Assistive Technology (AT):
[AT Clinics - Adults, Children and Youth]
[Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center (MARC) ]
[WVATS Advisory Council]
[Information Technology and Web Accessibility]
AT Training:
[Computer Access Assessment Training Institute (CAATI)]
[AT Fundamentals Course]
[Training Fact Sheet]
Publications:
[Newsletters]
[Fact Sheets]
[Funding Guides]
[Housing in West Virginia]
[Accessible Recreation in West Virginia]
WVATS Information:
[Assistive Technology State Plan]
[Staff Listing]
[What's New]
Recent Activities:
[2006]
[2005]
[2004]
Events and Resources:
[WV Summer Activities for Children] [State and National Links]
[AT Product List]
What is WVATS?
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) is dedicated to increasing awareness of and accessibility to assistive technology (AT) for West Virginians of all ages and all types of disabilities.
WVATS federal funding offers an avenue for individuals with disabilities to explore what AT they need to become more independent at home, school, work, and in their communities.
The WVATS Core Office provides leadership and coordination for state-wide activities, technical assistance, materials development, database management, and systems change activities.
WVATS Regional Resource Centers provide AT lending libraries, toll-free information hotlines, and AT demonstrations.
WVATS and the Resource Centers have advisory boards, 60% of whose members are individuals with disabilities or their family members.
Assistive Technology
What is the Assistive Technology State Plan?
- Federal funding to each state supports an assistive technology state plan to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.
- State Plan goals are to develop and implement:
- Assistive technology recycling and exchange programs
- Assistive technology loan programs
- Assistive technology demonstration programs
- The WVATS Advisory Council monitors, advises and assists in implementing State Plan goals.
Fifty-one percent of its members are individuals with disabilities or their family members who use assistive technology. Other members include representatives from state agencies and disability organizations.
What is Assistive Technology?
-
Assistive technology is any device used to perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. These devices can be as complex as computers with screen reading software or as simple as Velcro used in place of buttons or shoe laces.
- Assistive technology services help people learn how to choose, acquire and use assistive devices.
How Does WVATS Implement the State Plan?
- By providing information and referral through toll free hotlines
- By loaning assistive technology devices to help people choose the most effective way to meet their needs
- By helping improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology in the State Plan areas of emphasis:
- Education
- Employment
- Community living
- Information and telecommunications
- By providing training and technical assistance to service providers, families and persons with disabilities
- By collaborating with state agencies, non-profit organizations and other groups to plan assistive technology projects
- By increasing public awareness about assistive technology through exhibits, fact sheets, workshops and the WVATS newsletter and web page
CED AT Clinic
The Assistive Technology Clinic provides assessments for individuals of all ages in the areas of computer access, environmental controls, recreation, sensory impairments, adaptation to home environments and activities of daily living. For more information or to schedule an assessment, call 877-724-8244 toll free.
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System operates with a State Plan approved by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. It is an interagency collaboration between the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the designated state agency and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED), the implementing agency.
All printed materials produced by WVATS are available in Braille, electronic format, cassette tape and large print.
|
