Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC): An Overview Jacob Sunder, OTS September 15, 2014

Definition of Assistive Technology A broad range of devices, services, strategies and practices that aid in assisting individuals with disabilities. An AT device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. -Cook & Hussey Broad range of devices to improve, maintain or enhance function and participation Positioning Mobility Augmentative and alternative communication Computer access – here at ATRC we specialize in AT as it relates to computer access Adaptive environments Instructional aids

Assistive Technology Resource Center(ATRC) Mission of ATRC is to ensure equal access to technology and electronic information for CSU students and employees with disabilities. Services include: Assessments, Training, Equipment Loans, Resources, Accommodations Consultation and Education regarding ergonomic, ADA, and universal design considerations in technology environments Assistance with making programs, information and course material accessible for students Experiential learning of AT for OT Students Work closely with Resources for Disabled Students, TILT (institute for learning and teaching) AAC Academic Advancement Center Assessments and Trainings to determine the best AT based on the student’s need. Training in accessible documents, PDF files, presentations, web pages Ergonomics for faculty and staff AT rooms at Morgan Library- reserved spaces with AT software and a range of environmental controls for the students we serve

Students with disabilities who may benefit from services at the ATRC Non-apparent disabilities Examples: Learning Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum, Mental Health Sensory Examples: Blind/low vision, Hearing Impairment Physical Examples: Neurological, Orthopedic, Cumulative Trauma 2/3 of clients have non-apparent disabilities Neurological – SCI, CVA, MS, CP (veterans) Ortho – arthritis, amputees, congenital anomalies, broken wrist

ATRC 5-step Process for Students Referral Intake Assessment Training Re- Assessment Referral from RDS Intake with scheduled appointment Assessment: explore AT options, loan out equipment as appropriate, schedule library orientation Training: further, in depth training

Student Support Services Resources for Disabled Students Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) Academic Achievement Center (AAC) Learning Assistance Program (LAP) CSU Health Network Adult Learner and Veteran Services (ALVS) Native American Cultural Center The Writing Center

AT to support performance and participation in Educational Occupations Reading Alternative formats: audio and/or visual formats, braille Text to speech programs Built-in software on Macs and Windows Examples: mp3, Read and Write Writing Speech recognition software Spelling and grammar software Word prediction and vocabulary features Paper organization Studying Highlighting features, masking, vocabulary lists These are some examples of ways we support students – but there is definitely many more options that can be customized to the student’s needs!

AT to support performance and participation in Educational Occupations (continued) Note-taking and Classroom Participation Digital recorders Livescribe Pen – syncs audio and visual Apps for tablets and smartphones Captioning and FM Systems Portable magnifiers Accessing the Computer Alternative keyboards (one-handed, split keyboard, enlarged) Alternative or ergonomic mice (trackball, vertical mouse, touchpad) Positioning (adjustable tables, chairs, foot and wrist rests) Test Taking Use of any of the above features and more to help with tests! Organization of Assignments and Coursework Checklists and day planners, phone apps, PDAs, Google calendars, and more!

Questions? http://atrc.colostate.edu  THANK YOU  Check out our website: http://atrc.colostate.edu See our website for great resources on previous trainings and presentations as well as links and guides to many of our software and hardware. We have stations set-up with different tasks/activities typical of the clients we serve. Please feel free to wander around and look at the AT. Shannon and I are open to answering any questions you might have or demonstrating how the programs work! Thanks for stopping in to see our center.  THANK YOU 