Facebook Twitter

Category: Announcement

Categories
Announcement News and Events

Tech Tools For Life Conference 2027

Tech Tools for Life AT conference logo
Save the Date

If you haven’t already, make sure to mark your calendar:

Tech Tools For Life Conference 2027
Monday, June 7, 2027
Bristol Event Center
112 Century Drive
Bristol, CT

Tickets will be released for purchase in late Winter 2026 or early Spring 2027.

Call for Proposals – Now Open!

The call for proposals is now open! This year’s conference will focus on tracks of assistive technology for independent living, employment, and education. Presentations will be 60 minutes during breakout sessions, and a total of 15 presentations will be accepted for the 2027 conference. We especially welcome submissions that:
• Share unique stories, perspectives, practices, or programs
• Foster discussion and collaboration across disciplines or communities
• Engage participants in meaningful and interactive ways
Please share this call with colleagues and others who may be interested in participating.

Submit your presentation proposal! 

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Tech Tools for Life is grateful to host such a dynamic event that brings together individuals with disabilities, service providers, educators, and assistive technology professionals for a day learning, discovery, and connection – and we wouldn’t be able to do it without your support!

This year we have expanded our opportunities for engagement to include session sponsorships and conference advertising. All information regarding sponsor and exhibitor options can be found in the Sponsor and Exhibitor Prospectus.

Submit your Sponsorship engagement or register as an Exhibitor.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and to a captivating 2027 conference experience!

Categories
Announcement Events News and Events

Last Chance: Hands On Smart Home and AT for Leisure

Tech Tools for Life Hands on Series Logo

Hands On Smart Home and AT for Leisure

Sponsored by NEAT Center at Oak Hill

The Hands-On Series continues on October 2, 2026 with Hands on Smart Home and AT for Leisure, an interactive session designed to spark creativity and independence. Explore smart home technology and assistive technology that make leisure activities more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. From voice-controlled devices to adaptive entertainment options, you’ll get hands-on experience with tech that brings convenience and fun into everyday life. More details coming soon!

October 2, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
FREE!
NEAT Center at Oak Hill
33 Coventry Street, Hartford, CT

Register ASAP: NEAT’s Hands on Smart Home and AT for Leisure

NEAT logo
Categories
Announcement News and Events

Welcome to the CT Tech Act Project

Amy Rubin Mindell

Meet Amy Rubin Mindell the newest member of the CT Tech Act Project (CTTAP) Team and the Bridging the Digital Divide Program Manager!

Amy comes to CTTAP with over 35 years of experience in Assistive Technology (AT) and adaptive equipment. She has worked with individuals with disabilities in a variety of capacities from developing AT-related programs and services, to providing professional development to educators and school systems, as well as offering training

s, hosting conferences and events, working with smart home technology and more recently, delving into the area of AT for older adults.

Amy will be overseeing the new RHTP, Bridging the Digital Divide Program. She will be helping to get the word out to rural towns in Connecticut and working directly with community agencies and organizations that serve people with disabilities who are 18 and older, or aging adults who are 60 and older.

If you would like to connect with Amy, you can reach her at Amy.Rubin-Mindell@ct.gov or via her work cell number at (959) 276-6536. To learn more about the Bridging the Digital Divide Program, visit www.CTtechact.com/bridging-divide

Categories
Announcement

Bridging the Digital Divide Returns!

Bridging the Digital Divide Logo

The Bridging the Digital Divide (BDD) Program is back and is made possible by the State of CT Rural Healthcare Transformation Program in partnership with the CT Tech Act Project.

Our goal is to help bridge the digital divide by providing free digital literacy services to adults with disabilities (18 and older) and aging adults (60 and older) who live in rural CT towns.

What is the Bridging the Digital Divide Program?

Bridging the Digital Divide helps seniors and adults with disabilities who live in rural towns across CT build the skills, confidence, and access they need to use technology in everyday life. With our partners at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill and UCP of Eastern CT we provide digital literacy training, one-on-one and group technology support, and Assistive Technology (AT) devices tailored to each person’s needs – helping to bridge the Digital Divide, expand access to telehealth and other virtual services, and reduce social isolation.

What Type of Training and Support is provided?

Our training and support can include basic technology set-up and operation, connecting to WiFi, using built-in accessibility features, and so much more! We want to help you access community programs, use telehealth, order groceries and shop online, and stay connected to your community, family and friends. We also share practical guidance on online safety and AI tools.
When appropriate, we disseminate assistive technology devices and technology based on individual goals and needs. These services can be provided in your home or can take place at libraries, senior centers, assisted living facilities, and community centers.

How do I know if I live in an Eligible Rural Town?

To find out if you live in an eligible rural town in CT visit the BDD Eligible Towns webpage at CTtechact.com/bdd-eligibletowns. Please review the Eligible Towns webpage to confirm eligibility and to see which agency you can contact to begin the process of receiving BDD services.

How Can Senior Centers & Other Community Programs get involved with BDD?

We also partner with local programs that serve our rural communities—such as public libraries, community centers, senior centers, assisted living centers, and similar organizations—by providing technical guidance and train-the-trainer sessions to help staff better support their clientele. Your program can receive services if located in an eligible town or if you serve individuals who live in one of the eligible towns listed at CTtechact.com/bdd-eligibletowns.

For questions about the Bridging the Digital Divide Program, contact Amy Rubin Mindell, BDD Program Manager, via email: Amy.Rubin-Mindell@ct.gov or phone: (959) 276-6536. Or visit our website at CTtechact.com/bridging-divide.

Bridging the Digital Divide program is operated out of the Department of Aging and Disability Services, CT Tech Act Project. This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $154,249,105.53 in Budget Period 1 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Categories
Announcement Events News and Events

April 22, 2026 is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day!

National AT Awareness Day is April 22, 2026 The words assistive technology. everywhere. everyone one on a black background with the ATAP logo under it

National AT Awareness Day is April 22, 2026 The words assistive technology. everywhere. everyone one on a black background with the ATAP logo under it

Assistive Technology (AT) isn’t just wheelchairs and screen readers. It also includes tools, devices, software, remote monitoring, and everyday technology such as smart home devices and wearables, that empower people of all ages and abilities to live, learn, work, and participate fully in every aspect of life.

Why do we say everyone? Every person on the planet will either need assistive technology for themselves or know someone who does. Most are using AT right now! Our goal is to build AT awareness now, so everyone knows about it before they need it, and NO ONE goes without!

National Assistive Technology Awareness Day is April 22, 2026!

Categories
Announcement AT Devices News and Events Smart Home Tech

Hands On, Apron’s On: Cooking Without Limits — Big Success!

Using a smart toaster during the hands on Cooking without Limits training

Living iwthout limits logo

Living Without Limits hosted a module within the Tech Tools for Life Hands on Series 2026! We were very excited to be a part of this collaborative series hosted by the CT Tech Act Project and Tech Tools for Life.

Using a smart toaster during the hands on Cooking without Limits training

On February 12, 2026, participants joined us for an interactive, hands-on assistive technology event designed to showcase cooking safety and navigation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Participants were assigned a “disability” and chose a dish to cook, then guided through various cooking stations with assistive technologies, tools, and instructions to discover solutions that make cooking accessible for Attendee being instructed on how to cut broccoli with one hand, during the Cooking without Limits training.all.

A variety of pans and adaptive kitchenware

Using a one handed knife during the Hands-on Cooking without Limits Training

Categories
Announcement AT Success Stories News and Events

“This Is What Changed Everything”: A Student on Dyslexia, Access, and Assistive Technology

Eleanor Farquhar, Student Advocate and creator of AT Insider YouTube channel
RewirED Podcast logo
The ODRD RewirED podcast explores the evolving landscape of literacy, dyslexia, and reading disabilities through policy, practice, and people, bringing together expert insights, research-informed guidance, and real stories from educators, families, and students across Connecticut.

In this powerful episode, student advocate Eleanor Farquhar speaks openly about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, the emotional toll of struggling in school, and the moment assistive technology opened the door to learning. Her story offers families and educators an authentic look at why early, individualized access to tools can shape not only academic success, but self-worth and belonging.

You can listen to the podcast through these options:

Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-what-changed-everything-a-student-on/id1846376376?i=1000747694457

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6bCo1iGbhomOesFvFkhqCZ

CT Website: https://portal.ct.gov/sde/office-of-dyslexia-and-reading-disabilities/podcasts

View and subscribe to Eleanor’s YouTube Channel The AT Insider.

Categories
Announcement Events News and Events

Tech Tools for Life Goes Hands-On in 2026!

Tech Tools for Life Assistive Tech at its Best Hands On Series 2026 logo

By Arlene Lugo, Program Director, CT Tech Act Project

As the seasons shift, the echoes of our 2025 Tech Tools for Life Conference still reverberate with excitement. As we enter the peak of the holiday season, it’s never too late to share the triumphs of our 2025 event while unveiling exciting plans for 2026!

How good was it?

Kara and Alice Brouhard give Keynote Address on Day 2

Our two-day Assistive Technology conference, held on June 9th and 10th at the Bristol Event Center, was a great success with an overwhelmingly positive response! We had almost 250 attendees daily and a wide array of 30 exhibitor tables and 15 dynamic breakout sessions each day.

2025 Tech Tools for Life Conference Exhibit hall with attendees visiting the Living without Limits table.

Our keynote speakers, Lynne Seagle on Day 1 and Kara and Alice Brouhard on Day 2 delivered moving insights that left attendees inspired and invigorated.

 

 

 

 

The Survey Says…

Visiting with UCP of Eastern CT’s exhibitor table.

Our Conference post-survey revealed a clear theme: attendees want more dedicated time for hands-on engagement with the AT devices and more interactive sessions.

About the Sessions:

“All sessions I attended were great! At times wish I could have been in 2 rooms at once.

Kudos for Keynotes:

“The keynote speaker was absolutely amazing!”

“Kara shared her story and a great real-life example of AT in practice.”

From an Exhibitor:

“My overall experience was top-notch.”

Favorite Sessions:

“I loved them all. Can’t possibly choose just one.”

You spoke – we listened!

As a result of the feedback we received, we have been working hard to establish the 2026 Tech Tools for Life, Assistive Tech at its Best: Hands-On Series.

Rather than a full two-day conference in 2026, we are planning a series of hands-on sessions across the state. You can tailor your AT learning experience by choosing sessions that interest you most and will give you the opportunity to engage directly with the latest in Assistive Technology. Dive into topics like Cooking with AT, DIY/Make & Take, Smart Home innovations, Accessible Gaming, Wearable Tech, Cutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence, and more. The Hands-on Series will begin in February 2026 and will run to the end of next year.

More information and details will be hitting your inbox soon. In the meantime, you can visit www.TechToolsforLife.org to find updates on the calendar for the Hands on Series for 2026, including location, registration links, payment information and more.

Tech Tools for Life Assistive Tech at its Best Hands On Series 2026 logo

For a Taste of What’s to Come

The Hands-On Series will kick off on February 12, 2026, from 10am – 2pm with our first session: Hands on… Aprons On: Cooking Without Limits presented by Living without Limits. This session will accommodate up to 50 attendees who will be cooking with the use of Assistive Technology devices and will be able to enjoy the food as they make it. A modest registration fee of $25 per person will be charged. More info to come soon!

Nigel and James from Living without Limits are Cooking with AT.
Nigel and James from Living without Limits are Cooking with AT.
Categories
Announcement AT Devices News and Events Resource

Connecticut Wheelchair Reform Coalition

CT wheelchair reform coalition members in the CT Legislature office Building lobby
Disability advocates in the Connecticut Legislature Office Building lobby
Greetings! My name is Corey Lee, and I represent the CT Wheelchair Reform Coalition. We are a group of disability advocates in Connecticut fighting for the timeliness of wheelchair repairs, especially those that need to take place in one’s home. This is a national issue, with average wait times for such repairs ranging from 60 to 90 calendar days in 2024. Last year, Governor Ned Lamont signed law PA 24-58, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. Through hard work and powerful advocacy from members in the wheelchair community, this historic piece of legislation was the first of its kind requiring wheelchair repair companies to service someone’s wheelchair within 10 business days. This piece of legislation was passed unanimously through both chambers of Connecticut’s General Assembly. However, this fight is far from over, and there is still much more that needs to be done.

Today, we are fighting for additional legislation that primarily

1.   expands the repair services insurance must pay for, such as preventative maintenance,

2.   penalizes companies that are flouting the new law and misleading customers, and

3.   requires companies to inform their customers of their rights under the law. We’re looking for others to share their stories of wheelchair repairs to help galvanize this coalition’s mission, as we work to negotiate reforms to improve the quality and timeliness of wheelchair repairs in CT, but also serve as a continuing model for other state and national policies.

 Tell us your story:

You can contact us with your story at wcrepairct@gmail.com or (860) 470-6514.

A wheelchair is more than a piece of complex rehabilitation equipment; it’s a person’s ability to be mobile, which gives them access to being a part of their community. No one should go without their mobility device because it wasn’t fixed on time, and now is the time to fix this problem. We also know that comprehensive and long-lasting reforms to wheelchair access and repair policies can only happen in the context of broader and deeper healthcare reform that benefits all, because disability does not discriminate. With that in mind, we look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate and show solidarity with other causes.

If you want to join our cause contact us at the email above or

fill our form to sign up for future meetings!

To Report a Wheelchair Repair Issue:

Report to CT Healthcare Advocate:

bit.ly/reportwheelchairdelaysct

866-466-4446

Healthcare.advocate@ct.gov
Categories
Announcement News and Events Smart Home Tech

First-of-its-Kind Smart House Showroom & Assessment Center Opens

Ribbon Cutting at the Living without Limits Smart Home & Assessment Center
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
By Pam Fields, CEO of ARC and Living Without Limits

Connecticut has launched a groundbreaking new resource for assistive technology: the Living Without Limits Smart House Showroom and Assessment Center in Meriden. Opening its doors in October 2025, this fully functioning house represents the first facility of its kind in the state, offering a hands-on environment where individuals can explore, test, and experience assistive technologies before making purchasing decisions.

Pam Fields addressing attendees at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Pam Fields addressing attendees at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Operated by Living Without Limits at MidState Arc, Inc in collaboration with the CT Tech Act Project, the Department of Aging and Disabilities, and the Department of Developmental Services, the Center serves all populations including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, aging-related needs, veterans, autism, mental health conditions and anyone with barriers to independent living. The showroom features a comprehensive array of technologies including lift systems, smart showers, smart ovens, stove, and microwave safety devices, cooking aids, remote support systems, employment assistance, and medication management tools. Visitors can tour the center to see these technologies in real-world settings, while assessors from across Connecticut can conduct evaluations in this accessible environment.

A key feature of the center is its extensive lending library, allowing people to borrow devices and try them in their own homes before committing to a purchase. This try-before-you-buy approach removes barriers to accessing appropriate assistive technology and ensures individuals find solutions that truly meet their needs. The center was made possible through funding from the Governor’s Non-Profit Grant Program, the Department of Developmental Services, The CT Tech Act, the City of Meriden, and various grants and foundations. Connecticut residents interested in scheduling a tour or assessment can visit livingwithoutlimits.org and complete a request form. This innovative facility represents a significant step forward in making assistive technology accessible and user-friendly for all Connecticut residents seeking to live more independently!

 

Who We Are

The Connecticut Tech Act Project (CTTAP) operates out of the CT Department of Aging and Disability Services. We help people with disabilities, family members, employers, educators and other professionals with access to Assistive Technology devices and services.

© CT Tech Act Project 2023. All rights reserved.

Facebook Twitter