Assistive Technology

Stop and think about the number of things you do each day… from turning on a light, to getting dressed, to having a conversation, to reading the newspaper. We often take for granted these tasks. However, these seemingly easy activities may prove difficult for persons who were born with disabilities or experience limited function because of an illness or accident.

The Assistive Technology Center affiliated with OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center serves both young and old in providing tools and training to help individuals become more independent. And, as we all know, independence fosters confidence and self-image. Our goal is to provide Access for Everyone!

Many centers located throughout Central Illinois only serve children with disabilities. Our Center serves both children and adults, with comprehensive services and training provided by a caring team of professionals which include an experienced assistive technology coordinator, as well as specially trained occupational, physical and speech therapists.

With their wealth of experience and knowledge, this team is able to evaluate and assess the individual’s abilities and match an assistive technology device to an individual’s functional need, place of use and intended purpose. They work closely in training the client, as well as family members, to ensure the client receives maximum benefit.

What is Assistive Technology?

An assistive technology device is any item or piece of equipment used to help with reading, writing, remembering, seeing, hearing, communicating, performing daily tasks or walking.  Devices range from a pencil grip (low tech) to an integrated computer based system (high tech) that would allow someone to be able to speak.

The Possibilities Are Endless…

With an assistive device:

• A child who is unable to use his hands to play with a toy, can use a switch to control the toy’s movement
• A person with low vision can read a newspaper or see a picture of new grandchild
• An individual can communicate with computer software that is preprogrammed with word and language prompts.

The Center will serve clients of all ages with disabilities or limitations. Possible diagnosis could include:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Brain Injury
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Parkinson’s
• Macular Degeneration
• Learning Disability
• Communication Disorder
• Developmental Delay

A prescription from a physician is required before an assistive technology evaluation and treatment begin. The assistive technology coordinator and the specially trained therapy team conduct evaluations to determine the client’s needs.

From the evaluation, the following areas may be addressed:

• Augmentative Communication
• Computer Access
• Environmental Controls
• Seating and Mobility
• Activities of Daily Living
• Learning Accommodations
• Job Accommodations
• Low Vision Accommodations

All effort will be made to provide the client with hands-on experience using a device before specific device purchase recommendations are given. Family members and other professionals (teachers, nurses, etc.) who work with the client will also be educated and trained in the use of the recommended devices.

Funding for evaluations, treatments and device purchases is available through a variety of sources: including but not limited to, Medicare, Medicaid, school systems and other agencies. The coordinator will direct individuals to the appropriate funding source.