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Living in the community -- assistive technology and housing access advances
Note to readers: links to news articles may not work after a few weeks, as news media remove current stories to their archives. The link may take you to the archives section, where, for a fee, you can view the article.
Nov. 25, 2003 --Today, November 25, at, 2:00 PM CST, Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) is hosting a free webcast on assistive technology and independent living. "The most basic and essential aspect of 'Independent Living' is the ability to live in your own home, on your own terms, and in your own community," says ILRU. "Assistive technology is becoming an increasingly more important part of the independence of people with disabilities. But where do I get it? How do I pay for it?" The webcast "So you want to live on your own: What's AT got to do with it?" aims to answer these questions. Access the webcast page and follow the link "Go to WebCast." You will need RealPlayer on your computer. If you miss today's webcast, you can view it in the future via ILRU's Archives.
Visit the Technology for Independence resources page -- the project is part of the Law, Health Policy & Disability Center at the University of Iowa College of Law.
While living in the community depends on assistive technology, it also depends on accessible housing. One of the most hopeful trends recently is the move to make ALL housing at least minimally accessible. Chicago, Atlanta; Austin, TX; Houston, Pima County, Ariz. (Tucson) and Santa Monica all have "visitability" ordinances (read more about visitability at http://www.accessiblesociety.org/topics/housing/visitability.html)
A five-episode series titled "Enable Your Home" on the Do-It-Yourself cable channel shows how people are making their homes accessible -- one segment features a nondisabled woman who is planning for the future. (Read story from the North County Times-- and visit the DIY Channel website and search for the show times in your location.