OKLAHOMA ABLE TECH
Seretean Wellness Center, Oklahoma State University
PURPOSE
Oklahoma ABLE Tech supports state efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology (AT) to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive, statewide programs that are consumer responsive. The purpose of ABLE Tech is to make assistive technology devices and services more available and accessible to individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE Tech accomplishes this purpose by providing AT through a short term equipment loan program, AT demonstration centers, re-utilization of AT through the Oklahoma Equipment Connection and a low interest bank loan for AT. In addition, ABLE Tech provides information and referral services, training on various AT topics and collaborates with state agencies and organization to enhance the understanding and access to AT. ABLE Tech is funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Service Administration.
CONTACT
Milissa Gofourth, Program Manager
OSU Seretean Wellness Center
1514 W Hall of Fame
Stillwater, OK 74078-2026
(405) 744-9748 (V/TDD)
(800) 257-1705 (V/TDD)
FAX: (405) 744-2487
http://okabletech.okstate.edu/
ABLE Tech INFO-line:
(888) 885-5588 toll free
FINANCIAL CRITERIA
• None
ELIGIBILITY
All ages; all disabilities; all types of AT.
AT SERVICES PROVIDED/COVERED
Information & Referral
Training for Consumer, Family, & Professional Groups
Locating Alternate Funding
Equipment Loan & AT Demonstration
AT DEVICES PROVIDED/COVERED
ABLE Tech does not purchase or sell AT devices.
Various AT devices are available on a short-term loan basis for trial or evaluation use.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Contact the main office by phone and request service(s).
Contact the Oklahoma ABLE Tech INFO-line for AT information and referral. (See “Pieces of the Puzzle”)
PIECES OF THE PUZZLE
ABLE Tech operates an AT device short-term loan program which allows individuals to borrow AT in order to “try before you buy.” Short-term loans are also beneficial for purposes of assessment, meeting interim needs when devices need to be repaired and for personnel development activities. ABLE Tech will lend AT free to any Oklahoman up to 42 days. ABLE Tech has several partner entities across the state that can lend specialized AT to Oklahomans. The list of AT available and the partners are on the ABLE Tech web site: http://okabletech.okstate.edu.
ABLE Tech operates AT device demonstration centers with various partners across the state. The purpose of the device demonstration is to enable an individual to make an informed choice by allowing hands-on opportunities to learn about AT. The list of AT that available for demonstration and the partners are on the ABLE Tech web site: http://okabletech.okstate.edu.
ABLE Tech, BancFirst and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation work together in offering the Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and the Access to Telework Fund (ATF). These programs allow qualified Oklahomans with disabilities a fixed rate bank loan. Individuals can purchase any type of AT; such as, wheelchairs, adapted cars or vans, communication devices, hearing aids, etc. The ATF provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to borrow money to buy computers and other equipment so they can telework. Telework can be either through an employer or self-employment, which is work that can be performed from home and/or remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a telework center.
The AT Equipment Exchange is ABLE Tech’s free AT device exchange program. The Equipment Exchange is similar to a “want ad” where pre-owned AT is listed. The AT Equipment Exchange is an opportunity to re-sell or buy AT for a lower cost than new items; such as, modified vehicles, wheelchairs, and daily living aids. To buy, donate, or sell used AT, call the toll free ABLE Tech INFO-line, 1-888-885-5588 or visit the web site at: http://oec.okstate.edu
ABLE Tech partners with the “Sooner AMBUCS ASK” program, a community service project that repairs and recycles donated computers. This program combines donated computers and software to assemble usable computers which are distributed at no cost to Oklahoma adults or children with disabilities. To request an application call 405-360-1521 or visit the web site at http://soonerambucs.org/
The ABLE Tech INFO-line is 888-885-5588 V/TDD. The INFO-line is toll free and provides information and referral services on AT for people of all ages with disabilities. Anyone can call; family, friends, service providers, and other professionals. ABLE Tech INFO-line’s resources include a statewide computer database, national resources, an in-house collection of catalogs, and various publications.
ABLE Tech offers educational and training workshops on AT to consumers, parents, and professionals that serve individuals with disabilities.
ABLE Tech in partnership with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services, Langston University Center for Outreach Programs, and Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation operates the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project. Oklahoma AgrAbility supports the rehabilitation and assistive technology needs of Oklahomans with disabilities who face barriers to participating in agriculture. (See Oklahoma AgrAbility, Page 54)
ABLE Tech partners with “Fire Protection Publications” in offering the installation of FREE smoke alarms and provide fire safety messages to eligible Oklahomans that are deaf, hard of hearing, blind/low vision, or mobility impaired.
