Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology is any product or piece of equipment (whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized), as well as services and strategies that are used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities of all ages.

Assistive Technology Program (AT) 

• Computer training using Adaptive Equipment and Software
• Education on low- and high-tech equipment
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Braille Keyboards
• JAWS
• ZoomText

Assistive Technology Device Lending and Demonstration Program

Ability Tools operates a Device Lending and Demonstration Centers program throughout California. Disabled Resources Center, Inc. is one of the Device Lending Demonstration Centers (DLDCs) in California selected to contract with Ability Tools to provide short-term loans of assistive devices and gadgets that can help you live independently by the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). Whether your need is temporary, or you would just like to try out some devices before you buy, our Device Lending and Demonstration Center can provide free, short-term loans for up to 30 days of equipment such as portable ramps, AAC devices, magnifiers, computer software, and more. Device Lending and Demonstration Centers can ship most items to borrowers throughout California.

The purpose of the device loan and demonstration program is to let potential AT users try-out devices prior to purchase, have access to a backup system when your device is in for repairs, and/or have access to a device while waiting for your device to be delivered.

The purpose of the NATADS Public Access database is to allow individuals the ability to view devices available for loan across the state. NATADS also lets individuals view refurbished, repaired AT equipment or equipment that is available for open-ended loans by the AT Program.

How to Borrow a Device… The device loan program is easy to use. All device loans are for 5 weeks unless otherwise specified.

To request a loan, please visit the NATADS Public Page: https://myatprogram.org/home/6/100085

Voice Options Program

Through a partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP), the California Department of Rehabilitation’s (DOR) Voice Options program offers eligible Californians who are unable to speak, or who have difficulty speaking, with a free speech-generating device. The goal of this program is to ensure full and equal telephone communications access for all Californians with disabilities.
When it comes to choosing a speech-generating application, it is imperative to select one that highlights your strengths, skills, and fully meets your needs without leaving you feeling restricted. Through this program, any eligible Californian referred to a Voice Options provider will have the opportunity to test 7 different speech-generating applications for up to 14 days. The 7 applications we provided are:

• GoTalk NOW Plus
• LAMP Words for Life
• Predictable
• Proloquo4Text
• TouchChat HD with WordPower
• Proloquo2Go
• TD Snaps

Once the trial period has ended, the user will exchange the borrowed iPad for a new one with their preferred speech-generating application. You get to use it for as long as you want.
Who qualifies for the Voice Options Program?
Californians unable to speak, or who have difficulty speaking, have not previously participated in the Voice Options Program.

Note: I am serving Los Angeles County only.

For more information contact: Samantha Mam @samanthamam@drcinc.org

Warm Hands for Wheelchair Users Program
• Free gloves for wheelchair users

Key Benefits of the use of Assistive Technology (AT):

• Increase
• Maintain
• Improve

LA Found

LA Found– a groundbreaking countywide initiative that aims to quickly locate individuals with autism, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease when they wander and go missing. LA Found features a system of trackable bracelets that can be located using receivers mounted to L.A. Sheriff’s Department helicopters. This technology allows law enforcement to find vulnerable residents before tragedy strikes.