Community Inclusion through TEchnology (CITE)

Maine CITE is a statewide program helping people with disabilities increase their independence in all areas of life through assistive technology.

August Spotlight:
SMA Awareness & Back to School Success

Says Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness and has a blue and purple ribbon to the left of itAugust is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month, a time to learn about SMA and recognize the strength of people living with this genetic condition. Assistive technology can help people with SMA stay independent at home, school, work, and in the community. From communication devices to adapted computer access and mobility equipment, the right tools can make everyday tasks easier. To learn more about SMA visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

 

As a new school year approaches, now is a great time to prepare for a smooth transition back to the classroom. Establishing consistent routines, reviewing schedules, organizing school supplies, and ensuring any needed accommodations or support plans are in place can help students start the year with confidence. Assistive technology can make a big difference by supporting reading, writing, organization, communication, and other everyday tasks. Whether your child is entering a new grade or returning to familiar classrooms, taking a little time to prepare can make a big difference. We wish all students, families, and educators a safe, successful, and exciting school year!

The AT4Maine Loan Library lets you borrow assistive technology devices to try before you buy, making it easier to find the tools that best meet your needs and support success at school, work, home and beyond.

 

AT Spotlight 

Visit Maine CITE’s AT lending library AT4Maine.org
Time Timer with Sound – Attention parents and teachers! Help your students learn time awareness and prepare for transitions with this visual timer. The red disappears as time ticks away, so kids can see how much time has passed and how much time remains to get their tasks done. This 12″ square timer can sit on a table or be hung on a wall. 
See ‘N’ Solve Calculator– This child-friendly calculator displays equations in the same format students write them.  The oversized LCD screen displays the entire equation for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Easy to use with large, color-coded buttons. 

Reading Guides – Set of two large and 8 bookmark-sized guides that can help with reading comprehension by isolating individual lines on a page. The guides are designed to help readers stay focused, reduce visual stress, and strengthen visual tracking skills. 

Scanmarker Pro – Slide this pen-like tool over printed text to have it read aloud and displayed digitally in real time. The  Scanmarker also records voice memos and notes to add to the text, and translates offline to English, Spanish, French, and German,; other language translations are available online. This device stores up to 1,000 minutes of audio and text and, saves them as MP3 files. Includes wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
Want to learn more about AT?
 Contact Maine CITE, and we will help!

 

AT Reuse Program

 

Maine CITE’s AT program partner, ALLTECH, recycles gently used durable medical equipment that has been donated. The items are cleaned, refurbished, and offered at a very low cost at the ALLTECH store in Portland. This month, we are featuring:

Mobile shower commode chair with a padded seat, headrest, armrests, footrests, safety straps, and locking caster wheelsRAZ Mobile Shower-Commode Chair – $100 
  • Offers tilt-in-space, lateral supports, and leg rests
  • Supports up to 250 lbs.
  • Manufacturer website.
Contact Darren at ALLTECH:
207-232-6421
dsmart@spurwink.org

 

Upcoming Events                           

  • August 3: Maine CITE presenting to USM Occupational Therapy students.
  • August 4: Maine CITE digital accessibility training to Coastal Maine Regional Broadband (CMRB).
  • August 5: Maine CITE presenting to YWCA Multiple Sclerosis group.
  • August 8: Maine CITE exhibiting at Aging Symposium in Caribou.
  • August 13: AT Problem Solvers meeting.
  • August 20: Webinar: Driving Fitness, Health & Aging: Considerations for Safe Mobility: This webinar presents information about the Maine Mature Drivers Project (MMDP). Use this link for more information and to register.

 

Maine CITE is a free resource available to all Mainers.
We provide Information & Assistance, AT-focused Group Training or Professional Development,  AT Device Loans, and AT Demonstrations.

Connect with Us!
www.mainecite.org