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 increase the access and acquisition of AT devices and services to individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE Tech accomplishes this purpose by providing AT through a short term equipment loan program, demonstration centers, re-utilization of AT through the Oklahoma Equipment Exchange (OEE) 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 organizations 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 Services Administration.

CONTACT

Milissa Gofourth,

Program Manager

OSU Seretean Wellness Ctr.

1514 W Hall of Fame

Stillwater, OK 74078-2026

(405) 744-9748 (V/TDD)

(800) 257-1705 (V/TDD)

FAX: (405) 744-2487

Email: milissa.gofourth@okstate.edu

http://okabletech.okstate.edu/

ABLE Tech INFO-line:

(888) 885-5588 toll free

FINANCIAL CRITERIA

• None

ELIGIBILITY

• Any Oklahoman

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 short-term loans and the partners are on the ABLE Tech website: 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 is available for demonstration and the partners are on the ABLE Tech website: http://okabletech.okstate.edu.

• ABLE Tech, BancFirst and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) 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 Oklahoma Equipment Exchange (OEE) 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 OEE 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, (888) 885-5588 (V/TDD) or visit the website at: http://oec.okstate.edu.

• The INFO-line 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’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 School of Physical Therapy, 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 50)

• 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.

• ABLE Tech contracts with the State Department of Education to provide AT devices and services for the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). IDEA requires that states and school districts provide accessible versions of instructional materials to students with disabilities in a timely manner, as an essential component of FAPE. Students may need the additional support of AT devices in order to access their instructional materials.

• School districts may borrow the needed AT devices from ABLE Tech for up to 6 weeks at no charge.

• The National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) is a uniform electronic format for textbooks and related materials from which accessible formats can easily be made.

• Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) is for students with sensory, physical, cognitive and learning differences that have difficulty accessing printed materials.