Empowering Technology

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North Carolina Assistive Technology Program
Empowering Technology for All Ages, All Abilities
Federally funded grant under Public Law 103-218
through the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research, US Department of
Education, and is administered by the NC
Department of Health and Human Services, Division
of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
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Staff

• Sonya Van Horn, M.S., ATP
• AT Consultant
• Mary Kay Dulin, B.S.
• AT Specialist

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North Carolina Assistive Technology Program

• NCATP is a state and federally funded program
  created under the Federal Law, Assistive
  Technology Act 1998 (P.L. 105-394), to increase
  statewide access to assistive technology to
  people of all ages and abilities.
• Each state has its own AT program. NCATP is
  administered through DVRS.

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www.RESNA.org
For listing of all state Tech Act Projects
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Sylva ATRC
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What Is Assistive Technology?
Any piece of equipment that is used to increase
the independence of an individual with a
disability.
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What is Assistive Technology?
Any item, piece of equipment, or system,
whether acquired commercially off the shelf,
modified, or customized, that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve functional
capacities and related health status of children
with disabilities IDEA, 1992
amendments
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Assistive Technology...

• is Magic it describes the sense of
  empowerment that results from being able to do
  something you had believed was impossible.
  (Male, 1993)
• is about the inclusion of people with
  disabilities in every aspect of society and how
  technology can serve as a tool to facilitate that
  process. (ATA, 1994)

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Who Needs Assistive Technology?

• Persons with motor needs
• Persons with sensory needs
• Persons with cognitive impairments
• Persons with speech and language impairments

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TechnologyToolsPower
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NCATP provides services to individuals of all
ages, all disabilities, their families and
service providers.
Eligibility
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Services
Advocacy Consultation Equipment
Demonstration Education and Training Equipment
Loan Information and Referral Technical
Assistance Technical Services Program Development
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Referral Process

• Referrals are accepted from persons with
  disabilities, their families and service
  providers.
• Some referrals will require the involvement of a
  professional service provider.
• Information regarding the referral will be
  requested as needed by ATRC staff.

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ATRC Consultation Process

• ATRC staff serve as consultants who provide
  persons with disabilities, their families and
  service providers with information and technical
  assistance to assist them in making good AT
  purchase decisions.
• We do not make formal recommendations unless a
  formal evaluation is requested.
• We provide information on AT equipment and assist
  with arranging short term equipment loans.

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Service Fees
No fees for persons with disabilities and their
families.No fees for services provided for
children under age 5.
AT Assessment 475 Community Based
Assessment 475 Feature Matching Device
Trial 200 Training 75/hr Consultation
75/hr Workshops/Seminars 300 1/2 day
600 Full day Travel
Time 37.50/hr
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Its never too early!
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Types of Assistive Technology
Job Accommodation Seating and Positioning
Computer Access Cognitive and Learning
Aids Aids for Daily Living Vehicle
Modifications Switch Access Environmental
Control Home Modifications Visual and Reading
Aids Mobility Augmentative Communication Recreat
ion Assisted Listening Devices
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Positioning

• Provide positioning options

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• Decrease risk of muscular and skeletal
  deformities

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Adaptive play

• Provide play and learning opportunities
• Prevent secondary developmental delays

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Cognitive and learning aids

• Prevent secondary developmental delays

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Mobility

• Provide access to the environment

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• Facilitate motor development
• Provide independent mobility

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Augmentative Communication

• Enable communication
• Promote peer interaction and inclusion

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Computer Access

• Provide access to internet information resources
• Increase employment options
• Increase educational opportunities
• Increase communication with the world

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• Stimulate cognitive development

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Job Accommodation

• Increase employment options
• Provide compensation for sensory deficits

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Activities of Daily Living

• Increase independence
• Improve safety
• Decrease risk of injury to care providers

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Adaptive Feeding
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Vehicle Modifications

• Provide community access

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Recreation

• Increase access to recreational opportunities

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Legal Requirements
The IEP Team shallconsider whether the child
requires assistive technology devices and
services. IDEA 1997 (20 U.S.C. 1400
614) The individualized family service plan
shall containa statement of specific early
intervention services necessary to meet the
unique needs of the infant or toddler and the
familyThe term early intervention services
means developmental services thatincludeassistiv
e technology devices and assistive technology
services IDEA 1997 (20 U.S.C.
1400636,632)
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ADA, 1990

• Provides civil rights against discrimination for
  disabilities, as other legislation has for race,
  gender, age, nationality and religion
• Requires accessibility through reasonable
  accommodations including the provision of
  assistive technology

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Funding Resources

• Public schools, private schools, Head Start
• CSHS/Medicaid
• CAP MR/DD
• Birth to Three AT Funds
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Independent Living
• Private health insurance (DME)
• Disability organizations (Easter Seals, UCPA)
• Service organizations (Lions, Masons, Elks)
• Private organizations
• Self-pay/low interest loans

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Funding Process

• Determine the need.
• Determine the device or assistive technology
  needed.
• Determine alternative if funding not available.
• Determine available funding resources.
• Gather all essential information.
• Get funding authorization approval.
• Seek co-payment sources.
• Seek appeals as appropriate.

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NCATPFunding SpecialistAnnette
Lauber919-850-2787