Transition Magicians

The Able Informer

    The Able Informer is an online newsletter for individuals with disabilities by individuals

 with disabilities.  The site, located at http://www.sasquatch.com/ableinfo/ is a very

 user-friendly website.  The newsletter attempt to bring information on a variety of topics

 to all individuals with disabilities, whatever they may be.  The commentary is often

 abrupt and straight, forward to its readers on opportunities or lack there of in certain

 topic areas. 

            The Able Informer has several sections located in bold block settings on the home page.  The sections include In Business, Living it Up, Travel Insights, Tech Tidbits, On the Podium, The Trading Post, Resource Links and the Book Rack.  I browsed through the sections and found much of the information to be very informative and useful to those individuals with disabilities.  In this particular newsletter there was reference to a variety of disabilities in each of the topics, from wheelchair bound to blind, from mentally handicapped to learning disabled.

            In the In Business section there were several article reviewing employment agencies and training services, as well as programs for industries wanting to recruit individuals with disabilities.  Interestingly enough there was reference to an agency right here in northeast Florida called CCAR services.  This agency is located out of Green Cove Springs and serves adults as well as children through the Lighthouse Learning Center.  The article reviewed the agency and gave the address, so individuals interested could contact them.  There were other agencies and opportunities referred to in this section, such as Operation Able and Project Hired.  Both were useful resources and could be utilized by many individuals with disabilities.

            The Living it up section focuses on daily living and leisure activity information for individuals with disabilities.  Articles in this section focused on a catalog of products to make daily living chores easier, an agency that called Access Apartments, the Very Special Arts program and games for people with disabilities.  All of these articles under the Living it Up section could be useful for individuals with disabilities.  Not only does in provide avenues and addresses of resources to contact, but it lets them know that there is much out there and it gives individuals the knowledge that there interests can be pursued.

            After reviewing the Able Informer I feel it is an excellent all around resource for individuals with disabilities.  It is easy to access and use and it speaks to the many issues and concerns that concern adults as well as students transitioning to ‘adult life’.  The site provides information and ideas for students and could provide encouragement that their interests and goals, such as living on their own, working or even pursuing a hobby are attainable.   Articles and information are developed, by individuals with disabilities that know and understand the needs and challenges faced by those with a disability, whatever it may be.   Each section provides information about the resources reviewed as well as links to the agencies through the Resource Links page.  This is a good site, worth pursuing and mentioning to students and parents alike.  This web site is a great start for students to develop a sense of responsibility and self-advocacy for their interests as they look to transitioning from school settings to adult settings. 

Editor. Smith James. The Able Informer [online]. http://www.sasquatch.com/ableinfo.  vol. 3  no. 9.

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Last modified: December 05, 2000