1 / 29

Connecticut Tech Act Project: Empowering with Assistive Technology

Learn about Assistive Technology, its services, continuum, and benefits in overcoming workplace barriers. Discover the Connecticut Tech Act Project's mission, services like AT lending and recycling, and financial loans. Find resources for AT evaluation and access through demos and centers.

maryellenr
Download Presentation

Connecticut Tech Act Project: Empowering with Assistive Technology

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Services AT @ Work Arlene Lugo, Program Director Connecticut Tech Act Project Bureau of Rehabilitation Services & Shannon McCann, Director of Program Services, Southeastern Employment Services

  2. Agenda • What is Assistive Technology? • ATfor common workplace barriers • Memory/Sequencing/Organization • Concentration / Distraction • Communication • Computer Access • What is the Connecticut Tech Act Project & how can we help? • Resources

  3. What is Assistive Technology (AT)? “Assistive Technology (AT) device is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” • - AT Act of 1998, as amended

  4. AT Continuum • Cost, mechanics & complexity increase as you move up the continuum • Approximately 60% of job accommodations = $0.00

  5. Let’s Talk Low Tech

  6. Sensory Considerations

  7. AT Services Assistive Technology (AT) Services refers to “any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.” - AT Act of 1998, as amended

  8. AT Services • Evaluation of need • Device Trials • Designing, customizing, fitting, adapting the AT device • Training & Follow up • Maintenance or Repair

  9. Examples of Assistive Technology based on common barriers in the workplace

  10. AT for Memory / Organization / Sequencing

  11. AT for Memory / Organization / Sequencing

  12. AT for Memory / Organization / Sequencing APPs: • Photos • Videos • Clips • Med reminders • Sequencing • Text Grabber (OCR / Translation)

  13. AT for Concentration / Distraction

  14. AT for Communication

  15. AT for Computer Access

  16. What is the Connecticut Tech Act Project? • Our Mission is to increase independence and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through increased access to Assistive Technology for work, school and community living. • AT Demonstration Centers • AT Lending • AT Recycling • AT Financial Loan

  17. AT Demonstrations • Have a chance to interact with & compare device(s), learn about the features • Make an informed decision about whether the device is the right one. • Eastern CT AT Center • Western CT AT Center • NEAT Center • CREC • EASTCONN • SERC • UCP of Eastern CT

  18. AT Device Loans • Provide an opportunity to use device in environment it’s needed, i.e.: work, school, home. • Over a period of time, person can determine if device does or does not work as expected based on experience with the device.

  19. AT Device Recycling • Allows individuals to recycle devices they no longer need, for free or for sale • Allows individuals to find good, used devices at a cost savings

  20. AT Financial Loan / Financing • Allows us to provide upfront funding for individuals with disabilities & family members to purchase the devices & services they need. • Interest Rate of 4% • $500 to $30,000 • Up to 10 Years • www.CTtechact.com/loan

  21. Who is Responsible for Providing AT? • Employer’s are responsible for providing “Reasonable Accommodations” in the workplace to allow an employee to perform the “essential functions” of their job. • Other resources may include: • BRS • BESB • DDS • DSS Waivers, i.e.: ABI Waiver or Community First Choice, etc. • Grants

  22. How do you know what AT to try/use? • AT Demo & Lending Centers • Job Accommodation Network: www.askjan.org • ADA information for employers and individuals • Searchable Online Accommodations Resource (SOAR): http://askjan.org/soar/index.htm • Search for common accommodations based on • Disabilities • Barriers • Job Functioning

  23. How do you know what AT to try/use? Tools for Life Appfinder www.gatfl.org http://appcrawlr.com For Andriod & iOS

  24. Level Up App Stay connected with your Level Up Counselor Track & Make appointments Access Level Up Resources Get notifications about Level Up activities & events Track Achievements as you Level Up!

  25. www.CTtechact.com/conference

  26. Contact Arlene.Lugo@ct.gov 860-424-4881 @CTtechact www.CTtechact.com ShannonMcCann@sesct.com (860) 434-0544

More Related