TECHNOLOGY
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
An assistive technology device is "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (P.L. 108-364). Assistive devices may be as simple as a piece of foam which makes a spoon easier to grasp, or as complex as a computer that responds to voice commands.
Assistive technology services are "any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (P.L. 108-364). These services may include adapting a toy so that it may be operated by a child with disabilities, installing grab bars for an older person to increase his/her safety in the home, or teaching an individual to use a Braille note-taking device.
Links
- What is Assistive Technology?
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Plan for Assistive Technology (download, Word-213KB)
- Assistive Technology Resource Centers
- Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library
- REEP—Recycled Equipment Exchange Project
- TDDP—Telecommunication Device Distribution Program
- Assistive Technology Device Demonstration
- Funding for Assistive Technology
- Related Websites
For More Information, Please Contact PIAT
Telephone
Voice: 800-204-PIAT (7428), in state
TTY: 866-268-0579, in state
Voice/TTY: 215-204-1356
Email
ATinfo@temple.edu
Mailing Address
Institute on Disabilities
1755 N. 13th Street
Student Center, Room 411S
Philadelphia, PA 19122
