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AT Access Backed by Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

This blog is the second in a three-part series based on the recent webinar presentation “Your Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead.” The segment, titled “Differences Between IDEA/504 (K–12) and ADA Protections,” was presented by Jan Garrett, Deputy Director of ADA Programs at the Pacific ADA Center. The series explores how key disability…

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Person in a wheelchair using a laptop at a desk with coworkers. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “AT Access Backed by Law: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

AT Advocacy

AT Access Backed by Law: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This blog is the first in a three-part series based on the recent webinar presentation “Your Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead.” The segment, titled “Differences Between IDEA/504 (K–12) and ADA Protections,” was presented by Jan Garrett, Deputy Director of ADA Programs at the Pacific ADA Center. The series explores how key disability…

Back view of a group huddle with people standing in a circle, arms around each other.. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “How AT Supports Advocacy & the Persistent Complaint” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

AT Advocacy

How AT Supports Advocacy & the Persistent Complaint

This blog is based on a segment from the recent webinar presentation “Your Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead.” The segment, titled “Self-Advocacy & The Art of the Persistent Complaint,” was presented by YO! Disabled & Proud staffer Jem Moore explored how self-advocacy, collective advocacy, and systemic change intersect and how AT can…

A smiling wheelchair user with vibrant purple and pink hair works on a laptop on her lap. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Adulting with AT: Tools for Your First Job & Beyond” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

employment

Adulting with AT: Tools for Your First Job & Beyond

Welcome to the final post in “Adulting with AT,” our blog series following the Your Future, Your Tools webinar! So far, we’ve covered how AT supports learning and independent living. Now, we’re heading into the workplace, because adulting includes jobs, internships, and launching your career. Whether you’re applying for your first job, starting a new…

A smiling store employee wearing an apron stands confidently with arms crossed in the produce section. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Adulting with AT: Tech for Living More Independently” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

Independent Living

Adulting with AT: Tech for Living More Independently

Welcome back to “Adulting with AT,” our follow-up blog series based on the Your Future, Your Tools webinar! In this post, we’re taking on one of the biggest parts of growing up: living more independently. Whether that means moving into your own place, managing your daily routine, or handling things like cooking, cleaning, or organizing,…

A smiling student holding a notebook while sitting in a library. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Adulting with AT: Learning Tools to Keep You on Track” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

Adulting with AT: Learning Tools to Keep You on Track

Welcome to “Adulting with AT,” a blog series inspired by our recent webinar, “Your Future, Your Tools: AT for the Road Ahead,” now available on the Ability Tools YouTube channel. Whether you’re finishing high school, heading to college, or continuing your education in other ways, learning doesn’t stop and neither does your need for the…

On the left side, a close-up ofan Amazon Echo pointing to a ThirdReality Door Sensor on the left and Sengled Zigbee Smart Bulb on the right with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Using Multiple Routines" and "AbilityTools.org". On the right side, a blurred background with a house icon surrounded by (clockwise): light bulb icon, temperature icon, washer icon, TV icon, lock icon, cloud icon, security camera icon, plug icon. The lightbulb and lock icons are highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: Using Multiple Routines

In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to change your smart light’s color using the Alexa app to set the mood or improve visibility for specific tasks. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for…

On the left side, a close-up of a ThirdReality Door Sensor with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Setting Up ThirdReality Door Sensor," and "AbilityTools.org". On the right side, a blurred background with a house icon surrounded by (clockwise): light bulb icon, temperature icon, washer icon, TV icon, lock icon, cloud icon, security camera icon, plug icon. The lock icon is highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: ThirdReality Door Sensor

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the ThirdReality Door Sensor using an Amazon Echo device and the Alexa app. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra visual…

On the left side, a close-up of a ThirdReality SmartSwitch Gen3 with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Smart Home Device Setup: Third Reality Smart Switch Gen3," and "AbilityTools.org". On the right side, a blurred background with a house icon surrounded by (clockwise): light bulb icon, temperature icon, washer icon, TV icon, lock icon, cloud icon, security camera icon, plug icon. The lightbulb icon is highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: ThirdReality Smart Switch Gen3

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install, pair, and name the ThirdReality Smart Switch Gen3 using an Amazon Echo device and the Alexa app. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra…

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Smart Home Device Setup: Aeotec Motion Sensor

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the Aeotec Motion Sensor using an Amazon Echo device with a built-in Zigbee hub. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra…

On the left side, a close-up of a ThirdReality Smart Plug with glowing highlight in background. Below it reads: "Where it's AT - The Ability Tools Blog," "Setting Up ThirdReality Smart Plug," and "AbilityTools.org". On the right side, a blurred background with a house icon surrounded by (clockwise): light bulb icon, temperature icon, washer icon, TV icon, lock icon, cloud icon, security camera icon, plug icon. The plug icon is highlighted.

Smart Home Device Setup: ThirdReality Smart Plug

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the ThirdReality Smart Plug using an Amazon Echo device with a built-in Zigbee hub. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra…

A man lies on the floor holding his shoulder in pain, indicating he has fallen. To the left, an Amazon Alexa device is visibly alerting, with light or sound signals activated. Overlaid text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog, “Subscribing & Setting Up Amazon Alexa Emergency Assist,” and “AbilityTools.org.”

Subscribing & Setting up Amazon Alexa Emergency Assist

Access full video instructions via the Ability Tools YouTube channel “Setting Up Alexa Emergency Assist” Overview of Alexa Emergency Assist Alexa Emergency Assist is a monthly subscription service that allows you to call for help using just your voice, no phone dialing or button pressing required. Simply say: “Alexa, call for help” You’ll be connected…

On the left side, a close-up of an Amazon Echo device with a glowing blue ring light is shown. Below it, a graphic reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog,” “ Amazon Echo Setup Made Easy,” and “AbilityTools.org.” On the right side, a person using a wheelchair is seated at a desk, holding a mug and talking on a smartphone. A desktop computer and another Echo device is visible nearby.

Amazon Echo Setup Made Easy

Section 1: Unboxing & Setting Up Amazon Echo Access full video instructions via the Ability Tools YouTube channel. “Setting Up Amazon Echo” Overview of the Amazon Echo (4th Gen): The Amazon Echo is a smart home device that works like a helpful assistant. It responds to your voice and can assist with tasks like making…

A man guides a man in a wheelchair up a ramp next to steps. Besides text reads: "Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Step Into Work with the Right AT Support” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

Step into Work with the Right AT Support

There’s more to workplace success than just having the right tech. With the right funding, training, and self-advocacy tools, powerful support is within reach; you just need to know where to find it. Assistive technology (AT) can open doors, but real success comes with the right support. Across California, programs exist to fund, train, and…

Woman wearing headphones using Braille keyboard on computer. She is smiling. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Tech-ing Charge of Your Career with AT” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

Tech-ing Charge of Your Career with AT

Starting or returning to work can be a big leap. For people with disabilities, it often comes with unique challenges. But with the right assistive technology (AT) and support from Ability Tools, that leap can lead to lasting success. Check out our recent webinar, Campus to Career: Tools to Thrive in the Workplace, where we…

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