Assistive Technology
New - Home Environmental Controls Display
Courage Center Assistive Technology, located on second floor at our Golden Valley location, is now able to demonstrate environmental controls. The new adapted home display shows six different rooms: a bedroom, office, recreation room, kitchen, bathroom and universal home control room for appliances. It provides a real-life opportunity to try and evaluate options that may include scanning with a switch, touch control and voice activation.
Assistive Technology - Part of Every Service We Offer
Assistive Technology (AT) is a crucial part of Courage Center. We believe that through technology intervention all things are possible. Whether you are interested in computer access or a simple talking clock, Courage Center has the program to fit your needs. Courage Center AT is a combination of therapy and non-therapy services, (e.g., Bioness to work on arm strengthening or computer adaptations needed for a student). AT is offered throughout the four Courage Center sites. However, specialized AT services may require a consumer to visit the Golden Valley or Stillwater AT specialty centers for the assessment.
Computers and other technology are essential for most jobs and academics. Courage Center can help you explore a variety of choices from voice recognition to voice output and beyond. You can learn how to use popular computer software adaptations, and identify aids and accommodations for reading, writing, saving files, ergonomics, organization, environmental controls, phones and memory aides, all of which maximize your independence and productivity.
Communication is an essential part of our lives, but for some, communication does not come easily. At the Communication Resource Center, a comprehensive evaluation, lead by a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist, identifies the best methods of communication or augmentative devices for each person. Communication options range from low-tech paper and pencil systems to state-of-the-art speech generating devices, all of which you can test prior to obtaining a chosen device. After acquiring a device, you receive training and programming to ensure that you get the maximum use from your device.
Choosing a wheelchair or mobility aid can be daunting. Courage Center therapists assess mobility and positioning equipment needs. Equipment is available for loan during the decision-making process.
The ALS Association partners with Courage Center to provide people with ALS another way to complete everyday activities such as communicate, operate television, and use a computer. A speech-language pathologist completes an augmentative alternative communication assessment, identifying no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech communication solutions for individuals with ALS to use across settings (e.g. home, community, etc.). Occupational therapists evaluate activities of daily living such as ability to use a phone, computer, and television, and use a variety of low and high technology options to maximize independence as physical abilities change. Insurance dollars are utilized whenever possible. The program is free to all registered with The ALS Association Chapter, and they may use equipment provided through The ALS Association as long as it remains useful.
Assistive Technology Assessment
This assessmemt investigates AT solutions for computers, environmental controls, cognitive adaptations, academic solutions, visual accommodations, and much more. Ergonomic recommendations and practices are included.
Computer Skills Assessment & Training
The assessment identifies your skills and aptitudes to enter the workforce, attend college or live independently. The interests you identify help determine whether a computer or similar device is needed. A specialized clerical assessment is also available. During training, you can learn everything from basic to advanced computer skills. You can learn to use Microsoft Office and Windows XP applications, the Internet and e-mail, Microsoft Vista, JAWS, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Read and Write, and other adaptive and standard software programs.
Assistive Technology & Computer Consultation
Includes expert consultation for computer set-up, technical support, environmental control units, telephones and other needs. If you don’t know what’s possible or how to obtain what you need, ask us. We are experts at designing special technology for people with disabilities.
Contact
763-520-0564
AT@CourageCenter.org
AT Resources
AT Links