Assistive
Technology |
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Assistive
Technology |
|
This feature is
presented to provide individuals and businesses accessing the site with the
opportunity to submit questions about assistive and adaptive technology to
DRCFC's Assistive Technology Specialist, Fran Sinish.
Frequently
Asked Questions Regarding Assistive
Technology
What is
Assistive Technology?
"Assistive
Technology" includes devices that people with disabilities can use to help
themselves communicate, learn, travel, do household chores, care for themselves,
and have fun. An Assistive Technology device is defined as "any item, piece
of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or
customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities."
What are
Assistive Technology Services?
Assistive Technology services are
defined as "any service that directly assists an individual with a
disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology
device."
What are
Some Examples of Assistive Technology?
Products
that make the built environment more accessible.
Major Categories: Indoors, Outdoors, Vertical Lift, Houses, Specialties,
Lighting, Signs.
Products
for people with visual disabilities.
Major Categories: Computers, Educational Aids, Health
Care, Information Storage, Kitchen Aids, Labeling, Magnification, Office
Equipment, Orientation and Mobility, Reading, Recreation, Sensors, Telephones,
Time, Tools, Travel, Typing, Writing (Braille).
Products
to help people with disabilities related to speech, writing and other methods of
communication.
Major Categories: Alternative and Augmentative
Communication, Headwands, Mouthsticks, Signal Systems, Telephones, Typing,
Writing.
Products
to allow people with disabilities to use desktop and laptop computers and other
kinds of information technology.
Major Categories: Software, Hardware, Computer Accessories
Products
that provide people with disabilities with the ability to start,
stop or adjust electric or electronic devices.
Major Categories: Environmental Controls, Control
Switches.
Products
for people with hearing disabilities.
Major Categories: Amplification, Driving, Hearing Aids, Recreational
Electronics, Signal Switches, Speech Training, Telephones
Products
to assist people with disabilities with their leisure and athletic activities.
Major Categories: Crafts, Electronics, Gardening,
Music, Photography, Sewing, Sports, Toys.
Products
to aid people with disabilities who are able to walk or stand with assistance.
Major Categories: Canes, Crutches, Standing, Walkers.
Products
and accessories that enable people with mobility disabilities to move freely
indoors and outdoors.
Major Categories: Wheelchairs (Manual, Sport, and
Powered), Wheelchair Alternatives (Scooters), Wheelchair Accessories, Carts,
Transporters, Stretchers.
These
are just a few areas in which AT might help enhance your life.
Where
can I find out more about Assistive Technology?
Contact
our organization for appropriate advice/referrals. Fran Sinish may be reached
directly via email at fsinish@drcfc.org
Note:
This information was quoted largely from the NEAT
& Abledata Websites.
RAMPS
AVAILABLE!!
Resources
to Actualize Mobility Program (RAMP)
In
keeping with the mission of Independent Living, the Center received a grant from
the town of Stratford Community Development Block Grant funds, to construct a
limited number of ramps for people who live in Stratford, Connecticut.
Additionally, DRCFC made a small amount of money from grants available to
consider ramps in the greater Bridgeport, CT, area.
Contact
our organization for appropriate advice/referrals. Fran Sinish may be reached
directly via email at fsinish@drcfc.org
