I hope this first official blog entry finds you in the best of health and spirit. I want to begin by thanking DSP’s founder, Ms. Patricia for this blog opportunity. I pray I do it justice. So, Assistive/Adaptive Technology (AT), what in the world does that mean? What does it include? A simple definition is technology used by people with disabilities (PWD) in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible (for more detailed information about AT feel free to check out the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 and its amendments and/or Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act). The most popular and obvious AT devices are mobility devices (i.e. walkers, wheelchair, crutches, etc) however, that’s just the icing on the cake! AT devices consists of implants, computer software, driving devices, intimacy devices, curb cuts, the sound a signal light makes, walking canes, closed caption on televisions, even E-Readers! AT devices are EVERYWHERE!! The AT device that I will spotlight in this blog is cellular phone applications (and you thought it was only good for Temple Run and Angry Birds, Ha!) I absolutely love my iPhone and the applications I have access to that makes my world a little easier. True most cellular phone applications are use for social media outles or to curve boredom, however there are some pretty amazing applications to help PWD. Take a look at these apps for iPhone and Android: 1) Name: Parking Mobility -Phone Availability: iPhone -Cost: Free -Description: Parking Mobility can clue you into disabled parking places around you by using iPhone’s GPS capabilities. You can post reviews on the parking environments (i.e. number of spaces) and report people parking in disabled parking spaces that are in violation. 2) Name: Intersection Explorer -Phone Availability: Android -Cost: Free -Description: Intersection Explorer allows you to obtain a virtual map of your surroundings; its layout of the streets and intersections in neighborhoods are spoke to you as you touch and drag your finger around the map. It allows you explore the area you are visiting before hand. This is a great app for people who are blind or have low vision, or even for directionally challenged people like myself! 3) Name: Proloquo2Go -Phone Availability: iPhone -Cost: 189.99 -Description: This app is for PWD who have difficulties communication verbally. Children, adults and seniors can use this app to turn their written words into speech. It includes real life text-to-speech voices, 8000 symbols, powerful conjugations, and a huge default vocabulary. Plus its expandability! It really good for those with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, developmental disabilities, Apraxia, stroke or other disabilities hinders speech. 4) Name: Vlingo Virtual Assistant -Phone Availability: Android -Cost: Free -Description: The Siri alternative, all you have to do is speak to Vlingo and it will help you get it done!. You can send text, voice call, search the web, look for places, get directions, update social media outlets (i.e. facebook, twitter, foursquare), buy movie tickets, and open other applications! This app is very good for those with mobility issues! 5) Name: My Emergency Info -Phone Availability: iPhone -Cost: .99 -Description: Exactly what is says…it helps you have the important information that is needed for emergency situations; name of your doctors, medications you are taking, specific medical conditions, allergies, insurance information all in one area with one tap of a finger. Also it has locations to local hospitals, too. Anyone can benefit from this application. I can literally go on for days about the amazing applications available to help PWD in their everyday life, but I believe this is a good start. Don’t you? There are hundreds of applications that if you took the time to search that can make your life a little less difficult! Please feel free to comment, suggest, or ask a question below! Or contact me directly at krystalshante@gmail.com. I want this blog to be interactive… so interact with me! #HoodiesUp #Justice4Trayvon