Michigan Assistive Technology Program

Michigan Assistive Technology Program AT Specialists Abby and Jileesa had a wonderful time at the first event in this year's DiverseAbility Days series! Participants had the opportunity to learn about and try adaptive E-bikes, and several people even took them out for a ride.

Interested in joining a future DiverseAbility Day? There are still many events coming up, and we'd love to see you there! Events may offer lunch and a variety of adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities such as face painting, track chairs, adaptive bikes, archery, pontoon boat rides, adaptive kayaking, and hand cycles. (Activity offerings vary by event.)

For more information and to register, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefPM2QyiZym9sTAPYRttw8rmq5ys6Pl0kg3ts7yjflSt3RIQ/viewform

We hope to see you at a future DiverseAbility Day!

[Image description: Set of three pictures: 1. AT Specialist Jileesa stands next to a participant who is sitting on an E-trike and wearing a helmet and smiling, on sunny day in a park area. 2. AT Specialists Jileesa and Abby stand in the middle of two participants on E-bikes wearing helmets. 3. Two participants enjoy adaptive cycling on a sunny day along a paved path beside a small lake or pond. In the foreground, a person wearing a black helmet and a pink floral jacket rides an e-bike. Ahead of them, another participant rides an adaptive tricycle while Jileesa follows closely behind, providing support.]

Have you attended one of our trainings?

We love to show people how assistive technology (AT) can help people with disabilities and older adults live their lives more independently. We offer a variety of trainings that include AT for Gaming, which this individual attended and helped them make gaming more enjoyable for the participants.

Contact us if you would like us to offer a training about AT for your organization, you can send us a message below or you can reach out at [email protected].

[Image Description: A graphic with decorative items in teal and purple, a quote and the MATP logo. Quote: "I took your Adaptive Gaming course and implemented a few things right away that greatly improved participant’s ability to independently play games, thank you!" - Participant of Michigan Assistive Technology Program training.]

We had a great time sharing gaming and sensory assistive technology (AT) at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital's 3rd Annual Game-A-Thon! MATP's Gaming and Crafting AT Specialist, Abby Squires, connected with children and families, demonstrating how AT can make play more accessible for everyone.

Highlights included a child proudly showing off a card holder made from recycled CDs and fabric that he had received at a fair and comparing it with some of the card holders on display, and a gamer showcasing an iridescent 3D-printed T. Rex head customized to replace the joystick k**b on his power wheelchair. It was also fun to connect over a shared love of gaming, "nerding out" about favorite video games, discussing accessibility features, and talking about where game design still has room to grow.

Thank you to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital for inviting us! It was a day filled with games, creativity, connection, and a reminder that some of the best AT conversations happen when people come together to share their experiences.

[ID: 4 pictures from the event:
1. 2 photo collage: First photo is AT Specialist Abby sitting at a colorful table full of AT, including playing card holders, All-turn-it Spinner, and adaptive game controllers. The second photo shows a row of 3D-printed, colorful Pac-Man ghosts and Pac-Man in front of a 3D printer.
2. 3 photo collage: First photo is of AT Specialist Abby sitting at a table with a child playing with a fidget on the other side of the table, second is a child with Mario face paint smiling, holding up a U of M card holder, third is a child sitting across from the table smiling, holding a fidget cube.
3. 2 photo collage: First photo is of a staff member holding a controller and a child in a power chair sitting in front of a mobile gaming unit with Minecraft on the screen, second photo is of two staff members smiling, watching a child in a power chair playing Untitled Goose Game on a mobile gaming unit.
4. Iridescent 3D-printed T. rex head customized to replace the joystick k**b on a power wheelchair.]

Come join MATP staff at Fli-Anthropy’s Family Advocacy Fun Day at Ballenger Park in Flint on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.!

Stop by our table to explore and try a variety of assistive technology devices, learn about resources available through MATP, and discover tools that can support independence at home, school, work, and in the community.

The day will also feature games, delicious food, door prizes, and plenty of family-friendly fun. We hope to see you there!

[Image Description: A colorful event flyer with the headline "FREE! FAMILY ADVOCACY FUN DAY FREE!" displayed in large green, purple, and orange letters across the top. Beneath the title, the text reads: "Building opportunities for youth & young adults with disabilities."

The background features blue skies, bubbles, and a collage of smiling children, teens, and adults interacting, playing, and spending time together outdoors. Some children are flying kites, dancing, or playing, creating a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.

A banner across the middle states: "Advocate & Earn a $25 VISA Gift Card, *First come first serve for 50 families*".
Text: "Saturday, June 27th, 11 AM – 5 PM.
-Fun games
-Sensory Friendly
-Door Prizes
-Delicious Food

Local Resources:
-Tutors
-Driver’s Training
-Transitioning to College
-ABA Therapy
-IEP Advocates
-Employers
-Family Support Groups
-Social & Recreational Clubs
And so much more!

Take a free family picture with Mario & Sonic!"
Cartoon images of Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario appear in the lower left corner.

Text: "Ballenger Park
1201 Dupont St., Flint, MI"

The bottom of the flyer includes logos for several sponsoring organizations and community partners. Colorful clusters of balloons decorate both lower corners of the flyer. End Image Description.]