Critical Connections

Grace Lee Boggs with quote you cannot change any society unless you take responsibility for it, unless you see yourself as belonging to it and take responsibility for changing it

“We never know how our small activities will affect others through the invisible fabric of our connectedness. In this exquisitely connected world, it’s never a question of ‘critical mass.’ It’s always about critical connections.” Grace Lee Boggs   This quote came up in my Facebook memories this week, posted by a friend and colleague some…

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Rolling into Home Automation

by MATP Staff Member Laura Hall The number of items in your home that can now be controlled remotely, by smartphone, or by voice is staggering and growing every day.  I’ve been slow to upgrade my home to “smart home”, but now that I’ve been bitten by the bug there may be no stopping me.Over…

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Taking Steps Towards Access in Footwear!

By Jen Mullins, BS, CTRS, MATP Staff While some designers are focusing on creating more accessible clothing, other companies are zeroing on footwear!  For people who have limited mobility & dexterity and decreased stamina & balance, putting on traditional, lace up shoes can be difficult.  Velcro laces have been popular and useful to many, but…

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CAPABLE Program to Roll Out Across Michigan

By Aimee Sterk, LMSW, MATP Program Staff People with barriers to community living who use supports through the Mi Choice Waiver Program (which provides services in the community instead of nursing homes) participated in a study that showed that accessing assistive technology, instruction, and home modifications decreased falls and hospitalizations and increased their ability to…

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Access Moves Fashion Forward!

In her 2017 TedTalk, ‘Why Design Should Include Everyone’, Sinéad Burke (writer, educator, and little person) asks, “who are we not designing for? Design impinges on the clothes that I want to wear. I want garments that reflect my personality. It’s difficult to find in the children’s wear department. And often women’s wear requires far…

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AT for Caring for Our Furry Friends

By Guest Blogger, RoAnne Chaney I have always liked cats, my own and friends’ pets. Dogs are OK, but cats are my favorite fur babies. They are soft, cuddly, and usually, have unique character features. When I started using a wheelchair and my last cat died from illness causing me a lot of pain and…

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All I Want for Christmas is these Two AT

Chef'N Veggie chopper with a clear bowl with blade assembly and a top with a pull cord to cause the chopping motion of the blades.

My colleagues and I are coming up with holiday wishlists of AT (assisitive technology). Since one of my favorite hobbies is cooking, of course, I want some things to help me out in the kitchen.  I have chronic upper back pain that usually flares up if I have to do a lot of chopping or…

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All I want for Christmas is My Two AT (2018)

By MATP Staff Laura Hall Dear Santa, It’s that time of year again!  I’m getting excited about the upcoming holiday season, and I’m sure you are too.  Keeping with tradition, I am sending you my wishlist for my top AT items I am hoping for this year.  Now, I know in the past, some of my…

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AT for My 8 Month Old

My daughter, Anneliese, is turning 8 months old next week. Her brother, Theo, turns one year and 11 months old today. Having two kids under two is exciting, enlivening, and life-changingly wonderful, and busy. Having both of our kids in our 40s after a long battle with infertility and losses, and having worked and lived…

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Barriers to the Ballot Box

By Laura Hall, MATP Staff Member When I arrived at my polling place this morning, like many voters, I was excited to take part in this important election.  I felt prepared because I had ensured I was registered to vote, found my polling place, researched the candidates and issues and filled out a sample personalized…

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