Did you know 2020 is a Census year? The Census data will affect each state's representation in Congress as well as funding for critical programs and services.
Make sure you are counted!
Invitations will start going out in March and households can respond online, via phone or by mail.
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Census this year. Visit NDRN's website for more information, including a helpful
FAQ sheet
about accessibility and the Census:
Read more about how Pennsylvania will be affected by the Census count:
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PATF Offers Funding for Tablet Technology
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Did you know that PATF offers partial grants for tablet technology to our Mini-Loan borrowers? That’s right -- if you’re a Pennsylvanian with a disability planning to use a PATF Mini-Loan to pay for a tablet (for example, an iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Amazon Fire, etc.) we can provide a grant to offset the cost by up to 50% of the loan ($500 at most).
These loans also offer an opportunity to build credit, with 0% interest and no fees. Borrowers of ANY income level are eligible.
Please note: PATF does not extend grants only.
If a loan applicant meets eligibility guidelines, PATF may be able to offer a partial grant in conjunction with a Mini-Loan.
Save money, build credit, and most importantly, get the assistive technology you need! Contact us for details.
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Assistive Technology Spotlight:
Cab Cameras for Safety and Success
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Is an injury, pain or a disability affecting your ability to operate farm equipment?
Safe and successful use of equipment is vital to all agricultural operations. Injury, pain or a disability can impact the ability to operate equipment effectively, thus decreasing overall farm productivity and safety. More specifically, back and neck pain, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and many other health conditions can affect one’s ability to properly monitor implements pulled behind the tractor and to check surroundings.
Adding assistive technology to equipment can help maintain or improve one’s ability to monitor their surroundings. One type of assistive technology to consider is a cab camera, sometimes called a back-up camera. For many operators, this device can help them return to safe and independent equipment operation.
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Want to learn more about AgrAbility PA and how they're helping farmers?
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Have you used Cents and Sensibility?
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We can use your help.
We're redesigning
StudyMoney.us
, the companion website to
Cents and Sensibility
. Help us ensure it meets the needs of those who will be using it!
We want to hear from you, no matter whether you have mastered the subject matter or only glanced at it once! Take this 5-minute survey:
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By Kirby Smith, Smart Homes Made Simple Consultant and Founder of
SunKirb Ideas
Is Alexa Recording Everything I Say?
As Alexa has grown in popularity, one of the major concerns potential consumers express is around privacy. “Is Alexa recording everything I say and sending it to Amazon?” Where answers cannot be provided with 100% certainty, this article will attempt to examine what the true risks and best practices are that one should follow with Amazon Echos in the home. (Note: this article will focus primarily on Alexa Services. Google Home and other smart speakers operate differently.)
I have owned Amazon Echos since November of 2014. Since I own a business that configures and installs smart homes, I pay very close attention to the devices and the apps. I have also worked with hospitals that were interested in using Alexa for their patients, which carries
HIPAA
implications and has forced me to consider privacy across a broad band. For those who have deep worries and anxiety about the government or big business listening, I don’t believe there is any reassurance that can be given to take that away. My best advice to someone with level of concern is not to use the device (and for that matter, get rid of your smart phones and computers, too – more on this later). However, for those who want to understand the level of risk and learn how to mitigate what you can, I will attempt to explain how everything works.
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Join Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation and Pennsylvania Health Law Project to learn how individuals with disabilities and seniors can enroll in Community HealthChoices; what services are available within the new waiver; and how to appeal a decision or file a grievance if denied a needed service. Attendance is limited, please register.
Learn more about CHC Lunch & Learn.
Eastern Pennsylvania Special Needs Association Meeting
Norristown, PA - February 6 from 10 am - 12 pm
The meeting will provide a forum for education and discussion about issues related to care of technology assisted children; each meeting will provide education and presentations that meet the needs of the represented professions and parents. For more information or to RSVP, send an email to Missy Modesti at:
mmodesti@phmc.org
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There are lots of ways to make a difference.
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Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1998, that provides education and financing opportunities and advocates for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them to acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.
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You Shop, AmazonSmile Gives
United Way
Give to the
United Way
of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and designate PATF by writing donor choice #13064 in the comment section on the form.
Donate
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