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Assistive Technology
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) and Low Vision (LV) specialists assist the participant through all stages of the VR process. AT provides initial assessment and training, comprehensive education/training and employment site evaluations resulting in recommendations for accommodation. AT specialists collaborate with the participant, VR counselor, and employer through this process.
Client Services
Assistive technology services are an integral part of the VR process. The VR counselor makes the referral to the AT specialist on their team.
Low vision (LV) services like AT services are an integral part of the VR process. LV services assist the individual with low vision in better utilizing and optimizing their remaining vision through the use of magnifiers, lighting, and various LV aides. The VR counselor makes the referral to the LV specialist. LV services may also be part of a job site evaluation.
Once a participant becomes employed or enters the VR process already employed (job retention), the VR counselor, participant, AT specialist, and employer team to determine the specific accommodation needs of the participant. A comprehensive job site evaluation is conducted; recommendations for job accommodations are made which includes assistive technology, training, and other supports specific to employment. The level of participation (who does/provides what) is negotiated with the VR counselor, participant, AT specialist, and employer once the recommendation are completed.
AT Employer Services
Comprehensive job site evaluations are conducted in the following situations:
- Upon employment of the participant.
- To determine the accessibility of an employers technical environment.
- On a fee for service basis, hired directly by the employer.
- On-Site Evaluations
The employee assessment is conducted in the AT and LV labs to determine what specific assistive technology and low vision aids would assist them in performing their job tasks and essential functions.
We provide services and support directly to employers on a fee for service basis.
Community Partners & Resources
AT specialists team with community partners and utilize many assistive technology resources to best meet the individual needs of each participant.
There is a wide range of assistive technology product vendors and representatives that are utilized throughout the VR/AT process. AT products and vendors are the means to successfully accommodating an individual. AT specialists work closely with product vendors to stay on top of current technology.
Assistive technology service providers are essential in supplementing and supporting the level of AT services AT specialists provide, and the timeliness in which we can serve each participant. AT provider services range from assessment, training, installation and set-up, custom configuration including script writing, low vision, technical troubleshooting, etc.
How can I become a VR Service Provider?
DSB works with a wide range of community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) and VR service providers. Send an e-mail to Arlene Itou for more information on how to become a CRP or VR service provider to DSB, or call 1-800-552-7103.
AT Newsline
The collection of articles in the AT Newsletter is a set of informed opinions and experiences about products and processes that may be of interest to blind, low vision, and deaf blind users, as well as those who help support blindness technologies in the workplace or as trainers. The intended audience is for those with a strong basic grasp of blindness technologies, though newbies are welcome, and they may find they are not intimidated by the level of geek-dom we put forth in the newsletter. We welcome and relish feedback and your thoughts for future issues!
Newsletter Disclaimer: The content is not all-inclusive of blindness-related products or options, but instead represents a small selection of items that exist on the market. Any products mentioned are copyrighted by their respective owners, and any mention of such products does not imply a direct or indirect endorsement of such products by DSB.
Contact AT
If you have any further questions about AT services, please contact Michael MacKillop at (800) 552-7103 or (206) 721-6444.