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New Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Libraries increase access to life changing tools

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Assistive Technology can be life-changing for people with disabilities. Thanks to a grant from Maine CITE, Pine Tree Society has access to hundreds of Assistive Technology devices for Mainers to “try before you buy.”

“Simply put, Assistive Technology is any tool that helps someone do a task easier and, as a result, increases their independence,” said Linda Bonnar, director of Pine Tree Society’s speech and Assistive Technology program.

In its simplest form, Assistive Technology can be as basic as using a piece of Play-Doh to wrap around a pen to make it easier to hold or finding the perfect on/off switch for a person who can’t physically use their hands. At its most complex, Assistive Technology can be an app designed to aid in communication or an eye gaze system for speech.

“Assistive Technology truly is anything that will make something that’s challenging for a person easier for them,” Linda continued. “We even have an adapted Xbox controller for families who never thought their child could play a video game.”

Pine Tree Society’s Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Library is exactly what it sounds like: it’s aresource library of Assistive Technology that people can

“We often hear people say they bought something they saw on TV or in a catalog and they can’t get it to work the way they thought it would,” Linda said. “With the option to test drive a new tool before buying, it not only saves money, it also helps people to not buy a tool that’s not the right fit for their needs in the first place.”demo and borrow to try out at school, home or work before making the decision to buy.

 

Linda and her team are experts in evaluating people’s unique needs.

“We show you the features, let you know what you it can do and, if after trying it out, you think it’s a good fit, we help you figure out the best way to buy it,” she said. “We help people make good, sound decisions.”

For example, a parent reached out because their child’s speech therapist suggested an iPad keyguard could help their daughter access her communication device with more ease. Through Pine Tree Society’s Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Library, they were able to try it for a couple of weeks to make sure it was the right fit.

“Recently, a school that was interested in utilizing a reading pen for a student contacted us to do anevaluation and demo to determine if it was going to be successful,” Linda said. “We found that it was a really good fit for this particular student. Thanks to our Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Library,

they were able to try it before making the investment. They learned it was a good decision financially and for the success of the student.”

Demos can be done in-person or remotely via Zoom and there are several options available for pickup and return, which expands access to rural areas of the state. The library also provides short-term loans while someone’s existing device is being repaired.

Pine Tree Society’s Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Libraries in Scarborough, Bath and Auburn are free and open to anyone who wants to explore technology to increase independence.

Want to learn more about Assistive Technology?

Visit www.pinetreesociety.org to watch our AT Spotlight series, featuring a variety of tools like speech watches, reading pens, voice and schedule apps on our blog at pinetreesociety.org.

An inventory of hundreds of options can be searched on the Maine CITE website: www.at4maine.org

Request a virtual or in-person demo in Scarborough, Bath or Auburn by calling Pine Tree Society at 207- 386-5930 or emailing Emily Capaldi at ecapaldi@ pinetreesociety.org.

Here is just a small list of the types of Assistive Technology available at Pine Tree Society. Call to learn more.

  • Weighted gloves
  • Specialized spoons for tremors
  • Keyguards
  • iPads
  • On/off access switches
  • Medication dispensers
  • Adapted Xbox controllers
  • Amazon Echo Dot
  • Reading pads
  • Reading pens
  • Speech watches
  • Apps such as Voiceitt and Visual Schedule Planner

Ready to take aim?

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Hitting a bull’s-eye for the first time is a thrill.

“The first time a camper hit’s a bull’s-eye at our archery pavilion is a great feeling for everyone,” said Mary Schafhauser, assistant director of Pine Tree Camp. “It’s awesome!”

This summer, thanks to a grant from the Waterville Area Women’s Club, Pine Tree Camp built a fully accessible, covered archery pavilion with three lanes; including moveable targets, railings, seating and storage space. The covered pavilion is ramp accessible and provides shade on hot days and protection from rain during inclement weather.

“It was a game changer to have a set structure with a roof during Adventure Day Pass this summer,” Mary continued.  “It became an attraction. One Adventure Day pass camper got so good, he wanted to compete against staff every time he came.”

When the Waterville Area Women’s Club was approached by Pine Tree Camp to partner with them on the archery pavilion, they saw it as an opportunity to complete a project that would have immediate impact.

“Rather than have campers wait for years for this opportunity, we wanted to complete the whole project for them immediately,” said Helen Bell-Necevski, executive director of the Waterville Area Women’s Club. “It’s been nice to see the archery program grow and know that the pavilion was fully utilized this summer and families had the chance to create memories together and just have pure fun.”

For Helen, the Waterville Area Women’s Club Archery Pavilion not only helps Maine children withdisabilities try something new and develop independence, it helps parents have the break they need as well.

“Our mission is women and children based,” she continued.  “When you help a child, you’re helping a mom and dad too.”

To ensure physical distancing, just one family at a time was allowed in the archery pavilion and the camper and their entire family had the chance to learn to shoot; turning it into an activity everyone could enjoy together.

Pine Tree Camp staff is committed to adapting every activity to allow full participation, and archery is no exception. Based on an individual’s abilities, staff helps adjust how the bow is held, guides how to notch the arrow or pull the bow.

“We do whatever it takes to help a camper be successful,” Mary concluded.

This winter, Mary will further advance this program by becoming a certified archery instructor.  This rigorous training will allow her to train others as well.

“Not only will our staff be certified, they will gain extensive experience adapting archery for people of all abilities,” she concluded.

Archery is one of dozens of specialized recreational activities available on Pine Tree Camp’s 285-acre barrier free campus; allowing Maine people with disabilities fully accessible access to the outdoors.

 

The Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund Awards Grant to Pine Tree Society

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The Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund announces the awarding of $117,384 in grants to six non-profit organizations in New Hampshire and Maine.

Among the beneficiaries, the Trustees of the Trust, Charles Doleac, Kenneth Barrett and Holly Ayes Malloy have approved a grant to the Pine Tree Society  — for in-home support services to children with development disabilities in southern Maine addressing the educational gaps experienced by children with special needs as a result of distance and hybrid learning as a result of COVID-19.

The Thompson Fund has awarded grants to the Pine Tree Society since 2000, to support the creation and sustainability of such initiatives as the Pine Tree Camp accessible playground, mental health care capabilities and an autism transition program.

Pine Tree Society President & CEO Noel Sullivan commented, “we are pleased to once again partner with the Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund to impact Maine people with disabilities during a particularly challenging time.”

Theresa Thompson established the endowment fund in memory of her husband Roger, to make a difference in the local community by rewarding six specific local charitable organizations whose work was making a local impact. It was important to her to retain local administration of the grants so that there was a direct connection between the Trustees and the organizations she believed were the best able to create a lasting legacy in the names of Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson. Although the six organizations named in the Fund are set, the Trustees determine each one’s eligibility for grants on an annual basis, reviewing not only their proposals but their accomplishments with previous grant funds and their collaborations with each other to benefit the Seacoast.

In making the announcement, Managing Trustee Charles B. Doleac commented, “In the midst of a pandemic that has deeply impacted the operations of non-profits across the nation, the Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund trustees are pleased to recognize the work of the six local organizations who have responded to the challenges of COVID-19 protocols with new models, new technologies and new partnerships by awarding this year’s grants. Theresa Thompson chose the specific framework of the Fund because she believed it was critical to have local Trustees, who not only retained oversight of a fund benefitting local organizations but could foster an environment that trained future trustees for the fund, the beneficiaries and the community. The Thompson Fund is also a reminder that those who might be thinking about their own financial legacies should consider how their support for charitable entities in this critical time might allow them to maintain local control and make the biggest local impact. This type of trust retains the direct personal connection between the founders and the organizations whose missions they fund.”

The distributions are not guaranteed and the non-profits named in the Trust must apply each year to be considered for the beneficiary awards that are paid from the income of the Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson estate trust fund.  To learn more about Thompson Fund beneficiaries and prior grant-funded initiatives, please visit ThompsonFund.org and follow the Thompson Fund on Facebook.

Adult services haven’t “skipped a beat” during Covid-19

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“We had connection from day one,” said Shelley Zielinsky, director of Pine Tree Society’s Adult Support Services of their response to Covid-19.

“We were able to maintain real- time connection with people from the very start of the pandemic. We were there.”

Within days of Covid-19 shutdowns, Shelley and her team launched remote programming using video. When cases rose, the team quickly adapted, offering one-on-one and remote programming to conferencing to keep clients keep clients connected, active and engaged.

She recalled how one client in Androscoggin county who has taken part in Pine Tree Society’s community support services for nearly 40 years found himself using technology on a daily basis for the very first time.

“At first, he needed full support to access the services,” she said. “In time, he was able to trouble shoot technology issues on his own, which increased his independence and confidence.”

When small group services resumed in June, based on the connection he’d had throughout the start of the pandemic, he and his family felt confident and he returned to in-person services.

When programming resumed, there was a renewed sense of the importance of accessing the outdoors. Together, clients went on bike rides, played tennis, went on hikes and made several day-long trips to Pine Tree Camp. These activities have continued through the fall.

“We have a good flow and a strong plan,” Shelley said. “When the pandemic hit, we didn’t lose connection with people. Instead, we fostered greater connections because we were a constant. When people returned to in-person programs, we hadn’t skipped a beat.”

A message from our President and CEO

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Dear Friends,

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you.

Your continued support of Maine people with disabilities is inspirational to me, our staff and the people we serve. It has kept our team going through the ups and downs over the past several months. You have made such an impact on the lives of Maine people with disabilities. As you read through this newsletter, know that these stories of impact were made possible by you.

As I think about the year ahead, I am reminded that 2021 marks Pine Tree Society’s 85th anniversary. Eighty-five years, thousands of lives transformed.

The one constant? The key to the success of the people we serve? You. Your continued support, during the good times and the bad, transforms lives.

We thank you for your commitment to Maine children and adults with disabilities and their families. From our families to you, we wish you a happy holiday season. We have so much for which to be thankful.

 

 

 

Noel J. Sullivan,

President&CEO, Pine Tree Society

This Giving Tuesday, double your impact

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Giving Tuesday is about Mainer’s like Michael.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been especially hard for people with disabilities.   Despite the challenges, Pine Tree Society has been there, adapting to continue to meet the needs of Maine people with disabilities and their families – thanks to you.

Michael and his family participated in Pine Tree Camp’s new Adventure Day Pass program.  His mother told us:  “Being able to continue to go to Pine Tree Camp no matter what has been so positive for us during this time.”

Your Giving Tuesday donation will help Pine Tree Society continue to impact the lives of Maine people with disabilities.  No matter what.

Thanks to generous donors, your gift on Giving Tuesday will be doubled (up to $3500).  $1 becomes $2; $10 becomes $20; $100 becomes $200.

Giving Tuesday is just one day, but it symbolizes a whole world of possibilities for Maine people with disabilities.


Together, we can transform lives. 

Holiday cards never go out of style

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Holiday cards never go out of style.  This year, they are a trend.  During this time of physical distancing, many people are rediscovering the simple pleasure of sending cards as a way to keep in touch with friends and family they can’t spend time with in-person.

Pine Tree Society’s 2020 holiday cards feature beautiful paintings by two celebrated Maine artists: Sandy Crabtree and Carlton Plummer.

Crabtree’s “Winter Sunlight” and Plummer’s “Dover-Foxcroft Village” are beautiful renderings of one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses and a quintessential Maine village during the holidays.

One hundred percent of proceeds from annual holiday card sales support Pine Tree Society’s programs and help Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives.

Cards can be ordered online at here or by calling 207-443-3341.

In the news! The Piscataquis Observer story features Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards

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Carlton Plummer’s “Dover-Foxcroft Village” caught the attention of The Piscataquis Observer.  Why?  Because the beautiful painting featured as one of Pine Tree Society’s 2020 holiday cards showcases the quintessential Maine Dover-Foxcroft village.

One hundred percent of proceeds from annual holiday card sales support Pine Tree Society’s programs and help Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives.

Cards can be ordered online at here or by calling 207-443-3341.