A program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University "For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.” A program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University

Presented by… Amy S. Goldman 800-204-7428 – voice 215-204-3862 – voice Associate Director, Institute on Disabilities 800-204-7428 – voice 215-204-3862 – voice 866-268-0579 – TTY amy.goldman@temple.edu Atinfo@temple.edu And today’s event is conducted by…!

Today’s Objectives (a) Describe the federal definition of AT devices and services (b) Give at least one example of low, mid, and high tech AT devices (c) Provide an example of AT that will assist an individual with disabilities in each of at least five functional areas (d) List two “access” and two “acquisition” activities undertaken by Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology and its regional assistive technology resource centers (ATRC). (e) Identify the assistive technology resource center serving your region

PIAT: Pennsylvania’s “Assistive Technology Act” Program Part of a national network of programs funded under the federal “AT Act” (www.ataporg.org) Mandated focus on access to and acquisition of AT devices and services Serving all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and older Pennsylvanians with AT needs Statewide

What is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Low, Mid and High Assistive Technology Devices Low: Inexpensive, easily made, easy to learn, readily available, easy to replace/maintain; “Out of the box” use. Mid: May cost more, require some training, have special design, need power source or other support. High: Higher cost, need specific training to learn, often customized.

What is Assistive Technology? You may also hear the terms: Adaptive equipment Adaptive devices Accessibility accommodations Home modifications Environmental modifications Durable medical equipment

Assistive Technology Services Any service that directly assists an older adult or individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Evaluation Acquisition Adapting/Modification Coordination of Therapies Training: Consumer – Family – Professionals Maintenance, Repair & Replacement Providing Accessible Information Technology

Key Points Devices AND services A necessity, not a luxury! Generic, customized, or specialized Low tech – high tech Range of complexity and cost—know the options! Access throughout the environment Access across the life span – no one is “too young” or “too old” to qualify

The Scope of Assistive Technology Communication Seating and Positioning Power Mobility Manual Mobility Mobility Aids Assistive Listening Vehicle Modification Leisure and Recreation Worksite Modification Home Modification Learning Aids Environmental Controls Vision Aids Self Care/Activities of Daily Living

Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) Accessing AT Acquiring AT Training and Technical Assistance Public Awareness and Information and Referral Coordination and Collaboration Transition These are the required activities by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended

ACCESSING Assistive Technology How do I know what I need? Try before you buy – Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology LENDING LIBRARY Learn about different devices and how they can help you - DEMONSTRATIONS

Device Loans: PA’s Assistive Technology Lending Library Primary goal: To help people with disabilities make a decision (can this type of AT help? Can this specific item help?) FREE! May be directly borrowed by consumers/family members May be borrowed by providers as a part of an evaluation Loans also available as accommodation; back-up loaner; for pre-professional and in-service training for service providers www.disabilities.temple.edu/atlend for online catalog and “shopping basket”

Device Loans: PA’s Assistive Technology Lending Library Devices for school, employment, community living, IT/telecommunications access Low tech – mid tech – high tech “Generic” as well as adapted or dedicated/specialized Consumer responsive inventory: purchases made in response to requests as well as knowledge of new products Products must be feasible to ship; not personal in nature (e.g. that would present sterilization issues); must not require permanent customization to be useful Funded in large part through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, with supplemental funding through AT Act funds and contributions of users and vendors

PA’s Assistive Technology Lending Library Old model: all centralized; “drop ship” with free shipping Now: SOME (but not all items) may require pick up and return by consumer to ATRC Budget cutbacks have resulted in waiting lists SHORT TERM loan (generally 2-6 weeks) Consumer-responsive but MAY require consumer to identify a support person for complex items

Device Demonstrations Consumer responsive – primary audience “Guided discovery” of a device or group of devices Learn about how device(s) can help at home, work, school or community General overview to help consumers make informed decisions about AT No cost to consumers for demonstrations NOT an evaluation or individualized instruction

Device Demonstrations Center-based (GSRH; ACIT lab; UCP Central PA; Three Rivers) “Demo on Demand” Conducted by qualified and experienced staff Referrals to evaluators, vendors, providers, funding sources, or other “next steps”

ACQUIRING Assistive Technology How do I get what I need? Reutilized and Exchanged Equipment Partnership [REEP] On-line Classifieds REEP Device Reutilization/Refurbishment Partner Programs (e.g. Into New Hands; Changing Hands) Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP) Partnership with the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)

Telecommunication Device Distribution Program - TDDP Provides FREE telecommunication devices to Pennsylvanians who have disabilities which interfere with independent telephone access Funded through OVR and the PUC (TRS surcharge), established by legislation Applicants must have an authorized professional “certify” their disability Must be 6 years or older Individual gross income of 200% of Federal Poverty level or less Must have telephone service (land line) and the ability to learn to use the telecommunication device

disabilities.temple.edu/tddp

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) Begun under the auspices of PIAT, now an independent entity Provides low-interest cash loans for the purchase of AT including home modifications, hearing aids, vehicle modifications, etc. May assist in credit counseling/repair/education Expert at “packaging” loans, grants, and public funding www.patf.us

Other PIAT Activities Information and Assistance: Phone and email requests for help about different devices and services (800-204-PIAT; Atinfo@temple.edu) Training and Technical Assistance: Helping professionals and agencies increase their knowledge and skills to better provide AT services; improving policies and practices Public Awareness: General information, presentations, brochures, posters, exhibits and other outreach activities Information and Referral, also known as I&R, is available statewide by calling 1-800-204-7428. Training and Technical Assistance helps providers, agencies, schools, health care organizations, and other professionals and organizations which serve and support individuals with disabilities and older adults increase their knowledge and skills about AT devices and services, as well as the activities of the Commonwealth’s AT Act Program. Public Awareness activities include participation in senior service fairs, conference exhibit halls, agencies service days, general AT and PIAT awareness presentations to groups, and other such general activities. For anyone interested in I&R, Trainings, Technical Assistance

Collaboration and Coordination With state agencies and other organizations and entities responsible for the provision of AT devices and services With the PA AT Foundation and Disability Rights Network of PA In consultation with a statewide advisory council (51% persons with disabilities/family members)

PIAT - Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology FOR INFORMATION contact: PIAT - Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology 1601 N. Broad Street USB 404 Philadelphia, PA 19122 Tel: 800-204-7428 (voice) 866-268-0579 (TTY) Fax: 215-204-9371 Email: ATinfo@temple.edu Web: http://disabilities.temple.edu/piat