Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP)
The Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) is a federally funded grant program administered by the University of Idaho. The IATP is dedicated to increasing the availability of assistive technology throughout Idaho. The IATP places special emphasis on providing training and services to rural areas and to underserved populations, including older persons, children, and minority populations. The project exists to serve everyone in Idaho, regardless of age or ability. The IATP provides direct assistive technology services through its regional centers, a statewide information and referral program, and a used-equipment recycling program, offers statewide training and technical assistance, supports advocacy services related to assistive technology through its affiliation with Comprehensive Advocacy, Inc. (Co-Ad), and facilitates low interest loans to purchase assistive technology.
For the location of Idaho's Assistive Technology demonstration centers, go to:
Assessment Services
The Idaho Assistive Technology Program offers assessment services designed to determine how an adult with developmental disabilities can use the latest assistive devices and home remodeling ideas to remain living in their home for as long as possible - and avoid entering an institution. The assessment is conducted in two phases.
Phase I includes an in-home visit by a trained assistive technology practitioner (ATP) who will evaluate the consumer's abilities and assess their home for any feature that may result in an unsafe situation or put them at risk for moving from their home. They will assist in setting goals and priorities for assistive technology solutions and/or home modifications.
During Phase II, assistive technology practitioners will research the most appropriate and cost-effective assistive devices and /or home remodeling ideas to meet the consumer's needs. This information is complied into a formal assessment report which will include:
The results of the in-home visit.
A set of comprehensive recommendations listing the
technologies and home remodeling ideas that will keep the
person with disabilities living in their home.
Information about qualified building contractors in the area with the specialized knowledge needed
to implement the
recommendations.
Information about how to locate funding for the assistive
devices and home modifications recommended in the report.
An AT Practitioner will deliver the assessment report to the consumer and answer any questions there may be about its recommendations. The service may be covered by some insurance policies or Medicaid, and is far less then the average monthly cost of living in a nursing home or an assisted living situation. You can schedule an assessment by calling:
1-800-432-8324.
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Federal Assistive Technology Act of 1998
P.L. 100-407, the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 was passed and signed into law in October, 1988. This law provides funding to develop statewide, consumer-responsive information and training systems designed to meet the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities. The Act defines an assistive technology device as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology service is defined as any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive device.
AssistiveTech.net
A resource for assistive technology (AT) and a link to a wide variety of AT and disability-related information. Their searchable database of AT is designed to help you target solutions, determine costs and link to vendors that sell products. Target audiences include:
People with disabilities
Family members
Service providers
Educators
Employers
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RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology of North America)
RESNA is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability. Their purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology. They serve that purpose by promoting research, development, education, advocacy and provision of technology; and by supporting the people engaged in these activities.
Books and Readings
Assistive
Technology, Essential Human Factors. By Thomas W. King
ISBN 0-205-27326-2
Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities. By Michael G.
Paciello
ISBM 1-929629-08-7
Assistive Technology: A resource for School, Work, and Community. By Karen F. Flippe
ISBN 1-55766-189-8
Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities. By Diane Pedrotty
ISBN 020532715X
Assistive Technology for Rehabilitation Therapists. By Jennifer Angelo
ISBN 0803601360
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Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP)