Rural Services

1. Oklahoma ABLE Tech to Identify Farmers/Ranchers with Disabling Injuries

2. Oklahoma ABLE Tech Agricultural Disability Assistance Project of Oklahoma (ADAP)

3. Oklahoma ABLE Tech - OSU Program Receives Funds to Assist Rural Oklahomans (article published in AHEC publication)

Oklahoma ABLE Tech, located at the Oklahoma State University Wellness Center, recently received additional funding from the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education that will assist them with outreach efforts to rural Oklahomans. The funding will provide money to accomplish several objectives with rural Oklahomans. The initial phase of the project will seek to identify agricultural workers, or members of their household, who may have a disability or medical condition that limits them from participating in activities that most people are able to do. The second phase of the project will assist the identified target population by providing them with informational materials about statewide resources that are available in Oklahoma to assist people who have acquired a disability or disabling condition. The third phase of the project will be to offer a pilot training to those interested in learning more about how assistive technology can maximize independence and be beneficial to agricultural workers and their families.

Nearly every American uses technology to make life easier. For people with disabilities however, assistive technology is an essential tool that makes things possible and provides independence in doing those things.

Assistive technology can be:
¿ a simple "low tech", low cost hand held magnifier
¿ home, vehicle and farm equipment modifications
¿ software and hardware products adapted for school, play or work
¿ ramps and widened doorways.

In Oklahoma, an estimated 654,837 individuals, nearly 20% of our population, have one or more disabilities (1995 US Census Bureau). Many of these individuals require use of one or more kinds of assistive technology. Congress recognized the importance of assistive technology by enacting the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act in 1988, (known as the Tech Act). President Clinton re-approved the need for the Assistive Technology Act on November 13, 1998. This law provides all states and territories with funds to address the needs for, and barriers to, securing assistive technology. In Oklahoma the assistive technology project, known as Oklahoma ABLE Tech, is located at the Oklahoma State University Wellness Center.

The mission of ABLE Tech is to increase access to assistive technology for people of all ages and all disabilities through a variety of consumer responsive systems change activities. Particular outreach efforts are targeted to rural and underrepresented populations. ABLE Tech provides information, referral, training, technical assistance, and advocacy and works to improve laws and policies providing access to assistive technology. ABLE Tech is a statewide project, funded through the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, US Department of Education.

Information and Referral
The ABLE Tech INFO-line helps people find the assistive technology they need and keep up with new developments in the field. The ABLE Tech INFO-line provides free information and referral services on assistive technology for people of all ages with disabilities. Family members, service providers, and others who work in fields related to disabilities or to assistive technology may use this service. ABLE Tech INFO-line's resources include a statewide computer database, national resources, in-house collection of catalogs, and product literature. The number is 888-885-5588.

Equipment Loans
Centers for Independent Living maintain a demonstration lab and loan library of assistive technology devices that are available to both consumers and professionals. The devices may be utilized for a trial period to determine appropriateness. Persons who are in the process of purchasing and need a device during an interim period may also borrow devices. The program provides a cost-effective way for Oklahomans to see what technology works or does not work.

Oklahoma Equipment Connection
The OEC is a free service to help Oklahomans with disabilities needing assistive technology to find affordable, used adaptive equipment to meet their needs. The OEC has two components: Resale and Recycle.

Low Interest Loan Program
ABLE Tech and BancFirst work together to offer a low interest, fixed rate assistive technology loan program for people with disabilities who would like to purchase any type of assistive technology; such as, wheelchairs, adapted cars or vans, communication devices, or housing modifications.

Training
ABLE Tech offers training on assistive technology to all state agencies that serve individuals with disabilities. Additionally, ABLE Tech provides assistive technology training to statewide disability-related organizations serving individuals with disabilities across the life span.

Literature and Information
ABLE Tech provides assistive technology information through various types of publications, including OK Funding for AT, a comprehensive manual listing all types of options to acquire assistive technology by both public and private sources. Most information is available at no cost, and can be accessed through the ABLE Tech INFO-line or the web page.

Electronic Networking
ABLE Tech's web page has detailed information on ABLE Tech's programs, current announcements, calendar of upcoming events, laws that effect assistive technology, recent articles, newsletter information and all of ABLE Tech's publications. The web site allows anyone the opportunity to link up to all types of disability related information across the world. The address is: http://okabletech.okstate.edu.

If you would like to learn more about Oklahoma ABLE Tech or participate in the project funded by the Southwest Center, please contact them at 800-257-1705.
7/26/00
Back to OK ABLE Tech