Services
Assessments
Assistive Technology services begin with an assessment to match the individual’s needs and abilities with a device or devices that will give them increased functioning and independence. We use the PETT (Person, Environment, Task, Tool) framework (or SETT for students).
Person Current abilities, special needs, case history, present level (communication, reading/cognition, mobility, vision, hearing, behavior, other)
Environments Environments in which he/she participates; current equipment, materials, supports; physical and instructional arrangements
Tasks Intended tasks in each environment, expected activity for individual & peers, critical elements of activities
Tools During assessment determine no/low/high tech tools to consider, tools already being used independently.
We use a multi-disciplinary approach by inviting family members, OT’s, PT’s, SLP’s, personal assistants, classroom teachers, aides and others to attend the assessment as requested by the customer.
A comprehensive report documenting the results of the assessment and device recommendations is provided following the assessment.
Implementation Follow-Up
After devices are purchased, an individual often needs assistance with installation, set-up and programming of equipment. Center staff is available to provide set-up and training as needed.
Inservices to Schools and Agencies
The Center Manager is available to provide inservices to school staff and other agencies. Inservices usually follow an assessment and are pertinent to recommended equipment.
Outreach to Community
The Center Manager is available for informational presentations to organizations, hospitals, support groups, etc. Equipment
Computer Access:
- Discover Switch. Attaches directly to the computer for switch use of a computer
- Switch Software. Software that can be activated by the use of a switch, teaches switch use to make choices.
- IntelliKeys by IntelliTools. An alternative keyboard that comes with special pre-printed overlays, works with all software. Ideal for children and adults with physical, visual or cognitive disabilities.
- IntelliTalk II by IntelliTools. A talking word processor that combines text, speech and graphics. Comes with pre-designed activities, writing templates, toolbars and hundreds of picture items to create curriculum activities.
- Mini Keyboard. A very small touch activated alternative keyboard
- RJ Cooper SAM Joystick (Mouse Emulator)
- Touchpad Mouse Emulator
- Penny & Giles Joystick Plus (Mouse Emulator)
- Headmaster Mouse Emulator. Uses switches to emulate cursor movements
- On Screen Keyboard Software. Keyboards that are accessed with a mouse, touch-screen or switches and can include word prediction, auditory and visual scanning features
- Touch-screen. Allows computer access by touching the monitor.
- Naturally Speaking (Dragon) & Mobile Recorder. Types as you speak to your computer using a microphone attached to the computer, or on the go with the digital recorder.
- EZ Keys by Words+. Communication software
- Co:Writer 4000 by Don Johnston. Word-prediction software with speech feedback and scanning features
- Write:Outloud by Don Johnston. Talking word processor
- Supernova. Screen magnification and screen reader for low vision users
- Kurzweil 1000. Screen reader for low vision users
- Read & Write Gold by textHELP. Works with any Windows application, scan text and read with the screen reader, talking word processor with word prediction and many new features for internet usage.
- Writing With Symbols 2000 by Mayer Johnson. Creates picture stories by typing. Speech feedback feature for communication and symbols can be printed as with Boardmaker.
- Wireless Keyboard with Trackball. Small ¾ size keyboard uses infrared connection to computer
Switches:
An individual who has limited motor movement may be able to press a switch. It is important to select an appropriate switch and use the best placement for the switch. Switches can be used to access a computer, operate a special telephone, operate appliances, communication devices, etc.
- Big Buddy
- Buddy Buttons
- Microlight
- Photo Cell Switch
- Foot Switch
- Grasp Switch
- Treadle
- Rocker
- Mini-Cup Switches
- Twitch Switch
- Sip & Puff Switch
- Petite Pillow Switch
- Jelly Bean Switches
- Pal Pads
- Wobble Switch
- Rocking Dual Lever
- Switch Timer Latch
- Switch Activated Toys
Augmentative Communication Devices:
- Big Mac. Single message
- Sequencer. Sequential messaging up to 60 seconds
- Cheap Talk 4 with jacks. 4 messages, can be switch operated
- Step-by-Step Communicator. Records message in sequence up to 75 seconds
- 16 Message Hip Talk. Worn on the waist, 2 levels of 8 messages
- 4 Message Hip Talk. Worn on the waist, 4 messages
- 6-Level Communicator. 48 5-second messages (8 messages on 6 levels)
- BlackHawk by Adamlab. Portable device with 4 levels of 16 messages each, 64 total
- LightHawk by Adamlab. Visual & auditory scanning device with 3 levels of up to 8 messages each
- SuperHawk Plus by Adamlab. 72 minutes of recording time can be divided into 72 levels with up to 72 messages per level. Has an auditory scanning feature.
- DynaVox 3100. A computerized device with a 12-inch color touch-screen display. Can be programmed to store thousands of communication pages. Has visual & auditory scanning features.
- Crespeaker MAXX. Uses a keyboard to type messages that are displayed and spoken. Has extensive memory for preprogrammed messages.
- AlphaTalker II by Prentke Romich. Uses icon based communication system
- SideKick by Prentke Romich. Pocket sized device that uses icon sequencing.
- Speaking Dynamically Pro by Mayer-Johnson. Adds speech to Boardmaker symbols. Uses multi-level boards, includes a talking word processor with word prediction, scanning features and magnification for low vision users.
- BoardMaker by Mayer-Johnson. Over 3000 symbols for communication boards, worksheets, schedules, etc. Includes templates for many devices.
- Gemini by Assistive Technology, Inc. A Macintosh laptop computer with a touch-screen and switch jacks. Speaking Dynamically Pro is installed on ours, but Dynavox software or another communication software could be used as well as any software compatible with Macintosh.
- Pathfinder by Prentke Romich. Uses icon sequencing. Has scanning features and environmental control capability.
- Rocking Say It. 2 message device
Electronic Aids to Daily Living:
- Scanning Director. Turns on TV, VCR, Stereo and other appliances using infrared or radio waves. Can be activated with a switch.
- SiCare Pilot Voice Recognition Remote. Uses speech recognition technology to control TV, VCR, stereo, telephone, power doors, power windows, etc.
- Big Button Photo Phone. Extra large buttons and volume control phone.
- Switch Access Phone w/ Infra Red remote. A hands-free telephone uses switches to scan memory numbers. Good quality speakerphone.
- Big Button Remote. Extra large buttons for remote control of TV and VCR
- Power Link Control Unit. Provides switch access to almost anything electric.
Mounting Devices:
- Magic Arm
- Assorted Mounting Plates
UCP Michigan, Assistive Technology Center 321 E. Ohio St. Marquette, MI 49855 1-906-226-9903 menzel@ucpmichigan.org
|
