Assistive Technology (AT) refers to the tools we use to make life easier: the many devices, items, technologies, and gadgets that are around to keep people living as independently as possible. AT can come from specific companies, or it can be custom made to fit people’s needs. The stereotype is that assistive technology is difficult to learn and unattainable, but actually AT can be as simple as placing a tactile marker on a microwave, to help identify where to turn the knob. Canes, iPads, hearing aids, reflective tape, smartphones, wheelchairs, and even Velcro are examples of assistive technology.
The purpose and goals of the AT program here at disABILITY LINK is to let people know about the available options in AT, and to support people in learning how to use AT in order to maintain or increase independence. Assistive technology is used for all kinds of activities: hearing, seeing, engaging in sports, reading, bathing, talking, driving, walking, employment or any otherwise-impossible activity without some type of AT.
Services: We provide one on one services to help work towards your goals. In addition, we provide a variety of workshops to learn about different Assistive Technology.
AT Demo Area
Thanks to a partnership with Georgia Tools for Life (www.gatfl.org), and other organizations, we have an AT demo area where individuals can come and try out equipment and learn more about what is available.
Loan Closet
Borrowing a device is free of charge, and anyone is eligible to participate—individuals, families, schools, and businesses. When we don’t have a device available we try to refer you to someone who may have the item. People borrow devices through our loan closet for many reasons: to accommodate a guest, offer support for an employee, or to try a device before it’s purchased. Whatever your interest is, you are welcome to stop by disABILITY LINK to check out our inventory.
Here are a few of the items we carry: video magnifiers; long distance viewing glasses; portable listening devices; screen readers for the visually impaired; amplified phones; large print keyboards; electronic book readers; wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and much, much more.
disABILITY LINK welcomes donations of durable medical equipment and other technology and items that are in good working condition for redistribution to our consumers. If you have an item for donation, please call disABILITY to ensure that there is both room for storage and/or someone in need of the device. All donations made are tax deductible and we can provide a donation letter to you at the time of receipt. If you are in need of a specific item, please call in or e-mail us.
Workshops
Tech Talk Tuesday:
Every 2nd Tuesday from 1:00-2:30 pm, disABILITY LINK provides presentations and demonstrations of assistive technology. Classes are held in the activity room at disABILITY LINK and are open to all to attend.
American Sign Language:
Every 2nd Wednesday, at 11:00AM-12:00PM disABILITY LINK provides basic American Sign Language classes. The material will be presented in a way that is fun and easy to learn. Classes are held in the conference room at disABILITY LINK and are open to all to attend.
Tech Tools Wednesday:
Every 4th Wednesday at 11:00AM-12PM disABILITY LINK will highlight various assistive technologies that are available to the deaf and hard of hearing community. We will present the most current and cutting edge devices.