Assistive Technology
According
to the Assistive Technology Act, assistive technology defines "any
item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired
commercially or off the shelf, modified or customized, that
increases, maintains, or improves functional capabilities of
individuals with disabilities."
All
assistive technology items are either considered low tech, or high
tech devices.
- Low
tech devices are those items that can either be made or are
inexpensive and readily available.
- Some
examples of low tech devices include: pencil grips, splints, paper
stabilizers
- High
tech devices use electronics, special manufacturing techniques,
and materials. High technology devices typically must be purchased
through a specialized vendor.
- Some
examples of high tech devices include: computers, voice
synthesizers, braille readers
Common applications of assistive technology on the job:
Deciding
What Assistive Technology to Acquire to Perform the Job
Determining
what assistive technology is best suited to meet the needs of the
user is something that should be carefully considered before the
point of purchase. Questions to answer to help individuals make
informed choices include:
Is
there technical support available?
Is
there a money back guarantee and warranty?
Is
the product compatible with other technology used?
How
will the AT be funded?
Is
the prospective user already using assistive devices and how are
they working out?
Sometimes
it is necessary to bring in the experts to assess the circumstances
and determine what the best assistive technology for the situation
is.
Accommodation
solutions can be found at Job Accommodations Network SOAR (Searchable
Online Accommodation Resource)
www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/
Cost
of Assistive Technology
One
of the biggest concerns that employers have, is the cost of on the
job accommodations. While some companies do incur costs by providing
accommodations, surveys have shown that costs are minimal.
Funding Opportunities to pay for assistive technology
Funding
opportunities do exist to help individuals offset the cost of
accommodations.
Disabled
Access Credit (DAC)
DAC
is available to an "eligible small business" and is equal
to 50% of the "eligible access expenditures" which do
exceed $250 but do not exceed $10,250, for a maximum credit of $5,000
a year
Architectural
and Transportation Barrier Removal Deduction
This
incentive is designed to offset some of the costs associated with
making a business accessible according to
Americans with
Disabilities Act guidelines. Businesses may choose to deduct up
to $15,000 for making a facility or public transportation vehicle
owned or leased for use in the business more accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities.
A
facility is all or any part of a building, structure, equipment,
road, walk, parking lot, or similar property. A public
transportation vehicle is a vehicle such as a bus or railroad car,
which provides transportation service to the public
