High-tech help for disabled
By Anna Weaver
Advertiser Staff Writer
Jonah Carino knows when his baby is crying in another room even though he's deaf. Wheelchair user Danny Ward drives his motorcycle all over the island. Paraplegic Sterling Krysler can play Internet checkers and chess with his granddaughter in Texas despite not having the use of his hands.
• Two-day exposition with displays of new technology to help people with disabilities, seminars on the Americans With Disabilities Act, and more. • Today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Blaisdell Exhibition Hall • Free and open to the public • 586-8121
Despite disabilities, they can do more — thanks to the rapidly evolving field of assistive technology.
Tools for Life 2004 Expo
The Tools for Life 2004 Expo today and tomorrow will showcase the latest of technology and services for disabled people. The expo has more than 100 exhibits and will offer workshops targeted at people with disabilities, their families and professionals.
"I think for people with disabilities, it's been (a time of) remarkable strides and opportunities that were never available five years ago," said Francine Wai, executive director for the state Disability and Communication Access Board, which is a co-sponsor of the expo.
Carino, who works as a student service coordinator clerk for the Hawaii Center for the Deaf and the Blind, started using a videophone a few months ago. "I really like using it because I can speak in person to my friend from another state," the Kailua resident wrote in an e-mail.
The videophone allows him
to talk with Mainland friends through a TV screen. "I like it better than using a teletypewriter or instant messager," he said. "With them it's hard to tell if my words have the true expression or not."
Carino is looking forward to attending Tools for Life and seeing new technology that assists the deaf and hard of hearing.
Krysler's company, Krysler Consulting, will have a booth at the expo. "The technology we deal with a lot is voice-recognition software," he said. "I myself work the computer completely hands-free using (that) software and an infrared pointing device."
Ward builds three-wheeled vehicles called Chariots, operated via hand controls and with a platform that people can roll a wheelchair into.
"In the three years that I've had my Chariot, I've gone more places and done more things than I have in the prior 18 years," said Ward. "It's not only a cool recreational vehicle, it'll make you more mobile, more independent, and it'll make you get more joy out of life."
Reach Anna Weaver at aweaver@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2455.
