Assistive Technologies
Assistive technology (AT) device is an item or piece of equipment that helps a person with a disability increase, maintain, or improve a student’s functional capabilities. AT devices can be high-tech, mid-tech, or low-tech. They can increase a child’s opportunities for education, social interactions, and employment.
The consider of assistive technology to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities is supported by various legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Americans with Disability Act, and the the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act.
Assistive Technology Organizations
Many local, state, and national organizations are available to assist families in exploring the use of assistive technology.
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology assistants, and students. Their vision is making effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all.
ATIA is an organization of professionals, families, and users of assistive technology. Their website hosts a plethora of AT resources.
A joint program of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, the Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) has emerged as a leader and innovator in the assistive technology field. CAT is located on UPMC's Oakland campus in Pittsburgh and offers services at sites throughout the region.
Communication Matters exists to support people who use AAC in their basic human right to communicate, be included and heard in an equitable society.
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) provides financial loans for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. Funding AT for Independence
Technology for Our Whole Lives (TechOWL) coordinates state programs to help people with disabilities and others explore, find, and obtain the tools and technology they need. These tools may be needed for school, work, and life in the community. You may trial, borrow, and learn how to use various forms of assistive technology from TechOWL. TechOWL funding
Tobii Dynavox’s mission is to make groundbreaking assistive technology and communication solutions to give people with disabilities a voice.
What is AAC? https://www.tobiidynavox.com/pages/what-is-aac
Variety is committed to providing wheelchairs and other mobility equipment for children, 18 years of age and under, with mental and physical disabilities, who reside in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. The vision of Variety the Children's Charity is to ensure that every eligible child in the eight counties of southwestern Pennsylvania is provided with the mobility equipment that he or she needs.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The following resources provide valuable information for individuals with disabilities and their families on assistive technology.
​Advocating for AT in the Schools Article: Closing the Gap is an annual conference on assistive technologies. The December, 2021 edition of the Closing the Gap magazine has a great article on Advocating for AT in the Schools and another article on meaningful participation for students using AAC.
Assistive Technology Funding Flowchart: We held a workshop on AT Funding. There are a lot of different funding sources but navigating them can be a little confusing. So we created a flowchart to help families navigate through the process of finding and funding assistive technology.
Exploring AT with Your Teen or Young Adult Handbook: The PACER Center in MN is an organization of parents helping parents. They published a 4-page resource to helps families involve teens and young adults in learning about and selecting assistive technology (AT). An important goal for older students is to understand the areas in which technology can support them in their educational and employment goals. The tip sheet encourages students to advocate for themselves, and to take an active role in selecting assistive technology to address their needs.
Funding AT: The Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Supports, spoke with our families on AT funding. Their powerpoint shared by Mary Evrard offers resources for assistive technology.
Funding AT through Waivers: Mary Evrard, ODS, also shared information on Funding AT through Waiver funding.
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Trees Network
AT Device Center
We maintain an Assistive Technology (AT) Device Center for use by students and families. Beginning this month, the AT Device Center will host Open Lab Days on Mondays from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The Device Center will be open to the public without an appointment. Visitors can explore a variety of assistive technology, including adapted computer equipment, communication devices, and switch-friendly apps and toys. Staff will be available to answer questions; however, individualized support is dependent on the number of participants. Appointments are also available. Come to RMU, Patrick Henry 333 and check out the various devices.