In This Edition:
- MassMATCH Sponsors 3rd Annual EdCamp Access Boston
- The ABLE Act and other good (AT funding) news!
- Assistive Technology for Thespians
- Take the MassMATCH.org Usability Survey!
- REquipment Highlights
- Get AT Stuff Highlights
- Upcoming Events (opens the MassMATCH Events page)
MassMATCH Sponsors 3rd Annual EdCamp Access Boston!
This year, MassMATCH was proud to serve as a gold sponsor of the 3rd Annual EdCamp Access Boston, held on March 21st at Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington. The “unconference” brings together special and general educators, therapists, students, parents, and others who are passionate about supporting K–12 learners who face challenges, often through the use of technology.
EdCamps are different from traditional education or tech conferences because they are free, participant-driven, and non-commercial. While there are end-of-day giveaways like app downloads and books, there are no vendor tables or product demos. That’s why this year’s EdCamp Access gave MassMATCH a unique opportunity — as a federally funded AT Act program, not a vendor — to connect with attendees from the only outreach table, located directly across from registration.
EdCamp is also distinct in that it doesn’t follow a preset agenda or include a keynote speaker. The day begins with a student panel, where students share how specific technologies have made a difference in their learning. After that, attendees break out into sessions on a variety of topics, led by participants who came prepared to facilitate.
New this year was the option to propose session ideas online ahead of the event using Padlet — a collaborative tool that functions like a virtual wall of sticky notes. This allowed participants to preview some of the sessions that would be proposed on the physical wall at Marshall Simonds Middle School on Saturday morning.
| Yishai Barth explains his unique assistive technology journey during the opening panel discussion | EdCamp Access schedule wall |
EdCamp Access organizer Patric Barbieri was struck by how quickly participants began using the Padlet ahead of the event and impressed by the depth of the contributions. “I always walk away having learned something, and it was great to see so much of the discussion focused on curriculum rather than just technology,” he said afterward. “I think we’ve reached a point where people are no longer using tech just to use it. They’re using it with intention and a much better understanding of how to do it well.”
The wall featured a wide range of topics, from “Twitter 101” to “Project-Based Learning in the Self-Contained Classroom” and “From Cardboard to 3D Printing: Connections to AT and Universal Design for Learning.”
Sessions were led not only by educators and tech professionals, but also by parents and students. Many attendees were returning EdCamp Access participants, clearly excited to reconnect with this growing community. “There’s definitely more energy and enthusiasm as the event continues to grow,” said EdCamp organizer (and MassMATCH AT Advisory Council Chair) Karen Janowski.
At the same time, about half of this year’s 100 participants were first-timers. “Which is great,” Barbieri added. “Everyone I talked to said they really enjoyed it, that it felt different. It was also great to see so many people making full use of the EdCamp ‘rule of two feet,’ moving from session to session based on what interested them. That’s exactly how it’s meant to work.”
MassMATCH’s sponsorship helped provide food for the day for attendees. “We will definitely be back,” reported Program Coordinator Kobena Bonney. “We added close to 50 names to our AT Tips for Education mailing list and interested several schools in learning more about how to manage their AT inventory through the AT School Share. EdCamp Access is a valuable way to grow our network and ensure more educators in the Commonwealth know how to access AT.”
Learn more about EdCamp Access Boston
The ABLE Act and Other Good (AT Funding!) News
Last year’s Massachusetts Autism Omnibus Act advanced two long-standing advocacy priorities critical to funding assistive technology and essential for quality of life.
ABLE Accounts Established
In anticipation of the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, the Massachusetts Autism Omnibus Act set the stage for tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts for many individuals with disabilities. While President Obama signed the federal ABLE Act into law on December 19, 2014, Massachusetts was already ahead of the curve—the Autism Omnibus Act had passed several months earlier.
ABLE accounts represent a promising tool for helping individuals with disabilities rise out of poverty. They allow eligible individuals to save more than the $2,000 asset limit typically imposed by public benefit programs, without losing access to SSI or Medicaid. Contributions to a single ABLE account can come from multiple sources, up to the annual federal gift tax exclusion (currently $14,000). Much like 529 college savings plans, earnings and withdrawals from Massachusetts ABLE accounts will be tax-free up to $350,000. However, under federal rules, SSI payments are suspended once the account exceeds $100,000. Each eligible individual may have one ABLE account, which can be used alongside Special Needs or Pooled Income Trusts, while offering far greater personal control than those options typically allow.
Funds from ABLE accounts can be used for a wide range of qualified expenses, including costs related to education, employment, transportation, health and wellness, housing (including home modifications), personal support, and assistive technology. That includes items like hearing aids, accessible vehicles, and college-related equipment.
To qualify, an individual must have experienced the onset of their disability before age 26 and meet a disability standard comparable to that used for SSI. However, they do not need to be receiving SSI or Medicaid to open an ABLE account. A parent may open an account for a child prior to applying for benefits, or an adult may open one while preparing to apply or planning to exit the workforce.
ABLE accounts are expected to become available in the final quarter of 2015. Massachusetts will need to align its laws with the federal ABLE Act, and all states planning to implement programs are currently awaiting the release of federal ABLE Act regulations.
For more information about the federal ABLE Act and for advice on getting started now, visit this National Disability Institute webpage.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices Now Funded by MassHealth and CommonHealth!
In addition to authorizing ABLE accounts in Massachusetts, the Autism Omnibus Act marked a major step forward in funding for AAC devices. The Act requires MassHealth to provide coverage for medically necessary treatments for individuals under 21 with autism spectrum disorders, including AAC devices.
Since 2011, private insurers in Massachusetts have been required to cover these devices and services under ARICA (the Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism). Now, the Autism Omnibus Act extends that same coverage to MassHealth members. The law specifically includes “dedicated and non-dedicated augmentative and alternative communication devices, including, but not limited to medically necessary tablets.” This ensures that coverage applies not only to specialized AAC devices locked for communication, but also to general-purpose tablets when medically necessary. It’s a major win for equitable access to iPads and other mobile devices.
Assistive Technology for Thespians
It wasn’t a typical device loan, but it was exactly the kind of opportunity the AT Regional Centers in Boston and Pittsfield are proud to support. This winter, the MassMATCH Short-Term Device Loan program made it possible for Boston resident Masha Sten-Clanton to take part in a staged reading of The Wheel by Theatre@First.
Theatre@First is an all-volunteer community theater group that performs plays and staged readings at Unity Church in Somerville. For Sten-Clanton, who is blind, this was her fourth production with the group—and one she thoroughly enjoyed. “I love working with other community members who are passionate about theater,” she says. Sten-Clanton has been involved in community theater and opera since 2005 and takes part whenever she is cast. “I would’ve started sooner, but in high school and college, not all directors knew how to work with someone who is blind.”
Staged readings provided an accessible path in. “There are no props or choreography. Actors sit onstage and read from the script,” she explains. Theatre@First calls these Bare Bones productions. “I enjoy them because they’re so varied. You never know what a script will bring.” The Wheel, by Zinnie Harris, begins in 19th-century Spain and moves through scenes of modern conflict.
For both rehearsals and the performance, Sten-Clanton borrowed a Humanware BrailleNote Apex notetaker from the Boston AT Regional Center. The Apex is a braille word processor that uses tactile braille cells, with pins that rise and fall to form each line of text. It includes braille input keys for writing and editing, along with search functions to navigate large documents. Using the Apex with a digital file, Sten-Clanton says, is much more practical than embossing the full script. “It’s great for making edits when the director makes changes.”
Cathy Bly, Coordinator of the Boston AT Regional Center (operated by Easter Seals), made sure to attend the performance. “Masha was amazing,” she said. “She’s incredibly talented and played several roles, switching voices so smoothly. It was a joy to watch—and we’re proud to have supported her.”
Have a creative project that could benefit from assistive technology? Explore the MassMATCH Short-Term Device Loan program and browse the available inventory. Devices are loaned free of charge for up to four weeks!
Learn more about the Apex Braille Notetaker
Visit Theatre@First online
Take the MassMATCH.org Usability Survey!
MassMATCH is seeking feedback on the usability and usefulness of everything on this website – MassMATCH.org. Please share your ideas and experiences by completing this website usability survey. Thank you!
REquipment Highlights
REquipment is a great way to obtain FREE, gently-used, durable medical equipment (DME) for use by individuals and families in Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts. As of this writing, the REquipment inventory includes the following available items:
- 1 adapted stroller: the Convaid Cruiser CX13 (for a child)
- 2 bath benches, including the Manatee Bathing Chair and Frame (for a child)
- 5 mechanical/sling lifts, including the Invacare Manual Lift (9805P) (for an adult)
- 1 3-wheel rollator (Envoy 380) (for a small adult/teen)
- 1 electric scooter (Lynx LX-3) (for an adult)
- 1 PVC Rolling Shower Chair (for an adult)
- 5 manual wheelchairs, including an Invacare electric tilt back wheel chair (Solara3G) (for an adult)
- 1 power wheelchair (Invacare TDX SP) (for an adult)
GetATStuff Highlights
The Assistive Technology Exchange in New England is now the Assistive Technology Exchange in New England AND New York! GetATStuff is the “Craig’s List” for AT. Currently there are hundreds of items posted as for sale or free.
As of this writing, GetATStuff highlights include:
- 6 Vision-related items, including a new pocket iBill with braille and cd, no box, for FREE in Westfield, MA.
- 2 Hearing-related item: a Superprint 4425 TTY for $350 OBO in North Providence, RI.
- 2 Speech Communication-related items, including a Tobii C12 with eye tracking, never used, $10,000 OBO in Corning, NY.
- 2 Learning, Cognitive, and Development items, including a Dynavox Eyemax for $300 in Wilbraham, MA.
- 68 Mobility, Seating, and Positioning related items, including a FREE Prone Lifter Mini Lift in Amherst, MA
- 60 Daily Living related items, including a Able Universal Stand Assist for $25 in Gardner, MA.
- 12 Environmental Adaptation related items, including a RICON s2000/5000 series Wheelchair lift for vans for $500 OBO in Northampton, MA
- 7 Transportation and Vehicle Modification related items, including a 2004 GMC Savana modified van for wheelchair for Best Offer in Canton, MA.
- 3 Computer-related items, including a Footime foot mouse with programmable peddle for $95 OBO in North Providence, RI.
- 1 Recreation item: FREE child-sized protective helmets in Winooski, VT.
Go to GetATStuff to search items by category or geography or to list what you need.