Make friends with assistive technology
For some people, assistive technology (AT) is basically a convenience—like the apps that let you control your thermostat or play a particular song by voice command. For those with special needs, AT is much more. It can dramatically improve independence, confidence, productivity and quality of life. And that’s especially important for children and youth who might need a little extra help in school.
AT can include digital programs and apps that convert speech to text and back again. A subset of AT is adaptive technology, which helps people living with disabilities derive the most benefit from services they receive. AT can also include tangible devices, which may be as simple as a rubber grip to help a student hold a pencil—or as futuristic as an experimental exoskeleton that helps people with a degenerative disease, like muscular dystrophy, to walk upright.
At Hope Haven we have a large catalog of amazing AT equipment available for students and the Jacksonville community to use—rent free. The catalog is classified into these broad categories:
Communications
Computers/devices
Hearing
Vision
Sensory
Assisted living
The inventory changes frequently as people check out and return equipment. All equipment is thoroughly disinfected before and after assignment to a particular user.
Hope Haven is home to the Northeast Regional Demonstration Center of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST), which promotes awareness of, access to, and advocacy for Florida’s disability community. In the months ahead, you’ll see blog posts that describe each of the categories of AT in more detail. To learn more about the program, visit the AT page on our website. You can also watch a video that illustrates AT in action.
If you know a student who could benefit from our AT program, you’re encouraged to schedule an assistive technology consultation. Or you’re welcome to contact FAAST program coordinator, Arien Peppers or call 904-346-5100, ext. 336.