Print Friendly VersionAssistive Technology Program
Assistive technology can be extremely useful to individuals with disabilities by increasing their independence in their environment and daily tasks, cutting back on personal attendant care, and helping people resume employment roles. There are no other programs of this sort that meet the needs of both children and adults with disabilities in the state.
Over 500 pieces of equipment are available to try in our "Try A Gadget" (TAG) Lab. In our program, staff performs a full assessment of a client's abilities, function, and needs. This is done by using skill tasks, and trial and error in the lab. Recommendations are made as to which equipment may be useful for the individual. Equipment practice time and training is also done in the lab.
Program benefits include:
- Efficient assessment and determination of technology options available
- Ability for clients to test equipment prior to purchase
- Identification of the most useful equipment for a client
- Effective use of limited funds
The program is a fee for service arrangement for assessment and training. Assistive technology is rarely covered by insurance agencies or other agencies and is usually expensive, though self-funded.
The alternative to our program and lab is to purchase equipment prior to trial and not be satisfied. This equipment is generally expensive and not returnable. This may result in a waste of money for the individual with a disability or taxpayers supporting the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. The Assistive Technology Program assessment and equipment evaluation process prevents persons with disabilities or agencies from attempting to guess which equipment is necessary or will work with an individual's unique abilities.
Opportunities for Donations:
Try-A-Gadget Lab EquipmentTechnology changes rapidly, equipment updates for trial and assessment are needed.
Donations for equipment are accepted in any amount for equipment purchases.
Leland Baum Fund
Funding needed to assist in providing equipment purchasing assistance for persons with disabilities who need to privately pay for technology that can assist them to be more independent in their lives.
Donations are accepted in any amount to contribute to this fund.
Staff
Funding for staff salary and operations of the program
Individual Service Fee Support
- Assistive Technology Assessments costs $65/hour
- Training is $35/hour
To make a donation or find out about additional funding needs, contact James A Moore at 414-226-8318 V/Relay or 414-291-7520 V/TTY or E-mail James A Moore for credit card donations. Or mail donations to IndependenceFirst at 540 South 1st Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204. Thank you for considering IndependenceFirst in your charitable giving.