What’s new at AzTAP?
AzTAP would like to thank everyone that attended and helped to make the 2023 Evidence for Success Disability Conference held at the We-Ko-Pa Resort on June 21st and 22nd a success! We had 450 people in attendance, 70 breakout sessions and 47 Assistive Technology (AT) and disability related exhibitors. We are evaluating feedback from this conference and work is underway for planning for next year. Watch for information soon!
Other exciting news for AzTAP:
- If you visited our website, you may have noticed that our website looks a little different. We have been working on ensuring that our website is fully remediated for accessibility and are pleased to announce that we launched our new website in mid July. Watch for additional changes to our home page and overall content in the coming months. Check it out at www.aztap.org.
- AzTAP would like to recognize staff member Karla Rivas-Parker, one of our AT Specialists, who took and passed her Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification from the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA) in early July, becoming one of Arizona’s newest ATP’s. Congratulations Karla!!!
Meet AzTAP’s Newest Staff…
Sharon McIver, MSW joined AzTAP our as our part time Reuse Service Coordinator in March of 2023. Sharon is responsible for for managing all of AzTAP’s AT (Assistive Technology) and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Reuse services such as the Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange and Reuse Coalition websites, our online Refurbit computer purchase discount program as well as all of our AT device refurbishment/reassignment activities. Sharon brings a wealth of experience working with individuals in the Medicaid/AHCCCS systems to access durable medical equipment, home accessibility modifications and other support services. AzTAP is very pleased to have her working one on one with our customers who need support with assistive technology and medical equipment reuse services. Sharon can be reached at 602.776.4670 or by email at admin@azatreuse.org.
Lynn Howard joined AzTAP as our full time Inventory Assistant Manger 2023. Prior to joining AzTAP Lynn had a twenty-five career in Charter school administration, specifically in the areas of special education and disability law, supporting teachers and administrators. She has a deep understanding of the diverse needs and educational challenges of persons with disabilities. Lynn will be taking over the management of AzTAP’s main and Department of Education – Exceptional Student Services AT device inventories. She will be primarily responsible for purchasing new devices, supporting our AT Specialists with pulling and prepping AT devices for their demonstration and loan activities as well as doing AT device updates and/or maintenance. She has hit the ground running and is working hard on learning the responsibilities of her new position. Lynn can be reached at 602.728.9520 or by email at Lynn.Howard@nau.edu.
Open Position at AzTAP…
AzTAP is currently recruiting for a Financial Oversight Analyst Sr. / AzLAT & Financial Management Program Coordinator which will oversee the daily operation and management of AzLAT our financial loan program as well as handling the financial management responsibilities that support the operation of AzTAP program and its services. The position closes on Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 at 11:59 PM. If you have some social service and finance experience and are looking for a full time position then please review the full job posting by searching https://in.nau.edu/human-resources/current-job-openings/ click on “Current Openings” then “Career Opportunities” and search by title Financial Oversight Analyst, Senior or job ID # 607330.
SUCCESS STORY: Kinova Robotic Arm…
A local employment service agency contacted AzTAP about trialing the Kinova Robotic Arm with one of their clients. AzTAP did not currently have this device in inventory, so the AT Specialist contacted the company and coordinated the arrangements for their regional representative to meet with the client, his family, and several members of his rehabilitation team to set up and trial the arm on his power wheelchair.
In the hands-on trial the young man was able to demonstrate the ability to use the arm to open and close doors, grasping items such as cups and bottles and pressing elevator buttons. It was also determined that with a 3D printed adaptation he would be able to hold and insert a security passcard for building access with the arm. He is also in the process of being fitted to drive an accessible vehicle and through this trial the team was able to determine that the Kinova Arm when installed on his power wheelchair would fit under the vehicle dashboard and not affect his ability to drive or his adapted driving equipment.
The entire team left the demonstration trial much more confident that this device would allow him to complete some tasks in employment and daily life. More information on the Kinova Robotic Arm is available at: https://assistive.kinovarobotics.com/
New AT Devices in Our Inventory:
The Color Coded Chef. This is a cooking kit that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental delays to cook confidently and learn essential life skills through a step-by-step, color-coded recipe format. Find it in the AzTAP inventory at: #53562.
The National Library Services (NLS) 20 Cell Refreshable Braille eReader. This 20 cell Braille eReader device is available to persons who are eligible for services from the Arizona Talking Book Library Program and who can read Braille. Find it in the AzTAP inventory at: #53543
Forbes WinSlate for Kids with Enable Eyes Eye Tracker. The Winslate for Kids AAC system isdesigned for younger communicators who are new to new eyegaze. This system includes specialized software designed for kids to learn and develop eyegaze skills, a Coreword language system and a variety of accessible Apps to allow access to social media and communication platforms. Find it in the AzTAP inventory at: #53544
All of these devices are available for demonstration and short term loan. Please reach out to an AzTAP AT Specialist at 602.728.9534 / 1.800.477.9921 or by email at AskAzTAP@nau.edu if you would like more information on any of these options.
Mark your calendar for our upcoming events!
Virtual ICT Webinar
Understanding Digital Accessibility by AbleDocs
September 19th, 2023 | 11:00 am (MST)
Register for the AbleDocs Webinar