The document provides an overview of assistive technology and the Technology Access Program in Tennessee, describing what assistive technology is, examples of devices in different categories like computer access, communication aids, and mobility devices, and the programs offered through the Technology Access Centers across the state to support individuals with disabilities.

1. Assistive Technology Overview
Jeremy St. Pierre– Assistive Technology Consultant
Technology Access Center
Evan Espey – Director of Outreach and Development,
Technology Access Center
Promoting Independence with Technology

2. What is Assistive Technology
 An assistive technology device is any item, piece of
equipment, or product system, whether acquired
commercially, modified, or customized, that is used
to increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive
Technology (AT) is technology used by individuals
with disabilities in order to perform functions that
might otherwise be difficult or impossible.

3. Assistive Technology Act
 This law helps make sure that AT is available to
people with disabilities so they can more fully
participate as active members of their communities.
The law covers all ages and in all environments,
including in school and at work. It’s often called the
“Tech Act”.
 Under the law, each U.S. state and territory receives
a grant to fund an AT Project (ATAP).
 TTAP in TN

4. What is TTAP?
 Federally Funded by US Dept. Of
Health and Human Services, Admin
for Community Living (ACL)
 Statewide
 Access & Acquisition of AT
 Four Core Direct Service Programs
 Public Awareness & Technical
Assistance
 Partner with 5 Assistive Tech
Centers

5. Technology Center Locations
 Mid-South ACT – Memphis
 The STAR Center – Jackson
 Technology Access Center (TAC) – Nashville
 Signal Center – Chattanooga
 East Tennessee Technology Access Center (ETTAC) -
Knoxville

6. Core Programs
 Device Demonstration
 Device Loan
 Device Reutilization
 Funding and Information
Assistance

7. Device Demonstration
 Individualized
 Decision Making
 Multiple Devices
 Feature Exploration

8. Device Loan
 Provide a device while
waiting
 Short-term solution
 Trial devices
 Access to multiple devices

9. Device Reutilization
 Free used devices
 New life for older devices
 Great access to technology
 Long or short term solution
 Maximize utilization of funding

10. Funding and Information Assistance
 Personalized
 Individualized Resources List
 Local, Statewide and National Resources
 Information Referral
 Technical Assistance

11. Statewide Advisory Council
 Diverse
 AT Consumers
 Community Feedback
 Evaluate Activities
 Develop a State Plan

12. Overview of Assistive Technology
 Computer Access
 Switches and Recreation
 Communication
 Low Vision Accommodations
 Mobility
 Aids for Daily Living
 Learning / Educational Supports
 Custom Job Accommodations

13. Computer Access
 Text Entry
 Alternative Keyboards
 Voice Recognition
 Typing Aids
 Mouse Control
 Mice
 Trackballs
 Joystick
 Head Control
 Eye Control
 Accessibility Features

14. Computer Access- Text Entry
 Alternative Keyboards
 Large Keys
 Single Hand Options
 Ergonomic
Courtesy of Infogrip

15. Computer Access – Text Entry
 Voice Recognition
 Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Courtesy of Nuance

16. Computer Access – Mouse Control
 Mice
 Ergonomic
 Trackballs
 Joysticks
Courtesy of Infogrip

17. Computer Access – Mouse Control
 Head / Mouth Control
 HeadMouse
 Jouse3
 Eye Control
 PC Eye
 Switch
 EZ Keys
Courtesy of TobiiDynavox
Courtesy of Infogrip

18. Computer Access – Text Entry
 Accessibility Features
 Sticky Keys
 Onscreen Keyboard
 Filter Keys
 Screen Reader
 Magnification
 Voice Recognition

19. Vision – Computer Access
 Magnification
 ZoomText
 Magic
 WinZoom
 ScreenReader
 JAWS
 WindowEyes
 NVDA
Courtesy of Freedom Scientific

20. Switches and Recreation
 Switches
 Other Toy & Game Adaptations

21. Switches
 Switches
o Used to control everything from toys to Computers
o Can be placed anywhere the user has regular
voluntary muscle control
o Level of Sensitivity can change

22. Other Toy & Game Adaptations
 Adaptations Can be Made for:
o Vision
o Dexterity
o Range of Motion
o Tactile Feedback
o Etc

23. Communication
 Augmentative and Alternative Communication
(AAC)
 Low-tech
 Mid-tech
 High-tech

24. Communication
 Low-Tech
 PECS /Pictures
 Single Phrase Devices
Courtesy of Pecs-Canada
Credit Enabling Devices

25. Communication
 Mid-tech
 GoTalk
 QuickTalker
Courtesy of Attainment Company
Courtesy of Ablenet

26. Communication
 High-tech
 Tobii DynaVox
 Prentke Romich
Courtesy of PRC
Courtesy of Tobii Dynavox

27. Communication
 Apps
 Proloquo2Go
 Sono Flex Lite Version
 GoTalk Now
Courtesy of iTunes

28. Vision – Print Materials
 Handheld Magnifiers
 CCTVs
 Scan and Read Products
 Alternative Format Text

29. Vision – Print Access
 Handheld Magnifiers
 Dome
 Bar
 Stand
 Pocket

30. Vision- Print Materials
 CCTVs (Closed Circuit Television)
 Handheld
 Semi-Portable
 Desktop

31. Vision – Print Access
 Handheld CCTVs
 Pebble HD
 Amigo
 Ruby HD
 Optelec Compact 7 / 5
Courtesy of Optelec
Courtesy of Freedom Scientific
Courtesy of Enhanced Vision

32. Vision – Print Access
 Semi-Portable CCTVS
 Acrobat HD
 Topaz PhD
 Traveller
Courtesy of Enhanced Vision
Courtesy of Freedom Scientific
Courtesy of Optelec

33. Vision – Print Access
 Desktop CCTVs
 Merlin HD
 Topaz XL HD
 ClearView+ with Speech
Courtesy of Enhanced Vision
Courtesy of Optelec
Courtesy of Freedom
Scientific

34. Vision – Print Access
 Scan and Read Option
 Stand Alone Devices
 Computer Software Options
 Apps

35. Vision – Print Access
 Stand Alone Scan and Read Devices
 Optelec ClearReader Plus
 Eye-Pal
 Sara CE
Courtesy of Optelec
Courtesy of Freedom Scientific

36. Vision – Print Access
 OpenBook
 Kurzweil 1000

37. Vision – Print Access
 Scan and Read Apps
 KNFB Reader App
Courtesy of KNFB Reader

38. Vision – Other Hardware
 Low Tech Braille Devices
 Perkins Brailler
 Slate and Stylus
 Braille Embossers
 Braille Displays
 Braille Notetakers

39. Mobility
 Wheelchairs
 Manual
 Power
 Standing
 Power Assist
Credit: Permobil
Credit Permobil

40. Mobility
 Walkers
 Canes
Courtesy of Spinlife Courtesy of BettyMills
Courtesy of McCansmedical Courtesy of Irishwalking sticks

41. Independent Living
 Aids for Daily Living
 Cooking/Eating
 Dressing / Hygiene
 Low Vision
 Hearing Loss
 Recreation
Courtesy of Independent Living Aids
Courtesy of Patterson Medical

42. Writing / Educational
 SmartPens
 LiveSribe
 Reading/Writing Support Software
 TextHelp
 Kurzweil 3000
 WYNN
Courtesy of Livescribe

43. Custom Employment Accommodations
 Disability: Quadriplegia
 Tasks to Perform:
 General Office Tasks
 Computer Use
 Telephone Use

44. Custom Employment Accommodations
 Custom Desk
 Computer Wedges
 Lazy Susan
 Telephone Holder
 Mouthstick Holder
 Wireless Headset

45. Custom Employment Accommodations
 Disability: Cerebral Palsy
 Task to Perform: Ticket Tearing

46. Custom Employment Accommodations
 Ticket Tearing Jig

47. Custom Employment Accommodations
 Disability: Hemiplegia
 Task to Perform: Latch Assembly
 Assistive Technology: Latch Assembly Jig