Department of Human Services

1. Department of Human Services Explain the project and the grant. Explain the project and the grant.

2. 40,000 And Counting���

3. Live independently Enjoy self-determination Make choices Contribute to society Pursue meaningful careers Enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural, and economic mainstream of American society.

4. Assistive Technology Device:What is it? 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. Cite at act Highlight these Key words: Any item product or system� Functional The only part I find limiting are the last 3 words. Is A-Tech only for certain populations? A-Tech often benefits everyone not just people with disabilities. Perhaps it�s a plot to keep the �special� in special education. Highlight these Key words: Any item product or system� Functional The only part I find limiting are the last 3 words. Is A-Tech only for certain populations? A-Tech often benefits everyone not just people with disabilities. Perhaps it�s a plot to keep the �special� in special education.

5. Assistive Technology Device: In practical terms�Something to help you get the job done a bit easier. Enough said...Enough said...

6. Some Things AT Can Do Increases independent activities in life Helping to get dressed or eat Make things easier to turn on Hold things steady or in place Help control things such as television, radio, computer or lights Help to see or hear better Allow communication or improve communication Clearly assistive tech. goes beyond the classroom.Clearly assistive tech. goes beyond the classroom.

7. �Small Picture� of AT� AT is primarily about computers AT excludes use of traditional tools If it works for someone else it works for everyone Choosing AT doesn�t take much planning Just get it, then think about how to use it Sometimes highlighting where not to go helps with clarifying where you ultimately want to end up.Sometimes highlighting where not to go helps with clarifying where you ultimately want to end up.

8. �Big Picture� Goals of Assistive Technology Promotes increased independence Help individuals become active participants Match AT to current and future needs No tech, low tech and high tech options Assistive tech may offer the only means to build skills Promote a consumer directed team approach �Usable� assistive technology system

9. Assessment�A Process Goal is not which device, rather� WHAT: needs to be done WHERE: in what environment WHY: for what specific tasks HOW: possible ways to help the individual accomplish tasks...the how may vary depending upon the environment(s) There are practical questions that need to be considered before jumping into a specific device or system.There are practical questions that need to be considered before jumping into a specific device or system.

10. Assessment:Most Effective If It�s a Process Not a one time occurrence Focuses on the individual, the environment, and tasks the indivdual needs to be able to do. Provides continuity Is linked with implementation Includes realistic actions plans Includes follow-up Follow-up is sometimes left out and can result in a missed opportunity for �tweaking�. Success is seldom arrived at by choosing one product or one approach and never making any adjustments. Fine tuning our services should never be seen as a weakness. Smart teams make adjustments with new information.Follow-up is sometimes left out and can result in a missed opportunity for �tweaking�. Success is seldom arrived at by choosing one product or one approach and never making any adjustments. Fine tuning our services should never be seen as a weakness. Smart teams make adjustments with new information.

11. Why use AT? Enhance independence Do what needs to be done Improve quality, quantity, speed, rate, fluency, ease of work Allow access to printed text

12. So� What is out there? A range of no, low and high tech devices AT is used by a individual with a disability to increase their independence. If you take the item away, the individual is no longer able to complete the task with the same level of independence.

13. No tech Talking calculators Med Minders Talking Check Book Grippers/Reachers Jar and Can openers Positioning aids Look at multiple uses, other ways to use something. Have fun and be creative.

14. Low tech Simple technology- few moving parts, low maintenance, low cost (relatively speaking) Simple communication devices Magnifiers Touch Lights

15. There are still considerations� Size Sound/Volume Pressure Positioning Motion Strength over time/Endurance

16. High tech Generally higher cost More maintenance Frequently electronic (computer, communication device, power chair) Frequently part of a range of solutions with the no tech and low tech Frequently requires more supports, including training for the individual, and others involved in their life

17. AT redefines home life�used by all AT enable people with disabilities to accomplish many tasks Focus �functional goals. What does the individual want to accomplish? Promote independence Enhance positive family relationships

18. Entrances/Hallways and Stairs Garage door openers Key holders / key pad entry Railings�. fold down railings are an option Stair glides / platform stair lift /platform wheel chair lift Ramps Lever handles for doors

19. Ramps � Permanent & Temporary

21. Self-Care � Activities of Daily Living Sock aides/dressing sticks/button hooks Reachers/long handles shoe horns

23. PHONES

24. Emergency/Monitoring Communication Systems Life Line/Life Alert Motion sensor systems Talking medication systems Smoke detectors that flash Environmental control systems

25. Personal monitoring systems Addresses safety May eliminate need for 24 hour staffing Allows people to remain independent in their own homes and communities Useful for people with cognitive disabilities Use existing, no cost technologies such as SKYPE

26. Lighting Touch Lamps Light switches � Larger switches/toggle switches/rocker switches Motion sensor lights

27. Bathrooms Raised toilet seats Hand held showers and or adjustable height shower heads Shower benches and chairs Adjustable power shower bath seat Step in tubs Grab bars Non-skid surfaces

28. Kitchens Roll out shelves Adjustable height counter tops/cupboards Jar openers/non skid mats

29. Reading Adapted books Books on tape Books on CDs Large Print books Electronic books Screen readers Topaz

30. Writing Adapted pens/pencils Pencil grips Raised line paper Portable note takers Computers Writing Guides

31. Keyboards QWERTY/ alphabetic Consider: Key size Color contrast Chordic keystrokes Voice recognition? Onscreen keyboards

32. Mouse alternatives Track ball Touch Window Click options Head pointing Joy stick Mouse keys Track pad, alternate pointing devices Change mouse action in control panel

33. Communication Picture boards/books Simple communication devices Digital communication devices Synthesized communication devices Medically necessary when they become a prosthetic device (artificial voice) Most people need multiple communication strategies in their lives.

34. Vehicle modifications to standard autos/revising vans Hand control systems Steering knobs Passenger seats that pivot, raise and lower Lifts and ramps Wheel chair lifts for pick-up trucks Wheelchair lockdowns

35. Driving Evaluations Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist OT/PT Driving evaluations are required prior to purchasing adaptive vehicles and modifications

36. If you have any questions please contact me at: Pam Parson, ATP Programs Director Accessnorth Independent Living Center 2104 Sixth Ave east Hibbing, Minnesota 55746 218.262.6675 parson@accessnorth.net http://www.accessnorth.net