Putting the Ability in Disability

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) includes both devices and services. An AT device is any item or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. AT services support people with disabilities or their caregivers to help them select, acquire or use AT devices.

A recent survey by the National Council on Disabilities revealed that as a result of Assistive Technology…

65% of working age persons were able to reduce dependence on family members 58% were able to reduce dependence on paid assistance 37% were able to increase earnings

myths about assistive technology services and devices

MYTH: Assistive technology is a magic cure- all for people with disabilities. REALITY: By itself, assistive technology will never completely remove the difficulties which come with having a disability. Assistive technology is often used to improve, complement, or expand other services or solutions.

MYTH: All technology is "high tech" and expensive. REALITY: Some of the most useful and effective devices are inexpensive and simple. These are known as "low-tech" devices.

MYTH: Consumer’s want the latest and most expensive devices. REALITY: People want tools that are easy, reliable, and affordable. They also want tools that will get the job done as quickly and conveniently as possible.

MYTH: One source has all the answers. REALITY: Assistive technology is a growing and complex field. New developments occur daily. It is important for people with disabilities, family members, and all involved professionals, to learn all they can about technology. Sharing this knowledge and experience helps decide which device will work best.

MYTH: Assistive technology should be purchased even if the consumer isn’t ready. REALITY: Using assistive technology is a personal decision made by the consumer in coordination with the rehab professional. AT can be scary, and many people prefer the familiar to something new. Even though assistive technology lets people do things more easily, more independently, or sometimes even for the first time, everyone has their own learning curve. Be patient.

MYTH: If a technology solution is available, it will be used. REALITY: Using tools successfully depends on several things. Involvement of consumers and their family is necessary in evaluation, selection, and training for any device. Services and devices are often limited or useless if they are pushed on an individual with disabilities without involving them in the process.

MYTH: Only consumer’s with certain types of disabilities find assistive technology useful. REALITY: People of all ages, abilities, and needs may be able to benefit from assistive technology. Everyone's needs are different, and understanding and meeting the needs of the individual is critical. There are many technology solutions available. Do your research.

MYTH: Assistive technology is not an ongoing process. REALITY: The needs of people with disabilities can change over time. In many cases, assistive technology is a necessity in order for people to meet the changing symptoms of their disability.

MYTH: Assistive technology is a luxury REALITY: If a tool makes a task easier or more convenient to do, it is not a luxury for a consumer with a disability to gain independence.

MYTH: Product descriptions are always accurate. REALITY: Product descriptions are designed to sell products. As a result, these descriptions don't always point out limitations for some technology users.

Think of Assistive Technology as the missing piece of a puzzle… the piece that may enable a consumer to achieve his or her employment and independent living goals. The challenge is to find that missing piece.

DEVELOPING THE TEAM APPROACH

Consumer DARS CounselorOT/PT/ST/ RET/ATP (as appropriate) Family Members EMPLOYER School Coordinator Providers DRS Rehab Technology Resource Center Building Blocks for Success OT: Occupational Therapist PT: Physical Therapist ST: Speech Therapist RET: Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist ATP: Assistive Technology Practitioner

DRS Rehab Technology Resource Center MOBILITY AIDS HOME MODIFICATIONS COMPUTER ACCESS SENSORY SOLUTIONS SPEECH and COMMUNICATIONS DAILY LIVING AIDS VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS RESEARCH SERVICES

MOBILITY AIDS The Rehab Technology Resource Center offers a variety of mobility aids for our consumers to consider. However, since one chair does not fit all, some of these items are available as a reference guide only. Products that help mobility impaired persons move within their environment and give them independence in personal transportation include: standing/walking aids, transfer aids, stair lifts, walkers, scooters, wheelchairs and three-wheeled chairs, adapted bikes and Trikes, car seats, stretchers, patient chairs, ramps, recliners, strollers, travel chairs, wheelchair trays, patient and wheelchair lifts

SENSORY SOLUTIONS The Rehab Technology Resource Center offers a large selection of aids for people who are deaf/hard of hearing or have low vision/visually impairments. In concert with the Division for Blind Services (DBS), the RTRC is constantly looking at new advances in technology to assist individuals with these disabilities meet their career and independent living objectives. These include: assistive listening devices hearing aids and infrared/personal amplification systems audio/FM loop systems FM amplification systems, TV amplifiers, TV decoders visual signaling and alerting systems telephony and accessories, text telephones TDDs/TTYs devices, adapted phones

SPEECH & COMMUNICATIONS The Rehab Technology Resource Center understands the difficulties many of our consumers have with being able to communicate effectively. To that end, the RTRC houses many augmentative communication devices for consumers to explore the best option for overcoming their individual communications barrier.

COMPUTER ACCESS The Rehab Technology Resource Center wants to assure that any consumer who wishes computer access can meet that objective. We have done extensive research on a variety of ergonomic keyboards and mice. In an effort to minimize cases of carpel tunnel syndrome and other disabilities associated with repetitive motion, we offer a variety of tools to make working on the computer easier. These include: modified or alternate keyboards switches activated by pressure touch screens special software voice recognition/voice command software

ENVIRONMENT CONTROLS (ECU) Environmental and structural adaptations that remove or reduce physical barriers for individuals with disabilities.. Environmental Controls & Switches Primarily electronic systems that enable someone with limited mobility to control various appliances, lights, telephone and security systems in their room, home or other surroundings. Includes Environmental Control Units (ECU), electronic appliance switches, switch mounting systems, home automation systems, signaling and alerting devices, home alarms, television adaptations, smoke alarm and telephone ringers, etc.

AIDS TO DAILY LIVING ERGONOMICS Self-help devices that assist persons with disabilities in daily living activities such as dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, home maintenance, cooking, eating, etc adjustable workstations adapted furniture writing aids modified seating arm/wrist supports back supports

Home & Workplace Adaptations Includes worksite/school/home design or modification for accessibility, architectural accommodations, structural adaptations, building/home ramps, home elevators, wheelchair lifts, bathroom changes, automatic door openers, expanded doorways, adapted furniture, adapted doorknobs, alternative doorbells, lowered counters, specially designed bath areas, etc.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS In conjunction with Texas Transportation Institute, the Rehab Technology Resource Center developed the Vehicle Modification Standards. These standards were established to ensure that the agency could provide consumers with the opportunity to have their vehicles safely modified, thereby allowing the mobility to pursue employment and independent living. The RTRC staff reviews vehicle modification packets to ensure all modification information is accurate and complete prior to submission to the Texas Transportation Institute.

Contact Person Gena Swett Regional Program Specialist Regional Assistive Technology Resource Coordinator Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Division for Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation Services 218 Billings Street, Suite 310 Arlington, Texas Phone #