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Assistive Technology (A.T.) Brochure

What Is A.T.?

For individuals with disabilities, assistive technology (A.T.) improves access to education, employment, independent living, recreation, and participation in the community. A.T. devices and A.T. services provide vital supports to individuals with disabilities.

A.T. Device Examples

Hearing and alerting devices such as hearing aids, assistive listening systems, flashing light doorbells, and vibrating alarms.
Computer and phone access devices such as alternative keyboards, screen readers, screen magnification software, and mobile devices with specialized apps.
Daily living aids such as adapted kitchen tools, eating utensils, and dressing aids.
Vehicle modifications such as ramps, lifts, and hand controls.
Walking and mobility devices such as power wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and gait trainers.
Vision devices such as magnifiers, Braille displays, large print materials, and tactile labeling tools.
Recreation and leisure devices such as switch-adapted toys, adaptive sports equipment, and accessible musical instruments.

A.T. Service Examples

Evaluating an individual’s A.T. needs.
Training on new devices or on existing technology with unused features.
Customizing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing A.T. devices.
Directly assisting an individual with a disability in selecting, acquiring, or using an A.T. service.

You should think about A.T. by identifying functional needs rather than by disability. What is it the device will help a person with a disability do? Some examples include: will it help the user type or read text, hear the TV, dial the phone, or rise more easily from a chair?

Protection and Advocacy for [Individuals in Need of] Assistive Technology (PAAT)

Disability Rights Florida (DRF) is the designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. The P&A system exists to ensure the safety, well-being, and success of people with disabilities.

Authorized by Congress in the Assistive Technology Act, the PAAT grant provides funding for DRF to assist individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives in accessing technology devices and assistive technology services.

DRF accomplishes this through provision of:

Information and Referral services and dedicated Assistive Technology resource links on our website
Advocacy and Self-Advocacy support
Legal representation

Only individuals with disabilities are eligible for our services. However, anyone may contact Disability Rights Florida for A.T. and disability-related information and referral. PAAT funding does not allow DRF to pay for assistive technology or services for our clients.

When Should You Call DRF Concerning Assistive Technology?

You are the parent of a student with a disability who needs A.T. to get the education they are entitled to, and the school is not providing the device or service.
You are denied a medically necessary device like a wheelchair or shower chair by Medicaid, Medicare, or another health insurance provider.
You were denied a housing accommodation like a ramp or grab rail to live more independently in your home environment.
You are a client of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and need an A.T. device in order to get or successfully do a job, but the VR counselor will not provide it as part of your IPE.
You need resources or information on assistive technology, or other types of services to live independently.

Contacting Disability Rights Florida

If you, or someone you know, is having difficulty getting needed assistive technology, call us. An intake specialist will ask for some general information about you and a brief summary of your issue. Your information is then submitted for review. Our services are free and confidential.

ONLINE: DisabilityRightsFlorida.org
TOLL FREE: 800-342-0823
TDD: 800-346-4127

Additional Florida Contact for A.T. Related Activities

The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, or FAAST, is a program that offers a range of A.T. related activities, including device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, and training. FAAST provides information and assistance, as well as a financing program available state-wide. Find out more about FAAST on their website at https://faast.org or call them at 1-844-353-2278.

Additional Information

Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. The P&A system exists to ensure the safety, well-being, and success of people with disabilities.

Disability Rights Florida is a non-profit organization funded by a variety of sources. For a complete list of funders, go to www.DisabilityRightsFlorida.org/funders. The information provided herein does not constitute legal representation or advice.

Disability Rights Florida
2473 Care Drive, Suite 200
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
800-342-0823 | TTY: 800-346-4127
www.DisabilityRightsFlorida.org

Download the Assistive Technology (A.T.) Brochure

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