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From the Director
A primary reason we publish our Constellations newsletter is to shine a light on how Assistive Technology can be life-changing for people with disabilities and raise awareness of the services offered through the Minnesota STAR Program and our partners.
Image by Lisa Johnson via Pixabay
Another way that awareness is raised is with a day of recognition: on April 17, 2024, the United States Congress and the disability community celebrate National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. The day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day also recognizes the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT specialists and program providers who operate AT programs so that millions of individuals can acquire and use low-cost and often no-cost AT.
In the last issue we highlighted our short-term loans and in this issue, you can read about our device demonstrations, another no-cost service we offer.
We also highlight our Contract Partners, who help us broaden our reach across this state. In this issue, read about SEMCIL in Rochester, Minnesota.
We're featuring Kursten Dubbels another of our dedicated Advisory Council members, who informs the work we do. We also highlight an AT device designed for those who are hard of hearing: the Domino Personal Amplifier system. We talked to one of the STARS across the State that offers a complementary service: the Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program for people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or those who have a physical or a speech disability. Finally, be sure to check our calendar of upcoming events and webinars, as well as helpful links. We hope you enjoy this issue and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an 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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Did you know? There is no cost to borrow equipment from the STAR Program or our partners! You can schedule a time to pick up the equipment or we can ship the device at no cost to the borrower. The borrower is responsible for returning the item back to the program they borrowed it from at the end of the six-week period by scheduling an appointment to return the device or by paying to ship the equipment back to the program. |
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Device Demonstration
The STAR Program’s device demonstrations are a good first step for individuals with disabilities, their family members, guardians or professionals to see and learn about an assistive technology device and try it out with an expert. If you are considering purchasing an assistive technology device or have questions about what type of device might be appropriate for your needs, the STAR team is happy to help.
STAR has a robust lending library of assistive technology devices to available to demonstrate and borrow. Assistive Technology Specialist Jamis Wehrenberg explains, “Our role is to stay informed about trends in assistive technology and acquire the latest devices from various suppliers that meet the needs of a wide range of individuals with varying abilities.” If you are interested in a demonstration you can schedule an appointment by contacting us to set up a visit or a virtual meeting.
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Demonstrations allow a user to see the size of the device, learn how hold it or mount it if the device cannot be held, access the buttons, and review its features to understand how it functions. STAR can demonstrate one device or several similar devices together to compare them. Knowing the details of a device helps customers decide whether to take the next step to try the device by borrowing one from STAR or by purchasing one right away. |
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A child with cerebral palsy tries out a speech communication device
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Added Wehrenberg, “Our customers like working directly with a person who is independent of the device manufacturer. Our objective is to match the person with the device and get them on their way to trying it at home or in other settings.”
When asked what customers say, Wehrenberg says, “we often hear, ‘This program is amazing!’”
“When individuals reach out to us, we want them to feel like this is a no-pressure interaction,” he further explained. “We work with many suppliers, so we can help a person find the best option, not necessarily what they first came to us for.”
The STAR Program welcomes your inquiries about this valuable free service for people deciding what technology may be most helpful for their current needs.
To learn more about device demonstrations, visit our website.
To schedule a device demonstration, please contact STAR or one of our partners.
To view the STAR Program’s Online Library, visit MN AT4ALL.
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Our Partners Help Broaden Our Reach State-wide
The federal 21st Century Assistive Technology Act, requires programs like STAR to provide the following services: assistive technology demonstrations, loans, and reutilization services. In order to support the entire state with a small team, STAR has broadened their ability to meet people where they are, closer to their communities where possible.
Featured STAR Contract Partner: SEMCIL
The Southeastern Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL), located in Rochester, Minnesota provides services and supports to people of all disabilities at any age. As a STAR Contract Partner, SEMCIL is able to have their program’s inventory on MN AT4ALL, allowing all Minnesotans the ability to borrow directly from them.
We talked with SEMCIL Technology Specialist Ryan Sommerfeld, who recently joined the organization. He explained, “When the SEMCIL opportunity was offered to me, it was as if someone had created my perfect job. I never thought a position like this could exist with all these amazing devices.”
Ryan Sommerfeld, SEMCIL Technology Specialist
When a customer contacts the STAR Program about borrowing a device or seeing a demonstration, STAR can make referrals to their Partners that may be located closer to the individual. Ryan explained, “If a person is referred to us and is in the area, I will gladly do a demo, either at the person’s home or virtually, whatever makes it easier for the consumer.”
SEMCIL strives to give a person as much independence as possible and helps provide many services, including ramps, transportation, etc. Over 50% of the people working at SEMCIL must have a disability. Ryan said, “What’s rewarding is the people I have met. Just when I thought I knew a good way to do a task, I will meet someone who has a different approach. It opens my eyes to see that there can be several ways to accomplish a task.”
He believes that the STAR Program fills an important need. Ryan offered, “The program I’ve seen with STAR is great – it is such a benefit and a lower risk if someone can try out a device and see if it works for them before they commit to purchase it.”
STAR Partners are listed on our Device Loan page. Individuals can search for a device by product type and location by accessing the MN AT4ALL online lending library. If there are questions, we encourage people to check with STAR first.
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Note: The Minnesota STAR Program is federally funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living in accordance with P.L. 117-263 Division E: 21st Century Assistive Technology Act. This law requires that the STAR Program have an Advisory Council. The purpose of the Minnesota Technology Advisory Council is to provide consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice to STAR.
Getting to Know Council Member: Kursten Dubbels
Kursten Dubbels has been serving on the Advisory Council since 2007 and is the Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education. She represents the Department of Education, which has a mandated, permanent role on the Council.
Kursten shared, “Being part of the Council is gratifying. The work that we do in identifying and providing assistive technology for demonstrations and trials is so critically important because not everyone has the funding or knowledge to try an assistive technology device before they buy it.” She has found the Council to be a great source of information about trends and upcoming technology, “so we can anticipate needs and have the technology device available for Minnesotans.”
Dubbels explained, “I appreciate the different perspectives brought to the table at our Council meetings. We want a broad understanding from individuals and other agencies so that we can address assistive technology needs in our communities.”
When asked about the changes she has seen in assistive technology, she stated that the largest change is how technology has permeated all aspects of a person’s life: “It’s grown to be robust and multi-dimensional.” Kursten shared that the sheer range of assistive technology makes it a challenge to choose a device. For example, many don’t think about doing a feature match between devices. STAR can provide that feature comparison so a person can select a device that best matches their capabilities.
Kursten finds that she benefits personally and professionally from her Council experience. Dubbels shared, “I’ve made some fabulous connections; some are my friends now, others I can contact when I have questions. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know people from many walks of life and learn of their challenges and successes.”
She relates, “In the Department of Education, we start working with a person at birth and continue through graduation or age 22. Our goal is to provide assistive technology as early as possible so that a person can learn skills to be more independent. Also, we all know how quickly technology evolves, so becoming comfortable with technology early on is important.”
The “Hidden Gem” in State Government
Regarding outreach, Kursten said, “I call STAR the ‘hidden gem in state government.’ It can provide so much for so many.” Having STAR partnerships around the state makes these resources more accessible to Minnesotans. Educators can access the STAR lending library, see a demonstration, and try devices, which helps them make assistive technology available to their students at younger ages. Educators are encouraged to contact STAR with questions.
Kursten shared some final thoughts: “I sometimes wonder: is it the person or the environment that has the disability? The Council has made me more aware of the importance of designing for our environment in ways that consider everyone, whether in education, our websites, our homes or in everything we are exposed to.”
To learn more about the Minnesota Technology Advisory Council and the work they do, email STAR: star.program@state.mn.us.
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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 MN AT4ALL website.
Featured Device: Domino Person Amplifier
A popular device in our lending library is a wireless personal sound amplifier system for adults, the Domino Pro from Bellman & Symfon. The Domino Pro system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter picks up sound and sends it to the receiver wirelessly. This hearing device features 10-band noise cancellation and adaptive feedback cancellation.
The Domino Pro system includes the Transmitter & Personal Amplifier Receiver, earbuds, neck loop, tie-clip mic, audio cable, power adaptor, charger, charging cable, rechargeable batteries, travel case, lanyard, user manual, & 2-year warranty.
Features: Incredible Sound, Easy to Use
- Incredible sound is made possible by the built-in omnidirectional and directional microphones that further reduce background noise, and FM digital signal processing technology that delivers sound loud and clear.
- The device includes a neck loop, which can connect directly to hearing aids that are equipped with the Telecoil “T” feature (consult with a hearing specialist to see if the “T” feature is an option for the person’s hearing aids). Users simply put the neck loop on and connect the Domino Pro. Some Telecoil-equipped hearing aids may also need to be set to the “T” position.
Why the Device is Popular
As the baby boomer population continues to age, STAR has seen an uptick in the amount of loans related to hearing and hearing loss. Minnesotans have shared some of their practical uses of the Domino Pro:
- A son borrowed this device for his mother who had hearing loss. He set up the device and played a voicemail of his mother’s granddaughter in Europe. For the first time, she could hear her granddaughter’s voice more clearly without the need for her son to shout and interpret for her.
- A wife borrowed this device to use with her husband who was hard of hearing. Now they could watch TV together and keep the TV at a volume acceptable for both.
- A son borrowed this device for his mother for an intake meeting into a new assisted living when she was transitioning there from her home. His mother was able hear the entire conversation without the need for others to speak in a louder voice. The son believes the device helped to ease the frustration and confusion that hearing loss can cause and allowed his mother to hear everything better, engage in the conversation and ask questions so she felt less stressed.
Having the Domino Pro in situations like these can help improve relationships between loved ones, providing a needed boost for those with hearing loss to hear more clearly and have engaging conversations again.
More to Explore
- Learn more about this device from the manufacturer on their website or in this YouTube video: Domino Pro.
- Find the device on our lending library website and learn how to borrow it: Domino Pro
- To purchase the device, you can find a list of vendors on the manufacturer’s website.
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Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program: Free Accessible Phone Equipment
If you or someone you know has trouble using a standard telephone, check out the Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program. TED provides assistive telephone equipment to people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or those who have a physical or a speech disability.
“People have told us that the phone is their lifeline. We want people to feel safe in their homes, community, and have access to emergency services. It’s about being connected to friends and family and becoming more independent. That’s where TED can help,” explained Sarah Maheswaran Saghafi, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division’s TED Program Administrator.
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TED phone devices include amplified phones, captioned phones and other devices that make using the phone easier.
TED phone equipment belongs to the state of Minnesota and is loaned out for free to people who qualify for the program. “A person who qualifies can use the device for free as long as it is needed,” said Sarah. The TED Program will also repair a device or provide different devices if the person’s needs change at no cost to the user.
“We want to reassure people that this is truly a free state program,” Sarah emphasized. “It is funded by Telecommunications Access Minnesota.”
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Sarah Maheswaran, Program Administrator - Telephone Equipment Distribution
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Minnesotans must meet a few qualifications to receive equipment, including that they have a hearing loss, a physical or speech disability that makes it difficult to use a standard telephone; meet the household income requirements; and have phone service.
To get started, individuals access the TED Program Eligibility and application page and complete the application. TED staff are also available to answer questions.
Once an application is received, TED staff then complete an assessment with the person to match them with telephone equipment that meets their needs.
If a family member or service provider is not available to set up the device, TED specialists, located in four regions across the state, will come to the person’s home to install and set up the device and train them on the device. “If a person’s needs change over time, TED can reassess and determine what’s next,” explained Sarah.
The relationship between the TED Program and the STAR Program is informal and collaborative. “We like to learn from each other and share resources,” said Sarah. For example, at times the organizations are working with a person with multiple disabilities, and together work to meet the person’s needs with a viable solution.
To learn more, access the TED Program's website where you can find TED Program Eligibility and Application, or call the TED Program: 1-800-657-3663.
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It Takes a Village: Improving an Avid Gamer’s Quality of Life
Jonathan is 22 years old and is an avid gamer. He was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and as the disease progressed, Jonathan was no longer able to use his hands and was unable to play games. The family reached out to the STAR Program to explore ideas on how to help Jonathan be able to play games again.
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 Jonathan using a Quadstick to play video games
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Through the relationships that STAR has established with many Assistive Technology programs throughout the country, the team connected the family with AbleGamers. Their mission is to “Create opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.” AbleGamers donated a laptop and a Quadstick, a hands-free controller operated solely using the mouth. According to AbleGamers, the Quadstick is “the most powerful controller for players with quadriplegia, enabling them to play across multiple platforms.” |
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STAR took a further step to connect the family with local Partner Live Life Therapy Solutions, who brought in an occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, and a rehabilitation engineer to work with Jonathan, both on-site and virtually, to teach him how to use the new technology. Jonathan is now able to play the games that he loves again.
As Jonathan’s aunt recently shared, “Jonathan told us he looks forward to getting up every day to play his games. We are so grateful to the STAR Program for connecting us to so many resources – it truly takes a village.”
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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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On April 17, 2024, the U.S. Congress and the disability community will celebrate National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. The day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day also recognizes the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT specialists and program providers who operate AT programs so that millions of individuals can acquire and use low-cost and often no-cost AT. Learn more about AT Awareness Day at: https://ataporg.org/national-at-awareness-day/ |
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Webinar: Make your Meeting Accessible: Tips for Social Media and Email Marketing
Free webinar offered by the Minnesota STAR Program 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. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
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Webinar: AAC for Transition
More information coming soon. Check our website and social media sites for webinar description and registration.
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Webinar: How to Write Alt Text
Free webinar offered by the Minnesota STAR Program 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. Click to edit this placeholder text.
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We have many device and educational videos. STAR posts videos often, so consider subscribing to our channel! There are also two playlists on the channel:
Like what you are Reading? Don’t miss an issue!
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