National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Mr. Schilling, the father of a 12-year old son with a genetic bone disease resulting in paralysis and the use of a wheelchair, contacted LATAN inquiring about financing a wheelchair that would allow his son to be outdoors more. Mr. Schilling had already done research and was interested in the Grit Freedom chair and was interested in the AT Lease program. Staff worked with Schillings to complete the AT Lease application electronically and once submitted, the Grit Freedom chair was ordered. Following safety guidelines for social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, LATAN’s staff scheduled an appointment for assembly and setup with the Schillings. The parents and their son were educated on safety, cleaning, maintenance and the device was demonstrated. Within a few short months, Mr. Schilling paid off the AT Lease in full. He stated that “LATAN helped me acquire the device quickly and gave me the opportunity to finance it at no interest. This is a great program!”

Joseph, M. contacted LATAN to obtain a Financial Loan application to make repairs on this modified vehicle. The van is needed to transport his 47-year daughter who lives with paralysis and uses a power wheelchair to her medical appointments. Joseph lives in a rural parish within Central Louisiana with little to no public transportation. It is critical that he has transportation. Through LATAN’s Financial Loan Program, Joseph was able to take care of the much-needed repairs to their modified vehicle. Once the cash loan was received, Joseph said, “Thank you so very much for all the help and kindness (staff) offered. We appreciate the work (staff) put in to get this loan approved!”

Mr. Mobley is the father of 7-year old twins, each with blind/low-vision. After visiting the AT Marketplace on the website, he contacted LATAN to inquire about the Mezzio Vario. The device was shipped to the client’s home in North Louisiana. Once received, staff followed up with the Mobleys who reported that "We are very satisfied with the service provided and the equipment was everything I expected. We are highly satisfied with the services provided!" Mrs. Mobley also stated that she plans to contact LATAN again discuss acquiring additional devices that would complement devices used at school.

Twenty-six Trey living with paralysis as a result of ALS and planning to return to college, contacted LATAN for assistance with computer access using an advanced technology, the Glassouse. After about an hour trying out the device by using it to access his computer, internet, etc., Trey decided to borrow the Glassouse via a Device Loan to try it out before purchasing the system. Several months prior, Trey received a Device Demonstration to gain independence with eating, but unfortunately, due to the limitations of his motor skills, he decided that the devices demonstrated would not meet his needs. Yet, he returned to LATAN to address a different performance need and now, using AT can return to college with the ability to communicate using his computer, tablet and smartphone with use his head and neck movements! Not only did Trey report being pleased with the device, but he stated that “Jay, [LATAN’s AT Solutions Specialist] was very friendly and knew a lot about the products!”

Like many of us, Ms. Janelle began wearing reading glasses in her 40’s when she noticed she was having trouble seeing small print. Over the years she hadn’t experienced any changes, but more recently as an older adult, things changed. She remembers it was about 3 years ago when she noticed letters missing from words as she was reading. Concerned, she decided to see an ophthalmologist where she learned the problems with her vision were caused by macular degeneration. It was then she also learned there was no treatment available to correct her vision or stop it from progressively getting worse. Up until now, she had not heard about assistive technology and was only familiar with the traditional handheld magnifiers which no longer helped. She says, she originally had other plans, but at the last minute she decided to join the LATAN presentation at her senior living activity center. She says, “I am so thankful I did. Before I learned about y’all (LATAN), I thought there was nothing out there to help me.” After learning about LATAN Services she was able to schedule a device demonstration. She says, “I was able to try all these different devices and, Wow! I couldn’t believe there was something out there that could work and help me read. Now, I can shop in the grocery store and actually look at the items on my own to make sure I am getting the right item I wanted. Before I had to have someone with me or ask someone to help me in the grocery store.” She expressed her gratitude saying, “LATAN has been a life-saver. I can’t even put into words how much this opportunity means to me. I am so thankful for these services. LATAN has been great! I tell everyone about the program”.