Assistive Technology Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Debbie Drennan Assistive Technology

Summer is for Play!

Switches and Toys for All Summer means time to play. I remember when my kids were young, we would have a large block party, close the street, and let all the neighborhood kids play on the street for the day while the adults would all barbeque and chat. The challenge was how to include our…

I’m Vendorized!

Wait, what does that mean? I am thrilled to announce that I am now a San Andreas Regional Center vendor. What does this mean? After a long process, I finally obtained a vendor number through the San Andreas Regional Center. In California, the Regional Center system serves individuals with Developmental Disabilities of all ages. I…

Tools for Dementia: In Honor of Mom

I am thinking about my mother today, as it is her birthday. She has dementia and has no short-term memory left. I know she is “in there”- and she at times remembers she has dementia and gets very frustrated at all the things she can no longer do. It is difficult as a daughter…

Communication Tools: Free Paper-Based Tools

I recently went to visit a loved one in the hospital, and as I walked by several rooms, I could see people in their beds trying, desperately, to communicate what they needed. Communication tools, or AAC, are very important tools for so many people- those who are non-verbal, those whose verbal abilities don’t meet all…

Why AT is Inclusion?

As this is a new website and a new blog, I thought I would explain why I chose this website name, and why I truly do believe that Assistive Technology is a key to inclusion. To be truly included, a person needs to know that they belong. I love this circle of belonging, from the…

Free On-line training!

“Someone is Using a Communication Tool! How Can I Help?” Hosted by Parents Helping Parents, and funded through First Five. Wednesday April 27th, 10 am– FREE! This training will help you become a better communication partner for those who useany sort of alternative communication, or AAC. As a reminder, AAC can be as simple as…