“For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.”
The Technology Enhancing Capabilities (TEC) Lab was established in 2018 to assist people with intellectual disabilities, mobility impairments, mental illness, and the aging to identify and implement assistive technology solutions. To put the scope of this need in perspective, an astounding 1 in 5 Americans are affected by at least one of these conditions.
So, what exactly is assistive technology? Assistive technology is any product, piece of equipment, or program - whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized - that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. The scope of assistive technology is broad and solutions range from the high tech (tablets, environmental controls, and robotic as examples) to the low tech (adaptive eating utensils, bath lifts, and reachers as examples).
At the TEC Lab, we know that technology can profoundly and positively affect the lives of millions of Americans by increasing independence, restoring dignity, and promoting confidence. However, the apparently endless array of technologies on the market can be intimidating to many people. The good news is that the knowledgeable and experienced staff at the TEC Lab can discuss technology solutions and answer questions in simple, easy to understand language. And, each consultation is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the person or people involved.
Some of the challenges that we commonly receive referrals for include, but are not limited to:
Methods for caregivers to track people who are highly vulnerable (for example, people with advancing Alzheimer’s and others who are predisposed to wander and place themselves in unsafe situations).
Products that prevent damage to environments (for example, people with memory problems and those inexperienced with cooking may need additional supports in place to reduce the likelihood of a kitchen fire).
Methods for ensuring personal safety (for example, people with a high fall risk and those with complicated medication regimes often benefit from automated supports).
Products that improve accessibility (for example, many people with little or no verbal communication or those who are difficult to understand can benefit from both high and low tech devices).
Products that allow for independence in routine tasks (for example, people with tremors or limited mobility may struggle with eating and personal care).