Universal Design in Learning

Pictures of different ways to express learning with pictures under each style. Includes: Interactive Writing, E-Book, Podcast, 5 profiles, visual narrating, narrated art, screencast, puppet video, quick edit video, Geo Map, Simulation Game and Digital Story

by MATP Staffer Laura Hall The term “universal design” has been around for quite some time.  Universal design refers to the idea that if structures are built to accommodate a particular group, say, people with disabilities, they also accommodate the rest of the population.  Power doors, for example, help people with disabilities navigate entryways, but…

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Transitioning from School to Life: AT Considerations

Graduation cap, diploma, and books

By Laura Hall, MATP Staffer Transitioning from school to life is an exciting time for any student.  Yet, accessing assistive technology once out of school can be a much different process.  In K-12, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that assistive technology be considered for all students during the IEP process.  If AT is…

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Winter Weather Protection for Your AT

Spiked walker or cane tip

by Laura Hall, MATP Staff Well, the weather outside is frightful today, with the Lansing area expecting up to 10″ of snow.  For users of assistive technology, winter weather is certainly not always delightful.  During these months we are often more reliant on our AT, which makes it even more important that they are well…

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Organization Made Easier

Pen friend being used to identify cereal boxes

By Guest Blogger Kellie Blackwell, Disability Network Capital Area   The Pen Friend is a device that I have demonstrated to many individuals over the last few years. It is a great tool for labeling many things. I wanted to take a moment to share some of my tips for maximizing its use. I would…

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All I Want For Christmas is My Two AT

A man and assistant using a sit to stand device

By MATP Staff Laura Hall Dear Santa, Can you believe another year has gone by?  I’ve spent another great year working with the Michigan Assistive Technology Program.  I hope it brings a twinkle to your eye to know that we’ve helped people with disabilities learn about and acquire some great AT though our demo and…

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Thankful for Assistive Technology

By MATP Staffer Laura Hall As Thanksgiving approaches, I see friends and family creating daily gratitude posts on social media.  It’s a lovely idea, and although I am grateful for many things, I just don’t have the forethought to post every day.  However, writing this post close to the holiday has led me to think…

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The Coolest Halloween Costumes Include AT!

Boy in wheelchair with Wheel of Fortune wheel on his wheel covers. He is holding a $5000 wheel piece.

By MATP Staffer Laura Hall I have to admit, this is my favorite blog post of the year.  For the past few years, each Halloween, I have written a blog that features Halloween costumes that incorporate mobility devices and other AT into them.  Every year I find costumes that are more innovative than the year…

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Introducing: The Flash!

Woman reaching into her microwave using the Active Reach feature

By MATP Staffer Laura Hall Last week I got a new power wheelchair.  It’s hard to explain to people who don’t use mobility devices, but getting a new wheelchair is like Christmas, Easter and your birthday all rolled into one. Way more exciting than a new car.  Obtaining a new wheelchair is usually a long…

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Sleep with Me

Night scene with a tree, crescent moon, and figure in the moon reaching for a star

By MATP Staff Member Laura Hall I have always had trouble sleeping.  Even as a little girl, I’d lie awake thinking that I was the only one in the world awake. I’d wake up my sister, who would not be happy and certainly not comforting.  Now I’m an adult, and thankfully understand the concept of…

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Coloring Outside the Lines

By Laura Hall, MSW,  MATP Staffer Happy Labor Day!   You might wonder why I’m working on Labor Day and talking about stress.  Isn’t work stressful enough?  Sure it is.  Everyone experiences stress in their lives, and sometimes it is magnified when you have a disability and can’t be as independent as you want to be. …

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