About INDATA
Indiana Assistive Technology Act
Easter Seals Crossroads has been providing assistive technology solutions in Indiana since 1979. In 2007, Easter Seals Crossroads partnered with the State of Indiana, Bureau of Rehabilitative Services to establish the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project. The INDATA Project is one of 56 similar, federally-funded projects designed to increase access and awareness of assistive technology.
INDATA core services include: Information and referral, funding assistance, public awareness and education, device demonstration, device loan, and equipment reutilization.
Information and Referral: Anyone with questions about assistive technology may call our Information & Referral/Funding Specialist to learn more about available services and funding options. Please call 888-466-1314.
Alternative Funding: Although there are a number of available funding sources for Assistive Technology equipment and services, there are times when an individual does not qualify for a traditional funding source. Easter Seals Crossroads has established a committee to explore the options of low-interest extended term bank loans as well as other alternative funding mechanisms to meet Assistive Technology needs. For additional information and to obtain an application, contact Nikol Prieto at 888-466-1314.
Device Demonstration: Many individuals benefit from experiencing a basic Assistive Technology equipment demonstration. These demonstrations are available statewide and typically allow an individual to spend 10-20 minutes with an Assistive Technology Specialist who demonstrates the basic features of the Assistive Technology device or software. (Does not result in recommendations.) To setup a demonstration, contact Carol Girt at 888-466-1314 or 317-466-2001 X2421.
Device Loan: Easter Seals Crossroads has a growing library of Assistive Technology devices that can be loaned for up to 30 days. To see what is available, click here. For additional questions, please contact Carol Girt at 888-466-1314 or 317-466-2001 X2421.
Equipment Reutilization: In March 2010, Easter Seals Crossroads launched the INDATA Depot, a project that will facilitate the reutilization of previously owned assistive technology. INDATA accepts used assistive technology equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility devices, Braille equipment, CCTV’s, augmentative communication devices, and other items. Donated items are sanitized and given to an individual in Indiana with a need for such a device. If you have questions or would like to obtain an application for equipment, please contact Mike Garberg at 888-466-1314 or 317-466-2001 x 2525.
Reutilized Computer Program: Computers donated to the INDATA Depot are wiped of all previous data, refurbished and provided, at no charge, to individuals with disabilities who live in Indiana and have no other means of obtaining a computer. For more information, contact Mike Garberg at 888-466-1314 or 317-466-2001 x 2525.
Training: In February, 2008 Easter Seals Crossroads began sponsoring quarterly Assistive Technology Trainings, which are hosted in Indianapolis. Topics may include device-specific training, advocacy, funding, clinical techniques and other relevant topics. Additionally, trainings are offered to local Universities as well as service clubs and other interested groups. These trainings are held at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis, IN and broadcasted via live-streaming web video. For more information contact Nikol Prieto at 888-466-1314 or 317-466-2001 X 2484.
Visit our website at www.eastersealstech.com!
Hi:
I thought this may be of intrerest…
Best, Fern
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Fern Marcya Edison, Ericho Communications
845.678.6319 *fern@erichopr.com
Announcing WordQ+SpeakQ 3.0 Assistive Writing Software…
Program is the first and only integrated
Word Prediction and Speech Recognition tool
designed for struggling writers
**Company Offering Free License to Professionals and Grad Students ($279 value)
(Dover, New Hampshire; December 6, 2010) Text-driven knowledge and writing are today’s social currency. Millions are held back from achieving their potential in school, the workplace and their personal lives because of their writing disabilities. It’s estimated that approximately 15% of students are diagnosed with learning differences. For many, writing can be a painful, embarrassing process. It hurts to hear “This doesn’t make any sense, you need to fix this!” and “Aren’t you finished yet?” Fortunately, state-of-the-art assistive software now allows users to combine their strengths to compensate for their writing weaknesses.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, ten-year-old 4th grader Darius Kessler “knows that WordQ…helps him read and write in ways he never could before. His mother, teachers and occupational therapist say that program has given him a voice.” Sarah King, AT/Special Education Department, Laramie County Schools (Cheyenne, WY)–whose entire district has purchased WordQ+SpeakQ– recently raved, “This is the best thing we have ever done!,” after a demonstration of the software attracted hundreds of students and faculty.
WordQ+SpeakQ (https://www.goqsoftware.com/) software bundle is the first and only integrated word prediction and speech recognition tool available, designed for students (from 2nd grade to college) and others who struggle with writing. It was developed by Dr. Fraser Shein of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
Neil MacGregor–who has battled his own learning disabilities since childhood and has coached hundreds of students with learning differences to use the software–is the company’s VP of Learner Development. MacGregor explains, “We’re so confident that our package provides what no other software on the market does, and with the level of our customer satisfaction, that we’re offering complimentary licenses –a $279 value — to all AT, OT and SLP professionals whose job it is to know about assistive software, as well as to all graduate students who are future professionals in these fields.” (AT=Assisted Technology; OT=Occupational Therapy; SLP=Speech Language Pathology. To find out if you qualify for a complimentary professional license, go to https://www.goqsoftware.com/learning-center/helpers/.)
Working alongside standard writing software, WordQ suggests words to the user (WORD PREDICTION) and provides SPOKEN FEEDBACK that allows users to hear their mistakes (i.e., run-on sentences, spelling and punctuation errors). SpeakQ plug-in software enhances WordQ with simple, speech-to-text functionality (SPEECH RECOGNITION). Within minutes of getting started (no reading is required for training!), this easy-to-master writing tool assists the user with word choices, spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading, and more. Designed to be more forgiving than other programs, the result is more success for users.
KEY BENEFITS of WordQ+SpeakQ:
WordQ is a simple but masterfully designed writing solution that helps struggling writers, regardless of age or writing ability. (For PC and Mac)
• Learns which words you like and predicts them faster
• Predicts words even if they are spelled creatively or missing parts
• Offers a list of words with similar meaning to add variety to your writing
• Uses clear and pleasant speech feedback
• Gives examples for words that sound similar by using them in a sentence
• Reads aloud any text you can highlight, including websites, emails and messaging
• Reads exactly what you write, so poor grammar sounds off and bad punctuation disrupts the rhythm
• Helps only as much as you need with functions that easily turn on or off
• Lets you modify word prediction to use specific vocabulary or topics
• Works with all commonly-used programs
• Now includes English, French, Spanish and German
SpeakQ plug-in complements WordQ by adding forgiving speech recognition to the mix. Write better by mixing talking and typing! Designed for those who struggle with other dictation software. (For PC)
• Lets you type the words you know and speak the ones you don’t
• Can write everything you say from single words to entire paragraphs
• Offers suggestions for words you have difficulty pronouncing
• Train it to understand your voice, with no reading required
• No voice commands to remember
• Allows you to mix typing and speaking for best results
About goQ:
goQ is an international learning software company specializing in high-quality products, customer service and training. The company is comprised of Quillsoft (developers of WordQ+ SpeakQ), ST4 Learning (U.S. distributor), and Strategic Transitions (global distributor)..
(https://www.goqsoftware.com/)
I’m a special education teacher in Harlem, New York, and I’m used to dealing with students with pretty serious cognitive delays. My friend is a professional accountant and he is about to have his jaw wired shut for 6 months to fix some chronic and astounding jaw pain. He needs an adapted keyboard with a text-to-speech output. His IQ goes well above genius (probably 150-170), and he’d like to keep working with clients. He has no physio-motor impairments to speak of. To do keep working, the voice has to sound real and the rig needs to be portable and somewhat unobtrusive (no Dynavox slung around the neck with a yellow strap). Further, he needs some input system that moves faster than he can currently type on a standard computer keyboard (70 words per minute). He expressed that the speed of slow speech (110-150 words per minute) should be adequate. Perhaps some phonetic system. I’m thinking of something akin to court stenography, but smaller and not taking three years to learn.
Any thoughts?
Many Thanks,
Nathan Rogers-Madsen
PS 138
Hi Nathan,
Here is some information that you and your friend might find helpful. INDATA is an Indiana based program, so we are not able to loan equiptment to individuals outside of the state. Luckily, we have a lot of contacts across the country and are able to refer people to a number of individuals in the New York area that may be able to help you. Your friend should get in touch with Prentke Romich Company (PRC) consultant, Andy White, who will be able to show him some communication solutions and the Essence software in particular. Andy can be reached by cell at 347-852-1942 by voicemail at 800-262-1984 x440 or by e-mail at alw.cons@prentrom.com. Thank you!
Another great resource to find assistive technology programs across the country can be found HERE.
Thanks again for your question!
i was just wondering how i could get some help or funding to get a wheelchair van. i have a part time job that im having trouble getting to. i need this job to support my family i just lost my leg in june im overweight and its going to be awnile before i can get a leg and be able to get in our car that we have. could you please let me know who or how i can get so help thank you for your time.
Hi there. There are a lot of factors that might effect the kinds of funding to help with that. Why don’t you give us a call at 888-466-1314 and ask for Nikol. She can talk with you about options that might be available.
Hello Team,
The information provided on your website is very helpful in understanding your work i descriptive manner. However, I am looking forward for some more detailed information in terms of the products being used for the visually impaired at your center.
Thanks & regards,
Chinai Giri
Hi there. Thanks for your kind words. We use many different types of technology to assist people who are blind or visually impaired. For some examples of the items we have in our assistive technology lending library, visit our main web site (www.EasterSealsTech.com) and click on the links for our equipment library. You can search by category and there is a category for “Vision Loss”. Thanks again!
Hi,
I am 20 years old with Cerebral Palsy. I am wheelchair bound and attending college. I have a wheelchair minivan that I use to get back and forth to school. It is a 1999 and falling apart, it has become very unreliable and I am in need in finding the recources to get another. Could you assist me in anyway?
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Kristin
INDATA has an Alternative Financing program. It is a bank loan that you pay back. However, it has very low interest rates and extended terms for those who qualify. It does not cover automotive loans but it would cover the cost of modifications for a vehicle. The minimum is $1,000 and the maximum is $10,000. Here is additional information regarding the loan program: http://www.eastersealstech.com/content.aspx?pId=85