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Assistive Technology Frequently Asked Questions
Who may benefit from assistive technology?
What are some examples of assistive technology devices?
What services can be provided?
What areas of expertise are available?
Who provides these services?
Where are the services provided?
What sets The Assistive Technology Center apart from other service providers?
How are services potentially funded?
Who may benefit from assistive technology?
Children and adults with:
- Hearing impairments
- Learning disabilities
- Mobility impairments
- Neurological disorders
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Severe speech/communication difficulties
- Spinal cord injuries
- Visual impairments
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What are some examples of assistive technology devices?
- Computer system with speech output for an individual who is blind
- Rubber jar opener for someone with stiff and sore hands
- Switch-activated toys for a toddler without full motor control
- Tape recorder for making reminder messages used by someone with short-term memory difficulty
- Augmentative communication device for an individual with a severe communication difficulty
- Computer that is voice-operated for the user with dyslexia or another learning disability
- Portable device that enables a person with low vision to see at a distance or up close
- Mouthstick that helps someone with limited range of motion type on a computer
- Keyboards that accommodate a variety of limitations including carpal tunnel syndrome
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What services can be provided?
A full range of personalized services includes:
- Assessment--evaluation and recommendation of aids, devices and tools, as well as compensatory strategies needed to successfully use recommended technology
- Consultation--offered to companies or educational institutions to address concerns
- Custom design and fabrication--needed when an off-the-shelf commercial item is not available
- Delivery and setting up equipment
- Information and referral--access to up-to-date product and service information
- Loaner equipment--available for trial purposes before purchase
- Ordering and assembling recommended equipment--"Total Package Solutions"
- Technical support--providing 24-hour support for troubleshooting, follow along, maintaining and repairing equipment
- Training--allowing for each individual to properly operate the chosen device
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What areas of expertise are available?
- Adaptive computer access
- Augmentative/alternative communication
- Environmental controls
- Ergonomic assessment and design
- Home modification assessment
- Rehabilitation engineering (creation of custom assistive devices)
- Seating and positioning
- Workplace accommodation
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Who provides these services?
The Assistive Technology Center uses a team approach, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation technologists, service coordinators and speech-language pathologists specially trained in augmentative communication.
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Where are the services provided?
The Assistive Technology Center provides services throughout Indiana and in other areas of the country where assistive technology is not available through the local Easter Seals affiliate. Our staff can travel to wherever services are needed--at home, at school, at work or another community site. Assessment and training are also available at our Indianapolis facility.
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What sets The Assistive Technology Center apart from other service providers?
- Extensive technology lab facilities and equipped van
- Individual plan of action for each consumer
- Licensed and credentialed staff
- Long-standing program established in 1988
- Personalized service
- Wide-ranging resources of Easter Seals to support individuals with disabilities or special needs
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How are services potentially funded?
- Children with Special Healthcare Needs
- CHOICE
- First Steps
- Medicaid/Medicaid waiver
- Medicare
- Private insurance
- Private pay
- Veteran's Administration
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Employers
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For additional information or to request an appointment, please contact us.
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