2. Who we are, and what we do… The Rehab Technology Resource Center (RTRC) grew out of a federally funded project, and is now an integral part of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services that helps Texans with disabilities get and keep jobs. The RTRC keeps track of the latest innovations and equipment designed to help people with disabilities. Having the right equipment can make a difference, for some, between staying in a nursing home or living independently. The RTRC is located on the ground floor of the Brown Heatly Building in Austin, Texas, and houses a demonstration center of assistive technology where people can make an appointment for a hands-on experience of assistive technology options. This empowers consumers to make assistive technology decisions for themselves on what will best serve their employment or independent living goals. But that’s just part of the story …

3. ABOUT US ABOUT US The Rehab Technology Resource Center (RTRC) is dedicated to providing quality assistive technology services in assisting consumers, staff and other community entities in exploring various assistive technology alternatives for individuals with disabilities. The RTRC provides technical assistance in researching universal design and cutting-edge assistive technology. We also work with consumers in evaluating assistive technology through a “hands-on” approach made possible by the various devices available in the Resource Center. This service is provided to assist individuals – in the most cost- effective manner possible - toward making AT decisions that will lead to a life of full inclusion and participation in their own communities and work environments.

4. OUR PROGRAM & SERVICES The RTRC offers a variety of services to counselors to assist consumers who benefit from assistive technology to maintain, enhance, or improve their functional capabilities at home, school or work. We provide dissemination of information and referral sources, AT consultations, technical support and some training on the use of certain technology in the RTRC. The RTRC is located on the first floor of the “west wing” of the Brown Heatly Building. Together with our sister divisions of DBS and DHHS, we offer on-site demonstrations of assistive technology.

5. But the RTRC is unique in that we also makes AT available for loan to the disability community through our “try it before you buy it” program. By working in concert with our Vocational Rehab Counselors, consumers, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and other rehab professions, we assure that the consumer makes the proper AT decisions the first time. The RTRC Assistive Technology Loan Program

6. While the RTRC does not loan Aids to Daily Living items, we do house some of the latest innovations which can be viewed by consumers either by visiting the RTRC or on the DARS intranet … Telestick Portable Reacher Finger TongsTalking Med Reminder Voice-activated grocery list organizer Talking Blood Pressure Monitor Label-recording PenOptelec Reader

7. Research Services The RTRC operates as a research center for our consumers, counselors and rehab professionals. We are often asked to evaluate assistive technology before it hits the mass market, and have come to be known state-wide as the place to turn when looking for AT alternatives. We offer educated advise in the following areas: Mobility Aids Sensory Solutions Environmental Controls Aids to Daily Living Ergonomics Speech and Communication Low Vision/Blindness

8. TRAININGS TRAININGS The RTRC provides extensive training to all new counselors in the area of assistive technology. The RTRC works closely with DRS assistive technology providers, public schools, colleges, universities, employers and other state agencies.

9. What else do we do? The RTRC is the technology hub for meeting the challenges consumers face on a daily basis. Assistive technology takes many forms, any one of which could mean the difference between a life in a nursing home or living independently. To that end, the RTRC provides guidance on: Computer Assessments Job and Home Site Modifications Vehicle Modifications – In partnership with the Texas Transportation Institute, the RTRC assures that modifications to vehicles are safe, appropriate and meet our consumer’s needs.

10. Who makes it all work? The success of the RTRC is the cumulative effort of many people, not the least of which are our consumers. Through teamwork with counselors and the other divisions of DARS, our staff is always ready to meet the challenges faced by people with disabilities. There are four FTE’s in the RTRC: Richard E. Hopkins – Lead Program Specialist for Assistive Technology Vehicle Modifications, Job and Home Site Modifications Michael Ritter – Rehab Technology Information Specialist Tours; Equipment Loan Program; Demonstrations; Research Kathy Plentl – Coordinator for Vehicle Modifications THE REHAB TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE CENTER “PUTTING THE ABILITY IN DISABILITY”