| Assistive Technology FAQ |
Updated July, 2007 This FAQ sheet has verified all up to date assistive technology (AT) information. It lists and describes some of the resources in this area and across the country. Due to rapidly evolving technology and changes in the marketplace, some information may have changed. If you discover any information that requires revision, please let us know and we will include it in the next version of this FAQ sheet. Note: Any resource list in this FAQ is not meant to be an all-inclusive listing of AT providers in Northern Virginia as such a list would be impossible to compile. It is meant to serve as a starting point for those who are seeking AT and to answer general questions about AT. [ top ] Q) What is an AT device? A) An AT device is defined in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, PL 105-394 as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." [ top ] Q) Can only people with disabilities benefit from AT? A) No. In fact there are many common items that people use everyday that can be classified as AT. For example, electric dishwashers, voice recognition computer software, electric toothbrushes, pencil grips, to name just a few. [ top ] Q) I don't really understand technology too well, can I still benefit from AT? A) Yes, you don't necessarily need to understand how an AT device works in order to benefit from using it. For example, most people don't fully understand how a car works but they can still benefit from using one. Most AT devices fall into one of three categories: high-tech, low-tech and no-tech. These categories are not set in stone and different companies may categorize the same device differently.
[ top ] Q) It sounds like the most effective AT is also the most expensive; is that so? A) No, not always. AT needs are a very individualized. All people have different needs and whereas one person might require a $2,000 piece of AT in order to live a more productive life another person may only require a $2 piece of AT to accomplish the same thing. So you only need to spend enough money to get something that works for you. [ top ] Q) Is AT something that only a specific age-range can benefit from? A) No, not at all. Everyone can benefit from some type of AT. There are certainly some AT devices that may not be appropriate for all ages or may otherwise look funny when used, but the most important thing about AT is that it works for you not what it looks like. [ top ] Q) How can I keep from purchasing AT that will son be obsolete? A) The short answer is that you can't. Most technology progresses at a rapid pace and it is generally not a good idea to avoid purchasing AT thinking that a better version of it will come along in a month or two because if you do wait, chances are an even better version will be due in another two months and this process keeps repeating itself. Not buying AT because the future might hold an improvement puts you on a very slippery slope. [ top ] 3) AT Devices for individuals with physical impairments Q) What are some examples of AT for someone with a physical impairment? A) Some people with mobility impairments use what is probably the most recognizable form of AT today: the wheelchair. There are so many different kinds of wheelchairs on the market today that any attempt to list them all would invariably fall short. Listed below are a few of the bigger national vendors and a few of the local Northern Virginia/Metro DC dealers: Sunrise Medical Frank Mobility Systems, Inc. Manufacturer of mobility-related AT. Invacare Provides products, manufacturing and distributing of assistive technology products to independent, home medical equipment (HME) providers. Products are grouped into four distinct product categories (Standard, Rehab, Medical Supplies and Respiratory). Area Access Specializes in products that will give you the freedom to be independent, active and productive. There are also offices in Manassas and Norfolk, VA as well as Wake Forest, NC. Rehab Equipment Professionals Inc. Specializing in pediatric wheelchairs, but also selling and servicing a full line of custom wheelchairs for all ages, sizes, and needs with a large supply of wheelchair parts. Roberts Home Medical Roberts Home Medical serves Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia as a supplier of home medical equipment and assistive technology. Washington Area Wheelchair Society The wheelchair society collects, refurbishes and distributes used durable medical equipment free of charge to the medically and financially needy of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Information and referral services for those families with medical insurance and/or Medicare/Medicaid are also provided. [ top ] Q) I have heard about a wheelchair called the iBOT that climbs stairs; what is it? A) The iBOT is classified as a Mobility System by its marketer (Johnson & Johnson) and it features an electronic balance system that is custom programmed and calibrated, allowing the device to constantly realign and customize itself to your unique movements. The iBOT can climb stairs and do other things that many wheelchairs can't. With this new technology, the cost is prohibitive beginning at over $26,000. [ top ] Q) I have heard of power-assist wheels, what are they? A) There are different kinds of power-assist wheels on the market; most notably the e·motion (available from www.frankmobility.com). The e·motion wheels are push rim power-assist wheels meaning that when you use the push rims on the wheels the battery-operated power-assist motors are engaged to help you propel your chair. The e·motion wheels are equipped with a quick release mechanism and are interchangeable with regular wheels in most cases. One of the nice things about the e·motion wheels is that they are usable on most manual wheelchairs by adding a special bracket. Other power-assist wheels only fit certain brands or models of chairs. [ top ] 4) Devices for individuals with a sensory impairment Q) What is meant by a sensory impairment? A) A sensory impairment is when one of an individual's five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell) does not function at a typical level. There are many types of AT that can be used to make a positive difference to someone with a sensory impairment. Advanced Bionics Corporation Advanced Bionics Corporation develops implantable, high-technology neurostimulation devices. Technologies include new treatments for deafness and chronic pain. SSB BART Group SSB BART Group provides solutions that resolve the revenue loss, punitive damages, and compliance risks created by inaccessible Information Technology (IT) systems including Web sites, Web applications, software, and hardware. SSB BART Group's proven Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) solution integrates the business and technical requirements necessary to transform accessibility from a liability into a competitive advantage. Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind - The Visionary Store Offers adaptive devices designed to promote independence among people who are blind or visually impaired. They carry an assortment of products for the home and office, including canes, talking clocks, writing aids, Braille watches and games. The store also sells assistive technology software packages, including speech and screen magnification software. CPC Computer Prompting and Captioning Co. CPC provides captioning, subtitling, and teleprompting software, and operates a caption and subtitle service. Drake Hearing Aid Center Drake Hearing Aid Center provides experienced hearing aid evaluations and services. Specializes in assistive technology for hard of hearing and deaf persons. Duartek offers an array of products for all aspects of life: home, workplace, leisure, classroom and travel. In addition, they custom design and install assistive listening systems for commercial and individual use. Harris Communication Harris Communications is a one-stop source for sign language books, TTYs, amplified telephones, signalers and vibrating clocks and other products for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, as well as for children, parents, teachers, students, interpreters and others interested in American Sign Language and the Deaf Culture. HumanWare HumanWare provides human-friendly solutions; its products are designed to last, to grow and in many cases, to go with the user. Giving them the independence to compete effectively with peers, to feel connected – to be a vital part of the global information age in which we live. Independent Living Aids, Inc. Independent Living Aids, Inc. is the oldest privately-held, mail-order company in the United States of products for individuals who are visually impaired or blind offering carefully selected, quality products at reasonable prices. Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Gallaudet University NFSS Communications A large range of assistive products for the deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, mobility/support and home/health related items for the disabled, aging and those in rehabilitation. Potomac Technology Assistive listening devices, amplified phones, personal pagers, TTYs, and much more assistive technology. Take advantage of our wide selection of books, videos and fun items - all related to hearing loss. Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI) TDI (also known as Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc.) was established in 1968 originally to promote further distribution of TTYs in the deaf community and to publish an annual national directory of TTY numbers. Today, it is an active national advocacy organization focusing its energies and resources to address equal access issues in telecommunications and media for four constituencies in deafness and hearing loss, specifically people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind. Virginia Relay Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled to communicate by TTY (text telephone) or another assistive device with anyone who uses a standard phone. A TTY resembles a standard phone, except for a typewriter-style keyboard with letters and numbers, a screen for displaying text and/or a paper printout on which the conversation can be recorded. Calls can be initiated by dialing 7-1-1 (from a Virginia location). [ top ] Q) Someone told me about some software that transcribes what you say when you speak into a microphone and puts it into a computer document. What is this? A) This is called voice recognition software. There are several different kinds, but the most popular is called Dragon Naturally Speaking. It is produced by: Nuance Communications, Inc. [ top ] Q) I saw an AT device advertised and I think it would be perfect for me in all ways; is buying AT without trying it out a good idea? A) No. As said earlier, AT needs are very individualized. It is definitely a good idea to try things out before you buy them. Many manufacturers of AT realize this as well and may offer a trial period. In addition, many times there are local vendors for specific products that may offer a free trial of a device. There may also be organizations in your area that provide an opportunity to experiment with different AT to find out which device works best for you. Some examples of such organizations in Northern Virginia are: Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons NVRC gives you an opportunity for "hands-on" experience with the AT for hearing impairments before you buy. A Resource and Technology Specialist can explain and demonstrate different devices, let you know the approximate cost and give you options for vendors. [ top ] Q) Is all AT geared towards a specific disability? A) No, many places sell various types of AT that fit many cross-disability situations. Sammons Preston Roylan Rehabilitation equipment and supplies for professional and home use. [ top ] 4) Funding for Assistive Technology Q) I am low on funds/have a limited income; is there any organization to help me with the purchase of AT? A) Yes. Some may only serve a specific area or population though. In Virginia, there is the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA). ATLFA is a state authority created in 1995 by the General Assembly of Virginia at the recommendation of Virginia's Disability Commission and its mission is to facilitate favorable credit financing of assistive technology for Virginians with disabilities. Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) The Virginia Assistive Technology System Consumer Service Fund The Consumer Service Fund (CSF) is a "fund of last resort" which enables case managers and service providers to help individuals with physical or sensory disabilities access a service or device that cannot otherwise be funded through existing programs. [ top ] |
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