1. Parkinson Support Group Assistive Technology and You: Tools for Life March 4, 2014 North Carolina Assistive Technology Program Sonya Clark, AT Information Specialist Sonya.Clark@dhhs.nc.gov 4900 Waters Edge Dr. Suite 250 Raleigh, NC 27606 919-233-7075

2. AT Act History Technology Related Assistance Act-1988 (Tech Act) (P.L. 105-394) 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 1990. IDEA 1997 and 2004, Congress again emphasized AT (P.L.108-364)

3. 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 Office828-631-9461 Morganton AT Office828-433-2431 Charlotte AT Office704-566-2899 Winston Salem AT Office336-716-8030 Greensboro AT Office336-297-2180 Raleigh AT Office919-233-7075 LCI – Sanford AT Office 919-775-3439 Ext. 221 Rocky Mount AT Office252-446-4330 Greenville AT Office252-830-8575 Elizabeth City AT Office252-830-8575 Wilmington AT Office910-251-7078

4. 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]

5. 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]

6. Assistive Technology is related to function rather than to a specificdisability

7. Assistive Technology is anything that makes it easier to…

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

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

10. 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 www.ncexchangepost.org

11. 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 www.ncdhhs.gov/dsdhh

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

13. Raleigh Center

15. High Tech Vs. Low Tech

16. AT Devices- Low Tech

17. 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.” 1997-2012 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

18. 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. 1997-2012 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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

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

21. Where can you buy these items? Drug stores/Medical Supply Stores Craft stores Home improvement centers On-line resources: www.maxiaids.com www.elderstore.com www.lssproducts.com (visual/hard of hearing aids)www.lssproducts.com http://essentialtremor.org/treatments/assistive-devices/ (International Essential Tremor Foundation) Device loan programs: NC Assistive Technology Program Churches, senior centers, etc.

22. Possible Funding Sources Private Insurance Medicare Medicaid State programs Tricare

23. 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

24. 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

25. Car Safety Swivel Cushions Car Caddie Gas Cap Turn

26. Home Management/Safety Bed Cane Couch Cane

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

28. Walking Canes

29. 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

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

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

32. Writing Aids Pen Again Pen/pencil grips Check Writing Guide

33. 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

34. 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: www.ncatp.org and www.ncrehab.orgwww.ncatp.orgwww.ncrehab.org

35. 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