What is AT?

Assistive technology (AT) is a broad and inclusive term that covers everything from weighted silverware to Velcro; from iPads to wheelchairs. The federal definition of an assistive technology device is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities.” (Sec. 602[1][A]; 34 CFR §300.5)

Communication and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

MonTECH specializes in providing technology that helps individuals with limitations in expressive communication. For a person who cannot speak using his or her voice, there are various ways that technology can offer an alternative means of communication. A person may also need a device to augment their current communication style so that others can better understand them. This type of assistive technology falls under the category of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC).

Computer Access

Computers are an important part of daily life. For individuals with disabilities, using a standard computer may be difficult or impossible. Most working-age adult computer users and students in the U.S. could benefit from using options on their computers that make it easier to see, hear, and use.

There are many accessibility features built into computers that make the computer easier to use. MonTECH is a Microsoft Accessibility Center and can help individuals navigate these built-in accessibility features. In addition, there are many assistive technology products that can enhance computer use. These assistive technology computer access options fall into the following categories:

• Alternative input (mouse and keyboard alternatives)
• Alternative output (braille displays, screen readers, screen magnification, text-to-speech)
• Usability enhancements (reading/writing tools, ergonomic solutions, talking word processors)

MonTECH can assist individuals in finding the best assistive technology options to address their specific computer access needs through exploring the hardware/software solutions available.

Daily Living

Daily living activities are common, necessary tasks that people complete every day, such as eating, drinking, bathing, dressing, and toileting. When disabled children, adults, elderly people and those who are recovering from surgery, illness, or have a temporary or permanent illness or disability cannot complete some of these activities by themselves, they need devices to assist them.

Employment Solutions

There are many assistive technology tools and supports that can enable individuals to be more successful in employment settings. Below are a list of categories that can be considered:

• Portable solutions to support memory,
• Workstation solutions including alternative mice and keyboards
• Vision supports for manual or computer tasks
• Assistive listening devices and amplified phones
• Solutions to support reading/writing
• Communication supports

Environmental Control–Electronic Aids For Daily Living (EADL)

At MonTECH, we specialize in providing technology that helps individuals with limitations to control their environment. There are various ways that technology can offer an alternative means of controlling devices or systems in home, school or work environments. A person may also need a device to augment his/her current way of controlling their environment.

This type of assistive technology falls under the category of Environmental Control or Electronic Aids For Daily Living (EADL). An Environmental Control Unit, or (ECU), is a means to purposefully manipulate and interact with the environment by alternately accessing one or more electrical devices via switches, voice activation, remote control, computer interface, wheelchair electronics, mobile device and other technological adaptations. The purpose of an ECU is to maximize functional ability and independence in the home, school, work and leisure environment

Controlling one’s environment is an important step in independence. Through MonTECH’s investigation and research we have built a complete line of ECU products from easy-technology options to highly sophisticated solutions depending on the individual’s goals.

Hearing

MonTECH has assistive technology to help Montanans who have hearing loss or are deaf. The sense of hearing can be impacted in many ways. Some individuals have residual hearing and benefit from amplification of sound. Others are completely deaf and need alternative means for receiving information. We do not provide or sell hearing aids. MonTECH recommends you or your loved one visit with a licensed audiologist prior to purchasing hearing aids. We can help you at MonTECH whether you wear a hearing aid or not. We offer assistive technology for all Montanans who may benefit.

MonTECH provides each Montanan with an opportunity to try the assistive hearing devices at our clinic and/or in your environment. Our inventory for assistive hearing devices includes:

• Assistive listening devices (PocketTalker, Motivo Personal FM system, Contego Comfort Personal FM system, Williams Sound listening system, etc.)
• Visual alarm systems, such as door knock flashers, baby monitors, phone flashers, etc.
• UbiDuo system; a face-to-face communication system
• Conference microphones
• Amplified stethoscopes
• Earbuds, headsets, and neckloops
• Lightspeed amplification system
• Portable speakers
• Talking ears TV amplifier
• Talking devices, such as watches, calculators, and tape measures

MonTECH also has an assortment of amplified and captioned phones on display. Some users need amplification, some prefer text, and others like video calls for their distance communication needs. MonTECH works closely with the Montana Telecommunications Access Program to ensure that Montanans have access to the latest technology.

Learning

Assistive Technology for learning includes a variety of devices that help provide access to learning. Today’s assistive technology can meet a broad range of needs for individuals with many types of learning difficulties. Assistive technology can help students participate more fully in classroom instruction, read better, write more independently, and learn more efficiently. Students who now use assistive technology often comment that finally they are on a ‘level playing field’ in the classroom environment. The 1997 federal reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that school districts must provide assistive technology to eligible children if needed to ensure the provision of a free, appropriate public education. MonTECH can provide assistance to schools in meeting this mandate.

Examples of AT tools for learning include:

• Text-to-speech and speech-to-text programs
• Phonetic spell checkers
• Word prediction programs
• Digital talking books

Assistive technology is often used to help persons with learning. Whether a 10-year-old boy needs help to comprehend written information, or a college student cannot write down notes fast enough to keep up with his professor, assistive technology is available to help people with the complex tasks of learning.

Here at MonTECH, we want to help Montanans of any age in overcoming barriers to learning. Whether the Montanan has a temporary or permanent disability, we try to accommodate a person’s needs with the appropriate assistive technology. We help persons with diagnoses such as autism, dyslexia, agraphia, attention deficit disorder, auditory processing disorder, cerebral palsy, or any other diagnosis that has an impact on a person’s ability to learn.

Here is a partial list of assistive technology we have available for learning.

• Note takers
• Scanners
• Voice recorders
• Talking dictionaries
• Text-to-speech devices
• SmartPens
• Electronic schedulers
• Tablet computers
• Laptop computers
• Slant boards
• Computer software
• Auditory cueing systems
• Speech recognition
• Pen and pencil grips
• Modified scissors
• Alarms
• Visual cueing systems

Today, computer software can provide a student of any age with all levels of support. In the MonTECH clinic we can demonstrate the special educational software that is currently available. Educational software typically comes with many features, such as: Spell check, word prediction, dictionaries, verb check, calculator, text-to-speech, speech-to-text, highlighting, translation, and note-taking. Software for learning has continued to advance and now works within the “cloud.” This allows students and teachers to share information over a secure internet connection.

Memory

Memory skills can be impaired in a variety of ways. Some people experience difficulty in the area of sensory memory, whereas others may experience problems with working memory or long-term memory.

Assistive technology can be used to augment current memory skills. A flashing light alarm can be programmed to alert a person to an event or remind them to preform a task. A Livescribe Pen, which is an auditory recorder embedded in a pen, can be used to augment a person’s limitation in memory storage. Mobile devices can be used to assist a person with sensory memory, working memory, and long-term memory through specifically designed applications.

Mobile Devices (iPad, Nexus, etc.)

MonTECH’s team has expertise in built-in accessibility features for devices that clients may already own such as iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. Clients can borrow iPads, Surface Pros, and other devices through MonTECH’s free loan program. Staff can demonstrate features and apps that will be useful for each individual client.

Mobility Seating and Positioning

The following is a list of mobile seating and positioning products offered by MonTECH:

• Powered wheelchairs
• Manual wheelchairs
• Tilt recline systems
• Specialty electronics
• Multiple driver interface devices
• Computer and mobile device interface systems
• Multiple mounting systems
• Switch interface systems, multiple switches
• Low-end to high-end pressure relieving and positioning cushions and backs
• Multiple tray and mounting devices

The use of technology can assist persons with mobility seating and positioning needs. Assistive technology for seating and mobility ranges in complexity from low-tech to high-tech. A person can often find the right device or “tool” to help with activities of daily living, mobility tasks, and computer use. MonTECH has an extensive inventory of equipment that you can try at our clinic.

For people who are transitioning from manual wheelchairs to powered mobility, from low end to high end seating, MonTECH has various mobility options, cushions, mounting systems, switch and driver interface systems in our clinic.

MonTECH can guide you through the process of finding the right tools to help you with your seating and mobility needs. Our consumers can be assisted on-site. If you want to see the different seating and mobility equipment and compare them all at the same time, it is best to schedule a free demonstration in the clinic. Only certain items in our seating and mobility inventory are available for loan.

Mounting Devices

Proper positioning of switches, communication devices, environmental controls and mobile devices can mean the difference between success and failure, comfort and fatigue, efficiency and wasted effort. MonTECH staff can assist individuals in determining what mounting system is the most appropriate to properly position devices based on one’s situation and need.

We have a complete line of mounting solutions in our demonstration center ranging from simple Velcro® to table mounts and highly customizable clamps, arms, and plates. Some mounting systems are available for short-term loan or evaluation through our Equipment Loan Program.

Recreation

MonTECH offers a few different services to increase access to recreation. First, we have a website to help folks find accessible outdoor recreation opportunities: http://recreation.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/mt/index.asp. Second, we offer several equipment loan programs so you may try equipment. The MATP program in particular has several categories of recreation equipment that is available for short-term loan. Third, we have collaborated with the Missoula Parks and Recreation MORE program to expand their offerings for inclusive recreation activities. And finally, we offer financial loan services should you need assistance purchasing your own recreation gear.

Switches

Switches are used to activate a powered device such as a TV or computer. Due to functional limitations, some people do not have the ability to turn on a conventional lamp. Others may not be able to use the remote to turn on the TV and change the channels. Switches can be paired with devices like lamps, TVs, radios, communication devices and computers to allow a person to have independent control.

Switches come in many shapes and sizes. They can be large in size for persons who need a large target. A switch can also be very small and discrete. MonTECH has many different styles in its inventory.

A switch can be placed near parts of the body that have the greatest control. A person may have the greatest physical control with his or her neck, and the switch or switches might be positioned on either side of the head, or both sides. Switches can be mounted onto wheelchairs, placed on bedside tables, or attached to many other surfaces.

Depending on what a person is trying to do, he or she may use a variety of switches in different positions. A certified occupational therapist can help you determine the best access method(s). The occupational therapist has the professional training to evaluate the situation, the person’s needs, and then make professional recommendations for best access.

MonTECH offers switches through our demonstration center, our loan programs, and sometimes they are available through the exchange program. Please contact us if you would like to see or try out any of the switches in our inventory.

Vision

The following is a partial list of MonTECH’s devices for people who have low vision/blindness:

• Hand-held magnifiers
• Stand magnifiers
• Monoculars and binoculars
• Video magnifiers (CCTV)
• Scan and read appliances
• Screen reader software
• Braille displays
• Computer screen magnifiers
• Portable cameras that scan to a computer
• Talking devices

The use of technology can assist persons with low vision needs. Assistive technology for vision impairment ranges in complexity from low-tech to high-tech. A person can often find the right device or “tool” to help with activities of daily living, reading and writing tasks, and computer use.

A bar magnifier which might cost six dollars can provide enough magnification to be able to help a person read the paper or a menu. Perhaps a greater amount of magnification is needed so that a person can continue to read and sign checks, or perhaps write letters.

MonTECH has an extensive inventory of equipment that you can try at our clinic, or check out to use in your home. For people who are transitioning from reading text to listening text, MonTECH has various screen readers and text-to-speech options for trial in our clinic.

At MonTECH, we guide you through the process of finding the right tools to help you with your low vision needs. Our consumers can be assisted on-site or at home. If you want to see the different vision equipment and compare them all at the same time, it is best to schedule a free demonstration in the clinic. For some consumers, it is not possible to come to the clinic. In that case, please use our equipment loan program and we will ship equipment to you.