Assistive Technology
Contact: Rebecca Hurla
Assistive Technology Specialist
841-0333 ext. 124
Assistive Technology is any device or service that can be used to increase the independence or productivity of individuals with disabilities. Kansans of all ages with any type of disability can benefit from the improvements assistive technology can make in their daily lives.
The Assistive Technology office at Independence, Inc. serves 13 counties in NE Kansas including: Douglas, Jefferson, Franklin, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Atchison, Doniphan, Brown, Jackson, Johnson, Shawnee, Miami and Osage.
Assistive Technology needs for school, work, home and recreation can be assessed by our staff. We can make assessments, do evaluations, recommend solutions and provide help finding equipment or funding for equipment. We do not buy or sell anything and we do not charge individuals for our services. We are working partners with Vocational Rehabilitation Services at SRS, Kansas Medicaid and Waiver programs, school districts and local governments.
AT at School
Students who may benefit from devices that enable them to hear, see, communicate or study better are candidates for assistive technology. The educational services component of assistive technology can help parents, teachers and school systems to determine what devices and programs will help the most. Community-based training provides students with practical job experience and is included in the services available for many Kansans. The age of a student is not a factor for eligiblity of the program. Adults and pre-school are all eligible.
AT at Work
Working in conjunction with Kansas Rehabilitation Services, AT staff can provide an overview of services available for employers and for persons with disabilities considering rehabilitative services. This begins with an evaluation of an employee's technology needs and work setting demands. Needed devices can be borrowed from the statewide equipment loan program in order to evaluate a consumer's needs. Other programs are available to make the worksite accessible or if the person is working from home, the home workplace accessible.
AT at Home
Many AT services are available to persons who need living space made accessible. Programs for home owners and renters are available. Home modifications such as entrance ramps, door widening, kitchen and bathroom modifications are possible. Emergency repairs may also be provided if persons meet eligibility requirements. Local communities (city and/or county government) may also provide financial assistance for home modifications.
AT staff can help provide assistance for loan, reuse, training, funding and assessment of needs.
Resources
Kansas Assitive Technology Cooperative
http://www.katco.net
Kansas Equipment Exchange
http://www.equipmentexchange.ku.edu/
Statewide Loan Bank OCCK
http://www.occk.com
Friends of Man Foundation
http://www.friendsofman.org
Rural Housing Program
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_repairgrant.htm
Maxiaids Catalog
http://www.maxiaids.com
Abledata web page
http://www.abledata.com
Moms catalog
http://www.momscatalog.com |
