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Welcome to the MN STAR Constellations Newsletter for the first quarter of 2024. In this issue, we’ve included timely information about Assistive Technology and our MN STAR program. You’ll learn more about our services, Advisory Council, STAR partners and success stories. Plus, popular or new devices, information about upcoming events and webinars, and helpful links. We hope you enjoy this issue!
Amy Perron, Program Director
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Assistive technology (AT) is something that can help you do things that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to do on your own. It is an item or device that can help you speak, walk, talk, remember, see, hear, learn and more.
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Short Term Loans
One of the services the MN STAR Program offers are device loans that allow you to borrow a device for a time of need or to "try before you buy." Assistive Technology Specialist Jamis Wehrenberg, explained, “Our role and that of our STAR Partners is to serve people who are looking to Assistive Technology to increase their independence. It’s an exciting time to work in this field.”
There are two simple steps that will get you started with a device loan:
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Identify the device you wish to borrow OR identify the reason for the loan, such as you need assistance with seeing printed text, hearing the TV, remembering to take medication, etc.
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Contact STAR or one of the STAR partners listed on the device loans page. Wehrenberg added, “Our team and the STAR Partners are just a phone call away if you have questions about your needs. We can offer guidance on alternatives for you to consider and can highlight product features and advantages for you. Assistive Technology is always evolving, and we do our best to stay on top of what is available and to share that with you. “
Short-Term Device Loans At-a-glance
Short-term loans are for 45 days or less for no charge. We know from our experience and from past borrowers, people like short-term loans because it is a no-risk way to try out a device or software program in a real-life environment before they commit to buying it. Short-term loans also provide the opportunity to:
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Determine if the device will meet your needs.
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Help justify funding the device.
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Act as a short-term accommodation while a personal device is being repaired.
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Determine if additional training or supports are needed to use the device properly.
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Make an informed purchasing decision.
When you’ve determined the device you need, MN STAR or a STAR Partner will assist you in completing the loan process.
An important requirement in the loan process is for customers to complete a short survey after they have tried out the device following the 45-day loan period. Surveys help us show our federal funders the value of our program.
This short survey (downloadable here) asks for what area of life the device is needed, for example, community living, education, or work. It also asks customers if the device met or did not meet their needs, and to rate their satisfaction with the service level received. “The survey helps us to identify trends in AT to see what is popular and not popular. It helps us determine areas where we may need to purchase more Assistive Technology,” offered Wehrenberg.
For more information or to request a loan, contact STAR. STAR has a large inventory of devices and is a good first stop. STAR can refer you to our partners based on where you live in the state and what devices our partners have on hand. Partners will also refer customers to STAR if they cannot assist. Our device loan partners are listed on the Device Loan page.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Our Partners Help Broaden Our Reach State-wide
The federal Assistive Technology Act, as amended, requires programs like MN STAR to provide state-level activities: assistive technology demonstrations, loans, and reutilization services. To support the entire state with a small team, MN STAR has broadened the ability to meet people where they are, closer to their communities where possible.
According to Joan Gillum MN STAR contract coordinator, “Our partners fill an important role. Before we had our partners, people found that traveling to the Twin Cities to try out a device, process a loan request or use our reutilization services could be challenging or inconvenient. Now, we have partners in nearly every area of the state, making it easier for individuals to work with us. We’ve added partners to our network, who agree to provide services and network with each other. We sometimes provide devices to them from our inventory, too.” All ages and disabilities are served better with this broader network.
Partners are listed on our MN STAR Device Loan page. People may also search for a device by product type and location by accessing the online lending library If there are questions, we encourage people to check with MN STAR first.
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Note: The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended by (Public Law 108-364) requires that the MN STAR program have an Advisory Council. The purpose of the Minnesota Technology Advisory Council for STAR is to provide consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice to STAR.
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David Andrews, Chair Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council for STAR
Chief Technology Officer Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
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We recently talked with the Council chair, David Andrews, Chief Technology Officer for Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development, State Services for the Blind, about the work of the Council. David has been involved with the Council since its inception in 1998 and is well suited to be on the Council. He is blind and has years of experience with technology related to blindness and visual impairment. When asked what keeps him motivated to remain on the Council, David offered, “What’s most important to me is to help other blind or visually impaired people get jobs and live independently, whether it’s to read a magazine or peruse a website.”
The Advisory Council is a blend of 6 state agency representatives, and 7 individuals with disabilities or family members or guardians of an individual with disabilities who serve two-year terms.
David has found that the Advisory Council consistently provides needed perspectives and advice to STAR. “It’s a humbling experience to work with Council members. All bring helpful insights. We’ve had a wide range of disabilities represented on the Council, which makes the end results of what we do better.” Since the Council began, David has observed that there is now a larger group of knowledgeable consumers who have a deeper understanding of what can be accomplished with technology including assistance through a cellphone, for example.
Outreach is an important need fulfilled by Council members, who are out in the community and help raise awareness within their networks of the services available through STAR and its partners. “We are always looking to recruit new members. I would encourage Minnesotans to consider serving. There is much you can learn about individuals with disabilities in our communities and available assistive technology that you could share with other groups you know.”
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Note to readers: in each issue, we feature a device from our lending library. There are many devices that can be demonstrated or trialed through our loan program at no charge to you. Check out our inventory of devices at the Minnesota Assistive Technology for All website.
Orcam Read 3
We recently acquired three OrCam Read 3 devices, the newest and very popular version of the OrCam Read devices that we loan out.
The device is an all-in-one solution for people with vision loss, dyslexia or other reading challenges and is also used as a magnifier for text, pictures, handwriting, math formulas, and more.
Features:
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The device is 1 inch wide by 5 inches tall and fits nicely into your hand, or it can be placed on a stand to act as a stationary reader.
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The operational buttons are bright yellow against a black base to provide high contrast.
A camera and laser pointer are at the tip of the pen. To use:
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Point the device at any text and press the button to center the laser guide around the text
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Release the button. The text is instantly read back to you in a natural-sounding, artificially generated voice.
Why the Device is Popular
Wherever there is text displayed, the OrCam is sure to read it back to you. Use the OrCam to read printed text, street signs, mail, menus, labels on food cans, and more. The device also identifies currency and helps identify items off the store shelf just by scanning the barcodes on the label.
While this device was designed for those with low vision needs, it is very versatile. A popular reason that people loan this device from our lending library is in support of students with dyslexia. Students with dyslexia are often embarrassed to have a big device that attracts attention. Students find that this device is discreet enough for them to use without drawing much attention. Students can point the OrCam at any text they want to read, and it reads it back, and it works well as a way to test their reading skills and be assured that what the student sees and interprets is what is being spoken through the device.
More to Explore
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Find the device on our lending library website.
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To view more details on the on the device, access the vendor’s website. Or to purchase the device, access the vendor’s website or other retailers where Assistive Technology is sold.
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New ERAF Program Encourages Hiring and Employment of People with Disabilities
Minnesota job seekers with disabilities have skills, experience, drive and determination that employers want, but many small to mid-sized businesses worry about the cost of providing reasonable accommodations. In response, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) created the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF), to encourage employment of people with disabilities by reducing any perceived or real financial barriers. It’s a two-year pilot, which began July 1, 2023, and continues through June 30, 2025.
ERAF is a central fund, where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement of up to $30,000 each year for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.
As ERAF Coordinator Ray McCoy explained, “We want to help employers grow diversity in their workforce and help support long-term, stable employment for persons with disabilities.” Reimbursing employers for reasonable accommodations is, just one of the benefits. Employers often find that employees with disabilities who have stable employment stay longer in a job, helping reduce turnover.
Simple Application Process, Swift Reimbursement
Lindsey Hanson, ERAF manager is excited about how the program is structured. “In my years with the state of Minnesota, I’ve never seen a program that is so easy to apply for. It’s a terrific opportunity for small and mid-sized businesses in Minnesota as well as for individuals with disabilities who want to work but are having a tough time getting into businesses.”
The application process requires only that employers complete and submit the application with proof of purchase. If approved, reimbursement occurs quickly - within 30 calendar days of the approval date.
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Employers are encouraged to check with ERAF staff prior to purchase if there are questions about reasonable accommodations. ERAF staff can consult on how to locate, purchase, and implement reasonable accommodations that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and connect employers to disability-related trainings and resources, including DEED-specific programs and initiatives.
“We can open the conversation in a non-intimidating way because the conversation is at no cost to the employer,” Hanson added.
There are other limitations, such as the expense must occur during the pilot’s 2-year window. Check the website or call to speak to an ERAF technician to learn more about ERAF and available resources.
Ray McCoy sums it up well: “ERAF is an excellent opportunity for Minnesotans. We are beginning to see positive results as the program gains traction. I’d love to see other states implement something similar.”
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Calendar of Events and Learning Opportunities
There are a number of events and learning opportunities that may be of interest about assistive technology. More information about upcoming events is available from the links. All events are in Central Time unless otherwise indicated.
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Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference
Orlando, Florida (Live or virtual)
The ATIA is a global leader in AT education and research, and the premier organization for AT manufacturers, developers, and resellers. The ATIA conference helps practitioners and parents, teachers and researchers, manufacturers and distributors stay informed of the latest trends in AT and network with other AT-focused organizations. Individuals and organizations are welcome to attend the conference.
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This free event is sponsored by NW Hennepin Community Transition Interagency Committee (CTIC). Open to students ages 14 and up, families, teachers and community members. Spend some time exploring resources and vendors that are available to students and families during and after the transition from high school.
For more information, contact Julie George (615) 925-6541; or Sherrie Turcotte (651) 235-7052
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Free webinar offered by MN STAR and ND Assistive. Registration required.
In this webinar, learn how to: ensure everyone can understand your content; and create accessible PowerPoint presentations that can be fully experienced by your entire audience.
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Free webinar offered by MN STAR and ND Assistive. Registration required.
In this webinar, learn how to: ensure everyone can understand your content; and create accessible documents that can be fully experienced by your entire audience.
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The MSSA’s annual conference is for professionals from various sectors within health and human services, bringing together supervisors and direct staff who play pivotal roles in referrals and decision-making.
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The “Cs” in the name stands for Collaboration, Communication, and Cooperation. This state-wide professional development event features Minnesota practitioners who implement evidence-based practices, practical strategies, and innovative instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
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Free webinar offered by MN STAR and ND Assistive. Registration required.
In this webinar, learn how to: ensure everyone can understand your social media post; and create accessible social media posts that can be fully experienced by your entire audience.
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Free webinar offered by MN STAR and ND Assistive. Registration required.
Alt text helps people with visual disabilities understand pictures and other graphical content. Pictures help with comprehension and are said to be “worth a thousand words.”
In this webinar, learn how to write Alt Text that appropriately describes your images, making your content that can be fully experienced by your entire audience.
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We have many device and educational videos. MN STAR adds videos often, so consider subscribing to the channel. There are also two playlists on the channel:
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