• What is Assistive Technology?

    According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association, Assistive Technology (AT) is “any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.” The term covers an extremely broad range of items, from low-tech things like weighted pens to more high-tech equipment such as mouth-controlled wheelchairs. Home/vehicle modifications often fit under the umbrella of assistive technology, too. “Adaptive technology” refers to assistive technology designed specifically for people with disabilities (things people without disabilities would probably not have a reason to use). For example, a braille printer would be a form of adaptive technology.

    There are cups, lamp switch adapters, button hooks, dressing sticks, shoe horns, chairs for shower/bath, accessible vans, adaptive steering systems, screen readers, speech devices, gait trainers, standing wheelchairs, lifts, ramps….the possibilities are endless! But how do you access them?

    Accessing Assistive Technology:

    • Go through your insurance. Contact your child’s Care Coordinator by calling the number on the back of their insurance card and ask to speak with their Care Coordinator. If they don’t have one, ask to be set up with one. The Care Coordinator will walk you through the process, which will most likely include getting a letter of necessity from your child’s doctor explaining what their medical diagnoses are and why they would benefit from the requested device.
    • Contact your DDDS Community Navigator! Sometimes there are funds available to purchase household items. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, your Community Navigator might be able to help. 
    • Visit your local Goodwill - many Goodwill locations will carry adaptive devices. There is even a warehouse store in New Jersey that is totally dedicated to home medical equipment and you can also order online! Visit the Goodwill home Medical Equipment store here!

    • Contact DATI – they have an exchange program where you can donate assistive items you no longer use or need and can barrow as needs change.
    • EasterSeals has a Resource and Technology Demonstration Center to test out different products. They also have a loan program to help finance assistive technology items.

    Email Mary Anne Terzaghi, Meadowood's Assistive Technology Coordinator with any questions