Putting the Ability in Disability

What is What is Assistive Assistive Technology?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.

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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 DEVELOPING THE TEAM THE TEAM APPROACHAPPROACH

Consumer

DARS Counselor OT/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 ACCESSThe 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 A & M Transportation Institute, the Rehab Technology Resource Center provides consultations and appropriate modification recommendations to ensure consumers safety and well-being when selecting, purchasing and implementing vehicle modifications. Vehicle modifications may include:Hand controlsKnobsLeft-foot acceleratorLifts and rampsModified effort steeringPedal extensionsRaised roof or dropped floorRight-hand turn signalTie-downsVan conversionsWheelchair carrier

“For Americans without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For Americans with disabilities, technology makes things possible.”

Mary Pat Radabaugh, DirectorIBM National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities

Convenience vs. Possible

The success of the RTRC is the cumulative effort of many people, not the least of which are our consumers. Through teamwork with counselors and the other divisions of DARS, our staff is always ready to meet the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Richard E. Hopkins, M. Ed., ATP – Consultant for Assistive Technology, High Tech Vehicle Modifications, Job and Home Site modifications

Email: richard.hopkins@dars.state.tx.us Telephone: (512) 706-6075 Cell Phone: (512) 934-8993 or (512) 784-1681

Who makes it all work?

The Regional Assistive TechnologyTeam

Region I

Lubbock:

Chris Burns Julia Rodriguez

Abilene FO El Paso FO

(325) 690-3815(915) 834-7702

Region II

Metroplex:

Gena Swett Rosla Hocker

Metroplex RO Metroplex RO

(972) 949-2423(972) 949-2427

Region III

Austin:

Yvonne Garcia Denise Clontz

Austin RO Tyler FO

(512) 407-1320 (903) 534-7867

Region IV

Houston:

Antonio Reed Charissa Gainous

Pasadena FO Houston East  

(281) 454-2305(713) 866-7706

Region V San Antonio:

Noe De La Fuente Harlingen FO San Antonio N

(956) 389-8950(210) 590-5756