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Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can make it difficult for persons to perform ordinary functions of daily living.

Assistive Technology is any sort of aid (device or service) used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. Assistive Technology can help persons with TBI with day-to-day tasks or with various work, school and household chores. Assistive technologies may be bought at stores, through catalogues, or on the Internet.

Assistive Technologies can include anything from simple, homemade devices to highly sophisticated environmental control systems. Some of the products that may help individuals with TBI include:

• Schedule reminders and time management aids: pager, alarm clock, stop watch

• Memory aids: tape recorder, checklists on a clipboard

• Vehicle conversion devices: hand controls, loading devices

• Residential accommodations: lifts, ramps, elevators

• Communication assistance: amplied telephones, dictation software for computers, speech language aids

• Mobility aids: wheelchairs, crutches, walkers

Financial support for assistive technology is often available for children in public schools and younger adults who are seeking employment. Support for older adults is sometimes available under private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid for medical conditions certified by a physician. Medicaid may cover your assistive technology if:

• the device is covered by your Medicaid program;

• the device is "medically necessary;" and

• you and your healthcare provider submit the necessary paperwork for approval before obtaining the device.

This section was designed as a resource guide for people interested in assistive technology and the many ways its applications can help individuals with TBI. The guide is organized so that each section will provide resources and services under the headings of:

• Clinics
• Assistive Technology and Life Skills Training
• Child and Family Support
• Grants, Loans and Swaps
• Resource Centers – Home And School

Sources: University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies (UWCTDS) at the University of Washington Center for Human Development and Disability (CHDD) for the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA) Copyright 2003 University of Washington, Center for Technology and Disability Studies.http://WATA.org

Michigan Resource Guide for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Families
For more information on traumatic brain injury, please contact your doctor or refer to the TBI Toolkit, produced by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Library/tbitoolkit.pdf


CLINICS

UW Medical Center – Drivers Rehabilitation Program
1959 N.E. Pacific, Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206-598-5857
Web site:http://sci.washington.edu/info/driving_program.asp
Email: rehab@u.washington.edu
Description: The Occupational Therapy Department at UW Medical Center conducts a program to evaluate and instruct individuals with disabilities for driving potential. Participants in the Driving Rehabilitation Program receive specialized drivers training, and if needed, assistance in the selection of adaptive equipment and instruction in its use.
Any disabled person who applies to the program will be considered.
Areas Served: Washington state, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska
Eligibility: A physician must refer applicants to the Driving Rehabilitation Program. Applicants must be physically stable with a good driving record, and be able to maintain good judgment in driving emergencies.
How to apply: Call for current information about fees and a list of organizations that may be able to assist with driving instruction costs
Fees: Most services are not covered by insurance- call insurance company for more information

UW Medical Center - Rehabilitation Medicine Assistive Technology Clinic
1959 N.E. Pacific, Box 356154, Seattle, WA 98195 -6154
Phone: 206-598-7765
Email: Rehab@u.washington.edu
Description: The Assistive Technology Clinic provides evaluation and training to people with physical disabilities who may require technology to increase their level of function. The clinic offers evaluation and prescription for wheelchair seating, mobility, augmentative communication and computer access needs.
Areas Served: Washington state, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska
Eligibility: Call for updated information
How to apply: To make an appointment, call the Assistive Technology Clinic coordinator
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.
This is a virtual clinic referring patients to therapists within medical center.

Good Samaritan Community Healthcare Occupational Therapy Department
 407 14th Ave. SE -- Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone: 253-697-1647; Fax: 253-539-0885
Email: info@goodsamhealth.org
Web site: http://www.goodsamhealth.org
Area Served: Pierce County and Western Washington
Description: Offers consultation and evaluation regarding computer access, environmental control, independent living activities and home accessibility/ safety. Also provides letters of justification for funding sources.
Eligibility: Brain and spinal cord injury, stroke and neurological disorders
How to Apply: Call for information
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance


ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SKILLS TRAINING

Washington Assistive Technology Act  Program
University of Washington
Phone: 1-800-214-8731; TTY: 1-866-866-0162
Email: info@watap.org
Web site: http://www.watap.org/  
Description: WATAP—the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program—serves Washington residents of all ages with disabilities of all types, their families, employers and employment service providers, educators, health care and social service providers, and others seeking information about assistive technology (AT) and accessible information technology. WATAP is located within the UW Center on Technology & Disability Studies and is guided by a consumer-majority advisory council. WATAP works with several partners to provide services:  The University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies (UWCTDS) The Washington Access Fund (WATF) Easter Seals Washington,  The Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center (MARC) and WATAP and the King County Library System
Areas Served: Washington state
Eligibility: Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance


CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT

Children with Special Health Care Needs
401 5th Ave, Suite 1000 – Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-296-4610; Fax: 206-296-4679
Email: Donna.Borgford-Parnell@kingcounty.gov
Web site: http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/mch/CSHCNhome2.htm
Description: Provides information and referrals for children with special health care needs. Assists families seeking health care, medical assistance, and durable medical equipment. Primarily serves low income, women, and children with special needs.
Areas Served: King County
Eligibility: Age 18 and under. Equipment requests must have been denied by Medicaid or private insurance
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: State and Federally funded program


GRANTS, LOANS AND SWAPS

Disabled Children's Relief Fund
P.O. Box 89 Freeport, New York 11520
Web site: http://www.dcrf.com/ordereze/default.aspx
Description: Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery.
Areas Served: U.S
Eligibility: Children throughout the U.S. who do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged
How to apply: Write for application. Applications are available between March and September
Fees: NA

Helpline House – Medical Equipment Loan
282 Knechtel Way NE - Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone: (206) 842-7621
Email: helpline@helplinehouse.org
Web site: http://www.helplinehouse.org  
Description: Medical equipment loans to low income elderly and disabled. Loans include mobility equipment, toilet extenders, crutches, etc.
Areas Served: Bainbridge Island only
Eligibility: Low income children, elderly and disabled
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Donation encouraged but not required

Puget Sound Labor Agency
2800 First Ave. Rm. 124 – Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-448-9277; Fax: 206-448-3457
Email: psla@pslaonline.org
Website: http://www.pslaonline.org
Description: Volunteer union members build low-cost/no-cost wheelchair ramps, install grab bars and hand rails for the elderly and disabled. Client pays for materials; waiting list; one month minimum.
Area Served: King County
Eligibility: Qualified low-income children, elderly and disabled. Must own home. No rentals or apartments
Fees: Free for qualified low-income elderly and disabled. Others pay for materials (wood, grab bars etc.)

Washington Access Fund (WAF)
100 So King St., Suite 280 – Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 328-5116 or (888) 494- 4775 V/TTY
Email: info@washingtonaccessfund.org
Web site: http://www.watf.org/accessfund.htm
Description: Helps Washington residents with disabilities obtain the technologies they need to live independently and to succeed at school, at work, at play and in the community. Through its Access Fund, WATF offers low interest loans for assistive technology (AT) and home and vehicle accessibility modifications as well as business equipment.
Areas Served: Washington state
Eligibility: Persons with disabilities and their caregivers
How to apply: To apply for a loan, call or visit web site
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program – Funding Sources in WA State
CTDS, University of Washington, Box 357920 Seattle, WA 98195-7920
Phone: (206) 685-4181 or (800) 214-8731; V/TTY – (206) 616-1396
Email: info@watap.org
Web site: http://watap.org  – http://uwctds.washington.edu
Description: Resource Funding Guide. Developed and produced by the University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies (http://uwctds.washington.edu) at the University of Washington Center for Human Development and Disability for the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance.
Areas Served: Statewide
Eligibility: Persons with disabilities and their caregivers
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Check website for services offered.


RESOURCE CENTERS – HOME AND SCHOOL

Special Education Technology Center – State of WA School Districts
400 East University Way -- Mail Stop 7413 -- Ellensburg, WA 98926-7413
Phone: (509) 963-3350; Fax: (509) 963-3355
Email: Connolly@cwu.edu  
Website: http://www.cwu.edu/~setc/ 
Referral Method: A referral must be made through the school
Description: Maintains a lending library (switches, toys, AAC devices, alternative computer access, low tech resources; see website for complete list.) The center provides assistive technology collaborative planning for children with disabilities. Assistive devices available for loan, rent, lease or lease to own.
Area served: Washington state, school districts, children up to age 21 enrolled in the school system Eligibility: Any students under current IEP or 504 plan, receiving services from a WA state school district. Summer institute is available in August. See website listed above.
Fees: No fee

Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Disabilities
201 NE 73rd Street, Suite 201
Vancouver, WA 98665
360-694-8144 Senior Information and Assistance
360-735-5720 SWAAD
888-637-6060 (toll free)
360-696-4905  fax
Send a confidential e-mail to Senior Information and Assistance
Cowlitz and Wahkiakum
360-577-4929
800-682-2406 (toll free)
360-577-5905 fax
305 S Pacific Avenue, Suite B(physical)
PO Box 539 (mailing)
Kelso, WA 98626-0539
Send a confidential e-mail to Senior Information and Assistance
Skamania County Senior Services
509-427-3990
SW 702 Rock Creek Drive (physical)
PO Box 369 (mailing)
Stevenson, WA 98648
Klickitat County Senior Services
White Salmon
509-493-3068
501 NE Washington (physical)
PO Box 1877 (mailing)
White Salmon WA 98672
Goldendale
509-773-3757
115 W Court Street MS-CH-21
Goldendale, WA 98620
800-447-7858 Toll Free
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance

Washington State Assistive Technology Exchange
Phone: 800-214-8731
Web site: http://wata.org/reuse/  
Description: This online recycling database allows posting of 'wanted' and 'offered' messages. Devices may be any sort of assistive technology, including computers and related items (software, modems, printers, etc.).
Areas Served: Statewide
Eligibility: The database is primarily for residents of Washington State
How to apply: Call for services Fees: Use of the database is free

 updated 04/06/2010