Assistive Technology and Equipment

Font Size: + -

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

According to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Assistive Technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

Technology has dramatically changed all of our lives over the past decade.  Technology can help us to be more productive and efficient.  It can make our lives a little asier and more comfortable.  However, for some individuals with disabilities, Assistive Technology can do much more.

Assistive Technology devices and Assistive Technology services enable some individuals with disabilities to have greater control over their own lives and to participate in and contribute more fully to activities in their home, school and work environments, and in their communities.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY INCLUDES:

• Positioning and Mobility
• Augmentative Communication
• Computer Access
• Adaptive Toys/Games
• Adaptive Environments
• Funding

Which Impacts:

• Across Environments
• Across Age
• Across Disability
• Across Severity of Disability

And Produces Outcomes Of:

• Independence
• Productivity
• Self-Worth
• Inclusion
• Integration

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS AT TRCIL INCLUDE:

• 911 Emergency Cell Phone Distribution Program – Provides pre-owned cellular phones to persons with disabilities to be used for placing 911 emergency calls ONLY.
• Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services – Provides skills training, TTY training, advocacy, interpreter services, and information on equipment, vendors, and support services.
• Into New Hands – Accepts donations of durable medical equipment (DME) which is then redistributed, at no cost, to people with disabilities.
• Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) – Provides cash loans for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians for the purchase of Assistive Technology devices, home modifications, adapted vehicles and vehicle modifications.
• Telecommunications Device Distribution Program (TDDP) – Provides free phone devices for those who qualify.
• Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) – Works to increase access to devices and services offered throughout the state.  Services include:  Public Awareness, Information and Referral, Advocacy, and Training and Technology.  TRCIL is the PIAT contact for Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana, Lawrence, and Westmoreland counties.
• Higher Education Assistive Technology (HEAT) – (Adobe Acrobat Required)

PIAT PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

• Assistive Technology Lending Library – Provides free short-term loans of all types of equipment for individuals, company staff trainings, trials, and evaluations.
• Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP) – Provides free statewide classified listing of items for sale and items wanted by individuals.

FEE-FOR-SERVICE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

• Home Modifications – Provides on-site evaluation and makes recommendations on modifications, funding, and equipment for a fee.

For questions regarding these services or programs, contact Assistive Technology at 412-371-7700 or TTY 412-371-6230.