Logan Herald Journal 'USU employee appointed by Obama to national board'

Read about UATP's program director's appointment by President Obama to the U.S. Access Board in an article in today's Herald Journal newspaper:

Dec. 5, 2012
By Kevin Opsahl

An employee at Utah State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities has been appointed by President Barack Obama to a top federal government board charged with writing technical standards for policies for disabled persons.
 

Sachin Dev Pavithran, the program director of the Utah Assistive Technology Program at the center, was appointed to the U.S. Access Board on Tuesday, according to the board’s website.

Read the rest of the story here.

Utah Assistive Technology Program director appointed to Access Board by Pres. Obama

More key administration posts were announced by the Obama Presidency Friday. Among them was Cache Valley resident Sachin Pavithran. 
 
The appointment makes him a member of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, also known as the U.S. Access Board, which is in charge of writing technical standards for various policies relating to people with disabilities. The board consists of 13 appointed members who work in conjunction with the staff of the board in drafting standards.

Sachin Pavithran (center), a Utah State University
grad, will serve on the U.S. Access Board.

Pavithran said, "These are the kinds of things I've been working towards, but I didn't think it was going to happen this quick - I was surprised when I got the call."
 
Seven months ago, Pavithran received a call from the White House after being highly-recommended for a position on the board. Since then, he has undergone multiple and various background checks to verify Pavithran "as a person" rather than his qualifications - something he's not lacking in.
 


Pavithran with his former
guide dog, Barstowe.

The Utah State University graduate serves on the Committee of the National Federation of the Blind, the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs National Board and is also currently the director of the Utah Assistive Technology Program at the Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) at USU.  

"I'm really excited. I know I'm going to learn a lot about policy," Pavithran said.
 
Some of the key issues the board will be dealing with include web accessibility, education, ADA issues, and policy that impacts people with disabilities.

One issue he hopes to especially contribute to is accessibility for the blind. Pavithran, who is blind, has 12 years of experience in accessible websites and training others in assistive technology.

While the position will require Pavithran to spend time in Washington D.C., he will continue to pursue his Ph.D at USU in disability disciplines with a focus on rehabilitation, while working at the CPD.
 
"I know it's going to be a lot of work. This is not something I just sit back and listen," Pavithran said. "There are a lot of expectations from me and I hope to live up to them and learn and contribute."

In January, he will be sworn in to the position, which is not dependent on the term of the president. Rather, it is an ongoing appointment.

###

 

For more information about this story, contact UATP's Public Relations Specialist, Storee Powell, at storee.powell@usu.edu or 435-797-7412.

CReATE wheelchair recipients of 2012

Amy in her power chair from CReATE.

UATP's AT reuse program, CReATE (Citizen's Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment), refurbishes donated mobility equipment. The devices are then given back to the community for a low-cost. See some of the 2012 CReATE device recipients on our new Facebook album. Do you know a Utahn who needs a mobility device? Call CReATE 801-887-9398 or visit us online at http://www.uatpat.org/create/.

'Show off your AT' video contest - cash prizes!

The Assistive Technology Network is hosting a video contest. Here's the info:

The purpose of the contest is to showcase the creative ways people with disabilities use assistive technology in their daily lives. Many people with disabilities use assistive technologies to accomplish tasks they otherwise could not. Sometimes they modify a commercial device or improvise their own device to meet a specific need. By sharing your ideas and the solutions you created, you can motivate and inspire others who are looking for solutions of their own.
 
Five finalists will be selected from submitted videos and posted to the AT Network Channel on Youtube. Online voting by the public will determine the winner. The winning video will be featured on the new AT Network website.

Cash prizes! Learn more at http://atnet.org/video-contest/.

Free online webinar: Infant head shape deformities and correction through use of Cranial Remolding Orthoses

The Utah Assistive Technology Program will present a FREE online interactive training, Infant head shape deformities and correction through use of Cranial Remolding Orthoses, on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

This free training, presented by Dallin Chambers, certified Orthotist at Northwest Orthotics and Prosthetics, will cover head reshaping through the use of a cranial remolding orthosis. The following aspects will be discussed:  head shape deformities, necessary measurements – how to obtain them and what they mean to you as the practitioner or parent - contraindications, scanning process, overall treatment from initial evaluation to final appointment, insurance companies that cover them and their requirements. 

Dallin Chambers received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Utah in Exercise and Sports Science.  From there, continued his education at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where he completed two more years of specialized schooling in the field of Orthotics.  He completed a one-year residency at Northwest Orthotics and Prosthetics in Provo where he continues to work as a certified Orthotist.

In order to participate, you will need a computer with high-speed Internet access. If you are interested in participating please RSVP by Monday, December 3, to Storee Powell via email storee.powell@usu.edu, or call 435-797-7412. Participant instructions will be emailed to you.

If you are a screen reader user please contact Sachin Pavithran at 435-797-6572 or sachin.pavithran@usu.edu, no later than Monday, December 3 to make arrangements to participate via phone. If you need any other accommodations in order to participate in the training please let Sachin know by this date also.

Please feel free to pass on this information to anyone that you think might be interested.

Power Wheelchair Maintenance Tips

These are some tips written by Clay Christensen, the Assistive Technology Lab Coordinator. He has lots of experience working on chairs, and has learned that maintenance is often about preventative care. As the weather changes, this can become particularly important. For further questions regarding powerchair maintenance, Utahns can contact the AT Lab at 435-797-0699, Ext. 1.


AT Lab coordinator, Clay Christensen,
working on a wheelchair tire.

• Avoid locations where freezing temperatures are expected. Store in a dry place; if this is not possible, keep a tarp over the chair and keep batteries charged.
• Keep batteries at a high state of charge - this keeps them from freezing, which will destroy the cells.
• This can be done with a trickle charger. (They can be purchased at most automotive part houses for around $50.00 or online.)
• Check the electrolyte level (This is the dilute solution of sulfuric acid and water). In other words, if the battery is not a sealed type, remove the caps and make sure that the water level is full. Note: Use only distilled water!
• If the chair has air tires versus solid, make sure the air pressure is at manufacturer specification (when the temp drops, so does the air pressure in tires). This will help the tires avoid unusual wear patterns.
• If not using the chair during winter months, remove batteries and store in cool dry place (between 50-70 degrees).

AT Podcast weekly!

Easter Seals Crossroads in partnership with the Indiana AT Program produce a bi-weekly assistive technology podcast. The first, Assistive Technology Update, talks about the latest and greatest in the AT world. The second program, Accessibility First, features tips and tricks for quick AT and accessibilty solutions for people with disabilities. Make sure to tune in! It is also available on iTunes or Stitcher Radio for smart phones.

Also, check out their YouTube channel every Monday for a new video about tech tips.

Educational AT checklist

An educational assistive technology checklist is a great tool for teachers, parents and schools to have. A list provided by the University of Florida breaks AT into categories for various disabilities that students should have access to. See the list from University of Florida's Education and Human Resources College online here.

Assistive Daily Living (ADL) devices fact sheet



This fact sheet, compiled by UATP, provides an overview of assistive daily living devices that are useful for people with disabilities, particularly the aging population. The devices are low-tech and can be obtained from more than one place, though we do give one reference of where to obtain the device. This sheet does not imply endorsement of any company or brand. Click on each page for a larger view. This is a resource intended for the public, and can be printed and distributed as such.

 

Ipod Touch helps people with disabilities

This article on specialedpost.com discusses how iPods can help people with disabilities be more independent, particularly in employment settings.

An Ipod Touch Can Revolutionize Daily Living For the Severely Disabled

iPod Touch

September 10, 2012
by Lindsay Abrams 

The tasks required of Jeffrey by his minimum wage job at a fast food restaurant were not beyond his physical or mental capacities to complete — he was responsible each day for emptying garbage cans, wiping down tables, sweeping, stocking condiments, and cleaning the bathrooms. But a case study published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation describes how, as a 21-year-old with autism, he required the near-constant supervision of a job coach to prompt him to rotate between his different duties and to help him remember the steps involved in each task.

Read the rest of the story here.

UATP's director talks guide dogs in Statesman article

Guide dogs lend a paw

By APRIL ASHLAND - features senior writer

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

It's said that a dog is a man's best friend, but for Lewis Burdette and Sachin Pavithran, the role of dogs went much further. Burdette and Pavithran are both visually impaired and have received assistance from seeing-eye dogs.

UATP director Sachin Pavithran
with his guide dog Barstow.

Pavithran is the assistive technology specialist for the Center for Persons with Disabilities, and said he retired his dog Barstow in June, after having him for nine and a half years.

 

Pavithran said he talked to many other visually impaired and blind people before deciding to get his dog. He said he met a girl who had a seeing-eye dog and thought having one might be a way to gain more independence.

 

"When I was in school, it was fine because I had people around me, but when I started working, I had to travel and get around on my own," Pavithran said.

 

Read the rest on The Utah Statesman.

iPad apps for people with disabilities

These apps were tested and compiled by UATP. Apps are broken down into function categories, such as vision or utility. UATP does not endorse the apps or the makers of the apps. Rather, these are apps that we suggest for the public's use. For iPad training videos on basics, accessible features, and apps, visit the ‘Training Archives’ tab.

Communication:
 
Abilipad           $19.99
Named one of “the best iPad apps for special needs kids” in a Washington Post article! Abilipad combines the functionality of a notepad with word prediction, text-to-speech and a customizable keyboard, putting advanced writing tools within everyone’s reach.
 
Grace           $37.99
A simple picture exchange system developed By and For non-verbal people allowing the user to communicate their needs by building sentences from relevant images. It can be customized by the individual using their picture and photo vocabulary.
 
Proloquo2Go          $189.99
Proloquo2Go™ is product from AssistiveWare that provides a full-featured communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. It brings natural sounding text-to-speech voices, close to 8000 up-to-date symbols, powerful automatic conjugations, a large default vocabulary, full expandability and extreme ease of use to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
 
Scene Speak          $14.99
Scene Speak provides a framework on the iPad to create visual scene displays. This application allows an image can be edited with active “sound areas” that can be selected and used as a means of communication. Images then can added into “books” by theme or area of interest. Scene Speak is a wonderful communication tool for those with Autism, Aphasia, Apraxia, developmental disabilities or anyone wanting to enhance receptive language or visual memory.     

Sign 4 Me          $9.99
A Signed English Translator" is a  tool for learning sign language. The only app that provides sign language instruction in 3D! Our 3D character can be zoomed in or out and rotated to give you the best vantage point for every sign. You control the placement of the character – not us! No other product lets you do this! The library includes more than 11,500 words. Type in sentences, phrases, words and even the alphabet. Everything you enter will be saved in your History. Easily locate your entries by date or alphabetically. You can delete whatever you don’t want to keep. Use the controls to speed up or slow down the signing; turn on or off the looping feature; and send the character to his “home” or default position.
 
Sounding Board         Free
SoundingBoard transforms your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad into the latest in communication technology. In just minutes, you can create create custom boards using AbleNet symbols or your own photos.

Tap Speak Sequence         $29.99
TapSpeak Sequence for iPad revolutionizes how parents, speech therapists, vision therapists, schools, and institutions create and use message sequences to help disabled children learn to communicate. Use TapSpeak Sequence instead of sequential message switches to record and customize messages without losing any previously recorded sequences. Kids with cerebral palsy, autism, cortical vision impairment (CVI), pediatric stroke, or any disability that impairs their ability to communicate can make use of this app.             

Tap To Talk       Free or $99.95 to customize
Give your non-verbal child the portable, customizable, affordable, socially acceptable communication device. You customize what your child sees and hears in TapToTalk with an online program called TapToTalk Designer. With it, you build "albums" that fit your child's needs.

TouchChat HD          $149.99
TouchChat HD is a full featured communication solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person’s ability to use natural speech. TouchChat enables you to subscribe to iShare, an online server where you can share customized pages with an online community.
 
Education:

Letter School          $2.99
An amazing, intuitive game to learn all about letters and numbers: writing, counting, phonics and more.

Sentence Builder         $5.99
Sentence Builder is designed to help elementary aged children learn how to build grammatically correct sentences. Explicit attention is paid to the connector words that make up over 80% of the english language. Sentence Builder offers a rich and fun environment for improving the grammar of all children.

iWriteWords (Handwriting Game)      $2.99
iWriteWords teaches your child handwriting while playing a fun and entertaining game. Help Mr. Crab collect the numbers in sequence by dragging him with your finger - and drawing the letter at the same time. Each letter/word is spoken as completed.

Gross Motor Skills

Cut the Rope          $1.99
A fun and innovative game that allows the user to practice gross motor skills.
 
Hearing

Sound Amp R           $5.99
Amplify the world around you discreetly with iPhone and iPod touch. Sounds are sent to your earbuds in real time. Hear what you’d like to hear. Record what you’d like to record! Works in many situations, around the table at home, watching TV, in lecture halls, at parties, wherever you’d like to hear, or overhear, the people around you! We have tuned soundAMP to provide you crystal clear sound at the maximum volume possible. And with its advanced technology, it even reduces volume over the limit.

uHear           Free
uHear™ is a hearing loss screening test which allows you to test your hearing to determine if it is advisable for you to visit an audiologist to get a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
 
Language

ArtikPix           $29.99
ArtikPix is an engaging articulation app with flashcard and matching activities for children with speech sound delays.
 
Reward System

iReward           $4.99
iReward is a motivational tool for your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. You can create a star chart or token board to help reinforce positive behaviors using visual rewards. Use of motivational charts is not limited to any one group. We all benefit from motivation to achieve our goals! This type of praise or approval will help parents of typically developing children, children with autism, developmental delays, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. We've updated the app to support multiple users and added more customizable options. 
 
Scheduler
 
TASUC           $20.99
TASUC SCHEDULE for iPad is a very simple, picture-based schedule application for iPhone/iPod touch, especially for small children to easily create his/her own daily time-table by using image cards with sounds & voices attached. This application was, above all, developed for verbally disabled children and people with developmental disabilities such as autism, so that they can manage their "want-to-dos" simply and in order. As a result, an intuitive user interface and experience have been realized, thus this application can also be used for ordinary children and adults as well.
 
Social

iDress for Weather         $1.99
iDress for Weather is for anyone, any age, and any ability anywhere in the world! iDress for Weather can be assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, an educational tool for children, or just plain fun for everyone!

Look in My Eyes Dinosaur        $2.99
Eye contact is an important social skill that some children find challenging. “Look in My Eyes Dinosaur” helps them practice this skill - while earning fun rewards and playing creatively.
How do you play? Children look at a series of faces, and need to focus on the eyes quickly in order to answer correctly and earn stars. After earning four stars, children are taken to their Dino World where they find a new dinosaur waiting. Dinosaurs are easy to play with – just click or drag to see them animate. Several dinosaurs can be put together to create scenes, and children can select background sound effects and growls to add drama. They can even change background scenery. When done playing, children store their dinosaurs in the Cave – and take them out when they want to play again!

Pictello           $14.99
Pictello is a simple way to create talking photo albums and talking books. Each page in a Pictello Story can contain a picture, up to five lines of text, and a recorded sound or text-to-speech using high-quality voices. Stories can be shared using iTunes File Sharing or via WiFi with other Pictello users through a free account on the Pictello Sharing Server.

The Social Express         $89.99
The Social Express™ is engaging, educational software for children and young adults with social learning challenges. The software is designed to teach users how to think about and manage social situations, helping them to develop meaningful social relationships and succeed in life.
 
Utilities

AudioNote          $4.99
Record notes and audio synced with the best note taking app in the App Store! AudioNote combines the functionality of a notepad and voice recorder to create a powerful tool that will save you time while improving the quality of your notes.

iBooks           Free
iBooks is a free app for reading books, and some are free from the iTunes store.  You can either turn pages or you can use a VoiceOver command to read continuously.

Dragon Dictation         Free
Dragon Dictation is a free app that allows you to dictate and have your words turned into text.  Once done you can send it in a text message or e-mail. It is easy to use and quite accurate.

Med Time          $0.99
You will never have any more problems in managing your meds again, because MED TIME is here. It will emit an alarm when you need to take a medicine and does much more.
 
Vision

ColorDetect           $1.99
The ColorDetect iPhone app gives you the possibility to detect colors in real time using augmented reality technology.  The name and the RGB values of the detected colors are displayed in real time on the user interface. ColorDetect detects the colors with a 5 point detection algorithm to improve the detection quality and to compensate the color noise when the light is not optimal.

Digit Eyes          $29.99
Digit-Eyes is the application that lets you use your device to scan bar code labels and to voice the results of the scan to you.  You can scan the manufacturer's codes (UPC / EAN / APN / JPN / codes) on items and find out what those codes mean; and scan bar code labels of your own that you make using this website.  To do so, you just request bar codes from this website and, using the printer attached to your computer, print the codes on inexpensive address labels.
 
Eyenote - Currency Reader       Free
EyeNote is a mobile device application to denominate Federal Reserve Notes (U.S. paper currency) as an aid for the blind or visually impaired to increase accessibility.

Eye Glasses          $2.99
The Eye Glasses app is ideal for farsighted individuals, those with reading glasses or bifocals, senior citizens and anyone that just needs to see more clearly. Eye Glasses clearly displays text or imagery. To use Eye Glasses, choose between 2x, 4x, 6x or 8x magnification and hold the iPad camera about five inches away from the item you want to see magnified!

Learn Braille Alphabet        $1.99
Learn Braille Alphabet and Learn Braille Number are apps that could be used by non-blind folks to learn Braille.

Light Detector          $0.99
Light Detector helps people with vision impairments determine if lights are on in a room or on an appliance. 

Talking Timer          $0.99
Talking Timer calls out the time at specified intervals and can either count up or down. This is also useful for exercising and timing tests.

LookTel Rocognizer          $9.99
LookTel Recognizer allows users with visual impairments or blindness to identify cans, packages, ID or credit cards, DVDs, and similar items. Users can store images of objects in a library or database, and then simply point the camera at an object and the phone will recognize and describe the item instantly. A barcode scanner is also included.

iSeeColors         $0.99
iSeeColors is a color recognition app. Customize any color or find out a color's RGB, Hex Code, CMYK, and it's name. You can also save & share it's values!

TypeInBraille          $4.99
TypeInBraille allows you to write in Braille on your iPhone. You can enter a character through its Braille representation using a sequence of three simple gestures. Each gesture is used to enter one of the three rows of a braille character.

iVoice Reminder         $1.99
iVoice Reminder.  You simply record what you want the reminder to say and then set the time.  When the reminder time arrives the alert sounds and then you touch “listen” to hear the reminder.  You can set multiple reminders and this app can be good for keeping any kind of schedule including medications.

New Utah State Schools Superintendent was former UATP director

Dr. Martell Menlove, former UATP director.

From the CPD Blog, Oct. 9, 2012:

Dr. Martell Menlove will be the next Utah State Schools Superintendent after a unanimous endorsement by the state school board on Monday. Menlove finished his doctorate while he worked as program director for the Utah Assistive Technology Program at the CPD. Read the rest of the story here.

Online training archived: T-Coils

Did you miss our Sept. 12th training, or just want to see it again? The online training presented by Mitch Moyers, “T-Coil: A Hidden Benefit to Hearing Aids,” sponsored by the Utah Assistive Technology Program, is now available online.

Find all of our other online trainings archived on the Training Archives tab of the blog.

3 time Paralympic gold medalist to be at UCAT open house

We are excited to announce that 3 time Paralympic gold medalist, Muffy Davis is going to be joining us at the UCAT Open House on Oct. 3. She will be there from 3:00 to 5:00 with her gold medals.

Join the Utah Center for Assistive Technology for an open house with lots of AT, treats and fun! UATP will have a booth.

From the Center for Persons with Disabilities blog: 'My other life: Sachin Pavithran’s high adventures'

Posted September 21, 2012 by JoLynne Lyon

UATP's director, Sachin Pavithran, jumps
from a 30-foot cliff at Lake Powell.

By Storee Powell

There are many thrill-seekers in the world, including people who are blind. The CPD’s Sachin Pavithran is one of them.

The director of the Utah Assistive Technology Program and blind advocate said, “I love thrill – anything that gives me a rush – especially extreme sporting. When people say I can’t do things because I’m blind, I do it just to show them I can.”

Read the rest of the story here.

UCAT Annual Open House Oct. 3

Everyone is invited! The event is free and open to the public. UATP will have a booth also.

iPods and Autism

Buzz about iPads and Autism is everywhere, but here's an article from Disability Scoop about iPods and Autism - "iPod May Ease Transition For Those With Autism".

The results in the basis of the article were obtained from a small case study — published this week in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Accessible Mobile Apps

Learn about some basic mobile apps for accessibility in 'An Introductory Set of Accessible Mobile Applications'. Accessibility ranges from apps for people with varying disabilities to apps that are just easy for everyone to use - or universal design. Smart phones are changing the way everyone does things, including making the world more accessible for people with disabilities.

Upcoming free webinar!

Learn about our free online training on Sept. 12 - this training is sponsored by the UATP and will cover T-Coils for hearing aids. Learn more under Upcoming Events & Trainings. RSVP by Sept. 7! See post for further details.

Self-Help Guide for Equal Access

FAAST, Inc., through support from the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and just in time for summer vacation, has completed research and development of a comprehensive 16-page general self-help resource guide, which can be found online at http://www.faast.org/sites/default/files/General%20Self%20Help%20Resource%20Guide.pdf.

This guide helps with equal access to rental cars, other vehicles, and lodging accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities under the ADA and ADA Amendments Act of 2008. This guide provides hyperlinks to informative websites; frequently asked questions (FAQs); factsheets; federal and state laws, regulations, and rules; and many other relevant and helpful resources. 

Low-tech ingenuity by ATPN

Great ideas for back to school assistive technology like iPad stands to AT for teaching art. Articles by Assistive Technology Program News.

Cache Valley native seeks Ms. Wheelchair America title

Brittany Cox, Ms. Wheelchair Utah 2012

Brittany Cox, a Cache Valley native, has accomplished a lot already, but next month she will try to add yet another achievement to the list: gaining the title of Ms. Wheelchair America.

Learn more about Brittany and how to support her with her bid for the title http://www.cpdusu.org/blog/2012/07/cache-valley-native-seeks-ms-wheelchair-america-title/. 

What is assistive technology video

Great video defining assistive technology and explaining where to find help with assistive technology in every state. Video by the Minnesota AT program.

AT training videos on a variety of topics

The Basic Assistive Technology Training in April by the Interagency Outreach Training Initiative (IOTI) has produced 11 training videos. Topics range from AT for the blind and deaf, AAC, accessible vehicle options, home modifications and more! Trainers were area experts and professionals. Watch all the videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/BasicATTraining/videos.

Home modification loans for Utahns with Disabilities

The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation, part of UATP, has increased loan amounts for home modifications to $25,000. Modifications make home life more accessible for people with disabilities. Utahns with disabilities may qualify. Learn more at www.uatf.org.

Apps database by Tools for Learning Georgia

The wait is over for a database of disability and educational related apps: http://www.gatfl.org/appreview/. The website is by the Georgia AT program, Tools for Learning. The database allows a search by disability/educational topic, cost and device type. A great resource for teachers and parents.

Effective Practices Conference 2012

During Utah State University's Effective Practices Conference, special education teachers from across the state visited the Assistive Technology Lab. Here, teachers learned about the computer lab that features accessible software and devices.

They learned about UATP services, as well as were given a tour of the AT Lab by Clay Christensen, lab coordinator.

Some of the unique devices built in the AT Lab were shown to the teachers. We can't wait to do it again next year!

Modified Walker

The Assistive Technology Lab modified a walker to fit a 7-foot tall individual from Brigham City. Such projects that are so individualized and unique are why the AT Lab exists - something that could not otherwise be acquired from the commercial market.

Fast Facts About UATP

1. What is the interest rate on UATF loans to purchase assistive technology? Half of current prime interest rate. Currently, this is 1.63 percent.

2. What does UATF stand for? Through what bank do we work with? The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation, which provides funding opportunities for Utahns with disabilities to buy assistive technology. Zion’s Bank partners with UATF to provide low-interest loans.

3. What year did the Utah Assistive Technology Program begin? 1989

4.  What is UATP’s website URL? www.uatpat.org

5. What is UATP’s blog URL? What is the purpose of the blog? Utahatprogram.blogspot.com – the blog provides up-to-date news, stories, resources, and archived training videos relating to assistive technology and the UATP.

6. What are the main services provided by the AT Lab? 1) Development and research, 2) Maintenance and repair, 3) Demonstrations and training and 4) Fabrication of assistive technology.

7. Do people have to pay for mobility devices from CReATE? How much? Yes, it is the cost of refurbishment which includes cleaning, repairs, and if needed, new batteries. The cost usually ranges between $250 and $500.

8.  True or False. UATF provides small business loans to individuals with disabilities. True. UATF partners with the Utah Microenterprise Loan Fund to provide up to $25,000 for small business loans for Utahns with disabilities to expand or start a small business. 

9.  UATP provides loans and grants for iPads. How much, who qualifies and how do they get one? Loans are a minimum of $500 and Utahns with disabilities may qualify for it. Grants are a maximum of $250, and Utahns with disabilities qualifying at 150% of the poverty level may be eligible. Also, an evaluation of the individual by a qualified professional is  required. For loans and grants, individuals should contact the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation.

10. What are the four main components of services provided by UATP? Device Reutilization, training and demonstrations of AT, funding, and fabrication of AT via the AT Lab.

11. Name three of the many social networks (aside from the blog) that UATP is on. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon.

12. A client wants to borrow an AT device. Where can they get it? If they are within a reasonable distance from the AT Lab, they have a small loan bank of devices. If they are in the Wasatch Front area, UCAT (Utah Center for Assistive Technology in SLC), provides this service. Statewide, Centers for Independent Living have a wide variety of devices that can be borrowed.

13. UATP provides online trainings about AT. Where are those archived? UATP’s YouTube channel (utahATprogram), and UATP’s blog (archived training tab).

14. Can CReATE pick-up a donated wheelchair? Yes, as a last resort. Because our CReATE technician has limited time to do this, it is best if the person can bring it to CReATE.

Local high school students take on assistive technology design challenge

This story originally ran on the CPD Blog: http://www.cpdusu.org/featuredstories/ATbathdevice/

By Storee Powell

No two design problems are the same in assistive technology, and there's an infinite amount of work to be done in the field.

This  was one thing high school students said they learned Saturday while building a prototype of a design challenge at the Utah Assistive Technology Lab on the Utah State University campus.

The students, who were from Wasatch Front high schools, were participating in a study being conducted by USU's Dr. Amy Alexander Wilson from the College of Education, and Dr. Dan Householder from USU's engineering college. The study is part of a grant received from the National Science Foundation. 

  

The study is to learn how students approach a design problem.

"Saturday allowed the students to build a prototype of their design that was based on a real problem for a client of the AT Lab. We are finding in our research that if the topic is of interest to the students personally, they handle the design process better," Householder said.

When the students were interviewed before the project began, they told Householder and Wilson they wanted to build a device that would assist an individual. Their ideas fell into the engineering category of assistive technology, which is defined as any item that is used to improve quality of life and increase  independence for individuals with disabilities.

Wilson and Householder approached the lab to see if having the students work on a real problem for a client of the AT Lab was a possibility. The goal of the Utah Assistive Technology Program, which oversees the AT Lab, is not only to assist Utahns with disabilities obtain and use assistive technology but to teach professionals and students about assistive technology and its impact on individuals. 

One student said, "Learning about assistive technology took engineering out of the classroom, and I learned about real life situations - how I can apply it to an actual career.  I like that this aspect of engineering was really helping people."

The design challenge proposed by the AT Lab was a bathing transfer system that would help a young man in Ogden who has muscular dystrophy. Clay Christensen, AT Lab coordinator, had built an earlier prototype, but needed to refine the frame. (The device includes a part that is similar to a cot on a support system. Once the device is slid into the bath area, it straddles the tub.)

"This was the perfect opportunity. We were able to improve this device for our client and I was able to see how someone else approached this design problem," Christensen said.

Christensen oversaw the project building and helped teach students about assistive technology. The students learned a few things during their time at the lab, like how to cut the PVC pipe used to build the bathing transfer device. PVC was a good material because it was lightweight, could handle moisture and would fit in the available space.

After the building the device, another student realized assistive technology engineering might be the field for him. "I've always wanted to go into field work and help people like my parents do, who are doctors, but I didn't want to go into the medical field. This project has shown me I can help people through engineering."

The design created by the students will be cataloged by the AT Lab in case there is another client in the future with a similar need.  UATP is now seeking a patent.