THE Challenge! Spring 2011

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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. 25 THE Challenge! | Spring 2011
Resources National Organization Caring for Kids Telephone: 253-851-6625 Website: www.nockonline.org The National Organization Caring for Kids (NOCK) helps parents of children with disabilities to fund assistive technology products after traditional funding sources have been exhausted. Its focus is on mobility and communication devices. Participants must be referred by one of NOCK’s partners, which include Dynavox Systems, United Seating and Mobility, Care Medical, Olympic Pharmacy and Sunrise Medical. Lions Clubs International Website: www.lionsclubs.org Lions Clubs International is a volunteer organization with a focus on service to the blind and visually impaired. Local clubs provide free eye care, eyeglasses, Braille writers, large print texts, white canes and guide dogs. The Lions Clubs International Website includes a locator for finding local clubs. GiveTech Telephone: 415-750-2576 Email: info@givetech.org Website: www.givetech.org GiveTech provides computer input technology for individuals with severe physical disabilities who lack the financial ability to purchase it. Digital Federal Credit Union Telephone: 800-328-8797 toll free or 508-263-6700 Website: www.dcu.org The Digital Federal Credit Union offers Mobility Vehicle Loans and Access Loans for adaptive equipment and home or vehicle modifications. Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are eligible to join the credit union. You can be there for her. Even if you can’t be there with her. CaringBridge helps connect people during a significant health challenge. Patients and families can easily create a free website to share the experience, save time and energy, and receive support. To create your own website that gives recognition to Brain Injury Association of America, visit www.CaringBridge.org/BIAUSA American Association of People with Disabilities Telephone: 800-840-8844 toll free (voice or TT) or 202-457-0046 (voice or TT) Email: aapd@aol.com Website: www.aapd.com Members of AAPD are eligible to join the Digital Federal Credit Union, which offers Mobility Vehicle Loans and Access Loans for adaptive equipment and modifications. Modest Needs Telephone: 212-463-7042 Email: general.questions@modestneeds.org Website: www.modestneeds.org A nonprofit organization that offers one time, small grants to assist people who otherwise would not receive assistance from public resources. THE Challenge! | Spring 2011 26
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