"For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.

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1 "For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. A program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.

2 FOR INFORMATION contact: PIAT - Pennsylvania s Initiative on Assistive Technology 411S Student Center 1755 N 13 th Street Philadelphia, PA Tel: (voice) (TTY) Fax: ATinfo@temple.edu Web: www://disabilities.temple.edu/piat

3 Presenters Amy Goldman, Associate Director Karen Latimer, Assistive Technology Specialist

4 Goals for Today Provide a brief overview of disability, particularly people with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities. Introduce disability etiquette to improve communication with people with disabilities Increase your understanding of assistive technology (AT) and how it helps people with functional needs (including in an emergency or disaster) Provide resources for additional assistance 4

5 Why are we here? 2005 US Census Bureau reports 54.4 million Americans have a disability 19% of the US population about 1 in 5 Americans have a disability 46% of people with a disability are employed (compared to 84% of the general population) 5

6 Why are we here? Integrating Disability Access and Functional Needs Efforts (Bulletin 361) Integrate and coordinate emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for children and adults with disabilities and others with access and functional needs Bake it in don t just layer it on! (M. Roth) 6

7 In the Past We have treated people with disabilities as medically ill, child-like (even if they are 50 years old), helpless, needy and not able to take care of themselves 7

8 But today People with disabilities are: Active, healthy Educated, employed Independent world travelers Married Parents Tax-paying citizens Respected and contributing leaders, neighbors, colleagues and friends 8

9 Language Sticks and stones may break my bones, but they will heal. Words can hurt forever. 9

10 Watch your language! Many agencies use the term consumer to indicate a person with a disability (who uses their services) Use person first language Why: Person first and then the disability Generally the most accepted words used to describe people with disabilities Nothing is universally accepted, but this is current language preferred by most people with disabilities 10

11 Watch your language! DO say Person with a disability DO say Person who has a specific disability, such as low vision or intellectual disability DON T say handicapped challenged handi-capable DON T say the disabled the blind 11

12 Watch your language! DO say Person who uses a wheelchair DO say Person who is deaf and unable to speak DO say Person without a disability DON T say Confined to wheelchair DON T say mute or dumb afflicted DON T say normal 12

13 Accommodations What we can do to provide the best service and experiences for individuals with disabilities 13

14 Access is for Everyone! 30 second Public Service Announcement demonstrating how it would feel for the general public to be excluded from everyday activities 14

15 The Basics - Site Accessibility Paths clear of debris Ramps and handrails as needed Tables at appropriate heights to talk, write Restrooms large enough for mobility devices Seating for individuals who cannot stand for long periods of time Multiple ways of communicating Clear signs with graphics

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17 Hints for effective interactions with individuals with disabilities 17

18 Don t make assumptions about a person based on what you see or hear! 18

19 Individuals with Physical Disabilities May be a result of illness, accident (including injuries acquired as a result of emergency or disaster) or from birth Often have a mobility impairment May use a wheelchair, walker, crutches, cane or have a prosthetic device for mobility May use other devices for activities of daily living and transportation (e.g. bath bench, lift, adapted vehicle) May not communicate with spoken words or have easily understood speech 19

20 Individuals who use Wheelchairs Hints for interacting with people who use wheelchairs: Remember, there is a person in the wheelchair! Know the accessible routes Guide the chair using the handles & walk at your usual pace Do not place additional items on the chair, unless requested by the person using the wheelchair Know where the brakes are on a wheelchair, and ask if you need to put on the brakes Never move a person in a wheelchair unless you have permission from the person in the wheelchair! 20

21 Individuals with Communication Impairments USUALLY can hear what you are saying May or may not have difficulty understanding, as well as expressing May have acquired the condition (e.g. stroke, laryngectomy) or may have a developmental disability (e.g. cerebral palsy) May or may not have an intellectual disability May or may not have literacy skills May use, or need but not have, technology for communication May have access issues with telecommunications as well as faceto-face communication 21

22 Individuals with Communication Impairments Hints for helping people with communication impairments: People may use gestures, pictures or a device that has voice output Listen with your eyes and ears Always speak directly to the person (not the people around him/her, even if they are helping translate ) Allow extra time, and if possible, provide a quiet place to talk Don t pretend to understand when you do not repeat what you do understand, and ask for the part you didn t understand to be repeated. 22

23 Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Are people first Are slow thinkers May have difficulty solving problems May have difficulty remembering things May have difficulty using language and making their needs known May not have the ability to read May have short attention spans 23

24 R-Word Two short public service announcements that stress it is unacceptable to use the R word 24

25 Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Hints for interacting with people with intellectual disabilities: Treat them with respect and dignity Treat them in an age-appropriate manner Give extra time for the person to process what you are saying and to respond Use short sentences, simple, concrete words, gestures while speaking Demonstrate what you mean; showing someone can be more effective than telling Show a picture or gesture/indicate rather than just repeating information verbally Accompany the individual to a location instead of giving them verbal directions 25

26 Individuals with Autism Hints for interacting with people with autism: Some people with autism may not speak or make eye contact. Some people are excited, frightened or distracted by noise and lights around them. Try to minimize these environmental conditions. Unless absolutely necessary, do not touch a person with autism without their permission. People with autism are often sensitive to touch and touch can be painful. Look for signs of stress of confusion, and understand that rocking, repetitive motion and repeating words/phrases may be comforting to a person with autism. Repeat reassurances-don t assume the person doesn t understand because they do not use words. 26

27 Individuals with Visual Impairment People with visual impairment include people who have low vision as well as people who are blind People who are blind may have some sight You may not be able to tell that a person has a vision impairment People who are blind may use a white cane or a dog guide 27

28 Individuals with Visual Impairment Hints for interacting with individuals with visual impairment: Announce your presence / departure Always speak directly to the person, not to his/her escort Ask if the person needs help and what type of help. Listen and do what is asked. Use normal language and tone don t shout A guide dog is legally allowed everywhere with its owner, and must not be treated as a pet. Do not separate a dog from it s owner. 28

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30 Individuals with Visual Impairments When asked for directions, be specific Use language like Go to your left - Do not point or say over there Ask if they can see landmarks Ask if they would like you to escort them When escorting, ask if they prefer to take your arm or follow you. If they prefer to take your arm, touch their hand with your elbow When guiding to a chair, guide the person s hand over the back of the chair and to the seat 30

31 Individuals with Hearing Impairments People with hearing impairments include People who have some hearing ability People who have very little hearing ability Persons with a hearing loss may appear disoriented and confused when all that is really wrong is that they cannot hear you. Determine if the person has a hearing aid. If they do, is it available and working? If it isn t, can you get a new battery to make it work? To get the person s attention, try catching his/her eye and/or saying something. If that doesn t work, tap their shoulder Speak to the person, not the interpreter or companion 31

32 Individuals with Hearing Impairments Not all people who are deaf use sign language (especially those who are late-deafened who lost their hearing in adulthood) People who are deaf and who have used sign language from an early age may consider themselves part of the Deaf community, sharing Deaf culture Not all people who are hard of hearing can read lips or speech read (only about 30% of spoken English can be seen on the lips) Only 1 in 5 Americans who could benefit from a hearing aid wears one

33 Individuals with Hearing Impairments Hints for interacting with individuals with hearing impairments: Add gestures, facial expressions and body language to your words-always maintain eye contact. If you are asked to repeat several times, try rephrasing or saying it a different way Keep your face and mouth unobstructed Do face the person while speaking Do speak clearly Don t chew gum Don t shout Have paper and pen handy, if needed Provide a flashlight-darkness can make communication near impossible. 33

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35 Individuals who are Deaf-Blind People who are deaf/blind may have some useable speech, vision or hearing. Determine the individual s specific communication needs-a standard sign language interpreter is not sufficient to meet the needs of a deaf/blind signer. Some people who are deaf/blind may be able to read print written with a thick marker. 35

36 Individuals who are Deaf-blind Hints for interacting with individuals who are deafblind: Identify yourself Do not assume that the person knows what is going on, share as much information as possible. Always tell the person when you are leaving, even if it is for a brief period of time. When guiding a deaf/blind person, always allow them to follow you and hold your arm or elbow. This will give them the information they need about the terrain you are walking. 36

37 MITIGATION PREPARATION RECOVERY RESPONSE Supports for individuals with visual, hearing and communication impairments ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

38 Assistive Technology Assistive Technology, or AT, means the devices that help people with disabilities do the things they need and want to do AND the services needed to help select, use, customize, and maintain the devices. AT includes things that help you walk, move, talk, see, hear, play, learn, and use a computer or telephone, such as wheelchairs, walkers, devices that talk, TTY, magnifiers and hearing aids 38

39 Assistive Technology Devices Can be everyday, simple and inexpensive as well as complex, customized and costly AT is not matched to a medical diagnosis or specific disability but rather to the FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION the individual experiences in trying to accomplish a task or activity

40 AT and Emergency Preparation Individuals whose personal devices, including mobility, hearing, and communication devices, are not evacuated with them may lose their independence by not having access to the AT they need. Individuals with disabilities may not be able to independently protect themselves or evacuate. Individuals with disabilities may not be able to read, hear or comprehend emergency signals and other critical communications 40

41 AT and Emergency Preparation What you can do: Know accessible evacuation pathways and designated waiting areas If individuals need to shelter in place, personal belongings and devices may be necessary Know which and where mobility, telecommunication, and other AT devices are available for short term, interim, or ongoing use by the consumer. 41

42 AT and Emergency Preparation What emergency planners can do: Include AT in emergency preparedness messaging, reminding people that their go kit should include back up batteries, chargers, and directions for the use of their AT (e.g. putting a power chair in manual mode ) Become familiar with the kinds of AT people with disabilities may need and use, and any challenges presented by the evacuation of the AT (e.g. size) or the use of the AT (need for a power source) 42

43 AT and Emergency Preparation What people with disabilities can do: Have a comprehensive list of all their AT (home; work; school) Keep the information about their AT (manufacturer/make/model; Rx; vendor and service provider contacts; manuals) along with their other important medical information Have a back-up system (e.g. low-tech solutions), in case they don t have access to their device LABEL all components of their AT Be prepared! Have a plan! 43

44 Accommodating AT Users Hints for assistive technology if devices accompany an individual: Keep devices within reach as best as possible Don t move devices without communicating exactly what you are doing with them Not all AT costs a lot of money, but treat every devices as though it does Ask people what is the best way to handle their AT 44

Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of

graphic American Sign Language Interpreters live vs.

Service on a ipad http://www.youtube.com/watch?

45 Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Who Have Speech Impairments Sign language graphic American Sign Language Interpreters live vs. remote or video phone ipad/ipod Apps Purple Video Relay Service on a ipad gfyorrne&feature=feedwll&list=wl Sign language application for ipad

Cell Phones Computers ipad/ipod Computer

46 Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Who Have Speech Impairments Ubi-duo CART Text Based-English Handwriting Technology Cell Phones Computers ipad/ipod Computer Aided Real-Time Transcription (CART) Ubi-duo or similar device Ubi-Duo in Healthcare tch?v=zpnbb1zybti ipad

Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Who Have Speech Impairments Sign Language for Emergency Situations DVD American Sign

47 Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Who Have Speech Impairments Sign Language for Emergency Situations DVD American Sign Language (ASL) pocket folder contains basic signs while the back presents signs geared for medical and disaster preparedness

48 Emergency Communication Tool

49 Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Who Have Speech Impairments Pocket Talker Simple amplification system like the Pocket Talker can assist someone to hear better but it will amplify all sounds, including environmental noises.

Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Who Have Speech Impairments FM System An FM system provides a transmitter and

50 Communication Options for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Who Have Speech Impairments FM System An FM system provides a transmitter and receiver. The person with the hearing loss uses the receiver to hear the amplified voice of the speaker. Only the speaker s voice is amplified for the listener.

51 Communication Options for People who Have Speech Impairments Individuals with speech impairments may use simple devices to assist with speech including pictures or recorded devices Picture exchange book ture=related

52 Communication Options for People who Have Speech Impairments Some individuals may use computer-based devices that are high-tech and expensive, but allow for complex communication Computer based communication device

53 Magnification Products for Individuals with Low Vision or Blindness Handheld and lighted magnification

54 Magnification Products for Individuals with Video Magnifiers Low Vision or Blindness

and Voice Output devices JAWS demo http://www.

55 Magnification Products for Individuals with Low Vision or Blindness Alternative Keyboards and Voice Output devices JAWS demo bews&feature=related

56 QUIZ

57 True or False - and why? 1. If possible, one should sit down when speaking to a person in a wheelchair. 2. When talking to a person who is deaf and is accompanied by a sign language interpreter, speak directly to the interpreter. 3. The first thing you should do when meeting a person who is traveling with a service dog is kneel down and greet the dog. 57

58 True or False and why? 4. You should always have pen and paper available while working at a Disability Resource Center. 5. Asking a person who has a speech impairment to repeat themselves will only make it worse. 6. Only people who are legally blind may bring service animals into shelters. 58

59 True or False and why? 7. If you are unsure of how to help someone with a disability, asking them will only make you look stupid and be embarrassing for them. Use your best judgment. 8. It is okay to touch the shoulder of a person who is deaf in order to get their attention. 59

60 True or False and why? 9. When giving directions to someone in a wheelchair, pointing out where ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms draws negative attention to their disability. 10.When guiding a person who is blind, take their hand in order to lead them to where they want to go. 60

61 Harley Rider Don t Assume Anything! Fun 30 second commercial exemplifying why you shouldn t assume anything about a person! 61

62 Questions? Thanks for your attention and participation! 62

63 Resources in the *Philadelphia Area for More Information about People with Disabilities *We can also refer to you similar programs across the state and across the country 63

64 Where can I find information about services/support for customers and colleagues with disabilities? Institute on Disabilities at Temple University Pennsylvania s Initiative on Assistive Technology Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania Liberty Resources, The Philadelphia Center for Independent Living Mid-Atlantic ADA Center 64

65 Institute on Disabilities at Temple University The Institute on Disabilities is dedicated to working with people with disabilities and families throughout Pennsylvania, to provide innovative services and research, policy analysis and insightful training on both the university and community levels. 65

66 Institute on Disabilities at Temple University 411 S Student Center 1755 N 13 th Street Philadelphia, PA Voice/TTY: Fax: iod@temple.edu Web: 66

67 Pennsylvania s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, strives to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, through assistive technology devices and services, which allow for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods. Key programs include device demonstrations, device reuse, and device lending. 67

68 Pennsylvania s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) 411 S Student Center 1755 N 13 th Street Philadelphia, PA Voice: PIAT (7428); TTY: ; Fax: ATinfo@temple.edu Website: 68

69 Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (PA DRN) The mission of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania is to advance, protect, and advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. 69

70 Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (PA DRN) Philadelphia Office The Philadelphia Building 1315 Walnut St., Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA Voice: (215) TTY: (215) Fax: (215) Website: 70

71 Liberty Resources Center for Independent Living Liberty Resources, Inc. is the Center for Independent Living for the Philadelphia area, which advocates for and works with Persons with Disabilities to ensure their civil rights and equal access to all aspects of life in our community. 71

72 Liberty Resources Center for Independent Living Philadelphia Office 714 Market Street, Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA Voice: ; TYY: ; Fax: Website: 72

73 Mid-Atlantic ADA Center The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is one of 10 regional centers established to provide training, information, and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, consumers, schools, and state and local governments. 73

74 Mid-Atlantic ADA Center 451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 700 Rockville, MD Voice/TTY: ; FAX: Website: 74

75 Please complete the evaluation!

Tips for Effective Communications

Tips for Effective Communications People who have Mobility Impairments Always ask the person how you can help before attempting any assistance. Every person and every disability is unique. Even though it may be important to evacuate the