The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) will present a FREE online interactive training, T-Coil: A hidden benefit to hearing aids, on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. 

This free training, presented by Mitch Moyers from the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will cover a feature that many hearing aids have, but are often ignored, or unknown. Many people are not aware they can have this feature included as part of their hearing aid, or are not familiar with the technology.

This training will cover how a T-Coil benefits the hearing aid user and what accessories are available to promote better hearing and access to hearing aid users. Bluetooth may be all the rage, but the T-coil has long been a cheap and reliable technology for many users.

Mitch Moyers is currently the Outreach Program Manager at the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where he also oversees the assistive technology program. His duties include research for new, emerging technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers. With the rapid advance of technology for hearing-loss in the market today, Mitch hopes to be able to make sense of it all!

In order to participate, you will need a computer with high-speed Internet access. If you are interested in participating please RSVP by Friday, September 7, to Storee Powell via email storee.powell@usu.edu, or call 435-797-7412. Participant instructions will be emailed to you.

If you are a screen reader user please contact Sachin Pavithran at 435-797-6572 or sachin.pavithran@usu.edu, no later than Monday, September 10 to make arrangements to participate via phone. If you need any other accommodations in order to participate in the training please let Sachin know by this date also.

The Let’s Talk! blog gives our readers a chance to let us know how they feel about the issues and concerns that affect the lives of people with disabilities and their families and to hear what others think.

New technology is being developed every day.  It is a part of almost every child’s life; from cell phones, to electronic toys and games.  Technology has even found its way into the classroom, helping teachers engage students who may learn best in other ways.

A growing number of families with children who have special needs are purchasing iPad tablet computers for their children.  There are many applications that are available that can be used to help children to communicate more easily and to build new skills.

In this Let’s Talk! blog, we would like to hear from our readers about:

What technology is your child using? 

How has it helped your child?

What apps would you recommend to other parents to try with their child?

Please share with us your experiences using technology with your child in the comment section below.

This month, National Family Caregivers Month, we have been talking about family caregivers and the kinds of support that they need in order to continue to provide this valuable service for a loved one.

Many caregivers go without supportive services that could help reduce the challenges of providing care.  Our last family caregiver blog outlined some of the resources and supports that are available to caregivers.

Another source of support for family caregivers comes in the form of assistive technology and home modifications.

Assistive technology includes mobility devices like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, to help someone who has trouble getting around. There are AT devices to help people with limited hand or arm function remain independent, such as an adaptive lever for a reclining chair, or a built up handle on a utensil. Communication AT is available for people who have difficulty speaking; they range from simple picture word cards to more sophisticated devices for electronic technology.  Other AT is available for people with limited hearing or vision.

Many adaptive devices can be customized to meet the needs of the individual.

The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) at the CPD specializes in working with individuals and creating  AT devices that answer a specific need.  The AT lab staff have built everything from wheelchair lifts for cars, a standing device so a six-year old can balance and play his Wii Fit, to a latch stimulation board for Alzheimer patients at a local nursing home.

According to Clay Christensen, AT Lab Coordinator, “That is what we are all about at the Assistive Technology Lab, changing lives for the better.”

Home modifications can be made as a person’s health and ability declines.  These can include grab bars and shower seats, as well as portable ramps for wheelchairs or electric scooters.  Hospital beds, commodes, and incontinence supplies can also be obtained from a healthcare supply store.

Financial help is possible through various programs to help with AT equipment or home modifications.  The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation at the CPD partners with Zion’s Bank to provide low-interest loans to help people acquire the equipment and make the modifications that they need.

As family caregivers become aware of the many resources that are available to them, they will find the supports that they need to continue to care for their loved one.

We take our hats off to those family caregivers who make life easier for their loved ones.

This is the last in a series of four blogs about the role and services provided by family caregivers across the nation.