Title: Empowering Technology
1North Carolina Assistive Technology Program
Empowering Technology for All Ages, All Abilities
Federally funded grant under Public Law 103-218
through the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research, US Department of
Education, and is administered by the NC
Department of Health and Human Services, Division
of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
2Staff
- Sonya Van Horn, M.S., ATP
- AT Consultant
- Mary Kay Dulin, B.S.
- AT Specialist
3North Carolina Assistive Technology Program
- NCATP is a state and federally funded program
created under the Federal Law, Assistive
Technology Act 1998 (P.L. 105-394), to increase
statewide access to assistive technology to
people of all ages and abilities. - Each state has its own AT program. NCATP is
administered through DVRS.
4www.RESNA.org
For listing of all state Tech Act Projects
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17What Is Assistive Technology?
Any piece of equipment that is used to increase
the independence of an individual with a
disability.
18What is Assistive Technology?
Any item, piece of equipment, or system,
whether acquired commercially off the shelf,
modified, or customized, that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve functional
capacities and related health status of children
with disabilities IDEA, 1992
amendments
19Assistive Technology...
- is Magic it describes the sense of
empowerment that results from being able to do
something you had believed was impossible.
(Male, 1993) - is about the inclusion of people with
disabilities in every aspect of society and how
technology can serve as a tool to facilitate that
process. (ATA, 1994)
20Who Needs Assistive Technology?
- Persons with motor needs
- Persons with sensory needs
- Persons with cognitive impairments
- Persons with speech and language impairments
21TechnologyToolsPower
22NCATP provides services to individuals of all
ages, all disabilities, their families and
service providers.
Eligibility
23Services
Advocacy Consultation Equipment
Demonstration Education and Training Equipment
Loan Information and Referral Technical
Assistance Technical Services Program Development
24Referral Process
- Referrals are accepted from persons with
disabilities, their families and service
providers. - Some referrals will require the involvement of a
professional service provider. - Information regarding the referral will be
requested as needed by ATRC staff.
25ATRC Consultation Process
- ATRC staff serve as consultants who provide
persons with disabilities, their families and
service providers with information and technical
assistance to assist them in making good AT
purchase decisions. - We do not make formal recommendations unless a
formal evaluation is requested. - We provide information on AT equipment and assist
with arranging short term equipment loans.
26Service Fees
No fees for persons with disabilities and their
families.No fees for services provided for
children under age 5.
AT Assessment 475 Community Based
Assessment 475 Feature Matching Device
Trial 200 Training 75/hr Consultation
75/hr Workshops/Seminars 300 1/2 day
600 Full day Travel
Time 37.50/hr
27Its never too early!
28Types of Assistive Technology
Job Accommodation Seating and Positioning
Computer Access Cognitive and Learning
Aids Aids for Daily Living Vehicle
Modifications Switch Access Environmental
Control Home Modifications Visual and Reading
Aids Mobility Augmentative Communication Recreat
ion Assisted Listening Devices
29Positioning
- Provide positioning options
30- Decrease risk of muscular and skeletal
deformities
31Adaptive play
- Provide play and learning opportunities
- Prevent secondary developmental delays
32Cognitive and learning aids
- Prevent secondary developmental delays
33Mobility
- Provide access to the environment
34- Facilitate motor development
- Provide independent mobility
35Augmentative Communication
- Enable communication
- Promote peer interaction and inclusion
36Computer Access
- Provide access to internet information resources
- Increase employment options
- Increase educational opportunities
- Increase communication with the world
37- Stimulate cognitive development
38Job Accommodation
- Increase employment options
- Provide compensation for sensory deficits
39Activities of Daily Living
- Increase independence
- Improve safety
- Decrease risk of injury to care providers
40Adaptive Feeding
41Vehicle Modifications
42Recreation
- Increase access to recreational opportunities
43Legal Requirements
The IEP Team shallconsider whether the child
requires assistive technology devices and
services. IDEA 1997 (20 U.S.C. 1400
614) The individualized family service plan
shall containa statement of specific early
intervention services necessary to meet the
unique needs of the infant or toddler and the
familyThe term early intervention services
means developmental services thatincludeassistiv
e technology devices and assistive technology
services IDEA 1997 (20 U.S.C.
1400636,632)
44ADA, 1990
- Provides civil rights against discrimination for
disabilities, as other legislation has for race,
gender, age, nationality and religion - Requires accessibility through reasonable
accommodations including the provision of
assistive technology
45Funding Resources
- Public schools, private schools, Head Start
- CSHS/Medicaid
- CAP MR/DD
- Birth to Three AT Funds
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Independent Living
- Private health insurance (DME)
- Disability organizations (Easter Seals, UCPA)
- Service organizations (Lions, Masons, Elks)
- Private organizations
- Self-pay/low interest loans
46Funding Process
- Determine the need.
- Determine the device or assistive technology
needed. - Determine alternative if funding not available.
- Determine available funding resources.
- Gather all essential information.
- Get funding authorization approval.
- Seek co-payment sources.
- Seek appeals as appropriate.
47NCATPFunding SpecialistAnnette
Lauber919-850-2787