Ability Tools

02/18/2026

And that’s a wrap on ATIA! 🎉
The Ability Tools team had a great time learning about innovative assistive technology, connecting with vendors, and building meaningful connections across the AT community. So many great tools, ideas, and conversations centered on accessibility and independence.
Swipe through to check out some of the vendors and AT we saw at the conference. Stay tuned, more to come on these tools!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Ability Tools!

As we step into 2026, we are excited to continue helping you discover the technology that powers your independence. Whether it’s finding a new device to stay connected or a tool that improves daily life, we believe this year is full of new possibilities for accessibility.

What is one goal you have for your independence this year? Let us know in the comments!

07/20/2023

It's no secret that as we age the way we move through our spaces can change, considerations regarding navigating spaces can also be true for people with disabilities at any age. Making our homes accessible is one of the most important investments we can make. Hiring a reliable and skilled contractor can make all the difference in ensuring that your project is completed smoothly, within budget, and to your satisfaction. http://abilitytools.org/blog/essential-tips-how-to-hire-a-contractor/

07/18/2023

https://www.npr.org/2023/07/17/1186173942/vibrating-haptic-suits-give-deaf-people-a-new-way-to-feel-live-music

Dance the night away!

The live music event industry has created new innovations for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Along with ASL interpreters present at the front of the stage, new vibration haptic suits are available to wear and are designed to produce vibration frequencies that correlate with live music playing.

To celebrate Disability Pride Month, Music: Not Impossible brought vibrating haptic suits to a Lincoln Center dance party.

07/18/2023

https://fb.watch/lSvl8mTmvC/

Here's a great story to start the day with!

The innovation of LEGO blocks have come a long way from building model cars and Medieval castles-now they are being used for bigger tasks! Beknur's story on meeting David would lead to new pathways on how he plays and goes about with everyday activities!

07/04/2023

We want to wish our community a happy and safe holiday! Our offices will be closed today but reopened tomorrow. If you have any questions or concerns, please go to cfilc.org to inquire about our programs and policies. Thank you and stay cool!



[AltText] A cream colored post has on both left and right sides red and blue bars that descend down. In between both sets of bars are three red stars that are at the top of the text. Below the stars, the following text reads, “Let’s Celebrate! Happy 4th of July! Have a safe holiday! We will be closed today but reopened tomorrow, 07/05/202.!” Below the text is the CFILC logo. Above the text are red firework graphics and opposite on the bottom are blue firework graphics.

07/03/2023

Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, provides an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. By recognizing the historical significance of Disability Pride in the fight for rights and acceptance, celebrating Assistive Technology (AT) during this month highlights the progress made and emphasizes the ongoing need to advocate for equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Here’s the link to the next blog!
http://abilitytools.org/blog/disability-pride-highlighting-life-changing-at

Thumbnail Alt Text: A person seated on an exercise bench adjusting their prosthetic leg. Besides Where it's AT logo text reads Disability Pride Highlighting Life-Changing AT - www.AbilityTools.org

06/28/2023

Refresh mobile restrooms are designed to be easily transported to various locations, including emergency evacuation sites. This ensures that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, has access to essential restroom facilities regardless of their location during the evacuation process. The Refresh has a number of features necessary including a stabilization system, self-contained power, interior climate control with heat and air conditioning, as well as a Refresh Ambassador who stays with the vehicle.

06/28/2023

What’s the difference between a reasonable accommodation and reasonable modification?

How will having an emotional support animal affect my housing?

I need physical changes in my unit because of my disability. Do I have to pay for these modifications?

Disability Rights California has gathered their most frequently asked housing questions, submitted by people with disabilities all across California. Discover the answers to these questions and more at our upcoming Disability Housing FAQ Workshop on Thursday, June 29th, from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. PST, presented by Disability Rights California, The Center for Independent Living, ECHO Fair Housing, and Bay Area Legal Aid.

Our Disability Housing FAQ Workshop is a hybrid event.

In-Person: Osher Conference Room @ the Ed Roberts Campus at 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA, 94703.
Virtual: via Zoom; virtual attendees can register here: https://bit.ly/DisabilityHousingFAQ

ASL and CART will be provided. For other reasonable accommodation or language requests, submit them via our Zoom registration page or reach out to Emma at [email protected] or 510-422-5085.

[Image Descrption in comments]

06/26/2023

When music enters your life, whether you are listening to or playing an instrument, it can’t be denied that the power it creates is unlike any other. Whether used for recreational or therapeutic purposes, having musical instruments available opens doors for everyone. In the second of this two-part blog series, we are going to focus on musical instruments designed to support people once they are already well underway on their musical journey that are either accessible from the start or can be adapted to support the needs of most any musician. The instruments we have featured for this second part are more advanced, from adaptations to software to instrumentation.

Here is the link to read our newest post!

http://abilitytools.org/blog/accessible-music-advanced/



[Image Description] The picture is a dimly lit music studio with a mixing board with a laptop sitting on it. Other electronics surrounding the mixing board are turned on and a pair of headphones are off to the left side. To the left sits a navy blue bordered box with white filling that has the following text, “Where It’s AT: The Ability Tools Blog. Accessible Music: Advanced.” A website at the bottom reads, “AbilityTools.org.”