Assistive Technology: another way to support family caregivers

November was National Family Caregivers Month. On our blog, Connie Pehrson outlined some ways to support people who look after family members with disabilities. And she noted that assistive technology (AT) can help make everyday living easier.

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.”

What's more, not all AT is high-tech. Some is simple and affordable--and help is available for items that are more expensive.

AT 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, electronic devices.  Other AT is available for people with limited hearing or vision.

Many adaptive devices can be customized to meet the needs of the individual. Read more about assistive technology--and ways to make it affordable--on our blog.

CPD 40th Anniversary notes: What were the great moments in Utah's disability history?

The CPD's 40th Anniversary Celebration continues with a look back at important moments in disability history. Our next project will focus on the state of Utah. 

Did you know that Utah passed a law guaranteeing special education students a free and fair education before federal law required it nationwide? Or that in the 1980s, some Utahns with disabilities mounted a series of demonstrations aimed at making public transportation accessible? Have you been to the gallery in Salt Lake City that features artists with and without disabilities, side by side? (The Art Access program has been around since 1984. For a look inside its doors, visit our blog.)

These gems are the start of a timeline that will ultimately be featured on posters in the Utah State Capitol during the upcoming legislative session, and we welcome your help in growing our collection. Are there moments in Utah's disability history that stand out to you? Did a change in policy affect you? If so we'd love to hear from you. Contact JoLynne Lyon to share your story. 

Our anniversary isn't just about looking back. We're also looking forward to some exciting events in the future. To keep abreast of the celebration, visit our 40 Year Legacy page.