Technology Center for the Computer, Environment & Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

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

The Technology Center strives to offer the best possible care and a wide variety of options in order to meet clients’ individual needs. A major component of this effort provides augmentative communication devices for individuals who cannot speak (those who have suffered a stroke or have cerebral palsy, for example). 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 non-speaking people can express themselves in all areas of their lives.

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.  

Computer Access

In addition, the Technology Center provides specialty hardware and software computer solutions (miniature or enlarged keyboards, alternative mouse inputs and head-controlled or voice-activated systems) to accommodate the needs of people with extremely limited mobility secondary to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis, or spinal cord injury. For instance, a person with a high spinal cord injury, unable to move below the neck, can operate all aspects of a computer, including navigation, text entry and manipulation of menu items, using the voice-activated system. These adaptations allow clients to live more comfortably and independently.

Lester B. Knight Technology Lending Library

The Technology Center also implemented the Lester B. Knight Technology Lending Library, through which individuals may be eligible for a short-term loan of a communication device or electronic aid to daily living system. 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 participate fully in life. Unfortunately, the insurance approval process for most of these devices can take up to three months, leaving a client unable to communicate with others or function safely. The Technology Lending Library allows individuals to use the technology they need, when they need it, regardless of their prognosis or insurance approval.

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.