Purpose: An Assistive Technology Evaluation is used to determine the potential for assistive technology to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capability of an individual to actively participate in daily living, educational, recreational, inter-intra-personal, and vocational activities across the full range of social and physical environments of everyday life.
Services Provided: Evaluations are provided for augmentative/alternative communication, assistive listening devices, computer technology, adaptive seating, positioning and mobility as well as other custom equipment including environmental control and adapted toys.
Population Served: Available to children and adults with a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and/or sensory impairments; individuals with mild impairments, as well as those with multiple disabilities are considered.
Referral Procedures: Referrals are accepted from individuals and family members, therapists, physicians, schools, and other service providers. Upon receipt of the referral materials, a multi-discipline evaluation is scheduled depending on the needs of the individual.
Follow-up Assistance: Recommendations for specific equipment, training, and follow-up services are available as part of the Program. Assistance is available for identifying funding sources and in securing approval for acquisition of equipment.ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Evaluation and training of individuals for use of aids and devices designed to increase communicative ability and function. Devices may range from "low-tech" (i.e., pictures, symbols, wordboards) to "high-tech" (i.e., computers and other electronic/programmable devices).
Assistive Listening Devices
Evaluation and training in the use of amplification or other assistive listening devices to address sensory, conductive and/or attention and auditory processing impairments.
Computer Technology
Evaluation and training in the use of computer adaptations including:
Keyboard Technology
keyboards - key guards, keying aids, e.g. sticky keys,
auxiliary keyboards - touch/release adaptations, uniquely-configured, on-screen, touch screen
alternative access - switch access, voice access, Morse code
performance aids - abbreviation expansion, word prediction, sound
output aids - screen enlargements, color adjustments, voice output
Access Technology
Adaptive Seating, Positioning and Mobility
Specialized clinic for wheelchairs, seating systems, and other positioning and mobility equipment; Custom wheelchair accessories are available including lap trays, switches and inserts.
Environmental Control
Assessment and training in the use of adaptive switches and controls for activities of daily living (i.e., household appliances, audio/video equipment, related equipment, telecommunication/telephones).
Adapted Toys
Alternative access to mechanical and battery-operated toys to enhance the ability of children to engage in play activities appropriate to their developmental level.
Assistive Technology Links
Instant Access to Braille
http://cat.buffalo.edu/refreshablebraille/
- Braille Note Tutorials
Assistive Technology Training Online Project
- Information on AT use for elementary students with disabilities.
- "How To" guides on specific hardware devices and software programs.
Effectiveness of Assistive Technology in Promoting Playfulness in Young Children
- Early Intervention Publications.
Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County P.O. Box 1488 Kingston, New York 12402 845-336-7235