JMU’s Mine Action Information Center Releases New Tool for Landmine Suvivors

Adaptive Technology Catalog: Tools for Survivors of Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War Available

Publication is Practical Resource for Disabled

(Harrisonburg, VA—October 27, 2008) Available now, the Adaptive Technology Catalog: Tools for Survivors of Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War provides information on a variety of low-cost, low-technology products that government, survivor assistance and other agencies can purchase to help the victims of landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) get back to self-sufficient work. Focused primarily on serving people who have lost one or both arms, one or both legs, or have eyesight or hearing deficiencies as a result of injuries sustained in explosions or accidents, the Adaptive Technology Catalog is comprised of products that are generally priced under US$500. Low-technology requirements of the more than 300 products included allows for easy repair and replacement using locally available services and supplies.

The Adaptive Technology Catalog includes information on a range of practical tools for automotive repair; communication, computer and office work; mechanical tasks and construction; crafts, hobbies and recreation; farming and agriculture; and culinary applications. These products are designed to assist those victims who have been disabled and want to return to work, in addition to those individuals who desire to be trained in a new occupation. Included in the Catalog is an additional reference section with a number of useful books for organizations working directly with survivors.  

Purchases in the U.S. can be made directly from the Catalog sources. As a matter of cost effectiveness, however, product purchases outside the U.S. must be made by organizations that provide assistance to the disabled population, not the individual in need of the tool. Most manufacturers and distributors require a minimum purchase due to international shipping costs and regulations.

A PDF copy of the Adaptive Technology Catalog can be downloaded now or ordered on CD from JMU’s Mine Action Information Center’s Web site: http://www.maic.jmu.edu.

This project was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA). For more information about WRA, visit: http://www.state.gov/t/pm/wra/.

Located at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, U.S.A, the Mine Action Information Center, is a public-policy center that manages/publishes information and conducts training relevant to humanitarian mine clearance, victim assistance, mine-risk education and other landmine-related issues. The organization also produces the Journal of ERW and Mine Action, a field-written, print and electronic magazine dedicated to landmine- and ERW-related topics. For more information, visit http://maic.jmu.edu