Assistive Technology (AT)

What is Assistive Technology & What Resources are Available to Help You Get What You Need?

Over the past 12 years, OSCIL's Home Access and Adaptive Equipment Program has provided information and assistance to individuals with significant disabilities to meet independent living goals which can only be obtained with the addition of adaptive equipment or the removal of some barrier in their home. OSCIL is a partner agency in the Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP), a statewide project funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.  ATAP works to reduce or eliminate barriers that impede access to and funding for assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities.
If you have a disability and are looking for ways to address barriers in your home or community, Assistive Technology (AT) may provide solutions to your needs.  Learn more about Assistive Technology and how it can help.

What is Assistive Technology?

 Assistive Technology (AT) is any tool, equipment or service designed to help develop, maintain, or improve your ability to function in all aspects of your life.  AT helps people of all ages who may have disabilities or limitations.

How Can Assistive Technology Help? 

For someone who does not have use of his/her hands, AT may mean a no-worry dinner thanks to a special fork grip or plate guard.  To a child or adult who cannot use his/her own voice, AT may mean a communication device to chat with a friend.  To a person who is visually impaired, AT can mean an adapted computer to use at school or work.  With AT, people with disabilities can find freedom and independence, which allows them to fully participate in their home, community and workplace.

Who Can Help Me Find Out What AT is Available to Meet My Needs?

The ATAP Partnership
The Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) is a statewide project funded under the federal Assistive Technology Act of 1998. The RI ATAP project focuses its efforts on providing opportunities for people to learn about the array of AT options, to try out different devices, to borrow devices to help with purchasing decisions, to obtain equipment through re-cycling and device exchange programs.

ATAP Partners:

Office of Rehabilitation Services
40 Fountain Street, Providence, RI 02903
401-421-7005 ext. 373 or 326 (V)
401-421-7016 (TTY)
Program Contact: Kathleen Grygiel
Website: www.atap.state.ri.us
E-mail: kgrygiel@ors.ri.gov

The Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) is the lead agency and coordinates the overall activities and funds for the RI Assistive Technology Program.  ORS offers device exchange and is exploring alternative financing options; and operates a demonstration and AT loan program for VR customers. ORS functions as the liaison to federal and national resources.

Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889
401-738-1013 (V) ~ 401-738-1015 (TTY) ~ 866-857-1161 (Toll-Free)
Program Contact:  Lezlee Shaffer
Website: www.oscil.org
Email: info@oscil.org

The Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) is the Resource Center for Elders and Individuals with Sensory Impairments.  OSCIL provides links to Independent Living resources; nursing home transition activities, offers one-to-one direct services including hands-on demonstration of AT to assist with activities of daily living; provides referrals to vendors; and makes available information on AT funding sources.

PARI Independent Living Center
500 Prospect Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-725-1966 (V/TTY)
Program Contact:  Allen Parent-Wetmore
Website:  www.pari-ilc.org
Email: aparent@pari-ilc.org

The Affordable Assistive Technology Program at PARI Independent Living Center provides recycled medical and adaptive equipment to those unable to afford new equipment; refurbishes, cleans, and sells donated equipment at affordable rates; and offers long term equipment loans and provides referrals to individuals seeking to donate hospital beds, ramps, and similar devices.

TechACCESS of Rhode Island
110 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite I
Warwick, RI 02888
401-463-0202 (V)
800-916-8324 (TTY)
Program Contact:  Judi Carlson
Website: www.techaccess@techaccess-ri.org
Email: techaccess@techaccess-ri.org

TechACCESS of RI, the Central Demonstration and Information Center, provides AT demonstrations, short term loans, information and technical assistance about AT.  TechACCESS provides the ATAP Demonstration Center for communication, vision, hearing devices, and learning technologies for people of all ages and all disabilities.  Selected devices are available for short-term loan.

East Bay Educational Collaborative
317 Market Street, Warren, RI 02885
401-245-2045 (V)
800-745-5555 (TTY)
Program Contact:  Lisa Labitt
Website: www.ebecri.org
Email: labittl@ride.ri.net

The East Bay Collaborative, the Resource Center for Children and Youth, provides services statewide for children birth through 21.  Through demonstration, training and an equipment loan library, children, families and school personnel can “try out” Assistive Technology.

Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL)
C/O Goodwill Industries of RI
100 Houghton Street, Providence, RI 02904
401-276-0875 (V)
401-861-6677 (TTY)
Program Contact:  Denise Corson
Homepage: www.riatelprogram.org
Email: dcorson@riatelprogram.org

The Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL) provides equipment to qualified individuals who have hearing, speech or neuromuscular (unable to dial or hold a receiver) impairments.  Equipment is loaned free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who meet income eligibility requirements.

Where Can I Obtain Funding for Assistive Technology?

Multiple Sclerosis Society, Rhode Island Chapter
205 Hallene Road, Warwick, RI 02886
401-738-8383 (V)
Contact:  Gwen Reeve

The Multiple Sclerosis Society has a Financial Assistance Program for clients with MS  who meet income eligibility requirements.  This is a reimbursement program (up to $700).  Funding can be used toward assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications and air conditioners.

Muscular Dystrophy Association, Rhode Island Chapter
931 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 02886
 401-732-1910 (V)

The Muscular Dystrophy Association offers a one-time $2,000 allowance toward an augmentative communication device and up to $2,000 every five years toward a  wheelchair purchase for adults (every three years for children)There is a $500 wheelchair repair allowance as well.  Clients must be registered with MDA.

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI)
40 Fountain Street, Providence, RI  02903
401-222-2300 (V)
401-421-7016 (TTY)
Website: www.ors.ri.gov

Under SVBI’s Independent Living for Older Blind Program, individuals age 55 or older can receive evaluations for magnifiers and low vision devices and provision of some adaptive equipment at no cost.  Individuals must meet legal blindness criteria and income eligibility.  Equipment program may include magnifiers, watches, clocks, bathroom equipment and grab bars.  SBVI may provide hearing aids for persons legally blind (dual sensory impaired).  Contact SBVI and ask to speak with an Intake Worker.

Office of Rehabilitation Services
40 Fountain Street, Providence, RI 02903
401-421-7005 (V) ~ 401-421-7016 (TTY)
Website: www.ors.ri.gov

Persons working with ORS may be able to obtain funding for Assistive Technology through ORS if having equipment and/or accessible home or vehicle enables the   continuance of work or return to work.

Medicaid Waiver Programs

Persons on waivers such as Personal Choice or the A & D Waiver may be eligible for portable ramps, exterior lifts, minor home modifications and some assistive devices.  

Contact the DHS office covering your city or town. 

Veterans Administration (VA)
Funding for some Assistive Technology, home modifications, and vehicle  modifications may be available to veterans who are enrolled for VA services.  Contact the local VA Hospital.

Independent Living Centers

Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI
401-738-1013 ~ 401-738-1015 (TTY)
 Website: www.oscil.org

 PARI Independent Living Center
 500 Prospect Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
 401-725-1966 (V/TTY)
 Website: www.pari-ilc.org

Both Centers are consumer-directed independent living programs that may be able to purchase assistive technology and/or home modifications as part of a consumer’s independent living plan for increased independence.  Funding is limited and individuals must meet program and income eligibility requirements.  Currently there are waiting lists at both Centers.

Local City or Town Community Development or Home Repair Programs Most local cities and towns have low interest or deferred loans and sometimes  grants for homeowners to modify their homes for accessibility.  Must meet income  criteria.

Where else can I obtain used or new AT?

ALS Association, Rhode Island Chapter
1637 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889
401-732-1609 (V)
Website:  www.alsari.org

The ALS Association, RI Chapter, has an Equipment Loan Program (durable medical equipment and assistive technology) for ALS clients and their families.  Call their  offices for details.

OSCIL’s Adaptive Shake-Awake Smoke Detector Program
1944 Warwick Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
401-738-1013 ~ 401-738-1015 (TTY) ~ 800-857-1161 (Toll-Free)

OSCIL administers the Smoke Detector Program allowing for the purchase and      installation of early warning adaptive smoke detectors for individuals who are Deaf or  hard of hearing who are unable to hear a traditional smoke detector when not wearing hearing aids. For program eligibility, contact the OSCIL office.

ATAP www.GetATstuff.com
Recently ATAP (Rhode Island’s Assistive Technology Access Partnership) unveiled a new web-based clearinghouse for affordable assistive technology, daily living and accessibility devices throughout the new England region.  This new site, www.GetATstuff.com, offers New England residents the opportunity to buy, sell or donate a variety of used items ranging from communication devices and wheelchairs to ramps and mobility devices.  The site is the result of collaboration between the Assistive Technology programs in the six New England states.  To post an item or to look at items available, please visit www.GetATstuff.com or call the Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership at (401) 421-7005 ext. 373.
 
www.disableddealer.com
Disabled Dealer Magazine specializes in bringing products and services to the elderly and disabled community in one simple and informative publication distributed  monthly. Each issue of Disabled Dealer Magazine not only includes ads for the sale of new and used mobility assistance products and services, but also features several articles and stories on mobility assistance equipment and home medical supplies and  services, the latest medical reports, new government programs and federal benefits for the disabled, and listings for events/conferences, support groups and sporting events. See their web site for subscription information and for on-line listings of new and used   equipment.
 
www.craigslist.org
Craig’s List is a free Internet classified ad service covering local communities throughout the United States.  Rhode Island has a link on this site.  Adaptive devices such as wheelchairs, transfer benches and adaptive vehicles are included for sale on this site.

Classified Ads in Local Newspapers

Links to Other AT Resources & Services

RI Council on Assistive Technology (RICAT) is a group of citizens that give advice to the Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP).Contact the ATAP Lead Agency for further information.

The Newsline for the Blind newspaper service is available through the National Federation of the Blind using standard touch-tone phone service to allow consumers who are visually impaired to hear a variety of newspaper publications. Contact State Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 222-2300 or apply online at www.nfb.org/newsline.
 
URI’s Assistive Technology Lab develops innovative devices such as switches and environmental control units that enable persons with limited movement to better control their environments.  The program operates with the support of URI and Eleanor Slater Hospital of the RI Dept. of MHRH.  While it’s primary goal is to engage URI Biomedical Engineering students in developing AT devices for patients at Eleanor Slater and Zambarano Hospitals, URI students and faculty also reach out to the community by evaluating AT needs and providing customized devices for individuals with severe disabilities.  If you need a customized assistive device or have questions, contact the AT lab. 

Contact Yin Sun, PhD at 874-2515 or send an email to sun@ele.uri.edu.

In-Sight Radio
43 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, RI 02888
401-941-3322 (V)
Website: www.in-sight.org

Offers a unique, closed-circuit radio reading service, broadcasts selections from newspapers, magazines and books daily to persons who are print-handicapped.

Talking Books Plus  
One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
401-222-5800
Email: tbplus@olis.ri.gov
Website: www.lori.state.ri.us

Provides a free library service to anyone in Rhode Island who is unable to read standard  print because of a visual or physical handicap.

For further clarification or information on any of the above, contact OSCIL’s Information & Referral Specialist. 

9/07