Parkinson Support Group Assistive Technology and You: Tools for Life March 4, 2014 North Carolina Assistive Technology Program Sonya Clark, AT Information Specialist 4900 Waters Edge Dr. Suite 250 Raleigh, NC

AT Act History Technology Related Assistance Act-1988 (Tech Act) (P.L ) Technology Related Assistance Act-1994 Assistive Technology Act of 1998 The definition of AT devices and services were added to the IDEA by the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of IDEA 1997 and 2004, Congress again emphasized AT (P.L )

Scotland Guilford Rockingham Moore AnsonUnion Richmond Mecklenburg Cabarrus Stanly Surry AsheWilkes Yadkin Forsyth Stokes Davidson Randolph Rowan Lincoln Cleveland Gaston Iredell Caldwell Alexander Catawba Burke McDowell Buncombe Rutherford Polk Madison Yancey Watauga Cherokee Graham Clay Macon Jackson Swain Avery Davie Montgomery Mitchell Henderson Transylvania Haywood Wake Granville Person Orange Lee Hoke Robeson Columbus Brunswick Pender Bladen Sampson Duplin Onslow Jones Lenoir Wayne Johnston Harnett Carteret Craven Pamlico Beaufort Hyde Tyrrell Dare Gates Hertford Bertie Martin Pitt Greene Wilson Nash Franklin Warren Halifax Northampton Edgecombe Vance Durham Alamance Cumberland Washington Currituck Camden Pasquotank Perquimans Chowan New Hanover Chatham Caswell Alleghany AT Offices across NC Sylva AT Office Morganton AT Office Charlotte AT Office Winston Salem AT Office Greensboro AT Office Raleigh AT Office LCI – Sanford AT Office Ext. 221 Rocky Mount AT Office Greenville AT Office Elizabeth City AT Office Wilmington AT Office

Assistive Technology Device “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.” 20 U.S.C. 1401[25]

Assistive Technology Service “Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an Assistive Technology device.” 20 U.S.C. 1401[25]

Assistive Technology is related to function rather than to a specificdisability

Assistive Technology is anything that makes it easier to…

ACCESSIBLE Available Easy to approach or enter Comfortable to use Easy to obtain

Free Services  Device Demonstrations  Device Loans: Short term loans (2 weeks) Open-ended loans  Device Reutilization  Public Awareness

Access to previously owned devices Connects individuals with devices to someone who needs the device List of devices that are available for sale or donation

Equipment Distribution Program (EDP) EDP provides equipment which assist people with hearing loss or a speech disability to access the telephone. Amplified phones Signaling devices Voice Carry Over phones Single hearing aid

Fee-Based Services  AT Assessment  AAC Assessment  Consultation Services/Training

Raleigh Center

High Tech Vs. Low Tech

AT Devices- Low Tech

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) “Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write.” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Types Of AAC Systems Unaided communication systems  Rely on the user's body to convey messages.  Examples include gestures, body language, and/or sign language. Aided communication systems  Require the use of tools or equipment in addition to the user's body.  Aided communication methods can range from paper and pencil to communication books or boards to devices that produce voice output (speech generating devices or SGD's) and/or written output American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Low Tech AAC Communication Boards Go Talk 4 Step-by-Step

High Tech AAC Speech Generating Devices (SGD). Computer based or electronic devices requiring a power source. DynaVox VMAX DynaWrite

Where can you buy these items? Drug stores/Medical Supply Stores Craft stores Home improvement centers On-line resources: (visual/hard of hearing aids) (International Essential Tremor Foundation) Device loan programs: NC Assistive Technology Program Churches, senior centers, etc.

Possible Funding Sources Private Insurance Medicare Medicaid State programs Tricare

Eating and Food Preparation Plates with rim Eating Smock 2 Handed cups Pizza Cutter in place of knife One Handed cutting board Adapted Eating Utensils

Dressing Long handled shoe horn Elastic Shoe laces Stretchy socks Leg lifter Reacher ( pulling up pants legs) Zipper Aid Magnetic jewelry clasp Adapt Clothes Velcro in place of buttons Snaps in place of buttons

Car Safety Swivel Cushions Car Caddie Gas Cap Turn

Home Management/Safety Bed Cane Couch Cane

Bathroom Safety Deluxe Bath and Shower Chair Easy Grip Adjustable Bathtub Safety Bar

Walking Canes

Accessible Telephones Large buttons, backlight Programmable, easy to hold, flashing ringer indicator Speaker, volume adjustment, photos on speed dial keys Important to match style of phone with type of hearing aids

Medication Management Pill Crusher Insulin Syringe Magnifier Timers with Multiple Settings Pill containers for sorting meds

Memory/Organization Magnetic message reminders Erasable message board Post weekly calendars in place of monthly

Writing Aids Pen Again Pen/pencil grips Check Writing Guide

REMEMBER! Look locally for devices Look at new ways to use items Be creative Ask For Help (Don’t be Afraid) Always ask for clarification when in doubt Don’t Give Up

Coming to a Vendor Hall, Near You! What: The NC Statewide Conference When: October 22-24, 2014 Where: Greenville Convention Center Greenville, NC Cost: FREE to visit the vendor Hall Information coming soon to: and

Disclaimer These slides provide general information about Assistive Technology and Assistive Technology Products. This presentation is not an endorsement of specific products. Consumers are encouraged to thoroughly gather information and review their options to make an informed decision as to what best meet their needs. Thank you, Sonya Butler Clark