Every day, Gail, quadriplegic and mother of three, uses her electronic lift to transfer from her bed to her wheelchair, and uses an infrared mouse and on-screen keyboard to operate her computer. With an environmental control unit, she controls her phone, door, bed, lights and appliances, including her television, VCR, and CD player. Without these assistive devices she would have to live with someone or be placed in a nursing home. With the help of assistive technology, she can not only live at home with her children, but will soon graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal from a nearby university.
This success story from The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) underlines the critical importance of assistive technology for people with disabilities. A quick internet search reveals a mind boggling array of assistive technology for people like Gail. This is especially true in the area of computers, where the choices seem to multiply daily. The challenge comes in deciding what will work best for your situation, and how to gain access. Fortunately there are organizations like the ATA that can help you decide which solution will work best for you, and teach you how to use it.
The Alliance for Technology Access is a national network of non-profit community based technology resource centers whose mission is to increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations. In addition to information and referrals, members of the network can also provide training, with many locations offering guided technology exploration, product demonstrations, computer labs and workshops. The network consists of assistive technology resource centers, individual and organizational associates, and technology vendors and developers.
Currently there are 42 community based technology resource centers listed on the ATA Website. An example of one is the Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT), which is a statewide resource for assistive technology information, equipment review, assessment and modification, and the exploration of funding options. On the UCAT site is a link to the Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities, which provides assistance to children and adults living with disabilities by introducing them to the benefits of computer technology. They provide free consultations, workshops, general information about various computer technologies, and loan augmentative devices and adaptive equipment to teachers and therapists in public schools throughout the state. The Alliance also provides an online community for members to participate in events and trainings.
For those who do not live near a resource center, ATA has also published an award winning guide to computer technology. The guide, Computer Resources for People with Disabilities is available online.
ATA was founded in 1987 by Jackie Brand, a mother of a daughter with a disability, with interest and support from Apple Computer and The Center for Accessible Technology of Berkeley, CA (formerly the Disabled Children’s Computer Group). It’s an example of how families, communities, government and industry can work together to make life better for children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations.
