis-abilities in the most integrated setting appropriateand is equivalent to the service provided to individ-uals without disabilities in regards to schedule,response time, fares, geographic area of service,hours and days of service, availability of informa-tion, and reservation capacity. The regulations doallow companies to demonstrate they are able toprovide equivalent service through such means ascontractual or pooling arrangements. The regula-tions suggest that pooling of resources is one waysmall transportation providers can satisfy therequirements of the ADA without necessitating thepurchase of accessible equipment by every singleentity.

For fixed route systems, all acquisitions of newvehicles, other than automobiles or vans seatingless than eight, must be accessible. For fixed routeproviders who acquire a van seating less than eight,the lease or purchase must be of an accessible vanunless the provider can meet the standard of"equivalent service."

Taxi companies are only required to follow the newacquisition requirements when leasing or purchas-ing a vehicle other than an automobile. If a taxicompany uses vans, the company must complywith all of the "demand responsive transportationsystem" rules. Other non-discrimination provisionsof the ADA do apply to taxi services.

Other ADA requirements that airport transportationproviders should follow, but sometimes do not,relate to service aspects such as reservation sys-

tems, fares, and treatment of service animals. Theprovider should offer equivalent means for makingreservations so that if, for example, the providerhas Web-based reservation capacity, a person whoneeds an accessible ride can make the reservationonline as well.

Transportation providers may not charge a higherrate for providing accessible service. A few yearsago, the Disabilities Law Program filed a complainton behalf of a client against a Delaware transporta-tion provider who charged a higher rate for provid-ing a lift-equipped van as compared to anunequipped van. Similarly, a provider cannotcharge extra for stowing a wheelchair or other ATdevice. Such surcharges clearly violate the ADA.

Likewise, a transportation provider cannot refuse totransport a service animal. A rider must be allowedto bring a service animal with him/her. The serviceanimal need not have a certification, but shouldmeet the ADA definition of a service animal: "adog or other animal individually trained to do workor perform tasks for the benefit of an individualwith a disability," (28 CFR section 36.104).

A provider cannot insist that a rider with a disabili-ty have a companion. The provider must also main-tain all of the accessible features that it owns. If theprovider has a lift-equipped van, the ADA requiresthe provider to maintain the lift in working order,and to train staff to operate the equipment safely.

The Department of Justice has entered settlementagreements in several airport transportation casesthat provide some insight into how airport trans-portation providers should provide accessible ser-vice. In United States of America v. SupershuttleInternational, Inc,7 the Department settled com-plaints against this nationwide provider of demandresponsive airport transportation. Supershuttle hadpurchased 880 new vans after the passage of theADA, and only 17 of those were accessible. Sever-al company locations, including New York andDenver, had no accessible equipment. In the settle-

7 DOJ Nos. 202-8-40; 73-70; 73-56, www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/superstl.htm

continued on page 6

Planning Must Accompany a Plane Ticket (continued)



8 DOJ No. 202-35-91, www.usdoj.gov/crt/foia/mdaffshuttle.html 9 DOJ No. 202-8-36, www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/skywayse.htm

ment, Supershuttle was ordered to develop non-dis-criminatory policies and reservation practices, trainits employees, maintain its accessible vans in goodworking order, and ensure that every Supershuttlelocation had at least two accessible vans.

In a settlement agreement with Affordable AirportShuttle, which operates in the Washington, D. C.area,8 the government required that the transporta-tion company enter into contractual relationshipswith other providers until it acquired an accessiblevan of its own. This agreement was an example ofproviding equivalent service.

In United States Department of Justice v. SkywayGroup (also known as Arizona Shuttle),9 a providerof fixed route transportation from Phoenix Airportto Tucson, Arizona, did not have accessible equip-ment and refused to allow a customer to ride withher service animal. Also, prior to the complaintbeing filed, the company had purchased two largeinaccessible shuttle vans. The company agreed topurchase two new accessible vans and pay dam-ages and fines to settle this case.

AirportsThe airport's physical plant and services are cov-ered by the ADA. Doorways, bathrooms, elevators,and other areas should meet the accessibility guide-lines found in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines forBuildings and Facilities. Any complaints or ques-tions about an airport should be directed to the air-port management.

Transportation inside the airport, whether bywheelchair or by motorized vehicle, is provided bythe airlines. For example, Philadelphia Airport doesnot own or lend out wheelchairs. They do, howev-er, operate a hotline to help travelers access wheel-chairs from the airlines.

Heightened security at airports means there isrestricted access to passenger drop-off areas. Theseareas may also be further away from ticketingzones. Passengers with disabilities will be subject

to all of the security checks, and assistive technolo-gy will be inspected.

Air CarriersAirline accessibility is covered by the Air CarrierAccess Act (ACAA) of 1986 (49 USC section41705). Before traveling by air, it is essential tobecome familiar with this law. Some details arelisted below, but the law is quite all-encompassing.The Unites States Department of Transportation hasa useful publication titled "New Horizons, Informa-tion for the Air Traveler with a Disability," avail-able at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publica-tions/horizons.htm. Since 2000, enforcementactions under this law have resulted in almost $7million in fines.

Under the ACAA, new aircraft (those ordered after1990) are required to have certain accessibility fea-tures. Aircraft seating more than 30 people musthave moveable armrests on half of all aisle seats.Twin-aisle aircraft must have accessible lavatories,and aircraft seating more than 100 must have stor-age spaces for manual wheelchairs. Ramps ormechanical lifts are required for most aircraft with19-30 seats, and at all airports with over 10,000annual deplanements.

The law requires airlines not to engage in discrimi-nation against people with disabilities. An airlinemay, however, refuse to carry a passenger on thebasis of safety, which can include health and/or dis-ability related reasons, or if there are no lifts,boarding chairs, or other devices available toenplane the passenger. A Medical Certificate maybe required only if the passenger is on a stretcher,needs oxygen during the flight, has a communica-ble disease, or has a medical condition that causesa carrier to have reasonable doubt that the passen-ger can complete the flight safely and without theneed of extraordinary medical assistance. Airlinepersonnel are not required to lift or carry passen-gers with disabilities. An airline may not require apassenger with a disability to travel with an atten-

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dant except when the attendant is essential for safe-ty.

A passenger may be required to give advancenotice (48 hours) to the airline for certain accom-modations, such as transportation of a powerwheelchair in an aircraft seating less than 60, trans-portation of hazardous materials such as powerwheelchair batteries, or provision of an on-boardwheelchair for someone who is able to use an inac-cessible lavatory but needs a chair to do so. Air-lines may not charge for these accommodations,but may charge for optional services such as provi-sion of oxygen, hook-up for a respirator, or accom-modations for someone traveling on a stretcher.

Practical TipsPlanning and preparation are key elements for asuccessful travel experience. Ground transportationshould be arranged well in advance. Any issuesrelated to seating or medical equipment should beraised with the airline well in advance. Consultwith a travel agent or use an Internet disabilitytravel database such as www.abledata.com orEaster Seals' Project Action, http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_free_resources&s_esLocation=FR for more infor-mation. In addition, www.frommers.com has anexcellent section on travelers with disabilities. Apublication titled, "The Accessible Guide for Spe-cialized Ground Transportation," which can be pur-

chased for $79.95 from www.accessibletrans-port.com, may provide additional information.

If travel plans go awry, file a complaint regardingairline accessibility immediately with the Com-plaints Resolutions Official (CRO) at the airport.Each carrier must have an official at each airportserviced by the carrier. If the CRO determines thatno violation has occurred, s/he must provide a writ-ten summary to the passenger. Travelers may alsocontact the United States Department of Trans-portation Disability Hotline at (800) 778-4838 or(800) 455-9880 (TTY). All complaints filed with acarrier must be handled within 30 days. Anotheroption is to contact the Department of Transporta-tion, Aviation Consumer Protection Division athttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm, [email protected], (202) 366-2220 or (202)366-0511(TTY) to file a complaint. A complaintform is downloadable from the department's Web-site.

ADA complaints may be filed with the UnitedStates Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division,950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Disability RightsSection-NYAV, Washington, DC, 20530, or call theADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301, (800)514-0383 (TTY). It is also possible to proceeddirectly to federal court, but before doing so besure to seek legal advice. n


Driving Down the Road to IndependenceDan Fendler, AT SpecialistSussex County ATRC

Driving is a part of the American way of life.It's often a key component of one's ownsense of independence. If a functional limi-

tation is keeping an individual from driving, theremay be some adaptive technology available thatcould help.

Get an AssessmentRegardless of the circumstance, whether the func-tional limitation is recent or long-term, consider

having a driving assessment done. Currently, thereis no facility in Delaware that performs drivingassessments, but there is a program in Pennsylva-nia. The Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital has anadapted driving program designed to meet theneeds of individuals whose ability to drive hasbeen affected by a disability, medical condition, orthe aging process. Program participation requires aphysician's prescription. Clients, family members,insurance companies, and other agencies may alsoinitiate a referral. For more information, contactBryn Mawr Rehab Hospital at (610) 640-3943.

continued on page 8


Driving Down the Road (continued)Delaware DMVAccording to Kathy Wickwire, the Driver Improve-ment Officer of Delaware's Division of MotorVehicles Medical Section, there are procedures thatmust be followed in order to ensure safe and legaloperation of a vehicle equipped with adaptiveequipment. For new drivers, both written and eyetests are required to receive a permit. A medicalform is needed from an individual's physician thatdescribes the nature of the driver’s disability andthe equipment needed to accommodate it. A permitwill then be issued that allows a new driver to par-ticipate in appropriate training at a certified drivingrehab center. If an individual is a new resident andalready has adaptive equipment installed, s/he musttake a road test with the equipment and provide adoctor’s note. Please contact the Medical Divisionat (302) 744-2507 for any additional information orforms.

Types of Available EquipmentOne of the more common adaptations available ishand controls. Hand controls enable the driver tocontrol the gas and brake pedals without the use of

legs or feet.There are twotypes ofcontrols—portable unitsand semi-per-manent mountedunits. WheelAbility(www.wheela-

bility.com, 541-342-2113) sells a portable unit, thePHCIII (Figure 1), for $310. It can be used withmost passenger vehicles and its design makes itsuitable for temporary installations.

There are several different types of semi-permanentmounting systems for hand controls. Vendors forthis type of control include Driving Aids Develop-ment Corporation (www.drivingaids.com, 800-767-6435) and Kroepke Kontrols (www.kroep-kekontrols.com, 718-885-1100).

A left foot gas pedal allows a driver to operate theright-sided gas pedal from a position left of the

brake pedal. Vendors of this type of device includeHandicaps, Inc. (www.handicapsinc.com or 800-782-4335) and North End Mobility(www.northend-mobility.com, 905-735-5552).

Gas, brake and clutch pedal extenders lengthen thepedals and per-mit the driverto be furtheraway from thewheel andairbag, whichis a safety con-sideration inthe event of anaccident. Ven-dors include Gary E. Colle, Inc.(www.garyecolleinc.com, 858-748-9414) and Dri-vemaster (www.drivemaster.net, 973-808-9709).

Driver seats can be converted and adapted to meetan individual's specific needs. Lifts and ramps mayalso be added to a vehicle to enable an individualwho uses a wheelchair or scooter to easily enterand leave a vehicle. Some vehicles can be modifiedso the individual can drive the car while sitting inhis/her mobility device. Vendors for the productsmentioned above include Bruno Independent Liv-ing Aids (www.bruno.com, 800-882-8183) andIndependent MobilitySystems (www.ims-vans.com, 800-IMS-VANS).

The list of adapted dri-ving devices goes on andon and includes itemssuch as a knob that helpsthe driver to steer, adevice that allows thedriver to use the turnsignals from the rightside of the steeringwheel instead of the left, and a device that enablesthe driver to steer with his/her feet. For more infor-mation on adapted driving equipment, please con-tact your local ATRC. n

Figure 1

Pedal extenders (Gary E. Colle, Inc.,$139)

Vista Series Lift (Braun Corp.,contact Braun dealer for price)

SUMMER 2004 • 9

A Beginner’s Guide to DVR and DVIMarvin Williams, AT SpecialistKent County ATRC

Often, one of the hardest things in dealingwith a disability, or any life change, is find-ing out just where to go to get the help that

will make a difference. The goal of this article is tohelp people figure out how to get assistance fromDVR and DVI.

Let's start with DVR. DVR stands for the Divisionof Vocational Rehabilitation. It is a division of theDE Department of Labor. DVR provides servicesor goods that are required to assist people with dis-abilities in finding or keeping a job. Servicesinclude job counseling and guidance, physicalassessments, interpreter services, assistive technol-ogy, etc. Each DVR referral is assigned a vocation-al rehabilitation counselor who makes the determi-nation of eligibility. An individual is eligible forDVR services if s/he has a physical or mentalimpairment, and 1) the impairment constitutes orresults in a substantial impediment to employment,2) s/he can benefit in terms of an employment out-come from vocational rehab services, and 3) s/herequires vocational rehab services to prepare for,secure, or regain employment. After eligibility isestablished, the VR counselor helps the clientthrough the process of finding or keeping a job.

How do I sign up? The first step is to contact thecapable folks at DVR.• Wilmington Central Office (302) 761-8275• Wilmington VRS (302) 761-8300• New Castle VRS (302) 326-8930• Newark VRS (302) 368-6980• Middletown VRS (302) 378-5779• Dover VRS (302) 739-5478• Georgetown VRS (302) 856-5730For additional information, visit www.delaware-works.com/dvr.

Next we have DVI. DVI stands for the Division forthe Visually Impaired. It is a division of DelawareHealth and Social Services (DHSS), and is a state-run program. Contrary to common belief, DVI isnot affiliated with DVR. The agencies are indeedseparate entities that operate distinctive services.While DVR deals with individuals with many dif-

ferent disabilities, DVI specializes in helping indi-viduals with visual impairments. As stated on theirWebsite, www.state.de.us/dhss/dvi, the main eligi-bility criterion for DVI services is, "…establishedby an individual's visual acuity as determined bytheir doctor and supplied by a signed doctor'sreport." This report is the keystone to enrollment.Thus, it is important for an individual who isapplying for services to have seen a doctor withinthe past six months to one year. This will make iteasier to get a complete and accurate report fromthe doctor. For more information about DVI andenrollment, contact their office in New Castle at(302) 255-9800 or [email protected].

Some helpful tips may make the registrationprocess for either agency easier. First, make sure tosee a physician and any specialists no more thansix months to one year before registering.

Second, keep a journal of all the phone calls toDVR or DVI and anyone else who is contacted inthe process. Keep track of the time, date, and high-lights of each phone call. Note the telephone num-ber called, as well as the names of everyone withwhom you spoke. Also, jot down questions thatalways seem to creep up when there is no onearound who is able to answer them.

The third and maybe most important thing toremember is that the people representing theagency via the telephone are people. Try to extendto them the same respect and courtesy that youwould like to receive.

My fourth tip is make sure to provide the agencywith complete and correct contact information,including your daytime telephone number andmailing address.

My fifth tip is to make sure the agency is aware ofany accommodations that may be needed in orderfor you to read and complete information andforms as well as keep an appointment. Make surethe need for accommodation is stated at the begin-ning of your interaction.

If you have further questions regarding enrolling ineither DVI or DVR, please direct them to theappropriate agency. n


Marvin Williams, AT SpecialistKent County ATRC

Hello, true believers! Once again we haveanother unbelievable installment of the ATBargain Basement. I'm your guide on this

tour to find those little bits of AT that go unnoticedbecause they are inexpensive and right under ournoses. As always, the most important rule of thiscolumn—the AT presented here has to be pricedunder $100, otherwise, I can't call it a bargain. Ialso welcome all of you, dear readers, to participateby letting me know about any bargains you maystumble across. That being said, let's get to the bar-gains!

Our first item is theIntelaVoice™ Voice Acti-vated Dimmer Switch(Figure 1). It can be usedwith most lights and evensome small appliances.It's nice because it is astand alone unit, so justplug in the device to becontrolled and it is readyto go. The unit has twomodes—speaker indepen-dent and speaker depen-dent. Speaker indepen-dent mode can be con-

trolled by any person's voice using four commandwords: "low," "medium, "high," and "off." Speakerdependent mode allows the user the flexibility ofprogramming customized words in the speaker’slanguage of choice. This allows the user to employmultiple units in the same room without dealingwith command conflicts. This device is not goodfor soft-spoken individuals and it works best in alow noise environment without a lot of obstructions(i.e., not behind the furniture). This device shouldnot be used to control appliances with a heatingelement, such as coffee pots, toasters, blow dryers,or space heaters. It is also not recommended foruse with a computer because computers do not likehaving their power levels played with at all. It isalso best not to use this device outdoors or in dampareas. This device is recommended for use as a

lamp dimmer or as an on/off function for thingslike a fan, television, or radio. However, do becareful in using the unit with a television as thepeople speaking on the screen may activate thedevice! The unit costs $29.99 and is available fromDynamic Living, Inc.

Dynamic Living also has a wall mounted versioncalled the IntelaVoice Wall Switch Dimmer. Thisis the same thing as the stand alone dimmer switchmentioned above, but this device is permanentlymounted to the wall as part of the switch plate.Like the above unit, it has two speech recognitionmodes and is trainable in one. This unit is alsoaffordably priced at $39.99.

The next bargain recommendation is actually abouttwo stores from which to purchase ATdevices—HomeDepot and Lowes.Both stores havelots of assistivetechnology that isuseful around thehouse. Let's startwith the kitchensink. Sometimes itcan be difficult toreach the faucet,especially if anindividual uses awheelchair and does not have a sink that the wheel-chair can roll under. A pull-out faucet helps addressthis problem.

A pull-out faucet allows the user to move the faucetto where it needs to be. While there are some won-derful pull-out faucets for well over $200, there arealso versions available from both Home Depot andLowes for under $100. Home Depot has three mod-els, each priced at $99. Lowes has a Moen chromeunit priced at $98. As with every device mentionedin this column, check with the store for availabilityand current pricing.

Along the same lines as the pull-out faucets, bothstores have a wide selection of handheld shower

The AT Bargain Basement

American Standard Reliant Bone Single Handle Pull-Out KitchenFaucet (Home Depot, $99)Figure 1

continued on page 11

SUMMER 2004 • 11

heads. These are great because they bring the forceof the water stream close to the bather. The hand-held shower allows the user to direct the waterflow. If an individual is also using a shower chair

or bath bench, this item isworth its weight in gold.Prices range from $14 to$100 depending on thefeatures of the unit.

Home Depot and Lowesare also good places tofind bath grab bars. Bothstores have many differentstyles and colors, andquite a few models are

priced below $100. As with any type of home mod-ification, make sure that a knowledgeable personoversees the installation. It could save manyheadaches (not to mention accidents).

Well, that does it for this installment of the BargainBasement. Like always, I welcome your questions,comments, and bargains! So until next time,remember just because it's inexpensive, does notmean it has to be cheap.

Product Contact Information

Dynamic Living, Inc.(888) 940-0605www.dynamic-living.com

Home Depot(800) 553-3199www.homedepot.com

Lowes (800) 993-4416www.lowes.com n

Several upcoming events for Fall 2004 andWinter 2005 have been announced. For moreinformation about these and other events in

the Delaware area, please visitwww.dati.org/events/index.php.

Inclusion ConferenceThe 11th annual InclusionConference, titled “BetterTogether,” will be held at theSheraton Dover Hotel onNovember 9, 2004. The con-ference will run from 8:00a.m. to 3:15 p.m. This year’skeynote speaker is MikeKneale, who will discussthemes of exceptional leader-ship. A $25 per person fee,which includes the continentalbreakfast and lunch, will be charged to participants.This year’s conference offers a “3 for the price of2” registration discount when a general educationand special education teacher bring along anadministrator.

LIFE ConferenceThe date for the 7th Annual LIFE Conference hasalso been announced. This conference will be heldon January 27, 2005 at the Dover Sheraton Hotel.Twelve workshops will be offered throughout the

day focusing on legislation,independence (through AT),family, and education.

Workshops sessions are notfinalized as of press time, buttopics are likely to includefunding options for assistivetechnology, memory supporttechnology, and how to con-duct a home assessment.

If you would like more infor-mation on either conference,

please contact the Developmental DisabilitiesCouncil at (302) 739-7193 or [email protected].

n

Inclusion and LIFE Conference Dates Announced

The AT Bargain Basement (continued)

Moen Chrome 8 FunctionHand-Held Shower Massage(Lowes, $36.98)


If you are interested in an item, please call the number listed next to the item. If youwould like to add or remove an item from the list, please visit the AT Exchange onthe Web at www.dati.org/exchange/index.php or call the DATI Lewes office at (302)645-4358. All prices are negotiable and all area codes are 302 unless otherwisenoted. An up-to-date exchange list is available at www.dati.org/exchange/index.php.

Delaware Recycles Assistive Technology

Please keep in mind the dates of September28, October 5, and October 12, 2004. Onthese dates several members of the Mid-

Atlantic Consortium on Accessible InformationTechnology in Education (including DATI) willpresent a three-part webinar series focusing on

Universal Design for Learning.

The seminar will be held via teleconference, withlive captioning online and recorded audio available.For more information, contact the DATI at (800)870-DATI or [email protected]. n

Webinar to Focus on Teaching and Learning Methods

Devices AvailableAmbulation/PositioningCane, adj, stainless steel, $10, Carolyn, 369-9372Crutches, adult, $5, Tim or Sheila, 697-8404Crutches, Guardian, forearm, pediatric, BO, Jenny,

631-6813Gait trainer walker, free, Verna, 652-3092Gait trainer, Rifton, pediatric, 35-45" height, BO,

Jenny, 631-6813Pneumatic lift sling by Hoyer, attaches to Hoyer

pneumatic lift to transfer from bed, never used,BO, Dorothy, 731-5835

Posterior walker, Guardian, 3-6 yrs, BO, Jenny,631-6813

Posterior walker, Bugsy, 34-45" height, 2-6 yrs,BO, Jenny, 631-6813

Prone stander, Rifton, pediatric, 25-48" height, BO,Jenny, 631-6813

Quad canes, Kaye, (2 sets, small and medium), BO,Jenny, 631-6813

Stander, pediatric, free, Verna, 652-3092Walker, pediatric (2-3 yrs), free, Verna, 652-3092Walker, adj, $25 or BO, Joseph, 645-4915

Personal Care/Home Management Bath support, pediatric, Columbia model 7300,

wrap-around, $25, Diane, 234-0973Bedside commode, free, Maureen, 855-5855Commode chair, portable, $20, Vanessa, 655-9840

Commode/shower PVC chair, like new, $450,Anita, 284-3681

Electric bed and mattress, Invacare, never used,$300, Angela, 834-9374

Electric bed, Invacare, $500, Richard, 239-4243Bed table, $50, Richard, 239-4243Hospital bed, w/pressure relief mattress, used 2

mos, $850 or BO, Virginia, 337-3555Hoyer hydraulic bath lift, $300, Debbie, 366-1010Hoyer lift, net sling, for use in shower and transfer-

ring, $100 or BO, Jamie, 678-4807IV pole, $10, Tim or Sheila, 697-8404Knee immobilizers, pediatric, small and medium (2

pair), BO, Jenny, 631-6813Lift, Chiltern, ceiling mounted, remote control,

extra seats, will include manual wheelchair forfree to buyer, BO, Nenette, 328-0817

Minivator residential elevator, for 2-story resi-dence, opening is attractively concealed andcan be securely walked upon, standard call/sendbuttons, $8,500 or BO, Al, 994-8902

Nebulizer, excellent condition, $75, Tom, 429-0502Orthopedic shoes, European, pediatric, U.S. size 7-

8, BO, Jenny, 631-6813Outdoor patio chair with wheels, made of nylon

mesh netting, $25, Tim or Sheila, 697-8404Shower bench, deluxe, elongated, excellent condi-

tion, $50 or BO, Joseph, 645-4915

SUMMER 2004 • 15

The AT Messenger Subscription Formp I am a Delaware resident, please sign me up to receive The AT Messenger

p Please cancel my subscription to The AT Messenger

Name: ____________________________________________ Title: __________________________________Affiliation: ________________________________________________________________________________Address (check one): __ Business __ Residence _________________________________________________City/State/Zip: _____________________________________________________________________________Phone: _______________________________________ Fax: _______________________________________Email (check one): __ Business __ Residence ___________________________________________________

Format: p I have provided my email address above, please send me an electronic version (large print, plain text, PDF, and HTML versions are available).

p I prefer to receive a print version of The AT Messenger through the mail.Indicate if an alternate format is needed:

p audio tape p Braille p large print

I am a: p person with a disability (please specify) ____________________________p family member of a person with a disabilityp friend/advocate/colleague of someone with a disabilityp professional (please specify) _____________________________________p interested citizenp other (please specify) ___________________________________________

Please Keep Us Posted!Has your address changed? Are you receiving duplicates? Would you prefer toreceive the newsletter via email?

If the address we have for you is incorrect, please type or print your correct addresson the form below and forward it to DATI along with your current mailing label orthe first page of your electronic newsletter. If you no longer wish to receive thisnewsletter, visit www.dati.org/news/unsubscribe.html or contact our office.

Do you know a friend or family member who would be interested in receiving thenewsletter? Please provide him/her with the subscription form below.

DATI Equipment Loan PolicyDATI has a wide variety of equipment at the Assistive Technology Resource Centers for the primary purposeof demonstration and short-term loan. The policy for the loan of the equipment is as follows:

The standard loan period is two weeks, defined as the day borrowed (e.g., Monday the 10th) to the same daytwo weeks later (e.g., Monday the 24th). Loans may be extended providing there are no names on the wait-ing list and/or that an extension will not interfere with an existing reservation. The maximum loan period isfour weeks.

A maximum of four devices may be borrowed during any single loan period. However, combinations ofdevices may be treated as a single device if the components are interdependent—either operationally, orbecause one component is required for the user to access another. Equipment loans across state lines are notpermitted. Equipment must also remain in Delaware throughout the loan period. n


Delaware Assistive Technology InitiativeCenter for Applied Science & EngineeringUniversity of Delaware/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for ChildrenPO Box 269Wilmington, DE 19899-0269

Address Service Requested

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDNewark, Delaware

Permit No. 26

The AT Messenger is published quarterly by the Delaware Assistive Tech-nology Initiative (DATI).

Delaware Assistive Technology InitiativeCenter for Applied Science & EngineeringUniversity of Delaware/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for ChildrenP.O. Box 269, 1600 Rockland RoadWilmington, DE 19899-0269Phone: (800)870-DATI or (302)651-6790TDD: (302)651-6794; FAX: (302)651-6793E-mail: [email protected]; www.dati.org

Beth Mineo Mollica, DirectorThomas McDonough, Funding & Policy SpecialistSonja Rathel, Project CoordinatorKia Bergman, Information and Outreach CoordinatorCarmen Taylor-Acevedo, Staff AssistantDan Fendler, ATRC Coordinator

DATI is a joint project of the Center for Applied Science & Engineering atthe University of Delaware and the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.DATI is funded by the National Institute on Disability and RehabilitationResearch of the U.S. Department of Education, Grant #H224A10005. Thispublication does not necessarily reflect the position or policy ofNIDRR/ED, and no official endorsement of the materials should beinferred. The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity employerand prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, age, nation-al origin, marital status or disability in conformity with applicable laws.

DATI RESOURCE CENTERSTHROUGHOUT THE STATE…

1-800-870-DATI

New Castle County ATRCEaster Seals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore61 Corporate Circle, Corporate CommonsNew Castle, DE 19720-2405(302) 328-ATRC; (302) 328-2905 (TDD)

Kent County ATRCEaster Seals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore100 Enterprise Place, Suite OneDover, DE 19904-8200(302) 739-6885; (302) 739-6886 (TDD)

Sussex County ATRCEaster Seals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern ShoreThis center is in the process of relocating. Staff and ATequipment can still be accessed by appointment.(302) 856-7946; (302) 856-6714 (voice or TDD)

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