Parkinson Support Group

Assistive Technology and You: Tools for Life

March 4, 2014 North Carolina Assistive Technology Program

Sonya Clark, AT Information SpecialistSonya.Clark@dhhs.nc.gov

4900 Waters Edge Dr. Suite 250Raleigh, NC 27606

919-233-7075

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)

Scotland

Guilford

Rockingham

Moore

AnsonUnion

Richmond

Mecklenburg

CabarrusStanly

Surry

Ashe WilkesYadkin Forsyth

Stokes

Davidson

RandolphRowan

Lincoln

Cleveland Gaston

Iredell

Caldwell Alexander

CatawbaBurkeMcDowell

Buncombe

Rutherford

Polk

MadisonYancey

Watauga

Cherokee

Graham

Clay Macon

Jackson

Swain

Avery

Davie

Montgomery

Mitchell

Henderson

Transylvan

ia

Haywood

Wake

Granville

PersonOrange

Lee

HokeRobeson

Columbus

Brunswick

PenderBladen

Sampson

Duplin

Onslow

Jones

LenoirWayne

Johnston

Harnett

Carteret

CravenPamlico

BeaufortHyde

Tyrrell Dare

Gates

Hertford

Bertie

Martin

PittGreene

Wilson

NashFranklin

Warren

Halifax

Northampton

Edgecombe

Vance

Durham

Alam

ance

Cumberland

Washington

Currituck

CamdenPasquotankPerquimans

Chow

an

NewHanover

Chatham

Casw

ell

Alleghany

AT Offices across NC

  Sylva AT Office 828-631-9461

  Morganton AT Office 828-433-2431  Charlotte AT Office 704-566-2899  Winston Salem AT Office 336-716-8030  Greensboro AT Office 336-297-2180

  Raleigh AT Office 919-233-7075  LCI – Sanford AT Office 919-775-3439 

Ext. 221  Rocky Mount AT Office 252-446-4330  Greenville AT Office 252-830-8575  Elizabeth City AT Office 252-830-8575  Wilmington AT Office 910-251-7078

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]

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]

Assistive Technology is related to function

rather than to a specific

disabilitydisability

Assistive Technology is anything that makes it easier to…

ACCESSIBLE

Available Easy to approach or enter Comfortable to useEasy to obtain

Free ServicesDevice DemonstrationsDevice Loans: Short term loans (2 weeks) Open-ended loansDevice ReutilizationPublic Awareness

Access to previously owned devicesConnects individuals with devices to someone who needs the deviceList of devices that are available for sale or donation

www.ncexchangepost.org

Equipment Distribution Program (EDP)EDP provides equipment which assist people with hearing loss or a speech disability to access the telephone.

Amplified phonesSignaling devicesVoice Carry Over phonesSingle hearing aid www.ncdhhs.gov/dsdhh

Fee-Based ServicesAT Assessment

AAC Assessment

Consultation Services/Training

Raleigh Center

High Tech Vs. Low Tech

AT Devices- Low Tech

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

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

Low Tech AAC

Communicatio

n Boards

Go Talk 4

Step-by-Step

High Tech AAC

Speech Generating Devices

(SGD).

Computer based or electronic devices requiring a power source.

DynaVox VMAX

DynaWrite

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) http://essentialtremor.org/treatments/assistive-devices/ (International Essential Tremor Foundation) Device loan programs:

NC Assistive Technology Program Churches, senior centers, etc.

Possible Funding Sources

Private Insurance Medicare Medicaid State programs Tricare

Eating and Food Preparation

Plates with rimEating Smock 2 Handed cupsPizza Cutter in place of knifeOne Handed cutting boardAdapted Eating Utensils

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 buttonsSnaps in place of buttons

Car Safety

Swivel Cushions Car Caddie

Gas Cap Turn

Home Management/Safety

Bed Cane

Couch Cane

Bathroom Safety

Deluxe Bath and Shower Chair

Easy Grip Adjustable Bathtub Safety Bar

Walking Canes

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

Medication Management

Pill Crusher Insulin Syringe Magnifier Timers with Multiple Settings Pill containers for sorting meds

Memory/Organization

Magnetic message reminders

Erasable message board

Post weekly calendars in place of monthly

Writing Aids

Pen Again

Pen/pencil grips

Check Writing Guide

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

Coming to a Vendor Hall, Near You! What: The NC Statewide ConferenceWhen: October 22-24, 2014Where: Greenville Convention Center Greenville, NCCost: FREE to visit the vendor HallInformation coming soon to:

www.ncatp.org and www.ncrehab.org

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