Monday, November 24, 2008


Download for free.
ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS.
ZAC BROWSER say "We have made this browser for the children - for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC".
ZAC es el primer navegador desarrollado específicamente para niños con autismo, y desórdenes de espectro autista como el síndrome de Asperger, desorden de desarrollo dominante (PDD sus siglas en inglés), y PDD-NOS. Hemos creado este navegador para los niños - para su divertimento, enriquecimiento, y libertad. Los niños lo prueban, usan, juegan e interactúan con él, y experimentan su independencia mediante ZAC.


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Solvinde - Providing Solutions for Wheelchair Users

Here's some inspiration from a beautiful idea implemented in the city of Valencia giving solutions, promoting and supporting independent living for Wheelchair Users.

I love the music, I love the video, I love the concept.
Congratulations Solvinde.


For further information contact
www.solvinde.com

Sunday, November 16, 2008

TifloInnova 2008 - blindness or visual disabilities


Although this blog focuses on Andalucia, I felt it important to mention this up and coming event to be held in Madrid

Dates & visiting hours:21 & 22 November 2008 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
23 November 2008 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Free admission for all visitors.
Centro de Recursos Educativos de ONCE
Paseo de la Habana,

208 - 28036 MADRID


TifloInnova 2008, the best showcase nowadays to display the latest innovations, products and trends within the world market of assistive technology for people with blindness or visual disabilities, organized by the Centre for Research, Development and Application of Technologies for the Blind (CIDAT) of ONCE.In this second edition, TifloInnova 2008 is conceived as a benchmark and dynamic meeting point that will bring together both developers, manufactures and dealers of software, hardware and all sorts of assistive products as well as users, relatives and professionals related to education, employment, rehabilitation, leisure and everyday life of people with visual disabilities.

Exhibitions, workshops, special shows, practice-oriented demonstrations... A whole world of advances that will help to bring assistive technology a step nearer to all visitors, who will be able to apprehend it as something natural, simple and close to their daily activities.

International Congress DRT4ALL May 2009

Here's the link, http://www.drt4all.org/DRT/es/2009/intro.htm

It's for next year and unfortunately not in Andalucia.

DRT4ALL 2009
III International Congress on Digital Homes,

Robotics and Telecare for All.
May, 20 -22, 2009
ONCE,
Catalonia
Sepúlveda 1, Barcelona, SPAIN
Organized by: Foundation ONCE


DRT4all International Congress is a window on the future opened today: its main goal is to know about latest advances in ICT supporting independent living of people with functional limitations, and to show how these can work together to give everybody an easier life and improve social integration for the elderly and people with disabilities.

DRT4ALL is aimed at:
Universities.
Research institutions.
Researchers.
Companies specializing in these new technologies.
Companies providing care and services for people with special needs.
User's organizations.
Associations of the elderly and disabled.
All those working in the field of domotics, robotics and remote-assistance.


DRT4ALL 2009III Congreso Internacional sobre Domótica,
Robótica y Teleasistencia para Todos
20 - 22 de mayo de 2009

Lugar: Delegación Territorial ONCE de Cataluña
C/ Sepúlveda 1, BARCELONA

Integration Race in Malaga Capital

Around 1,200 people of all ages and abilities took part in the 9th city race for integration in Huelin Park in Malaga on Sunday 9th November.

Runners from athletics clubs, wheelchair racers, children, pensioners and people with Down’s syndrome all competed in the race which was set out in three categories: 500, 1,500 or 5,000 metres. Two hundred participants had some type of special needs.

This is super news. Let's make a point to add this date to our diary for 2009, I'd like to see my local Autistic Association, Aprona and Aspandem participating.

There are many topics I will be adding to this blog, one that caught my eye last weekend in Marbella was the amount of wheelchair users that were out for a Sunday stroll. Of course it was a beautiful day and Marbella has incorporated many wheelchair friendly ramps. On the other hand I will be going around San Pedro with my camera, I was horrified to see many establishments that are ignoring the new laws, they will be posted here, at a later date, on this blog. You have been warned.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome


Yesterday I received an update from Jessica Kingsley Publishers www.jkp.com promoting an up and coming practical introduction to Mind/Body Techniques for adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Now approximately one month prior to receiving this update, I had spoken to my friend Ted
who really is a fitness guru. Ted has worked with many special needs children that have been physically handicapped with amazing results. I called Ted and said “Teddie, please when are you going to get a book together for special needs children, with your knowledge and teaching techniques, not only will it be a hot seller but think of how much you will be able help these children towards a better life style”.
Unfortunately Ted is entering into a new exciting project so cannot dedicate the necessary time, however I am still working on him and will do my best to persuade him to eventually find this value time, looks promising.

Getting back to the JKP update, I am keenly waiting to buy the dvd. Interestingly one of my topics in the MaxiSteps project is the importance of using from day one a correct sitting posture, many of the problems we face with our back and neck when we are older arrive from carrying, for many years, bad posture. See www.maxisteps.blogspot.com.

Here is the synopsis for the soon to be released book and dvd
Quote:
The DVD complements the author's book Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome and is a practical introduction to Pathfinder techniques for adolescents with AS, their parents, professionals including physical therapists, pediatricians, cognitive and behavioral specialists, and special education teachers who work with them.
People with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) typically experience difficulty with balance, gait, coordination and sensory integration. The mind/body exercises in this DVD enable young people with AS to improve these skills, leading to greater self-confidence, and independence.
With clear explanations and demonstrations, this DVD covers a variety of simple, calming exercises designed to influence the way the individual stands, sits, moves, thinks of him- or herself, and relates to others. Ron Rubio's approach integrates ideas and practices from disciplines including martial arts, Eastern principles of mindfulness, techniques visualization, breathing, posture, and movement, and the practice of mentoring. Unquote

Friday, November 7, 2008

Time Out

To all of my blog followers, I have been looking after a poorly family member for the last week, so please bear with me. Hope to be back blogging a.s.a.p. Kind Regards x