THE Challenge! Spring 2011

THE Challenge!
resources
Resources for
Assistive Technology
and Brain Injury
By Gregory Ayotte, Director of Consumer Services, Brain Injury Association of America
The right assistive technology (AT) product can significantly improve a person’s day-to-day abilities. Most people think
of assistive technology as something complicated and expensive. There is a wide range of devices, programs and tools
available to help a person improve his or her day-to-day functioning. Families and people with brain injury contact the
Brain Injury Association with questions about assistive technology. The two questions asked most often are: how can I find out
what devices are out there, and how do I pay for them once I find them?
Locating the right AT device
Identifying the specific needs of the person, and the possible
interventions is a crucial first step. Following are some
resources to help locate possible devices.
A searchable database of assistive technology devices that offers
reviews, product information and more: www.abledata.org
A database of AT devices with information about funding,
assessments and more: www.assistivetech.net/
Many states have an AT Center. These centers can be
instrumental in identifying appropriate professionals to
complete an assessment to identify the possible ways AT devices
may be instrumental in increasing independence. The site has a
useful “Frequently Asked Questions” section www.ataccess.org/
faq/default.html) that addresses many of the questions parents or
family members may have:
www.ataccess.org/community/centers.lasso
Offers (for a fee) a searchable database with information and
reviews on thousands of assistive technology devices. Also
offers a newsletter (for a fee) with information written by
experts in the field: www.closingthegap.org
A company that focuses on assistive technology for people with
cognitive impairments: www.ablelinktech.com/
A book offered by the Alliance for Technology Access focusing
on computer resources for people with disabilities:
www.ataccess.org/resources/atabook/default.html
Funding for Devices
It can be difficult to find funding for AT devices. There is a
variety of possible national and local funding sources. Some
sources are public (e.g., Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation)
and some are private (e.g., Lion’s Club, Modest Needs).
The Assistive Technology Program can be a useful resource.
These programs, which operate in all states, work to improve
access to AT products and services. Most states also have an
Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program, which
offers information on alternative financing for AT devices.
You can locate the office in your state by visiting:
www.resna.org/AFTAP/state/index.html
Some states offer funding or loans for AT through other
programs. These programs are listed at:
www.resna.org/AFTAP/state/otherloans.html
The National Center on Workforce and Disabilities has an
article about people who wish to return to work and may
require AT:
www.onestops.info/article.php?article_id=22&subcat_id=3
Non-governmental funding sources
SHARE Foundation
Telephone: 508-999-8482
Email: share@umassd.edu
Website: www.share.umassd.edu
The SHARE Foundation helps individuals with disabilities to
obtain customized computer input systems, and often donates
needed systems free of charge to those who cannot afford them
and who are unable to find other financial support.
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THE Challenge! | Spring 2011