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Assistive Technology & Products
- 1. Adaptive Clothing
- 2. Assistive Technology Information
- 3. Funding Assistive Technology
- 4. AT Advocacy
- 5. Wireless Devices and Smart Home Technology
- 6. Used equipment resources
- 7. Unique or interesting products/services
1. Adaptive Clothing
1.1. Adaptive Clothing - United Spinal Association Products & Services Directory
Adaptive Clothing – United Spinal Resource Center (spinalcord.org)
Provides links to adaptive clothing manufactures, New Mobility Magazine articles regarding clothing and more.
1.2. John's Specialty Jeans
John's Specialty Jeans specializes in custom made adaptive pants for wheelchair users and other specialty denim and casual wear. You can choose your own pocket placement and closure style.
Telephone: 833-451-0453
2. Assistive Technology Information
2.1. United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC)
United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC)
Website: https://ussaac.org/
Email: info@ussaac.org
USSAAC is an organization dedicated to supporting the needs and rights of people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Their community includes people who can benefit from AAC, family members, professionals from multiple disciplines, students, and AAC-related companies and institutions. Their mission is to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs. The provide information about AAC devices and resources for funding AAC devices.
2.2. Assistive Technology Guides
United Spinal Wheelchair Reviews & Views Project
This resource provides wheelchair reviews from users, caregivers and clinical staff, along with readily available information, which can help with the wheelchair selection process. View the wheelchair entries or post a non-technical review on a wheelchair that you are familiar with.
Center on Technology and Disability
The Center serves organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. They offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive technology (AT) that supports efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities.
Trace Center
A research, development and resource center on technology and disability that works to advance the ability of people with disabilities through the use of communication, computer and information technologies.
Accessible Gaming Guide (ATTACHED)
Getting back in the game
United Spinal Association
TECH ACCESS INITIATIVE
Recent gaming accessibility innovations have broadened access for gamers with higher-level spinal cord injuries to independently conquer previously inaccessible video game worlds. Today, gamers with disabilities are able to combat isolation via the recreational and social benefits of highly-interactional video game scenarios. How can gaming help people with spinal cord injuries? Video games and e-sports specifically have been shown to:
- Promote socialization and increase self-esteem
- Help build teamwork and improve cooperation skills
- Enhance creativity, decision-making and problem-solving abilities
- Improve self-agency, perseverance and resilience
Through the partnership of United Spinal Association's Tech Access Initiative and the nonprofit Help Hope Live, we have provided an overview of available gaming options for those who cannot use a traditional gaming controller along with pricing and purchase links. Accessible gaming can be expensive, Help Hope Live can help you fundraise to assist with the purchase of an adaptive gaming setup that works for you.
3. Funding Assistive Technology
3.1. Assistive Technology Funding Options
The NIDRR-funded AbleData project has released a new information sheet, What Are Your Options to Pay for Assistive Devices (PDF). Information provided covers primary funding resources including private and public health insurance; local school districts; vocational rehabilitation agencies; other government-sponsored resources; non-profit organizations; clinical trials and product development; crowd funding via the Internet and social media; auto manufacturer reimbursement programs; and local community, civic, and charitable organizations.
AbleData Informed Consumer Guide This guide discusses a broad range of potential sources of funding and funding information for assistive technology and provides lists of specific organizations and programs from which funding and funding information are available. The guide also discusses other sources of information on funding issues and organizations that assist people to find the funds that they need.
3.2. Tetra Society of North America
Tetra Society of North America is a not-for-profit organization that provides volunteer engineers across Canada and the US to design and construct custom assistive devices for people with disabilities.
Tetra clients can be anyone. They can be infants or seniors or anyone in between. As well, levels of disability can vary greatly from client to client. No challenge given Tetra's volunteers is deemed too great or too small. The goal is always to reduce societal and environmental barriers and to create increased independence.
Tetra's assistive device projects tackle barriers to mobility, personal care and communications. They facilitate education, work and recreation. They provide increased access within households kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms and other environments, such as vehicles or places of business. In short, assistive devices created by Tetra focus on improving quality of life.
While Tetra operates 45 chapters throughout North America, the services and talents of our 300-plus expert volunteers are available to everyone. Information on past projects is shared system-wide; expertise is shared and requests for assistive device projects can even be filled remotely if someone lives in an area not served by a Tetra chapter. Since inception, Tetra has completed 5,000 projects.
To inquire about what our volunteers can do for you, simply contact your nearest Tetra chapter using the Find a Chapter feature. You may also contact our head office at any time.
4. AT Advocacy
4.1. InvoTek
InvoTek, Inc. is a research and development company that improves the quality of life for people who find it difficult or impossible to use their hands by giving them new, efficient ways to access computers. We develop new assistive devices that open the door to independence, communication and interaction for people with severe disabilities. We provide both technology and support services so that people with disabilities have the resources they need to succeed.
4.2. ITEM Coalition
ITEM Coalition Website
The ITEM Coalition is devoted to raising awareness and building support for policies that will enhance access to assistive devices, technologies and related services for people with disabilities and chronic conditions.
5. Wireless Devices and Smart Home Technology
5.1. Guide To Cable Providers And Streaming Services For People With Disabilities
Guide To Cable Providers And Streaming Services For People With Disabilities
TV accessibility has come a long way, but, as always, much remains to be done. What many people don’t realize is that accessibility benefits people with and without disabilities. It’s great for everyone.
For instance, folks like to watch videos on the go. They don’t necessarily want the sound on. Maybe they’re in a busy coffee shop, in bed, or on a plane. Enter captions and subtitles. These accessibility tools are widely available, although plenty of exceptions exist.
This guide outlines cable, satellite, and streaming TV accessibility. It covers companies such as DirecTV, Spectrum, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. Last but not least, it touches on automated live captions to make ads, news, sports, and user-generated content more accessible.
5.2. Mobile Apps Offer Help for People with Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis
Mobile Apps Offer Help for People with Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis
Today's smartphones and tablet computers are great at keeping people connected, but they also feature lots of tools that rehabilitation patients can use to boost their recovery efforts.
Shepherd Center speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists have compiled a brief list of apps that can be useful to people with brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis when used in conjunction with a therapist and therapy program. Before buying any app, therapists say users should talk with them to get an idea of how it can help their specific situation.
5.3. Sesame Enable hands-free cell phone
Sesame-Enable is a hands-free cellular phone available in the UK that greatly increases independent use by an individual lacking upper extremity mobility.
Touch-Free Control
Gesture recognition understands small head movements, eliminating the need for touch
Integrated Voice Control
Use your voice to turn on/off the phone or switch between applications.
Download Apps
Touch-free interface extends to nearly any app from the Google Play store.
Works Out of the Box
Works touch-free immediately, no additional set-up required.
Lightweight Mobile Design
The Sesame smartphone uses Google Nexus 5 for the hardware.
Affordable & Elegant
No external hardware required.
6. Used equipment resources
6.1. Pass It On Center
The Pass It On Center is creating national and state resources to foster the appropriate reuse of AT so that people with disabilities can get the affordable AT they need in order to live, learn, work and play more independently.
6.2. Used durable medical equipment resources
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AT4ALL
Are you looking for good quality used equipment? At AT4ALL you can find equipment for loan, for sale, or for giveaway. You can also find equipment from local lending programs to try out before you buy in Nebraska. Disabled Dealer Magazine With scores of advertisements from private individuals, wholesalers, retailers, and companies specializing in the sale of new and used mobility assistance products and services, each issue of Disabled Dealer Magazine also features several articles and stories on mobility assistance equipment and home medical supplies and services, the latest medical reports, new government programs and federal benefits for the disabled, and listings for events/conferences, support groups and sporting events. Silver Cross The SILVER CROSS mandate is to empower all site visitors by providing free information to assist you in selecting an accessibility stair lift, home elevator or mobility device. The Equipment Restoration Center at the NEAT Marketplace The Equipment Restoration Center at the NEAT Marketplace receives equipment through donations and provides consumers with gently used and reconditioned durable medical equipment at fantastic savings. Working in cooperation with suppliers of durable medical equipment, NEAT ensures that the equipment sold meets high quality standards and meets the individual needs of the consumer. |
7. Unique or interesting products/services
7.1. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, is a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to enrolled patrons. People may be eligible for the program if they are blind, have a visual disability that prevents them from reading regular print, or have a physical disability that keeps them from being able to hold a book. For more information, visit www.loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead.
7.2. Eye Gaze Technology
New Technology: The Eyes Have It
New Mobility article exploring eye gaze technology
7.3. Broadened Horizions
Broadened Horizions focuses exclusively on individuals with limited or no use of their hands and arms.
Leveraging our modular design strategy, we can create integrated, holistic, comprehensive solutions custom tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This modularity maximizes cost efficiency and reliability, while celebrating the uniqueness of each individual. You only buy what you need, but the sum is greater than the individual parts!
