More About Assistive Technology (AT)
What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
It’s an item or a piece of equipment that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life, including school, at work, at home and in the community.
For example, if you’re caring for someone with dementia, you may worry about their falling, wandering, or getting lost. Certain types of AT can help like an Emergency Response System with GPS. A loved one with a physical or cognitive impairment can use AT to make activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, and toileting, a little easier.
Some Assistive technology can be as simple as a hearing aid or cane, or as sophisticated as a voice-activated computer system or mechanical hoist to lift and turn someone in bed. AT is considered “low tech”—canes, magnifiers, and pill organizers—while “high-tech” assistive devices include computer applications and programs, sensors, and smartphone and tablet applications or systems.
What kind of AT should I get for my loved one?
With numerous AT devices on the market, it can be challenging to determine which products are best for your loved one. Here are a few basic tips to help you in this task:
• Focus on the actual tasks your loved one wants or needs to do when choosing devices.
• Pick the simplest product available to meet the need.
• Ask other people with disabilities what products they have found to be helpful.
• Ask experts who provide care for your loved one, like rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, about which type of technology might be best. Here at ARC, we have AT Specialists who can also help.
• Ask to use the device on a trial basis to see if it is truly going to meet your loved one’s needs.
• Ultimately, your loved one’s opinion about a certain piece of AT is the most important. The device needs to be comfortable, attractive, and simple to use.
How do I pay for AT?
Some government programs and other funding sources will help pay for some medical equipment, also called “durable medical equipment” (DME) such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, if prescribed by a physician or otherwise determined to be medically necessary. However, other independent living aids, like grab bars, bathmats, and dressing aids, are typically not covered.
The following funding sources and agencies may help you purchase certain kinds of AT devices:
• Medicare
• Medicaid, particularly waiver programs
• Private health insurance plans
• Public service organizations like FODAC, United Way, iCANConnect and Easter Seals
• Credit-Able, Dollars & Sense
• National Family Caregiver Support Program
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Local Centers for Independent Living
• Local Area Agencies on Aging – Aging and Disability Resource Connection
How can the ADRC in the Atlanta region help?
The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) serves as a key access point for information and support services across the Atlanta region, which includes the following counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale.
Services Offered:
- Connect individuals to assistive technology resources
- Recommend visits to local AT labs such as Georgia Tech’s Tools for Life Lab or the Cobb County AT Lab
- Provide guidance and referrals for long-term care supports and services
Contact Information:
- Atlanta Region ADRC/Empowerline: Call 404-463-3333
- Statewide Access: Call 1-866-552-4464 (Press Option 2, then Option 4) or visit www.georgiaadrc.com
National Resources:
- Visit USAging.org or eldercare.acl.gov for nationwide information and assistance.