MN STAR Program

STAR's Fall Newsletter is now available. Please take a few minutes to read and let us know if you have any questions or comments!

The POWER of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)!!! It can give a person the voice they need to do great things, like Jacob. Check out his story and see the impact of how being able to communicate with assistive technology and music has changed his life. ?? Check out the line of AAC communication devices available from our lending library to try it out yourself at https://mn.at4all.com/ https://lnkd.in/gC-mHtFu #AAC #speech #speechtherapy #wordsmatter #communication

Are you or is someone you know experiencing hearing loss? You should know there are many resources for hearing loss that can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Come learn about these resources and how to take advantage of them at the Hearing Loss Resource Fair in St. Cloud on November 7-8, 2024.

Hot off the press! FDA approves Apple AirPods 2 as hearing aids. Apple will be pushing out an update of the Apple AirPods that will convert them to amplify sound, like hearing aids. This is a game changer for those that want a more discreet way of amplifying sound at a fraction of the cost of traditional hearing aids!! #hearingloss #accessibility #AffordableTech #disabilityawareness #AssistiveTechnology #hearingaids #hearinglossawareness https://lnkd.in/ekgtsE5u

Check out our latest webinar on alt text and learn strategies to write effective image descriptions! Made in partnership with ND Assistive

Last week our Minnesota community lost a beautiful child. Police believe that his death was an accidental drowning. This boy was non-verbal and diagnosed with Autism. He was drawn to water and afraid of loud noises. Unfortunately, this is a story that we have heard before. Our hope is through this tragic loss we can start to have conversations about the importance of Assistive Technology (AT). Not only can AT improve lives it can SAVE lives. Parents of children with disabilities MUST be informed of tools and resources that are available to help and protect their children. There are many types of tools available for people who wander. Alerts can be installed in homes; an example would be a door alarm. If a door is opened an audible alert will sound. An alarm mat is another possibility. As soon as someone steps on the mat an alarm sounds alerting caregivers. Another example would be a GPS tracking device. These trackers can be wearables like a watch or, a shoe insert or could be attached to a backpack. GPS trackers offer different features that are customizable to the individual's needs. Examples include 24/7 TRACKING (monitor location at any time), GEOFENCING (create geofence areas to alert you if your loved one has left a "safe zone". SOS BUTTON (quick emergency assistance) if the person becomes lost, confused, or needs medical help. If you would like to learn more about assistive technology for wandering or elopement in Minnesota please contact us at [email protected] or call 888-234-1267. If you are not in Minnesota go to the AT3 Center to find your state AT Act program (link below). #AssistiveTechnology #Autism #Dementia #GPSTracking

Please share with your networks, friends, family, and loved ones with disabilities. This is important information to help shape Minnesota's statewide Olmstead Plan. Survey open through June 30!

Check out one of our recent webinars about AAC and Transition youth, now up on our YouTube channel!

This is a wonderful video that showcases the importance of Assistive Technology!!

Thursday, May 16th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Take a look at the Accessibility Day website to learn more about digital accessibility and how important it is! #A11y #GAAD