AT Awareness Day is also a day to give thanks and recognize Assistive Technology professionals. The CT Tech Act Project is extremely grateful to our community AT Partners whose staff do a fantastic job providing AT services to individuals with disabilities and aging adults in Connecticut!
CREC: Assistive Technology Services
Assistive Technology – EASTCONN
SCSU Center for Educational and Assistive Technology
UCP’s Assistive Technology Center
#ATAwarenessDay
During the height of the COVID pandemic, Nancy, an older adult living independently in her own home, was beginning to feel socially isolated as she was unable to get together with her friends for their regular games of bridge. Through Cares Act funding, and the Stay Connected program, she was provided with a brand-new laptop. One big challenge? Nancy had never used a computer before.
She had to learn the very basics of using a computer: connecting to Wi-Fi, plugging it in so the laptop would have a charge, even where to find the space bar. After initial training and an introduction to the laptop was provided by phone, Nancy and her AT Consultant moved onto video conferencing where she learned how to access websites and use bookmarks. Finally, Nancy was able to join her friends for online Bridge Club. Now, not only is Nancy playing bridge several times a day with her friends, enjoying her ability to stay connected to them virtually; she is also using her laptop to purchase and read books online and much more. #ATAwarenessDay
The CT Tech Act Project and our AT partner agencies are celebrating National AT Awareness Day to bring attention to the important role Assistive Technology (AT) plays in the lives of individuals with disabilities and aging adults.
What is AT?
AT is any item or piece of equipment that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of older adults and individuals with disabilities. AT provides access to education and the workplace, allowing individuals to live well within their communities, enjoy recreational activities, and more. AT takes many forms – from low-tech devices like canes, walkers, ergonomic pens and magnifiers to high-tech items like smartphones, computers with speech-to-text software or magnification, adapted vehicles, or smart home technology.
How Can You Get Involved?
National AT Awareness Day is a great opportunity to share the importance of Assistive Technology for you, a family member, or someone you know with local lawmakers (https://www.cga.ct.gov/) and members of Congress (https://www.congress.gov/members). Thank them for supporting programs like the AT Act that make AT more accessible to all.
Consider sharing what AT means to you on social media using the hashtag #ATAwarenessDay.
How can you learn more about AT in Connecticut?
Visit the CT Tech Act Project website at www.CTtechact.com or follow us at www.facebook.com/CTtechact or on Twitter @Cttechact.
