Assistive Technology

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

SMILES assists people with disabilities as they work to eliminate barriers faced on a daily basis.  Assistive technology is a primary tool in this effort.

• Any customized item, piece of equipment or product system used to improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology applies to daily living, education, employment, and recreation needs.
• Program is available to consumers with disabilities, family members, service providers, and the community at large.
• Assessments are provided to help determine the assistive technology needs regarding daily living, employment, education and recreation.
• If a device has been identified for use, training and one-on-one support is available to a consumer in its use.
• Regional Technology Center allows consumers, family members, and service providers to learn about assistive technology in a hands-on environment.
• SMILES provides a Lending and Demonstration Library containing a large number of assistive technology devices, including items for daily living, various types of computer keyboards, adaptive computer mice, vision and hearing related items.
• The Lending and Demonstration library allows consumers to try a piece of technology in their home or work environment to see if it will fulfill their need(s).
• Items in the Lending and Demonstration Library are available to loan for 30 days to consumers looking at various forms of assistive technology.
• The Loan Program allows a consumer the opportunity to try a device to see if itfulfills the need without having to purchase the item first.

• SMILES organizes various Assistive Technology demonstrations with the Region 9 area demonstrating the use of assistive technology.
• Demonstrations are held at Nursing Homes, Independent Living & Assisted Living Complexes, Service Clubs, County Agencies, Community Expos, Schools, and other Service Providers, etc…