Community Living

June 2013 — The Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released Exploring the Digital Nation: America’s Emerging Online Experience, a report describing the adoption and use of broadband in the United States.  According to the report broadband is available to over 90% of Americans, but the percentage who actually use it in the home is about  70%.

June 11, 2013 — The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has announced a final priorities and award applications for Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Programs (ARRTs) and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs).  For the ARRT Program, which provides research training and experience to individuals with “clinical or relevant experience,” NIDRR has announced award applications for the following priorities:

June 10, 2013 — The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has announced a final priority and award application for a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Promoting Healthy Aging for Individuals with Long-Term Physical Disabilities. As noted by NIDRR in the proposed priority, “aging with disability is now a common experience of individuals with disabilities,” and addressing this issue requires providing, financing and evaluating the effectiveness of health care services.

John Morris, Wireless RERC research scientist, and Tracey Wallace, a speech language pathologist at Shepherd Center, presented at the 2012 American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention. The presentation highlighted a variety of practice guidelines and techniques that use various mobile applications and can help with memory management in individuals recovering from a brain injury.

04.01.12 – The United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago has introduced their new technology program, Infinitec.  Infinitec, which stands for “infinite potential through technology,” acts to “advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for children and adults through technology.”  The program offers four different service types including training and education, information services, access to technical assistance staff, and equipment services.  Infinitec also provides resources such as online classrooms, webinars, and information about access, education, and ass