Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) can be a device which is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability or a service that directly assists a person with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Examples of AT include augmentative communication devices which assist a person who cannot communicate through speech to communicate with others, and adaptive equipment which assists a person to write (such as an adapted pencil or arm brace), or move objects in the person's environment (such as a switch or remote control device).

OLRS assists people with disabilities in acquiring necessary AT devices and services by providing information about the right to AT and types of AT available, as well as negotiating with service providers for the provision of AT devices and services.

Assistive Technology Topics

• Frequently Asked Questions about Assistive Technology
• Sign Language Interpreters and Auxiliary Aids and Services (OLRS publication)
• Smoke Detectors: Funding Assistance That is Available for Ohioans who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (OLRS publication)

Links to Other Resources

The following are links to other resources and organizations that may be of assistance to people with disabilities. The Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) attempts to verify that the links referenced are helpful for people with disabilities to find the resources needed to advocate for their needs. However, OLRS does not guarantee that the information provided within the destination link is accurate or right for the particular needs of the person. Once you follow a link away from the OLRS Web site, refer to that site's privacy policy and disclaimer statements.

Some links in this section are to documents created in Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF). To view and print PDF documents, you need to have Adobe® Reader®, a free software program, installed on your computer. Download Adobe® Reader®

Ohio Resources

• Access for Individuals (low interest loan program)
• Assistive Technology of Ohio
• Funding for Generators - Steps for Acquiring Funding through the Ohio Home Care Program
• Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence - Assistive Technology
• Technology Resource Center
• Tetra Society of North America - Columbus Chapter

National Resources for Children

• Assistive Technology Training Online Project
• ATSTAR
• Empowering Rural Students with Disabilities through Assistive Technology
• Family Center on Technology and Disability
• Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology
• Let's Play! Projects
• ParentPals.com - AT section
• The Parent Guide: A Roadmap for Ensuring that Your Children Receive the Tools they Need to Succeed (PDF file)
• The Public School's Special Education System as an Assistive Technology Funding Source: The Cutting Edge

National Resources for Children and Adults

• ABLEDATA
• AbilityHub
• AbleProject.org
• Alternatives in Motion
• Assistive Technology and Information Technology Use and Need by Persons With Disabilities in the United States, 2001
• assistivetech.net
• Closing the Gap
• Compendium of Home Modification and Assistive Technology Policy and Practice Across the States
• DisabilityInfo.gov - Assistive & Adaptive Technology
• Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition
• Infinitec.org
• National Assistive Technology Research Institute
• One Stop for Free Assistive Technology
• Pass It On Center
• Reuse of Assistive Technology
• The Alliance for Technology Access
• The Open Prosthetics Project
• What Should Be in a Letter of Medical Necessity?
• WheelchairNet
• Workplace Technologies for People with Disabilities (PDF file)

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