Stone Soup Group is a statewide non-profit agency based in Anchorage, Alaska that provides assistance and support to families of children with special needs. We operate several programs, each with a specific focus on different ways we can help families supporting children with special needs to become informed, experienced, self-sufficient advocates for their children and themselves.

sComm, which stands for “simultaneous communications,” was founded in 2002 to design the UbiDuo. The company’s focus is on enabling people to communicate directly with each other without face to face barriers. To expand the concept further, sComm obtained two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Institutes of Health to test the feasibility of such a product, determine if it improved face-to-face communication between deaf and hearing people, and identify desired features. The second grant in 2005 supported development of a prototype of what is now known as the UbiDuo. “Ubi” comes from the word ‘ubiquitous’ – means being present everywhere at once; being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time; omnipresent – and “Duo” – for two people. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded a patent for the UbiDuo to sComm in 2005.

Alaska’ unique geographical area with a relatively small population requires a management system tailored to meet the needs of Alaskans. The Govenor’s Council on Disabilities & Special Education was created to meet Alaska’s diverse needs. The Council uses planning, capacity building, systems change, and advocacy to create change for people with disabilities.

Enhanced Vision is a leading developer of assistive technology for the visually impaired including Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Retinitis Pigementosa and Diabetic Retinopathy . Low vision assistive technology enables people to read, write and fully participate in life.

Augmentative Communication Consultants, Inc. (ACCI) is a Pennsylvania based company founded in 1987 and dedicated to helping clients choose and use the assistive technologies needed to communicate, learn, play, socialize, and live everyday life as independently as possible.

Our mission is to distribute, market, and promote innovative, technology-based products and software solutions via our website, catalog, and product demonstrations to develop a real awareness of assistive technology solutions and help improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

The mission of the Center is

To equip Alaskans who are blind and visually impaired with skills for success in life and work.

Our vision is an Alaska where

Visual impairments or blindness is not the barrier to Alaskans achieving their vocational goals or living safely and independently in retirement.

www.alaskabvi.org

The AARC is a funded by the Alaska Mental Health Lands Trust, the Department of Education and Early Development, and the Alaska Infant Learning Program.

Presentation Notes – Slideshare

Maureen Doherty

Friday 8:30-10:00