1. 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

2. Presented by… Amy S. Goldman 800-204-7428 – voice 215-204-3862 – voice
Associate Director, Institute on Disabilities
– voice
– voice
– TTY
And today’s event is conducted by…!

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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
for online catalog and “shopping basket”

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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”

19. 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)

20. 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

21. disabilities.temple.edu/tddp

22. 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

23. Other PIAT Activities
Information and Assistance: Phone and requests for help about different devices and services ( PIAT;
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
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

24. 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)

25. 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: (voice)
(TTY)
Fax:
Web: