Department of Human Services

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Department of Human Services
Minnesota
Disability Services Division
This project was funded in part by the Minnesota
Department of Human Services, Disabilities
Services Division grant award 443808 in
compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section
256.01, subdivision 2 (a) (6), Chapter 79,
Article 13, section 3, subd. 8(i).
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A Small Sampling of AT Devices

• 40,000 And Counting

Pam Parson, Assistive Technology
Professional MINNESOTA REGIONAL ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATIVE
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Congress finds that Disability is a natural part
of the human experience and in no way diminishes
the right of individuals to

• Live independently
• Enjoy self-determination
• Make choices
• Contribute to society
• Pursue meaningful careers
• Enjoy full inclusion and integration in the
  economic, political, social, cultural, and
  economic mainstream of American society.

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Assistive Technology DeviceWhat is it?

• any item, piece of equipment or product system,
  whether acquired commercially, off the shelf,
  modified or customized, that is used to increase,
  maintain or improve functional capabilities of
  individuals with disabilities.
• Cite at act
  

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Assistive Technology Device

• In practical termsSomething to help you get the
  job done a bit easier.

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Some Things AT Can Do

• Increases independent activities in life
• Helping to get dressed or eat
• Make things easier to turn on
• Hold things steady or in place
• Help control things such as television, radio,
  computer or lights
• Help to see or hear better
• Allow communication or improve communication

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Small Picture of AT

• AT is primarily about computers
• AT excludes use of traditional tools
• If it works for someone else it works for
  everyone
• Choosing AT doesnt take much planning
• Just get it, then think about how to use it

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Big Picture Goals of Assistive
Technology

• Promotes increased independence
• Help individuals become active participants
• Match AT to current and future needs
• No tech, low tech and high tech options
• Assistive tech may offer the only means to build
  skills
• Promote a consumer directed team approach
• Usable assistive technology system

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AssessmentA Process

• Goal is not which device, rather
• WHAT needs to be done
• WHERE in what environment
• WHY for what specific tasks
• HOW possible ways to help the individual
  accomplish tasks...the how may vary depending
  upon the environment(s)

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AssessmentMost Effective If Its a Process

• Not a one time occurrence
• Focuses on the individual, the environment, and
  tasks the indivdual needs to be able to do.
• Provides continuity
• Is linked with implementation
• Includes realistic actions plans
• Includes follow-up

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Why use AT?

• Enhance independence
• Do what needs to be done
• Improve quality, quantity, speed, rate, fluency,
  ease of work
• Allow access to printed text

Assistive Technology
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So What is out there?

• A range of no, low and high tech devices
• AT is used by a individual with a disability to
  increase their independence. If you take the item
  away, the individual is no longer able to
  complete the task with the same level of
  independence.

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No tech

• Talking calculators
• Med Minders
• Talking Check Book
• Grippers/Reachers
• Jar and Can openers
• Positioning aids
• Look at multiple uses, other ways to use
  something. Have fun and be creative.

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Low tech

• Simple technology- few moving parts, low
  maintenance, low cost (relatively speaking)
• Simple communication devices
• Magnifiers
• Touch Lights

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There are still considerations

• Size
• Sound/Volume
• Pressure
• Positioning
• Motion
• Strength over time/Endurance

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High tech

• Generally higher cost
• More maintenance
• Frequently electronic (computer, communication
  device, power chair)
• Frequently part of a range of solutions with the
  no tech and low tech
• Frequently requires more supports, including
  training for the individual, and others involved
  in their life

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• AT redefines home lifeused by all
• AT enable people with disabilities to
  accomplish many tasks
• Focus functional goals. What does the
  individual want to accomplish?
• Promote independence
• Enhance positive family relationships

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Entrances/Hallways and Stairs

• Garage door openers
• Key holders / key pad entry
• Railings. fold down railings are an option
• Stair glides / platform stair lift /platform
  wheel chair lift
• Ramps
• Lever handles for doors

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Ramps Permanent Temporary
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http//wheelchairramp.org/ Center For Independent
Living Faith and Action Churches
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Self-Care Activities of Daily Living

• Sock aides/dressing sticks/button hooks
• Reachers/long handles shoe horns

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• Kitchen utensils
• Health and beauty aids
• Daily Living aids
• Writing guides

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PHONES

• Phones are first line of safety maximize
  features of standard phone
• Use built in features speed dial, speaker
  phone, volume control
• Big numbers
• Belt clip to carry portable phones/cell phones
• Larger cell phones available/smaller not always
  better
• Jitterbug cell phone
• Blue tooth/ear pieces/head sets/hands free
  technology

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Emergency/Monitoring Communication Systems

• Life Line/Life Alert
• Motion sensor systems
• Talking medication systems
• Smoke detectors that flash
• Environmental control systems

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Personal monitoring systems

• Addresses safety
• May eliminate need for 24 hour staffing
• Allows people to remain independent in their own
  homes and communities
• Useful for people with cognitive disabilities
• Use existing, no cost technologies such as SKYPE

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Lighting

• Touch Lamps
• Light switches Larger switches/toggle
  switches/rocker switches
• Motion sensor lights

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Bathrooms

• Raised toilet seats
• Hand held showers and or adjustable height shower
  heads
• Shower benches and chairs
• Adjustable power shower bath seat
• Step in tubs
• Grab bars
• Non-skid surfaces

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Kitchens

• Roll out shelves
• Adjustable height counter tops/cupboards
• Jar openers/non skid mats

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Reading

• Adapted books
• Books on tape
• Books on CDs
• Large Print books
• Electronic books
• Screen readers
• Topaz

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Writing

• Adapted pens/pencils
• Pencil grips
• Raised line paper
• Portable note takers
• Computers
• Writing Guides

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Keyboards

• QWERTY/ alphabetic
• Consider
• Key size
• Color contrast
• Chordic keystrokes
• Voice recognition?
• Onscreen keyboards

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Mouse alternatives

• Track ball
• Touch Window
• Click options
• Head pointing
• Joy stick
• Mouse keys
• Track pad, alternate pointing devices
• Change mouse action in control panel

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Communication

• Picture boards/books
• Simple communication devices
• Digital communication devices
• Synthesized communication devices
• Medically necessary when they become a prosthetic
  device (artificial voice)
• Most people need multiple communication
  strategies in their lives.

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Vehicle modifications to standard
autos/revising vans

• Hand control systems
• Steering knobs
• Passenger seats that pivot, raise and lower
• Lifts and ramps
• Wheel chair lifts for pick-up trucks
• Wheelchair lockdowns

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Driving Evaluations

• Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist
• OT/PT
• Driving evaluations are required prior to
  purchasing adaptive vehicles and modifications

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If you have any questions please contact me at

• Pam Parson, ATP
• Programs Director
• Accessnorth Independent Living Center
• 2104 Sixth Ave east
• Hibbing, Minnesota 55746
• 218.262.6675
• parson_at_accessnorth.net
• http//www.accessnorth.net