Assistive Technology
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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: 206-543-3600
Web site:
http://depts.washington.edu/rehab/
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 covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private
insurance Worker's Compensation, Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation and other third-party payers
UW Medical Center - Rehabilitation Medicine
Assistive Technology Clinic
1959 N.E. Pacific, Box 356490, Seattle, WA
98195 -6490
Phone: 206-598-7765
Email:
Rehab@u.washington.edu
Web site:
http://www.uwmedicine.org/
http://www.depts.washington.edu/rehab/tbi/index.shtml
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. This clinic is the only program in the
Northwest providing such service for adults with disabilities.
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
Good Samaritan Community Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Department
407 14th Ave. SE -- Puyallup, WA
98372
Phone: 253-697-4000; 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
A.T. AND LIFE SKILLS TRAINING
Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA)
University of Washington
Phone: 1-800-214-8731; TTY: 1-866-866-0162
Email:
info@watf.org
Web site:
http://www.watap.org/
Description: WATA is a consumer advocacy network that includes the AT Resource
Center at the University of Washington (ATRC), the AT Resource Center at Easter
Seal Society in Spokane (EATRC), and the Washington Protection and Advocacy
System (WPAS). WATA is supported by a grant from the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) funded through the Washington
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and enjoys the guidance of a Consumer
Majority Advisory Board. Provides information on and referrals to assistive
technology devices. Sponsors a computer loan program. Many services are free or
low cost. They maintain an extensive web site of assistive technology products
and services.
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.metrokc.gov/health/cshcn/
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/index.html
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
Good Samaritan Community Healthcare
Pediatric Adaptive Equipment Swap
407 14th Ave. SE -- Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone: 253-848-5571; Fax: 253-539-0885
Email:
info@goodsamhealth.org
Web site:
http://www.goodsamhealth.org
Area Served: Pierce County and Western Washington
Description: Hosted by the Childrens Therapy Units AT Program the Pediatric
Adaptive Equipment Swap maintains a computerized database of interested
families. Actual storage of the equipment is not provided.
Eligibility: Brain and spinal cord injury, stroke and neurological disorders
How to Apply: Call for information
Fees: Call for information
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 Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF) LOAN FUND
100 So King St., Suite 280 Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 328-5116 or (888) 808-8942 V/TTY
Email:
info@watf.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.
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.
WA Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA)
Funding Sources in WA State
CTDS, University of Washington, Box
357920 Seattle, WA 98195-7920
Phone: (206) 826-1038 or (800) 214-8731 V/TTY
Email:
info@watf.org
Web site:
http://wata.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: $8.00 print copy by mail free download from web.
RESOURCE CENTERS HOME AND SCHOOL
Disability Resource Connection Home
Modification Program
607 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 17 - Everett, WA
98208
Phone: (425) 347-5768: V/TTY - (425) 710-0767 FAX
Web:
http://www.drconline.net
Email:
charley@drconline.net
Description: Both Everett and Snohomish County Housing Authorities have home
loan programs so homeowners can make needed changes. Find ways in which people
with disabilities can purchase homes. Section 8, HUD/public housing and other
housing options also available.
Areas Served: Island,
San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and
Whatcom Counties
Eligibility: Residents of Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom
Counties How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services provided free of charge
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
SW Washington Agency on Aging Assistive
Technology
201 NE 73rd St., Suite 101 Vancouver, WA
98665
Phone: see below
Web site:
http://www.helpingelders.org
Description: Provides Assistive Technology, such
as grab bars, raised toilet seats, portable commodes, bath benches, etc.,
assists the caregiver in meeting the normal daily activity needs of the care
recipient. Additional assistive devices and services include Personal Emergency
Response Systems (PERS) and Project Lifesaver.
Areas Served: 360-694-8144 - Clark County; 360-577-4929 - Cowlitz &
Wahkiakum Eligibility: Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum
Counties
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