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In this issue ... Activities for Spring and Summer Enjoyment Telecommunications Equipment on Display
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Dedication of Sen. Collins Library
This grant has helped us in maintaining and increasing inventory for our members. We have increased our staff which allows TEC to be open 5 days a week. We are now able to increase the amount of our services, including evaluations, presentations, workshops, health fairs, and outreaches. Our library is now known as the “Susan M. Collins Assistive Technology Library”. We thank Sen. Susan Collins for her hard work, support and dedication to helping Maine citizens! TEC assists Microsoft in MARC Program What this means for you is that TEC can be your resource to showcase the numerous accessible technology options available on today’s computers. Our staff will be able to provide accessibility training to business employees, or accessibility consultation to businesses looking to create an accessibility strategy. TEC is equipped with video demonstrations and accessibility tutorials that show how to make computing easier, more convenient, and more comfortable. Our professional staff is on hand to answer questions and help visitors learn how to adjust their personal computers. Free Microsoft Accessibility Resource CD sets are also available so visitors can take the information home with them. Staff News
Congratulations Colleen Adams COTA/L, ATP
We are also pleased to announce some exciting news about one of our staff. Erica Burns, an occupational therapy student from Husson College, is currently on her third year working for TEC. She will be leaving us for her 6-month OT fieldwork in Phoenix, AZ beginning December 2006. Although we are happy for this opportunity for Erica, we will surely miss her. We are glad for the time Erica has worked here and we wish her the best! Take a Look at Our InventoryThe long awaited inventory database has begun to take shape on the TEC website. Please take a moment to browse through the inventory section of this site. What you will find are descriptions of some of the equipment we have for loan. Our hope is that this added feature enhances the search for assistive technology needs. We will continually add to the database throughout the spring and summer until our inventory has been displayed. If you should have any questions regarding specifics on any equipment, we encourage you to contact TEC staff for personal assistance. We hope you enjoy the convenience of “window shopping” from a distance. Telecommunications Equipment on DisplayIs using the telephone a problem for you? The Technical Exploration Center is pleased to welcome the Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) to our facility in a collaborative effort to inform the public of their telecommunication equipment lending and cost-sharing programs. MCD offers specialized equipment to telephone customers with disabilities in Maine. Equipment such as amplified telephones, TTY’s, voice-activated speaker phones, and telephone signalers are among the items being displayed at TEC. This long-term display will allow people from the mid-Maine area and North to access the equipment without traveling to Portland. Staff from MCD is more than willing to arrange presentations to include overviews of the features of the equipment, education on the Maine Relay Service, and more detailed information about their equipment program. Please call TEC to express your interest in arranging one of these presentations. New Items in Our Inventory:Come see the exciting expansion of our inventory! Each year TEC explores the world of technology for new and exciting devices to enhance the lives of people in our community. This year we focused on recreation, household items, gross motor equipment and activities, computer accessibility and sensory items. Switch Toys - A selection of switch toys were recently donated to the Technical Exploration Center. Please come in and test the toys that are new to TEC. Activities for Spring and Summer Enjoyment!Spring has sprung and so has our desire to be outdoors enjoying the mild weather and sunshine. Here are a few ideas about adapted equipment for gardening, fishing and swimming. Also some tips on preventing injury and staying healthy. Ergonomic Gardening Tools: Raised Flower Beds can limit or reduce bending knees and back strain. Use a bench or stool on wheels while working near ground level for long periods of time. Remember to stretch in preparation for working those unused muscles, drink plenty of fluid to remain hydrated, wear sunscreen and a hat to protect against harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays, and conserve energy by working in short sessions and taking occasional breaks. Adapted Fishing Equipment: StrikeFighter – Adaptive fishing pole holster. Fantastic for one-handed fishing! Van’s EZ Cast – The fishing pole casts for you! For anyone with limited arm or hand movement. Aquatic Equipment: Aqua Seat – Fun for the pool or lake! Keeps you afloat without effort. Other Items:Golf Glove – Adapted glove for someone with limited grip strength. NADA chair - Allows you to sit comfortably for hours with good posture. Overdue PolicyThe Technical Exploration Center would like to thank you for visiting and utilizing our lending library for assistive technology. We hope that our services have been of value to you and that you continue to explore AT options with us. Due to the increased circulation of our inventory, we find it necessary to implement a new policy regarding overdue materials. Beginning January 1, 2005 there will be daily overdue fines for items not returned by the assigned due date. The fine will be based upon the value of the item and borrowing privileges may be suspended if the item(s) are not returned. The late fees are posted in the check out area of the lending library. How Can We Help?
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Technical Exploration Center 207-941-2952, ext 227 or
1-877-603-0030 ext 227 This service is partially funded by the Maine Department of Education, Special Services, Maine CITE Project |
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We are pleased to announce Colleen Adams has successfully passed the RESNA credentialing exam and is now an ATP.
Adapted Trowel , Cultivator , Hoe and more! Improves positioning of your arm and reduces strain. 
Strong Arm – Versatile fishing rod holder. Great for anyone with limited grip. 
Head Float with Mini Stabilizer Bar – keeps your face out of water. 
Check out all the ways we can work with you