Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is a statewide assistive technology program located at the Seretean Wellness Center at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. Oklahoma ABLE Tech's mission is to improve access to assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive, statewide programs that are consumer responsive. A tremendous variety of assistive technology is available today. Oklahoma ABLE Tech is a way to connect Oklahomans with disabilities to AT through demonstrations and short-term loans to allow individuals to try and compare a variety of devices to find the best fit.
ABLE Tech Partner Success Story from McCurtain Daily Gazette
Like lots of eight-year-old boys, Andrew (Drew) Bowen loves to play outside, jump on the trampoline, and take drum lessons. He has loving parents and siblings, but also has special challenges that come with having been diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. Drew’s ability to communicate with others is restricted by his cognitive, social, communication, and fine motor delays.
In May, Drew received his first official diagnosis from the OU Child Study Center. I wasn’t surprised by the diagnosis of cerebral palsy, but was devastated to hear the diagnosis of mild retardation. I cried hysterically for several minutes during the consultation and then again on the drive home from Oklahoma City. While visiting with my husband during the drive home he pointed out something of high importance. He said, “We are not going to put Drew in a box with limitations. We are going to challenge him in order for him to be successful in life”. This situation reminds me of the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. As a Christian, I know that nothing in life happens by chance. Drew as well as my other two children are uniquely and wonderfully made.
The OU Child Study Center strongly recommended exploration of an alternative/augmentative communication system. I explored these devices on-line through the Oklahoma ABLE Tech. My research was overwhelming due to the multitude of communication devices. I called ABLE Tech to request help. They referred Drew to the Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders located at the University of Tulsa. For the rest of the story
ABLE Tech is funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration. The contents of this site were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government.
