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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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!

9. Questions? http://atrc.colostate.edu  THANK YOU 
Check out our website:
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 