Assistive Technology Programs

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) applies assistive technology solutions to enable functionality for people with disabilities. “An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Assistive Technology Act of 1998

Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, the assistive technology programs help people with disabilities gain independence in various activities of daily living. When disability involves the loss of function, rehabilitation can often assist with regaining lost skills. If the individual is unable to recover these skills, a piece of equipment or a tool may be a solution towards increased independence. Technology is an invaluable asset in empowering people with disabilities. It can facilitate function, mobility or communication that was once thought to be impossible.

Wheelchair  Seating & Positioning Center

Mobility allows a person to lead a more productive existence. If an individual is unable to walk, an appropriate mobility base and seating system is available to help perform functional skills.

Seating

Comfortable, well-positioned seating is often the key to stability and ease of function. Seating should be one of the first things addressed once the person is out of bed, before any other assistive technology is considered.

For example, providing appropriate support for individuals unable to sit independently allows them to use their arms for everyday tasks instead of having to constantly prop themselves up. Proper seating can assist with breathing, digestion, head control, use of the arms, alleviation of pain and reduced potential for skin breakdown. Positioning devices used in wheelchairs can assist an individual in maintaining a desired posture. These devices include a cushions, backrests, headrests and trunk, arm and leg supports. Additional positioning devices include adapted car seats, other sitting devices and standers.

Mobility/Wheelchairs

The therapists in the Wheelchair Seating & Positioning Center also work with individuals to evaluate and recommend mobility devices. These include pediatric strollers, manual wheelchairs, scooters, powered wheelchairs and specialty wheelchairs that tilt, recline, elevate, stand or climb stairs. 

The evaluation covers physical and cognitive abilities as well as environmental and community issues related to access. The Wheelchair Seating & Postioning Center works closely with rehabilitation technology suppliers (companies that distribute the equipment) and manufacturers (companies that make the products). The supplier is present at each evaluation and delivery to ensure the best results.

The Wheelchair and Seating Center also has many pieces of demonstration equipment available for the individual to see, touch and try before the final recommendation is made. The therapists, suppliers and rehabilitation engineers are able to customize commercially available pieces of equipment as needed by the individual.

The Technology Center for the Environment, Computer & Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Disability very often involves the loss of dexterity, mobility and sometimes affects speech as well. These losses can lead a person with a disability to become almost completely dependent on others, which can be frustrating and demoralizing for the individual. 

The RIC Technology Center strives to return this independence with the best possible care and a variety of options to meet the needs of the individual. A major component of this effort provides augmentative communication devices for individuals who cannot speak (for example, those who have suffered a stroke or have cerebral palsy). These devices allow their users to interact with others more easily and effectively. Devices range in complexity from low-tech options (such as a manual communication board that allows a child to scan and point to letters, numbers or pictures) to high-tech devices that may be computer-based and provide speech output (synthesized and/or digitized speech). These devices can be controlled via a single switch, joystick or alternate keyboard and provide a means by which individuals can express themselves non-verbally.

Control of the Environment (Electronic Activities of Daily Living, EADLs)

For people with limited mobility or hand control, basic household devices like the telephone, television and light switches are often very difficult to operate. The Technology Center provides clients with electronic aids to daily living systems that enable operation of these devices through a single switch, keypad or voice command.  

Computer Access

Specialized hardware and software computer solutions are available at the RIC Technology Center for individuals with extremely limited mobility. Adaptations include miniature or enlarged keyboards, alternative mouse inputs and head-controlled or voice-activated systems. These devices allow for operation of all aspects of a computer, including navigation, text entry and manipulation of menu items, enabling clients to live with greater independence and comfort.

RIC Lester B. Knight Technology Lending Library

The RIC Lester B. Knight Technology Lending Library makes communication devices and electronic aids available for short-term loans to eligible individuals. This is especially helpful to people waiting for an insurer’s approval of such a device, individuals with a progressive illness (who are often denied coverage for such devices by insurers), or someone who only needs the device for a brief recovery period. When a client needs assistive technology, they often need it immediately in order to fully participate in life. The insurance approval process for most of these devices can take up to three months, leaving a client unable to effectively communicate with others or function in a safe manner. The RIC Technology Lending Library allows individuals to use the technology they need, when they need it, regardless of their prognosis or insurance approval.

Rehabilitation Engineering Center

The Clinical Rehabilitation Engineering Center is a unique service offered to RIC patients. Engineers, designers and technicians collaborate to provide clients with individualized assistive technology. This includes customized seating systems, modifications for switches and wheelchair controls, adapting buttons on phones and other devices for independent use and designing and fabricating equipment for individuals to perform ADLS.

Examples include:

• Providing means for a double amputee to hold her baby
• Enabling an individual with no grasp and limited range at the elbow to shave himself
• Adapting a cell phone so an individual can access the tiny buttons
• Putting a handle on a toy to allow a child to hold it when playing
• Fabricating unique components for the rehabilitation engineering research team
• Mounting a communication system on a wheelchair when commercially available mounts do not work
• Providing home modifications to allow a person to stay in their home
• Creating a work station to allow an individual to go back to work

The rehabilitation engineering staff works closely with individuals, their families, therapists, physicians and researchers to problem solve situations in order to meet the individual's unique needs.

For more information, call our Toll Free Referral and Information Line: 1-800-354-REHAB (7342), or visit the locations page of our Web site.