AT @ Work Arlene Lugo, Program Director Connecticut Tech Act Project 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 Arlene intros herself Shannon intros herself

Shannon Everywhere you go today we are surrounded by technology. Phones, computers, fitness bands, electronic billboards - the list goes on. All of these things are intended to make our lives better and easier. For people with barriers, technology can make the difference in achieving independence and success both in their home life and work life. Today we will talk about how technology can remove or reduce barriers and share with you the CT Tech Project and how this amazing resource can assist people in the workplace. Who in this room has technology you use everyday? Let’s see if we can figure out who has the most technology.

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

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 Arlene Assistive Technology 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 the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” – AT Act Focus on the words “any item” …

AT Continuum Cost, mechanics & complexity increase as you move up the continuum Arlene When considering AT devices, devices fall on a continuum from low tech to high tech. Low tech refers to devices that cost the least, are easy to learn to use, don’t have a lot of moving parts, like an alternate, ergonomic mouse or handheld magnifier. As you move up the continuum, items cost more and become more complex which may require more training. The higher the tech the more likely it will have computer components, more features and also require more maintenance or have ongoing fees. According to a study done by the Job Accommodations Network. Most accommodations cost nothing … the average costs to employers for accommodating an employee is about $500. Approximately 60% of job accommodations = $0.00

Let’s Talk Low Tech Shannon Hardware store, Jo-Ann Fabrics We’ll show some examples which you may already know of and probably use more of. Would love to hear the creative solutions you’ve used.

Shannon Binder clips are simply awesome. They are great for organizing cords, affixing reports or other paper items to objects so they stand upright. Also great for people with motor difficulties get the last bit of toothpaste out of the tube!

Shannon For those of us who attended Catholic school the ruler may invoke an entirely different feeling but in the workplace it can be a wonderful low tech tool. It can keep place when filing so locating where to put back a folder is quick and easy. You can use it as an alphabetical reference by writing the alphabet on the flip side and its great for reaching those itches you can’t quite reach. Show: ruler with magnifier, reading guides

Sensory Considerations Shannon & Arlene Quite often the people we work with have difficulty with anxiety and focusing. white noise machines, ear plugs (if allowed), negotiating some built in moments to relax. Small fish tanks? Changing the lighting while not possible in the retail setting but introducing glasses with colored lenses. Beta fish story Sensory stones – Arlene Environmental adaptations to reduce stimulus - $0.00 cost

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 Arlene – livescribe

AT Services Evaluation of need Device Trials Designing, customizing, fitting, adapting the AT device Training & Follow up Maintenance or Repair Arlene: Example – Live Scribe Pen … training needed

Examples of Assistive Technology based on common barriers in the workplace Arlene: Now that we’re all on the same page with what Assistive Technology devices & services are, lets look at some common barriers. Also, please share any solutions you may have come with for these, if you have any.

AT for Memory / Organization / Sequencing Arlene Color coding – highlighters or apps/software, i.e: yellow may be important concepts, pink may be vocabulary, or at work blue is your action item, while green is someone else’s ADD GridIT organization, charging stations, key holder,

AT for Memory / Organization / Sequencing Shannon: Calendar – color coding, using Outlook or Google shared calendars for support (with family or staff) Arlene: Livescribe – counselor, architech, Smartband – reminders, messages, prompts to stay on task, etc.

AT for Memory / Organization / Sequencing APPs: Photos Videos Clips Med reminders Sequencing Text Grabber (OCR / Translation) Arlene Use photos to add to your contacts or edit and write on Use videos to demonstrate how to do something CanPlan

AT for Concentration / Distraction Shannon: Strategies for Mindfulness- calling a support person, going outside – closet/bathroom. Arlene : Noise Cancelling Headset, white noise machine, apps like Nosili (99 cents), Mindfulness ($1.99)

AT for Communication Arlene – story of young man in HS, Both Low tech communication – paper & pencil, picture book. AAC device – voicebanking Flipwriter app, Speakit $1.99 -

AT for Computer Access Both Note the arm rest for the mouse hand Eyegaze Alternate keyboard Can try at demo centers Shannon – young man without hands … rollerball for feet, brought everything down to his feet level. Answered called. Arlene: Call center, arms ended at elbows, used ergo mouse – 2 monitors Question …. If anyone wants to share examples from the field.

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 Arlene: What is the Connecticut Tech Act Project & How can we help?

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 CREC Western CT AT Center EASTCONN SERC NEAT Center UCP of Eastern CT

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. Most of the same partner agencies and myself.

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

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 Application & Information available on our website: www.CTtechact.com/loan

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 Arlene – common question

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 Arlene: Talk about availability of inventory at demo and lending sites JAN – a great resource you can call or search for accommodations and AT based on limitations, barriers or job functions https://askjan.org/publications/individuals/employee-guide.cfm?cssearch=1921548_1

How do you know what AT to try/use? Tools for Life Appfinder www.gatfl.org http://appcrawlr.com For Andriod & iOS Apps reviewed and tested by GA Tools for Life

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! Arlene – and speaking of apps.

www.CTtechact.com/conference Lastly, wanted to share … Early bird pricing, student discounts. www.CTtechact.com/conference

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