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1. Department of Human Services Explain the project and the grant.
Explain the project and the grant.
2.
40,000 And Counting………
3.
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.
4. Assistive Technology Device:What 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 Highlight these Key words:
Any item product or system…
Functional
The only part I find limiting are the last 3 words.
Is A-Tech only for certain populations?
A-Tech often benefits everyone not just people with disabilities.
Perhaps it’s a plot to keep the “special” in special education.
Highlight these Key words:
Any item product or system…
Functional
The only part I find limiting are the last 3 words.
Is A-Tech only for certain populations?
A-Tech often benefits everyone not just people with disabilities.
Perhaps it’s a plot to keep the “special” in special education.
5. Assistive Technology Device:
In practical terms…Something to help you get the job done a bit easier. Enough said...Enough said...
6. 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 Clearly assistive tech. goes beyond the classroom.Clearly assistive tech. goes beyond the classroom.
7. “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 doesn’t take much planning
Just get it, then think about how to use it Sometimes highlighting where not to go helps with clarifying where you ultimately want to end up.Sometimes highlighting where not to go helps with clarifying where you ultimately want to end up.
8. “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
9. Assessment…A 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) There are practical questions that need to be considered before jumping into a specific device or system.There are practical questions that need to be considered before jumping into a specific device or system.
10. Assessment:Most Effective If It’s 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 Follow-up is sometimes left out and can result in a missed opportunity for “tweaking”. Success is seldom arrived at by choosing one product or one approach and never making any adjustments.
Fine tuning our services should never be seen as a weakness. Smart teams make adjustments with new information.Follow-up is sometimes left out and can result in a missed opportunity for “tweaking”. Success is seldom arrived at by choosing one product or one approach and never making any adjustments.
Fine tuning our services should never be seen as a weakness. Smart teams make adjustments with new information.
11. 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
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Low tech Simple technology- few moving parts, low maintenance, low cost (relatively speaking)
Simple communication devices
Magnifiers
Touch Lights
15. There are still considerations…
Size
Sound/Volume
Pressure
Positioning
Motion
Strength over time/Endurance
16. 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
17. AT redefines home life…used 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
18. 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
19. Ramps – Permanent & Temporary
21. Self-Care – Activities of Daily Living Sock aides/dressing sticks/button hooks
Reachers/long handles shoe horns
23. PHONES
24. Emergency/Monitoring Communication Systems
Life Line/Life Alert
Motion sensor systems
Talking medication systems
Smoke detectors that flash
Environmental control systems
25. 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
26. Lighting Touch Lamps
Light switches – Larger switches/toggle switches/rocker switches
Motion sensor lights
27. 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
28. Kitchens Roll out shelves
Adjustable height counter tops/cupboards
Jar openers/non skid mats
29. Reading Adapted books
Books on tape
Books on CDs
Large Print books
Electronic books
Screen readers
Topaz
30. Writing Adapted pens/pencils
Pencil grips
Raised line paper
Portable note takers
Computers
Writing Guides
31. Keyboards QWERTY/ alphabetic
Consider:
Key size
Color contrast
Chordic keystrokes
Voice recognition?
Onscreen keyboards
32. 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
33. 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.
34. 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
35. Driving Evaluations Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist
OT/PT
Driving evaluations are required prior to purchasing adaptive vehicles and modifications
36. 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@accessnorth.net
http://www.accessnorth.net