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UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 1
For the Lifespan: The Caregiver Guide
Module 11
Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You
Leader Guide
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 2
Module 11
Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You PURPOSE
Module 11 will assist caregivers in understanding assistive
technology (AT) and how it can help their care recipients with
daily living activities. The module also discusses how to obtain
AT and locate the financial support for purchasing it.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this module, participants will be able to: Identify different types of AT devices.
Describe how AT can help care recipients with tasks of
daily living to encourage their independence.
Determine what types of AT will be most useful.
Describe where and how to obtain AT devices.
Identify how to obtain financial support for AT. SLIDE 1
UCare
For the Lifespan: The Caregiver Guide
Module 11
Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You
INTRODUCE
Introduce yourself and allow everyone present to introduce
themselves and explain their role.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 3
NOTE
Introductions are an excellent time to set the tone of the
training. Be relaxed and focused. Remember names or use name
tags.
It may be helpful if you can bring a catalog or two of assistive
technology devices to share with the class, or some different
devices to briefly demonstrate. Patterson Medical is one of the
larger companies. They can be accessed through their website:
www.PattersonMedical.com or 800-343-9742. Other companies
can be found in the AT device list at the end of this Guide.
TELL
The Participant Guide is yours to take home. There is room to
write on the Guide during training.
ASK
What would you like to get out of the training today? NOTE
Put responses on a white board and during the training refer
back to them. Put a check by specific topics discussed.
Offer to meet with participants after the workshop to discuss
information needs that cannot be covered in this workshop and
to discuss where and how to obtain appropriate information.
Any personally identifiable information discussed in the group
must be kept confidential. Please try not to use the name of the
person that you are the caregiver for.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 4
SLIDE 2
Objectives After completing this module, participants will be able to: Identify different types of AT devices.
Describe how AT can help care recipients with tasks of
daily living to encourage their independence.
Determine what types of AT will be most useful.
Describe where and how to find AT devices.
Identify how to obtain financial support for AT.
NOTE
Read the objectives from the slide.
ASK
What do you think Assistive Technology means?
TELL
Let’s look at some examples. Mrs. Smith bought a jar of
spaghetti sauce with meatballs to heat up and put on spaghetti.
However, the jar lid is too tight to open.
ASK
What would you do if you had a jar with a tight-fitting lid and
couldn’t get it open?
TELL
You either ask for help or you use “something” to open the jar.
The “something” to open the jar is what we call an assistive
device or assistive technology. It could be a wet cloth, rubber
gripper, electronic jar opener, or rubber glove. Each of these
would be considered an assistive device.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 5
SLIDE 3
Assistive Technology (AT) Device An AT device is any item or piece of equipment that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities
of individuals with disabilities. AT is used to improve quality of
life and increase independence.
TELL
AT devices include any equipment that improves the capabilities
of people with disabilities or older adults. There are many
thousands of devices. The website www.abledata.com is an
objective and comprehensive source of AT information with
40,000 product listings in 20 different categories. The website
also offers a caregivers information center with links and
descriptions of organizations that may be helpful.
ASK
What are some other examples of AT that we use?
NOTE
Put examples on a white board. SLIDE 4
What Are the Different Types of AT? Low-Technology
High-Technology
Aids for Daily Living SLIDE 5
Low-Technology Devices include: Specially designed jar opener
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 6
Dressing stick with a hook
Plastic guide for writing checks TELL
Please look at page 4 in your Participant Guide. Low-technology
devices have simple operations with no electronic or electrical
support. For example, you may use a specially designed jar
opener designed to open a tight-fitting jar lid. These may be
found at hardware, big box, specialty, or variety stores. There is
a list of devices and price ranges starting on page 20, and
devices with photos, provider, description, and price starting on
page 22.
SLIDE 6
High-Technology Devices include: Power scooters
Computers
Remote controls
Personal emergency response systems
TELL
Please look at pages 4 and 5 in your Participant Guide. High-
technology devices have complex functions and electronics such
as computers, power wheelchairs, or other complex electronic
devices. A joystick for a computer could be considered a high-
technology device.
ASK
What kind of AT device(s) is your care recipient currently using?
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 7
ACTIVITY 1
Please look at “Activity 1 – Classification of Technology” on page
7 of your Participant Guide. There are 10 pictures in the
handout. Take 3 minutes or so and write low-technology or
high-technology by each picture on your activity sheet.
Activity 1 – Classification of Technology
Low-technology
High-technology
Low-technology
Low-technology
Low-technology
Low-technology High-technology
High-technology
High-technology
High-technology
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 8
SLIDE 7
Independence with AT AT can help your care recipient with tasks of daily living to
encourage their independence.
ASK
AT may help your care recipient be more independent. What are
the tasks that you need to do from the time you wake up until
you are ready for bed in the evening?
ACTIVITY 2
Take 3 minutes or so and make a list of what you do from the
time you wake up until you are ready for bed in the evening.
Write on the sheet provided in your Participant Guide. Please fill
out “Activity 2 – List of Daily Tasks” on page 8 of your
Participant Guide.
NOTE
If needed, prompt participants with examples such as: Turn off alarm
Get out of bed
Go to the bathroom
Exercise
Get in the shower and wash
Take medications
Eat breakfast
Get dressed
Feed the animals
Wash the dishes
Have a white board or flip chart and markers available.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 9
Activity 2 – List of Daily Tasks
Instructions: Make a list of what you do from the time you wake up until you
are ready for bed in the evening.
Time Activities
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 10
ACTIVITY 3
From the lists you’ve made on page 8, make a list of daily living
activities that your care recipient is unable to do by himself or
herself. These could be tasks such as eating, drinking, dressing,
bathing, or walking. Please fill out “Activity 3 – Help Needed for
Activities of Daily Living” on page 9 of your Participant Guide.
Activity 3 – Help Needed for Activities of Daily Living
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 11
TELL
Let’s look at some low-technology AT devices that may be able
to help with the tasks that you’ve listed.
NOTE
Pictures are included in the Participant Guide beginning
on pages 10 and 22.
PowerPoint slides have pictures.
Pass around the catalog(s) you brought.
SLIDE 8
Examples of AT for Eating and Drinking include: Super grip bendable weighted utensils
Eating utensils with large plastic handles
Scooper bowls or food guards
Two handled mugs
Flow lids
Weighted cups
Cutout cups
TELL
Super grip bendable weighted utensils are good for people who
have a weak grasp and can’t fully bend or turn their wrist to get
the spoon to their mouth.
Eating utensils with large plastic handles are helpful for
individuals with a weak grasp or when grasping is painful.
A scooper bowl and food guard are other examples of eating
aids.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 12
There are wide assortments of cups with two handles, flow lids,
weighted cups, and cutout cups and straws which will enable a
person to be independent when drinking liquids.
SLIDE 9
Examples of AT for Toileting and Bathing include: Toilet frames
Toilet seat with armrests
Long-handled bath sponges
Hand-held showerheads
Push button soap dispensers
TELL
There are devices that will enable individuals to maintain their
personal bathroom needs. There are various pieces of
equipment that provide support for getting up and down to use
the toilet. Long-handled bath sponges allow individuals to reach
their backs and toes. Hand-held showerheads can make
showering or bathing easier. Liquid soap dispensers allow easy
access to soap, shampoo, and conditioner without having to
open small lids and bottles. Pictures are provided on page 11 of
your Participant Guide.
SLIDE 10
Examples of AT for Dressing include: Sock and shoe aids
Dressing stick
Velcro® closures
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 13
TELL
Aids that help an individual put on or take off clothing can be
simple, but may require some modifications to the clothing or
preparation prior to using the AT device. Clothing with large
neck openings are easy to slip on and off. Pants that have elastic
waists are handy. Buttons or zippers can be replaced with
Velcro®. Devices such as a dressing stick or sock and shoe aids
can be obtained through a catalog. Pictures and examples are
provided on page 12 of your Participant Guide.
Slides 7 through 10 were examples of low-technology. Now let’s
discuss some high-technology devices to help with in-home
support.
SLIDE 11
Examples of High-Technology AT Devices include: Medication reminders and pill dispensers
Personal emergency response systems (PERS)
Electronic devices: iPad, iPhone, and enhanced phones TELL
Medications Remembering to give medications or reminding your care
recipient to take medications is an important task in caregiving.
There are devices that can remind the caregiver or the individual
when it is time to take the medication. One solution may be a
medication dispenser device with an electronic alarm. In
addition, there are response centers which can be hired to call
and remind an individual to take medications.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 14
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) Sometimes a person can be alone for part of the day, but you are
concerned about what would happen if there was an emergency.
Personal emergency response systems (PERS) provide ongoing
access to a signal response center that is staffed 24-hours per
day, 7 days a week by trained professionals responsible for
getting help to a person in case of an emergency. PERS enables
individuals who live in their own homes to call for assistance in
an emergency. PERS includes an electronic signaling device in
the person’s home and the 24-hour response center service. A
signaling device may be attached to the person to go off
automatically if, for example, the person falls or becomes
unconscious. The response center then executes one or more
actions that have been agreed upon by you and your care
recipient.
Electronic Devices Smartphones and tablets, such as the iPad and iPhone, provide a
care recipient with versatile and malleable communication
functionality. There are applications or ‘apps’ such as Skype,
which offers free video calling, that can remove barriers and
worry in a caregiving context. Visit the following link for a list of
these applications.
http://utahatprogram.blogspot.com/search/?q=apps&search=S
earch.
ASK
Do you know of anyone who has used a medication reminder,
personal emergency response system, or other similar device?
What has worked well? What are your concerns?
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 15
TELL
There are many kinds of helpful devices that can make your
caregiving easier and help the person feel more independent.
But where do you find out about them? We’ve seen so far that
there are many kinds of “devices” that can be useful to help
people perform daily activities, but what are those that are most
needed by you and your care recipient?
ASK
Please look at your list on page 9 of your Participant Guide,
“Help Needed for Activities of Daily Living”. Now that you’ve
seen some examples of assistive technology, can you think of
other things you would like to add to your list? Are there other
things you would like help with?
SLIDE 12
Review and Add to Your List: “Help Needed for Activities of Daily Living.”
TELL
Let’s talk about where you can get information about the kinds
of AT devices that might be useful, and where you can purchase
the AT device.
SLIDE 13
Sources of Information About Obtaining AT Devices Talk to others with similar concerns
Visit AT demonstration centers
Search the internet (http://www.abledata.com,
http://www.pattersonmedical.com,
https://www.google.com)
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 16
TELL
For some tasks on your list, you can figure out an AT device on
your own. Examples would be: electric toothbrush, hand-held
shower, and non-spill mugs. You can find these items at a
variety store, home improvement store, or superstore. If it is
unclear what AT device may help, then consult staff at an
Independent Living Center, Area Agency on Aging, or from one
of the demonstration centers on how to solve a specific problem.
For more complicated problems that may require higher
technology solutions, you may need to have assistance from a
knowledgeable source. There are many AT demonstration
centers located in Utah. These centers have various kinds of
devices and equipment for viewing and trying out. A list of these
demonstration centers is in your Participant Guide starting on
page 27. AT demonstration centers will have catalogs and
knowledge of vendors that sell AT devices.
As I mentioned earlier, try looking at the website
www.abledata.com with information on 40,000 different
products in 20 categories. Patterson Medical at
http://www.pattersonmedical.com also lists a lot of different
products. You can also Google assistive technology vendors.
SLIDE 14
AT Retail Vendors Medical supply vendors/catalogs
Local hardware or variety stores
“Big box” stores (such as Wal-Mart or Walgreens)
Electronic stores (such as Radio Shack)
Home improvement stores (Lowes or Home Depot)
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 17
Online stores (http://www.pattersonmedical.com,
http://www.amazon.com)
TELL
There are more and more AT devices that can be bought “off the
shelf” at medical supply, home improvement, electronic, “big
box”, and online stores. Items such as reachers, grabbers, bath
seats, or walkers may be found at medical supply, home
improvement, and online stores. For the “do it yourself types” a
hardware store will have items such as grab bars for installation
near bathtubs and toilets or adapted lever door handles. Variety
stores will have items such as rubber anti-skid mats, adapted
pencil grips, box openers, or a magnifying glass with a light.
There are various retail outlets that sell AT devices. Electronic
stores such as Radio Shack will have pill boxes with alarm
clocks, universal remote controls, switches, and other
environmental control devices. Amazon also has a variety of
products for older people, including reachers, medication
reminders, adaptive phones, curved grab bars, large playing
cards, and others.
Tablets and Smartphones, including the iPad and iPhone, can be
acquired from Apple and other retail vendors. Applications
engineered for AT are available from your smart device’s
respective app store. The most prominent of these are Apple’s
App Store and Google’s Google Play. Some applications are free
while others have small costs.
A listing of popular AT devices with suggested vendors and price
ranges is in your Participant Guide on page 20.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 18
ASK
If you needed assessment and consultation from an expert,
where would you go for professional advice and information?
SLIDE 15
Getting Professional Help in Choosing AT AT Specialist
Occupational Therapist
Rehabilitation Engineer
Physician
Hospital Education Center Staff
Center for Independent Living
Area Agency on Aging
Utah Center for Assistive Technology
TELL
AT Specialist Depending on your need, you could obtain information from
various places. An assistive technology (AT) specialist has
special training to help a person with a disability or someone
who is older figure out what type of AT device might be effective.
Assistive technology specialists are available at most of the AT
demonstration centers in Utah. You can make an appointment
with an AT specialist to discuss the type of device or system that
might be useful for your care recipient. The AT specialist can
recommend solutions that have worked for individuals with
similar issues or functional needs.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 19
Occupational Therapist An occupational therapist (OT) is a licensed health professional
that is trained to offer solutions to daily living activities for
people with limited functioning due to illness or disability.
Occupational therapists understand human physiology and
movement. They are skilled in helping people learn to perform
essential tasks. Their training helps people prevent injury and
promote healthy functioning.
Rehabilitation Engineer A rehabilitation engineer is more highly trained than an AT
specialist and uses science and engineering principles to meet
the needs and address barriers confronted by individuals with
disabilities. A rehabilitation engineer is trained in building and
customizing devices for individuals and their particular
environment. Examples of rehabilitation engineering projects
are: building a laser head-pointer, customizing a wheelchair
seat, and building a remote control one-touch switch for
operating electrical appliances.
Physician A physician may be needed to prescribe an AT device such as a
wheelchair, scooter, or other “durable medical equipment.” A
person’s health insurance plan may pay for an AT device if a
physician writes a justification for why it is “medically
necessary.” Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance
are possible funding sources for durable medical equipment that
is medically necessary, if the person is eligible for these health
plans.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 20
Other Hospital education centers may provide information about
obtaining AT. Your local Center for Independent Living and
Area Agency on Aging are other helpful resources with staff that
are knowledgeable about AT. The Utah Center for Assistive
Technology can also help.
All of these professionals will assess the functional needs of the
individual and then may recommend one or more devices for
the person.
ASK
Have you or your care recipient used the services of any of these
professionals for help in getting AT? Discuss answers as a group.
SLIDE 16
AT Services
Finding the right device
Learning how to use the device
Making adjustments
Doing repairs and maintenance
TELL
With some AT you will need help in learning how to use it, or
certain devices may need to be customized or adjusted to your
specifications for maximum usefulness. Some kinds of AT
devices require ongoing service for the device to function.
The first place to ask for AT services is the vendor that sells the
item, for example, a wheelchair or equipment vendor. Be careful
that you can obtain service support from the vendor when
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 21
purchasing a complex piece of equipment. Buy from a vendor
that has a good reputation. AT specialists at your local AT
demonstration centers may be able to recommend reliable
vendors. Also, AT specialists may be able to help with training,
customizing devices, or recommend where you can get help.
Some examples of AT services include: Assisting a consumer to evaluate communication devices
Installing environmental controls in a home
Training in learning to use AT software
When you make adjustments to AT devices, it is important to
remember not to injure the individual by making adjustments.
Look at the list of AT resources at the end of the Participant
Guide for local demonstration centers and vendors.
SLIDE 17
Financial Support for Buying AT Service Agencies
Centers for Independent Living
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation/Zion’s Bank
(loans and small grants)
Utah Center for Assistive Technology
TELL
You may be worried about your ability to afford the cost of AT
devices and services. There are sources of financial support to
obtain AT depending on your needs and financial situation.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 22
Service Agencies The resource section of the Participant Guide has a list of service
agencies that will provide AT devices and services for eligible
clients. Each agency makes a determination of who is eligible to
receive financial support for AT from their agency.
Independent Living Centers A good place to start to look for financial help is an Independent
Living (IL) Center. Call the IL Center closest to you and tell
them you need information about assistive technology. The
phone numbers are listed in the resource section on page 28 of
your Participant Guide. Talk to the AT representative and
describe what your care recipient needs, for example, “I have a
72 year old father who needs a wheelchair.” The IL Center
representative will assess your situation and send you an
application package to apply for funds, or refer you to an
appropriate agency for help with AT funding. If needed, they will
help you search for funds that could be used to purchase AT for
your care recipient.
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation/Zion’s Bank
(loans and small grants)
In addition to service agencies and Independent Living Centers,
another source of funding is low-interest loans to purchase AT.
Zion’s Bank, through the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation,
offers low-interest loans to residents of Utah who can qualify.
This arrangement permits purchasers to obtain more expensive
AT devices such as van lifts or scooters, without having to pay
expensive interest on a loan. The loans are structured so you can
make monthly loan payments to Zion’s Bank. The loan interest
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 23
is paid by the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation, a non-
profit charitable group. This arrangement allows a person who
could not afford to pay for expensive assistive technology to
make smaller payments over time. Small grants up to $400 are
also offered for assistive technology to individuals who are low-
income and have no other source of funding. This arrangement
allows a person to purchase an AT device who could not afford it
otherwise. Please visit www.uatf.org for more information.
Utah Center for Assistive Technology Small grants are also available for low-income applicants to
purchase assistive technology devices through the Ability
Foundation and the Utah Center for Assistive Technology
(UCAT). Ask to speak with their funding specialist who can
determine eligibility and submit an application.
ASK
Do you have any further questions about the resources in this
module?
SLIDE 18
Assistive Technology (AT) Useful tools and resources to help your care recipient be
more independent in daily living activities.
REVIEW
Remember, assistive technology provides useful tools to help
your care recipient be more independent in daily living
activities. Besides giving them more dignity, it may allow you
extra time off from caregiving that you can use for yourself or
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 24
others. We have talked about when and how to find AT devices,
and how to obtain financial support for AT.
SLIDE 19
Take a Break! • Embrace your anger
– Do not ignore or deny. Anger is an honest
emotion.
– What counts is how you respond.
– Use it to confront and work through problems.
– Pay attention to when you become angry.
– There are consequences if you react in anger.
– Don’t react until you have calmed down.
– Stop – Think – Act.
– Write down your MAD/ANGRY feelings. When
you’re done, rip up the page and throw it away,
and tell the anger good-bye!
TELL/ASK
Anger is an honest emotion. It’s how we deal with it that counts.
It can be used as a way to confront and work through problems.
Do you have any other ideas or suggestions on dealing with
anger?
SLIDE 20
Things to Remember • Remember to take good care of yourself by staying
positive, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, eating
nutritiously, using good body mechanics, keeping a sense
of humor, relaxing and doing some things you enjoy
when you can.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 25
• Always believe in yourself and your abilities.
• Remember that you have the strength, courage,
compassion, and wisdom to succeed.
• Thanks for your participation.
SUMMARY
Remember to always take good care of yourself and that you
have courage, strength, compassion, power, and wisdom.
Thank you for your participation. You’ve been a great audience.
I welcome your comments and appreciate your interest. I wish
you the best in your efforts to care for your care recipient.
POPULAR AT DEVICES AND PRICE RANGES
Product Where to Purchase Price Rubber grip Wal-Mart $10-15 Light weight utensils with plastic handles * Patterson Medical $14-16 Food guards * Patterson Medical $8-15 Sock and shoe aids (folding aid) * Patterson Medical $22-40 Switches **TASH $40
Environmental control units (Ultra 4S - Transmitter) **TASH $55 Grabbers/reachers (Handi-Reacher) * Patterson Medical $29-35 Telephone amplifier Radio Shack $25-30 Box opener * Patterson Medical $10-12 Magnifying glass w/light Office Max $25-60 Super grip, bendable weighted utensils * Patterson Medical $14-19 Scooper bowls * Patterson Medical $13-21 Rubber glove Wal-Mart $6 Two handled mugs * Patterson Medical $9-19 Flow lids * Patterson Medical $19-22 Weighted cups * Patterson Medical $14-29 Cutout cups * Patterson Medical $8-11 Toilet frames Wal-Mart $30-50
Toilet seats w/armrests Wal-Mart $50-
102 Long-handled bath sponge Wal-Mart $20-22 Hand-held showers * Patterson Medical $25-80 Push button soap dispenser ***Organize.com $30-35 Dressing stick * Patterson Medical $10-24
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 26
Velcro closures Wal-Mart $5-15 Medication reminders * Patterson Medical $6-18
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) * Patterson Medical
$149-279
Electric toothbrush Wal-Mart $15-190
Laser head-pointer Radio Shack/Office Max $35-40 Bars Wal-Mart $15-170 Bath seat Wal-Mart $40-45 Adapted lever door handles * Patterson Medical $15-20 Sit and turn disks * Patterson Medical $35-45 Adapted pencil grips Wal-Mart $5-12 Telephone holder * Patterson Medical $15-112
*Patterson Medical 1-800-323-5547 http://www.pattersonmedical.com **TASH 1-800-463-5685 www.tash.org ***Organize.com 1-800-600-9817 www.organize.com
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 27
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTERS IN UTAH The UATP Assistive Technology Laboratory
The AT Lab is an open lab where individuals can try out various
software and hardware devices in a state-of-the-art computer
lab, or get help in designing, fabricating, modifying, and
repairing AT equipment that enables a person to be more
independent.
The AT Lab is located on the Utah State University campus in
the Janet Quinney Lawson building. For more information call
435-797-0699.
Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT)
UCAT is a service hub for assistive technology assessment,
evaluation, training, and device demonstrations. It is also home
to the Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities. UCAT
strives to enhance human potential through facilitating the
application of assistive technologies for persons with
disabilities.
UCAT is located at 1595 W. 500 S., Salt Lake City. For more
information call toll free 1-866-454-8397.
Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DSBVI)
The Division helps Utahns statewide who are blind or visually
impaired to increase their independence and become
successfully employed in the community. The assistive
technology device demonstration center provides opportunities
to use, try out, and compare a variety of vision-related AT
devices.
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 33
DSBVI is located at 250 N. 1950 W., Salt Lake City. For more
information call toll free 1-800-284-1823 or 801-323-4343.
Utah Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Utah Services provides assistance to individuals seeking
information regarding assistive technology for community,
education, and employment activities. The AT demonstration,
training, and evaluation center provides opportunities to use, try
out, and compare a variety of hearing-related AT devices.
Utah Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is located at the
Sanderson Center, 5709 S. 1500 W., Taylorsville. For more
information call 1-800-860-4860.
Centers for Independent Living (CIL)
CILs outside the Salt Lake City area comprise the rural AT
demonstration network for Utah. Each employs an assistive
technology coordinator who is responsible for AT assessment,
evaluation, training, and device demonstration for individuals
with disabilities of all ages. For more information contact the
CIL nearest you.
INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS_________________________
Northern Utah (Box Elder, Cache, and Rich Counties)
OPTIONS for Independence
106 East 1120 North
Logan, UT
435-753-5353 (voice and TTY)
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 34
Northern Wasatch Front (Davis, Morgan, and Weber Counties)
Roads to Independence - Independent Living Center
3355 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, UT
801-612-3215 (voice and TTY)
1-866-734-5678 (toll free)
Wasatch Front (Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele Counties)
Utah Independent Living Center
3445 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT
801-466-5565 (voice)
801-466-9910 (TTY)
1-800-355-2195 (toll free)
Central Utah (Utah, Wasatch, Juab, and Sanpete Counties)
Ability First Independent Living
491 N. Freedom Blvd.
Provo, UT
801-373-5044 (voice and TTY)
1-877-421-4500 (toll free)
Eastern Utah (Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Grand, San
Juan, and Uintah Counties)
Active ReEntry
10 South Fairgrounds Road
Price, UT
435-637-4950 (voice and TTY)
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 35
Southern Utah (Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Millard, Piute,
Sevier, Washington, and Wayne Counties)
Red Rock Center for Independence
168 North 100 East Suite #101
St. George, UT
435-673-7501 (voice and TTY)
1-800-649-2340 (toll free)
UTAH AREA AGENCIES ON AGING________________________
Bear River Area Agency on Aging (Box Elder, Cache, and Rich
Counties)
170 North Main
Logan, UT 84321
435-752-7242 or 1-877-772-7242
Salt Lake County Aging Services (Salt Lake County)
2001 South State, Suite #1500
Salt Lake City, UT 84190-2300
385-468-3200
Tooele County Division of Aging and Adult Services (Tooele
County)
59 East Vine Street
Tooele, UT 84074
435-843-4110
Davis County Health Department, Family Health, and Senior
Services Division (Davis County)
22 South State Street
Clearfield, UT 84015
801-525-5000
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 36
San Juan County Area Agency on Aging (San Juan County)
117 South Main
Monticello, UT 84535
435-587-3225
Uintah Basin Area Agency on Aging (Daggett and Duchesne
Counties)
330 East 100 South
Roosevelt, UT 84066
435-722-4518
Five-County Area Agency on Aging (Beaver, Garfield, Iron,
Kane, and Washington Counties)
1070 West 1600 South, Bldg. B
St. George, UT 84770
435-673-3548
Six-County Area Agency on Aging (Juab, Millard, Piute,
Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne Counties)
250 North Main
Richfield, UT 84701
435-893-0700 or 1-888-899-4447
Council on Aging – Golden Age Center (Uintah County)
330 South Aggie Bld.
Vernal, UT 84078
435-789-2169
Mountainland Department of Aging and Family Services
(Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties)
586 East 800 North
Orem, UT 84097-4146
801-229-3800
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 37
Southeastern Utah AAA (Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties)
375 South Carbon Avenue
Price, UT 84501
435-637-4268 or 5444
Weber Area Agency on Aging (Morgan and Weber Counties)
237 26th Street, Suite 320
Ogden, UT 84401
801-625-3770 or 800-209-2503
SERVICE AGENCIES___________________________________
Division of Aging and Adult Services
Utah Department of Human Services
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
801-538-3910 (main number)
Children's Special Health Care Needs
44 North Medical Drive
P.O. Box #14472
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4720
801-584-8284
Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD)
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
801-538-4200
Hearing, Speech, and Vision Services
44 Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
801-584-8215
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 38
Medicaid
801-538-6155 or 1-800-662-9651
Medicare
(Enrollment) 1-800-772-1213
Multiple Sclerosis Society
1440 Foothill Blvd
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-424-0113 or 800-344-4867
Muscular Dystrophy Association
849 LeVoy Dr. #210
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
801-278-6200
Private Insurance
Varies from policy to policy.
Contact insurance agency or benefits coordinator.
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation
6835 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT (statewide services)
800-524-5152, www.uatf.org
Utah Housing Authority
Varies from county to county.
For general information call
2-1-1.
Veteran's Administration
1-800-827-1000, www.va.gov
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 39
Vocational Rehabilitation
State Office of Rehabilitation
801-538-7530 or 1-800-473-7530
Utah Parent Center
230 West 200 South #1101
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-272-1051
UCARE MODULE TOPICS_______________________________
1. Providing Personal Care
2. Dementia and Memory Loss
3. A) Caring for Older Adults with Chronic Health Issues
3. B) Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs
4. The Accessible Home
5. Taking Care of the Caregiver
6. Caring for those with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, or
Mental Health Issues
7. Community Supports for Remaining at Home
8. Working Effectively with In-Home Service Providers
9. Keeping Your Home and the Person You Care for Safe
10. Eating Healthy for Life
11. Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You
12. Legal and Financial Matters: What You Need to Know
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 40
Acknowledgements
The UCare training materials were developed at the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University by:
Marilyn Hammond, Ph.D., Utah State University
Judith M. Holt, Ph.D., Utah State University
Jeanie Peck, LCSW, Utah State University
Alma Burgess, M.S., Utah State University
Tracy Golden, Ph.D., Utah Valley University
Sherry Castro, Utah State University
The following individuals played a significant role in reviewing and refining the UCare training materials:
Sonnie Yudell, Program Manager, Utah Caregiver Support Program, Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services
Utah Coalition for Caregiver Support Project Management Team
Lynn Long
Maurice Wells
Clara McClane
Margene Luke
Nick Zullo
Terresa Newport
Simone Black
Elizabeth Squires
Laura Owen Keirstead
Rhonda Hypio
Megan Forbush
Kathy Nelson
Carrie Schonlaw
Paula Ledford
Geri Lehnardt
Stacy Wardwell
Diane Allen
UCare Caregiver Leader Guide – Module 11, Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You Page 41
And ongoing support from the members of the Utah Coalition for Caregiver Support
Additional agencies and individuals involved in the review and editing of the ACTC materials include:
Connie B. Panter, Utah State University
Lynelle Chenn, Utah State University
For more information, please visit: http://www.ucare.utah.gov, or email: [email protected]
This project was supported in part by grant number 90LR0021/01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services,
Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration
for Community Living policy.
The Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University provided additional funding.
Copyright © 2013.
Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University. All rights reserved.