CULLMAN, Ala. – Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT) on the Road made a stop at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center on Tuesday, July 16. Attendees and individuals with disabilities were given the opportunity to explore the hottest new advancements and equipment in assistive technology to improve their quality of life.
APTAT is an extension program of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). ADRS is a state agency that serves Alabamians with disabilities from birth throughout their lives through Early Intervention, Independent Living and Children’s and Vocational Rehabilitation services. ADRS often crosses into APTAT territory with its most popular program – Vocational Rehabilitation. The ADRS and APTAT crossovers are largely due to the new, cutting-edge adaptive equipment APTAT tries to keep on-hand.
The federally funded grant program focuses on rural areas where disabled residents may not have the ability to access assistive devices. The program brings a lending library of assistive technology to the shows, including adaptive keyboards, kitchen gadgets, toys and communication devices for disabled individuals and caregivers to try and even check out and take home for 30 days, all free of charge.
“We are reaching out to the communities to see what is needed the most and what they want while still getting as much as we can,” shared APTAT Assistive Technology Specialist Jessica McKay. “This equipment is so expensive and people think they want a specific one but it may not work for them or work the way they need it to. This program allows them to try the piece of equipment they want for 30 days.”
The assistive devices on display included several accommodations for various disabilities. Bite clicks and cursor tracking software and equipment allow computers to be used and navigated no matter the mobility of the user. Kitchen gadgets with sharp stakes to hold meat and produce for chopping and preparation, as well as a table full of adaptive toys for children with cognitive or physical impairments were on display.
“How this works, is if you are a resident of Alabama you get to try this stuff out for 30 days as part of a trial or maybe part of your evaluation or you already use assistive technology and maybe yours is in disrepair or needs replaced,” said McKay. “Maybe you’ve injured yourself recently or had surgery and need temporary assistive devices you can contact us and we will let you try a new device and decide if you want to purchase it.”
Get more information about APTAT at https://al.at4all.com or email jessica.mckay@rehab.Alabama.gov.
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