WVU CED program partners with Marshall University to bring assistive technology to more West Virginians

The West Virginia Assistive Technology System has partnered with Marshall University to bolster their assistive technology lending library.

Monday, November 11, 2024

(L-R: Kelly Young, CCC-SLP, Marshall University speech-language pathologist and assistant professor of communication disorders; Faith Mackenzie, WVATS AT specialist; Mandy Huey, WVATS AT assistant; Doug Cumpston, MBA, ATP, WVATS principal investigator and program manager; Allie Morlock, WVATS AT specialist; Sarah Clemins, CCC-SLP, Marshall University associate professor, Director of Clinical Education Communication Disorders.)

The West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities is working with the Marshall University Department of Communication Disorders to increase access and bring assistive technology to more West Virginians.

AT is any product or service that makes tasks easier or possible for individuals with disabilities or limitations. The West Virginia Assistive Technology System, which is part of the WVU CED, provides services and resources to help West Virginians of all ages and abilities make informed decisions about AT. This includes operating a robust virtual loan library where West Virginia residents can borrow AT devices for free for up to 30 days. The WVATS team also helps family members, employers, educators, health care providers and more by offering AT demonstrations and evaluations.

WVATS is a unique addition to the Marshall University Department of Communication Disorders and the Oshel Lending Library, named after Dolly and Pat Oshel who started the Marshall lending library to educate parents and serve families. Bolstering an AT library in another part of the state will broaden access to devices for all West Virginians, according to WVATS program manager and principal investigator Doug Cumpston.

“This partnership gives West Virginians a greater chance to discover AT,” said Cumpston. “Because we’re such a rural state, people can tend to stay within their own region. As this loan library grows, people going to Marshall University for clinics and services now have more opportunities to learn about AT and how it can help them and their families.”

WVATS is located at the CED’s Morgantown office. When people use the virtual loan library to borrow devices, they can return them directly to the CED or ship them back. Adding more items to the Marshall library makes borrowing and returning AT items more convenient for those living in the southern parts of the state.

“We are excited to partner with WVATS to serve our community,” said Marshall University speech-language pathologist and assistant professor Kelly Young, CCC-SLP. “This partnership will allow the Marshall University Department of Communication Disorders to expand the size and scope of our lending library. It will empower clients and families with innovative tools that promote communication and independence, ultimately transforming their everyday experiences.”

The Oshel Lending Library is one of many services provided by the Marshall Speech and Hearing Center. Part of the Department of Communication Disorders and housed within the Marshall University College of Health Professions, the Center also offers individual and group communication and swallowing services for individuals across the lifespan.

WVATS is always looking to partner with other universities, organizations and state agencies to expand access to AT in West Virginia. To learn more, contact WVATS at wvats@hsc.wvu.edu or 800-841-8436.

-WVU-

CONTACT: Melina Danko
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
304-293-4265; mdanko@hsc.wvu.edu