COMPUTER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

COMMUNICATION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

TELECOM ACCESSIBLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

DAILY LIVING AIDS DEVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

MOBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

ERGONOMIC / SEATING AND POSITIONING

LEISURE AND RECREATION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO PROVIDE:

COMPUTER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AS RELATED TO ACCESSIBLE HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND ACCCESSORIES

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are your eligibility requirements for services?

How much are your fees or membership dues?

Can you help me to assess my computer access needs?

Do you provide training on computer related assistive technology?

Do you provide services at my home or office?

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your building, meeting room and lab barrier free?

Is there elevator access to the meeting room or lab?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as your office or lab? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

PROGRAM AND SERVICES

Do you have adaptations such as:
• Alternatives that address barriers to using the standard keyboard?
• Alternatives that address barriers to using the standard mouse?
• Alternatives that address barriers to using a standard computer screen?
• Alternatives address barriers to use of sound provided by the computer?
• Alternatives that address barriers with reading or writing processes on the computer?

Do you have a computer workstation that has clearance for my wheelchair?

Do you provide computer support such as:
• Classes
• Workshops
• One-on-one support or training

Do you provide open lab hours? If so, what are your policies for use?
• Hours of operation
• Length of time on computer per session
• Installation of user-supplied software

What computer operation systems are available in your lab?
• Mac OS
• Windows

Do you have computer peripherals such as:
• scanner
• cd burner
• printers
• digital cameras and video
• video conferencing

Do you have standard software such as:
• word processing, database, spreadsheet, financial
• desktop publishing, drawing
• web browser, web design, email
• music, games, genealogy
• Educational and/or training program
•

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO PROVIDE:

COMMUNICATION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AS RELATED TO AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are your eligibility requirements to participate in your services?

Do you offer support in acquiring funding assistance?

Do you work with private insurance claims?

Where do you provide services?:
• Schools and Universities
• Hospitals
• Privately
• Nursing care facilities
• Place of employment

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your offices barrier free?

Is there elevator access to your offices?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as your offices? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Who on your staff will work with me?
• Speech and Language pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Rehabilitation Engineer

Do you provide support for both speech and language issues?

Do you provide communication evaluations?

Do you provide speech therapy?

Do you provide communication training?

Do you work with individuals?:
• of all levels of language and academic skills
• all ages
• who do not speak English as their first language
• of all physical abilities

Do you include family members in the process?

Do you trouble shoot computer set-ups for communication?

Do you help with design of communication materials and guidance in how to use them?

Do you provide support with seating, positioning, and mounting as it relates to communication?

Do you use communication alternatives such as
• Simple communication boards or aids
• Dedicated communication devices
• Communication software program
•

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GENERAL INQUIRIES ABOUT:

TELECOM - ACCESSIBLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AS RELATED TO TELEPHONES AND BROADCASTS

COMMON QUESTIONS

How do I find out what accessible telecom products and services are available?

How do I know what products are right for me?

How do I know if my new products or service will be compatible with devices I already have?

Do I have to pay for these products and services?

What specific type of telecom support does your organization provide?

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your offices barrier free?

Is there elevator access to your offices?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as your offices? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format ?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

SELF ADVOCACY – YOUR RIGHTS

Manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and providers of telecommunications services must ensure that such equipment and services are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, if this goal is readily achievable.

You have a right to equal access by:
• telephone
• cell phone
• pager
• calling services
• voicemail
• operator assistance

There are several services that provide access to public broadcasts, including:
• Closed Caption - captions carefully placed to identify speakers, on- and off screen sound effects, music, and laughter.
• Group Listening Systems– Enables many individuals to listen to a movie, speech, concert or presentation at individually-selected listening levels.
• Motion Picture Access - captions play in synchronization with the film and are visible (via a reflector) to only those patrons who choose to see them.
• Descriptive Narration – a second audio track that provides information about key visual elements such as actions, settings, facial expressions, costumes, and scene change

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GENERAL INQUIRES ABOUT:

DAILY LIVING AIDS - DEVICES THAT CAN ASSIST WITH A VARIETY OF DAILY TASKS

COMMON QUESTIONS
Do you assist with the funding process from a third party payer?

What type of products and service do you offer:
• Kitchen aids and utensils
• Grooming and dressing aids
• Eating aids and utensils
• Magnifiers
• Transfer aids
• Reachers, mouth-sticks, and head-wands
• Accessible garden and shop tools
• Electronic aids and environmental controls
• Alter or calling systems
• Accessible remote controls

Do you provide repair and maintenance?

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your building, and facility barrier free?

Is there elevator access to the facility?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as facility? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Who will help me select the right products?

Is a prescription needed?

What is involved in the evaluation process?

Can I get financial assistance to purchase a daily living aid?

Is there support for setup and installation?

How can I get necessary training?

Are there electronic aids that are compatible with switch-control?

Are there aids that are designed for individuals with less cognitive abilities?

ENVIROMENTAL CONTROLS

Find out how to independently:
• control TV, audio and video equipment
• open and close doors independently
• control the air conditioner or heater in my home or office
• control lights and security system
• adjust an electric bed
• answer and dial a telephone

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GENERAL INQUIRES AND INFORMATION ABOUT:

HEALTH SERVICES AS RELATED TO MEDICAL
COMMON QUESTIONS

What are your eligibility requirements to participate in your services?

Will you bill my insurance?

Do you accept coverage such as: Medi-Cal, Medicare, or Children's Health Insurance Program

What type of health services do you provide:
• Physician care
• Psychiatric care
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your building, clinic, and offices barrier free?

Is there elevator access to the clinic or offices?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as your clinic or offices? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

Can someone help me to fill out forms and other paperwork?

SELF ADVOCACY FOR FUNDING

A letter of medical Most funding The letter or report should include:
• a thorough description of the requesting party's disability
• an explanation of how the disability affects the requesting party's function
• the disabling condition(s) which necessitate the request for the assistive technology should be highlighted
• the assistive technology being requested should be described in detail.
• explain how the requested assistive technology compensates for a function which is limited as a result of a disability
• the letter should explain why alternatives are not appropriate for the requesting party
• specify features which make the requested technology necessary
• state the individual’s ability to use the requested assistive technology in terms of safety, sophistication, etc.
• the medical
•

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO PROVIDE:

MOBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION: SERVICES AND PRODUCTS AS RELATED TO WHEELCHAIRS, RAMPS, WALKING AIDS, AND ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are your eligibility requirements for service?

Do you assist with the funding process from a third party payer?

What type of products and service do you offer:
• Wheelchairs and Scooters
• Walking aids
• Ramps
• Vehicle modification
• Accessible transportation
• Do you provide repair or maintenance service?
• Do you have professionals on staff to help with evaluation and fitting?

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your building and facility barrier free?

Is there elevator access to the facility?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as facility? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Purchasing wheelchairs and walking aids:
• Who will help me select the right products?
• What is involved in the evaluation process?
• Can I get financial assistance to purchase a wheelchair or walking aid?
• Is a prescription needed?
• Where can I rent a wheelchair
• What about customizing my wheelchair or walking aid?

Accessible transportation:
• What are my options for local accessible transportation service?
• What is the basic cost?
• Can I get financial assistance to modify my vehicle?
• Is there a lift on the vehicle?
• Is there a voucher program for accessible transportation?
• Do I need advance reservations?
• What are the policies I need to know
• Where can I get my own vehicle modified for my use?
• Where can I purchase an accessible vehicle?

Accessible ramps:
• Who can help designing my ramp?
• Can I get financial assistance to build a ramp?
• Where can I purchase portable ramps?
• Can I rent ramps for short-term us
•

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO PROVIDE:

ERGONOMICS / SEATING & POSITIONING: PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AS RELATED TO POSTURES, REPETITIVE MOVEMENTS, WORKPLACE LAYOUT AND SAFETY

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are your eligibility requirements for service?

Do you assist with the funding process from a third party payer?

What type of products and service do you offer:
• adjustable computer desks and chairs
• Adjustable keyboard, mouse trays and monitor stands
• Gloves, Splints, Supports
• Ergonomics training and education
• Ergonomic assessment and consultation
• Customized wheelchair seating systems
• Standing, tilting and reclining systems

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your building, and facility barrier free?

Is there elevator access to the facility?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as facility? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Ergonomic products and services:
• Who can assess my home, school, or office ergonomic needs?
• What are my rights regarding proper ergonomics?
• Can I get financial assistance for ergonomic products and services?
• Where can I learn about things I can do to reduce strain and injury?
• What do I do about inadequate equipment or furniture at my workplace or school?
• Where can I try out ergonomic solutions?

Seating and Positioning Products and services:
• Who will help me select the right products?
• What is involved in the evaluation process?
• Can I get financial assistance for seating and positioning aids?
• Is a prescription needed?

Who on your staff will work with me?
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Rehabilitation Engineer
• Seating Specialists
• Ergonomic Specialist

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GENERAL INQUIRES ABOUT:

LEISURE AND RECREATION: PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AS RELATED TO SPORTS, FITNESS, TRAVEL, AND ART


COMMON QUESTIONS

What are your eligibility requirements for participation?

How much are your fees or membership dues?

Is the staff trained in sensitivity to disabilities and assistive technology?

What type of service do you offer?
• Fitness and Sports
• Recreation
• Travel
• Arts

Do you require an evaluation of my general health and physical activity history?

FACILITY ACCESS

Is the entry to your facility barrier free?

Is there elevator access to your facility?

Is the elevator wheelchair accessible?

Are accessible restrooms on the same floor as your facility? If not, are they accessible by elevator?

Are the aisles in your facility wide enough for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other devices?

Do the locker rooms have accessible lockers, hooks, benches and shower and toilet facilities?

COMMUNICATION ACCESS

Are your brochures and materials in alternative format?
• Large print
• Braille
• Audio

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Fitness, sports and recreation programs:
• What organized sports for individuals and/or teams are available?
• How can I participate in recreation activities such as fishing, hunting, golf, swimming, bowling, skiing, etc.?
• Do you provide equipment for sports or recreational activities?
• Is there disability-specific exercise equipment available?
• Where are accessible playgrounds located?


Visual and performing arts:
• Where can I find accessible art programs and classes?
• Are there arts programs specific to my disability?
• Are there accessible studios where I can create my art work?
• Are their art programs that include people with and without disabilities?

Accessible Travel:
• Are there accessible trips and outings I can join?
• Where can I find a disability-aware travel agent?
• Where can I arrange for an accessible rental car?
• How do I locate accessible hotels rooms?
• What do I need to know about taking my wheelchair on an airline?
• Where do file a complaint against an airline?