Every Monday, the entire INDATA teams gets together to talk about new products, services and ideas we hear about and discover over the previous week. One such meeting yielded such awesome products that we couldn’t wait to share them with you. The following is a list of items you should know about that help make many activities easier, from working on your iPad on the go or taking notes in class, these products will make the cumbersome more efficient and the mundane ever so cool.

Arc Touch Mouse ($59.95)

So much more than just a nice looking device, this mouse’s design can be used just about anywhere. From hard wood to carpet, its reliable wireless freedom let’s you retain wireless control of your computer up to 30 feet away. The mouse comes out of the box flat like a sheet of paper. To get started, curve the mouse upwards and smoothly glide your finger up or down the scroll pad to scan through documents or move up and down the page. To turn the mouse off, flatten the mouse and slip it into your pocket or desk drawer as easily as your mobile.

IRISnotes (Price Varies depending on edition)

This device takes the art of writing to a new level. With IRISnotes, you can capture handwritten notes and drawings, as well as edit, save and export them. The writing can be instantly converted into editable text in a variety of languages. Simply write your notes, upload them via your computer’s USB port and start editing using the provided software suite or your favorite software. This pen is ideal for students jotting down notes in class and going back to review them later on their computer.

Celluon Magic Cube ($170-$180)

While the idea of a laser keyboard may sound too futuristic to be true, this little device is indeed reality. The Cube is a compact, ultra-portable full-sized virtual computer keyboard that can be used in sync with your laptop, tablet, smartphone. The Cube is also compatible with Android and any device with Bluetooth HD support. The laser projection keyboard is ideal for those who have difficulty reaching and using a standard immobile keyboard. The adaptability of the keyboard is beneficial as well because the size of the keys can be adjusted with the positioning of the cube.

Stay tuned for more product information! Feel free to let us know of anything you have found helpful and think we should know about!

It seems like only a short time ago we announced some new additions to our  lending loan library, where you can borrow Assistive Technology for FREE for 30 days, and we are growing faster than ever and want to keep you all in the loop. However, before we get to meet the new additions to our library, let’s go over the terms and conditions of the loan library one more time.

• Go to the loan library website via www.eastersealstech.com
- Click “Equipment Loan Library” under Do You Need Equipment?
• Next, you can watch Wade tell you how to create an account and get started
-Or you can click the link and do it yourself!
• Once you have created an account and specified your need for a product, one of two things happen:

-If you live in the Indianapolis area, you must come pick it up  at our ESC facility in Indianapolis, OR, if you live outside the Indianapolis area, we will mail it to you and you will be responsible for shipping it back to us.

** These loans are available for only 30 days.

Some of our new additions to the library are:


Microsoft Touch Mouse
: Working the best with Windows7, the new Touch Mouse provides users with an innovative way to navigate the web, click on links and view pages. (If you are using a PC that operates with Vista or XP, before you purchase this mouse understand that the only function that will work on the mouse is the center scrolling option.) The mouse follows the natural curve of your hand, making the redesigned critter comfortable and easy to use. Much like Apple’s version, Microsoft’s Touch Mouse employs different functions depending on how many fingers you use.

EyeTech TM4 – eye gaze technology : Working with PowerBox7 communication aid and other PC based devices, the Eye Tech TM4 plugs in using a standard USB cable and is designed to fit under any standard flat screen monitor or laptop. One of the major advantages of this piece of equipment is that users can have eye gaze access to both a portable device on their wheelchair as well as a larger screen at home or at the office, all while using the same camera.

Braille Note Apex: Take note. Take charge. This incredibly thin and light Braille notetaker is great for students on the go. Built in options at the user’s fingertips allow access to Web pages, download emails and retrieve files from the Ethernet or wireless networks.

I-loview (handheld CCTV): The i-loview can be connected to a TV or closed circuit TV (CCTV) for a larger viewing experience. It also comes with an SD card for saving pictures on the device for reference at a later time.

Morekeyboard: Designed to benefit older persons, the physically and/or visually disabled, larger framed and athletic people, children and those whose work require gloves, the Morekeyboard is a large key and large print keyboard to help with accuracy when it comes to hitting the correct keys to form words.

For more information and listings, be sure to stop by the loan library’s website to check out what else is new.

With thousands and thousands of applications designed to help those with disabilities, it can be incredibly overwhelming to pick which one is going to work the best; however, one website SNapps4Kids.com is working to change that.

Paired with Easter Seals of Greater Houston, parents, therapists, doctors and teachers are sharing information about how to use tablet devices, such as the iPad and Android devices, to help children with special needs.

The website offers a breakdown of how to discover different apps. For instance, if your child needed help with colors and shapes, there is a specific category dedicated to apps that aid in the understanding of colors and shapes, like the iColoring Book and Tappie Colorit.

Along with providing a wealth of information about different apps, SNapps4Kids.com also suggests different organizations that can help fund or grant an iPad to a family who needs one. The following is a brief list of organizations worth a try:

The iTaalk Autism Foundation
http://itaalk.org/application.html
The iTaalk Autism Foundation’s mission is two-fold: granting iOS devices to children with a medical or educational ASD diagnosis; and to educate families, teachers and therapy providers on the educational benefits of using interactive technology with children that have any special needs.

A4cwsn
http://a4cwsn.com/ipad2-4u/
Apps for Children with Special Needs would like to provide iPads to as many families dealing with Special Needs as we possibly can. All you have to do to be eligible is register with A4cwsn, follow us on Twitter and / or Facebook then send us a letter detailing why your family needs an iPad and how it will help you.

Special Kids Therapy (SKT)
http://www.specialkidstherapy.org/forms.php
Special Kids Therapy (SKT) is a non-profit Section 501(c)(3) charity that is dedicated to assisting special health care needs children and their families obtain alternative therapies or necessities that have the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for the child. This “support” is in the form of a scholarship to be used for those therapies or activities that are not funded by public or private insurance, other charities or government agencies.

ACT Today!
http://act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php
ACT Today! is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential.

Great minds think alike, because we here at the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indiana, have compiled a useful list of apps as well! Check out what we have to offer in terms of applications for those who have difficulties with low vision, cognitive, hearing, mobility and/or communication. We are always looking for more, if you have any suggestions or have a favorite app that we are missing, please let us know and submit your apps to nprieto@eastersealscrossroads.org. If you think an iPad is something you might like to try, we offer iPads on loan for you to check out for 30 days.

As 2011 comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about the new year ahead. What better way to get excited about some assistive technology than to announce the topics of our full day trainings for 2012? Ladies and gentlemen….the list:

2012 Full Day Trainings:

January-Higher Education and Assistive Technology

April-Alzheimers/Dementia and Assistive Technology

June-Assistive Technology in the Cloud

                                                                            September- Blindness and Assistive Technology

                                                                              November-Low-Tech/Low Cost Assistive Technology

We look forward to putting on our FREE full day trainings to anyone interested in learning more about Assistive Technology. We are lucky enough to be able to host FIVE full day trainings this year and we are excited to get started!

Higher Education & Assistive Technology training (HEAT)

Our first full day training is scheduled for January 13th, 2012. This training will focus on finding out what types of disability services are available to college students on Indiana campuses and ways to improve disability services for current and impending college students. Please join us to learn more about Higher Education and Assistive Technology. Continuing Education Units are available if you attend in person. Please register if you are interested in the HEAT training.

Previous trainings include information about how assistive technology can improve the lives of individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, blindness and low vision, and aging.

These trainings are held at our Indianapolis facility and streamed via Internet.
For more information on full day trainings or to recommend a topic, contact Nikol Prieto (nprieto@eastersealscrossroads.org), Community Outreach Coordinator.

In order to get more information, add your name to our mailing list (this is the only time we’ll email you, we promise) so that you can receive the most up-to-date full day training information.

Today’s post marks an important day in the life of the INDATA blog, it has officially turned 500! Well, it’s the 500th blog post that is. So we’re going to keep today light and fun, with a little assistive technology of course, and take a few minutes to find out what you (our audience) have loved to read over the past couple of years as well as hear from some of our very own team. Thank you so much for allowing us to keep you informed about the world of assistive technology and the people who use it. We have truly enjoyed every minute!

What does INDATA mean to you?

I think it means helping people who otherwise would not be able to help themselves, as far as getting the equipment they need and just being able to help other people. It makes me feel good to help other people. – June White, INDATA Administrative Assistant

INDATA is Joy
My mom always tells us to find a job that you enjoy doing so that coming to work is fun. “If work is fun, then it will not feel like work,” she wisely advised us. INDATA is filled with so many stories that gives me tremendous joy, especially considering the vast amount of work that my wonderful colleagues accomplish despite meager resources.
– Alvin Alviar, Assistive Technology Equipment Assistant

For me, it means giving used computers and AT equipment a new lease on life. Which also means that some folks are getting technology to help them find their own place in the world. - Mike Garberg, ReUse & Distance Educ. Tech.

Helping people with disabilities to be able to do things they never thought possible. – Steve Carter, Equipment Assistant

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Concept Braille smartphone could mean a bright future for the visually impaired

Using iPad,iPhone and iPod for Speech Pathologists

How the recent changes in Facebook impacts people with disabilities

Monday Tech Tip: Brailliant Apex

HIMS Announces First Voice Recognition

Tips and tricks for Android accessibility

INDATA – A valuable resource that allows the Clinical AT Department at Easter Seals Crossroads to increase the independence of persons with disabilities in all facets of life across the state of Indiana. – Brian Norton, Manager of Clinical Assistive Technology

To me, INDATA means working with an an amazing group of people who are passionate about providing tangible results to help people gain knowledge and access to Assistive Technology. I believe we truly touch people’s lives by educating them about technology that is available to accommodate their needs and assist them in making better decisions of what works for them. – Nikol Prieto, Community Outreach Coordinator

In 1979, INDATA was just a mere concept, now 32 years later, we have been fortunate enough to keep evolving and expanding in order to reach the greatest amount of people to do a greater amount of good. – Wade Wingler, Director of Assistive Technology

Thank you again to everyone who reads our blog and gives us feedback! For more blogs and videos be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter: @INDATAProject.

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