Assistive Technology Services
Ability 1st Utah offers two different types of services for Assistive Technology.
- The first is the evaluation and assessment for the need of equipment for consumers and the equipment loan bank. The Assistive Technology Coordinator can assist with the process of obtaining resources for the purchase or repair of equipment.
- They also work to help people with disabilities to understand how to use equipment and devices, such as ramps, wheelchairs, and computers.
Assistive Technology (AT) includes devices, products, and services which allow people with disabilities to move freely in their home and community environments, obtain jobs and maintain their independence.
AT devices include wheelchairs, scooters, ramps, communication devices, hearing aids, bathing devices, to name a few.
Who is the program for?
This program was designed for anyone with any disability who is in need of different ways to accommodate their needs through technology.
This can include low or high tech AT items. All ages are included in this program.
What do services include?
The program’s services include formal and informal assessments, advocacy, information and referral, and equipment trails.
- Assistive technology evaluation serves to assist individuals with disabilities in making informed choices about adaptive equipment, and also helps to find the most cost effective ways to meet their adaptive equipment needs.
- We help identify useful adaptive equipment, as well as vendor and funding resources.
- We also provide follow-up training services to assist individuals with disabilities in effectively maintaining their AT devices.
Eligibility Requirements
Program applicant must be a person with a disability who meets income eligibility guidelines for paid AT services.
How much does it cost?
Program assessment is free of charge.
Assistive Technology Success Story:
L.H. contacted Ability 1st Utah because he needed equipment that would help him to get around in his home. He was referred to our Assistive Technology program for equipment to help with that mobility. I met with L.H. and during his assessment it was determined that a lift chair would best meet his needs. When L.H. received the lift chair he called to tell me it really improved his independence and his ability to stand up and down on his own without having to rely on his wife. He said “thank you so much, this is going to be wonderful!!” He is recovering from surgery on his foot and that using the chair is making a huge difference for him. He said that before, he stayed mainly in the bedroom on the bed watching TV but now he can go out into living room. I told him that I was glad that I was able to help him.