|
Professionals and students work together to build a custom-made seat for a young child with disabilities. |
Training program brings low-tech assistive technology techniques to communities in rural Utah
Earlier this year, Logan AT Lab Coordinator Clay Christensen participated in an event that inspired us all. He teamed up with
CPD occupational therapist Amy Henningsen to help people from different backgrounds make assistive technology--and their creations
addressed specific needs of people from the community.
Building on that idea, the
Utah Assistive Technology Program at Utah State University will begin teaching low-tech assistive technology methods to students, teachers, parents, and professionals in rural Utah, thanks to a grant funded by the Center for Persons with Disabilities's
Interagency Outreach and Training Initiative. These workshops will address an identified need of a person in the community, and local students and professionals will have the chance to participate in a hands-on exercise to design and build a low-tech device.
Some examples of devices that could be built:
- A custom-made chair that helps a child with low muscle tone sit upright and in the correct position;
- An iPad holder that allows a person with limited motor skills to access an iPad independently;
- A device that helps a person with limited mobility get in and out of bed safely.
Want us to come to your town? Contact
Alma Burgess. Let's build something!