Inclusion drives innovation. A prime example of this concept lies in the story of Internet pioneer Vinton Cerf. Despite his hearing loss and difficulty speaking, Cerf found himself heavily involved in communications with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the ’70s. His frustration with verbal communication — and his colleagues’ openness to alternatives — […]
Author: ColesStaff
Apps, Autism, Communication, Computers, Conferences and Events, INDATA News, Organizations, Products and Devices, Training
Exploring Emotions: Social Tools and the Autism Spectrum
Every year, INDATA hosts four full-day training sessions that take people from all walks of life inside the intricate, ever-expanding world of assistive technology. “These training days open the door to all kinds of important discussions and discoveries,” said Brian Norton, Director of Assistive Technology at Easterseals Crossroads. This year’s slate of sessions concluded at […]
Communication, Computers, Easter Seals Crossroads, INDATA News, Independent Living, Learning Disabilities, Organizations, Services
An Inside Look at Inclusive Education
Summer is fading, and kids are now hopping on the bus to go back to school. And with every new school year comes a unique and exciting set of challenges. “Every class is different. You never know what to expect,” said Timothy Kershaw, a second-grade teacher at Spring Mill Elementary School in Indianapolis. “It’s always […]
Accessible Adventures in Indiana
“Indiana is becoming more accessible now than ever before,” said Ric Edwards, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Program Director for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A wheelchair user since 1970, Edwards has watched closely as the state’s level of accessibility has evolved over the years. His work for the DNR involves keeping […]
Department Highlight, Easter Seals Crossroads, INDATA News, Independent Living, Mobility, Organizations, Products and Devices, Services, Testimonials
Steve Swain: An Assistive Technology Champion
While looking back at when he started as Indiana AgrAbility’s rural rehabilitation specialist, Stephen J. Swain, ATP, let out a hearty laugh and said, “I really had no idea what I was getting into.” Swain has family members with disabilities, but the world of assistive technology (AT) and the language of accessibility was foreign to […]
Apps, Autism, Communication, Computers, INDATA News, Independent Living, Learning Disabilities, Products and Devices
A BuZoo Story – Early Learning in a Touch-Free Way
“Cool!” said Emmanuel, an 11-year-old with autism. Emmanuel had recently finished playing the touch-free, interactive and fun learning app dubbed A BuZoo Story. A BuZoo Story is a touch-free mobile app designed to give children living with complex communication impairment related to autism and other developmental disorders an engaging, fun and interactive learning experience. Shailah […]