Assistive Technology

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECH?

Assistive Technology deals with any device or technique which can be used by a person with a disability to minimize the cognitive, sensory, motor, and/or linguistic limitations such a disability might otherwise impose. A broad range of services must be provided to enable individuals with severe disabilities to function in school, home and the workplace.

The Assistive Technology Center (ATC) at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (EUP) specializes in late-secondary and post-secondary adults who need to transition to further educational programs, vocational or specific job-skill training programs and settings, or for whom work-site accommodations must be effected if vocational success is to be realized.

The ATC will help develop strategies to overcome barriers in communication, mobility, or control in the school, work, and/or home environment.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

An assessment and training team of professionals consisting of EUP faculty and staff,  and community professionals specializing in assistive technology is available to provide evaluation, training, education, counseling and follow up in the following areas:

Home/Work-site Evaluations

Alternative Access/Computer Evaluations

School/Work Transition

Physical Mobility/Life Skills

All center-based activities are conducted within the facilities of the EUP Assistive Technology Center and the EUP Office for Students With Disabilities Adapted Lab. Both of these facilities are fully accessible.

On-site and home-based evaluations may be scheduled where medical, work-site and/or transportation issues exist.

SERVICES OFFERED

Center-Based Assessment

Training/Education/Counseling/Follow up. Fully accessible facilities available on campus.

Home/Work-Based Assessment

When appropriate, the ATC team is available to travel in the seven county area.

Comprehensive Case Management by Project Coordinator

Serves as case manager for all clients.

Training to Competence

For individuals and families using prescribed methods and/or devices.

Training Seminars

Ongoing series of informational seminars covering current developments in AT.

Technical Support

The ATC is a resource for equipment installation, maintenance, and follow up to ensure ongoing benefit of prescribed technology.

Equipment Loan

A pool of recycled and purchased computer hardware is available for short term and "trial" loans.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ATC

Identify individuals in need of assistive technology.
Expand the local Assistive Technology resource database.
Evaluate individuals in need of assistive technology.
Prescribe/recommend low/high tech strategies.
Facilitate acquisition and set-up of recommended equipment through collaboration with case workers, professional staff, clients and families.
Provide training, education, and support for individuals and families using assistive technology.
Network with existing technology providers to improve the existing pool of devices.
Provide case management, technical support, and follow-up to insure feature match, realization of work plan objectives, and client/staff/agency satisfaction.

HOW TO BEGIN

Referrals to the Assistive Technology Center are accepted from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, agencies, parents, professionals and others.

Equipment/services are covered by many insurance companies.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANY OF OUR SERVICES, PLEASE CALL:

Assistive Technology Center
VOICE  (814) 732-2160
FAX (814) 732-2866

TDD (814) 732-2462

OR WRITE:

Assistive Technology Center
Edinboro University of PA
Crawford Center 208
Edinboro PA 16444
sconklin@edinboro.edu