National Assistive Technology Act Data System

From a Consumer: I wanted to tell you about the impact your professional development sessions at ASHA, TSHA, Viva la Vida with AT, and the 3D printing Padlet have had on my practice and students. I work at the transition center in my district - we have several different transition center programs for disabled students over 18. One of our programs is called LEAP and it is focused on preparing students for competitive employment. Last year I was inspired by your efforts to obtain a 3D printer and maintenance materials for a twofold purpose 1) to support my AT team with printing assistive tech for students across the district, and 2) to provide my LEAP students with a new job skill: 3D printing. My adult students who struggled to talk to each other and had little interest in much other than their phones transformed over the school year into teammates who researched new printing projects together during free time at school and found a way to meet up over the summer to 3D print a fun project at their local library. I have been able to provide their speech therapy services in the context of a volunteer job site/3D printing lab, with opportunities to work on the various social and problem-solving skills reflected in their IEP goals in real time teamwork situations, while also saving time and money on providing students with 3D printed AT like keyguards, reading bars, and utensil cuffs. It's truly been a win-win situation for the AT team and our transition students, and I am grateful for all the time, effort, and resources you've put into getting the word out about 3D printing AT!

TTPA was able to 3D print a key holder/gripper so a young adult with a physical disability could lock and unlock their apartment door.

Earlier this year, Maria, a woman in her 60s, had her power wheelchair stolen from outside her home. Because Medicare had already provided one several years ago, she was denied coverage for a replacement. With no other options, she purchased a used chair from Goodwill — one that was broken, not sanitized, and unsafe to use. When Maria found ProjectMEND, she came to us frustrated and uncertain where to turn. Our team evaluated her needs and provided a properly refurbished power chair, fully sanitized and fitted to her mobility requirements. Within days, she regained her independence and peace of mind — a powerful reminder of how ProjectMEND fills the gaps when others can’t. Eight-year-old Ethan was born with a complex mobility condition that made everyday movement increasingly difficult. His parents, already stretched thin with medical expenses, couldn’t afford the specialized pediatric wheelchair he needed — and without insurance, the cost was impossible to cover. Through ProjectMEND, Ethan received a perfect wheelchair designed for his safety and independence. For the first time, he could move freely alongside his classmates and family. For his parents, it meant relief, gratitude, and hope — knowing their son finally had the mobility support he deserved.

1.) A boy in a rural area of Texas borrowed an Obi Robot feeder to explore the possibilities of eating independently. The mother reported it worked great, and it was the first time she had ever been able to sit down to dinner with the family and not have to manage his feeding the entire time. TTAP helped secure funding through a local non-profit. The non-profit was so impressed, they also bought one for the boy to use at school. The school found the tool useful because the student did not require a one-on-one aide the entire lunch period, freeing up the staff to do other duties. The school found it so helpful, they bought additional plates and serve ware so other students could use the Obi during different lunch periods further promoting independence of students and effective time management for staff. This device loan resulted in better quality of life for the boy and family, developed independence skills for multiple students, and was more cost effective for the school district as staff could complete tasks other than feeding during the students' lunch. 2.) From a consumer: My son is 35 years old. J has cerebral palsy and is unable to move. J uses an Accent 1400 to be able to communicate with us. Sometimes his switches get broken and I call TTAP. In the last few years, TTAP lent me several switches and an Accent for my son. I cannot imagine how my son will be able to communicate without the switches and his Accent. Thank you for all your help throughout all these years!

BridgingApps met with an adult client with a physical disability that affects the use of his right hand. He was working with the transition program at Easter Seals Greater Houston to find employment and wanted to learn of his assistive technology options for the workplace. He came to the BridgingApps assistive technology lab to trial Dragon Dictate on one of the TTAP computers as this was a program he had used in the past. He found that the software would not meet his needs and then asked about keyboards that would allow him to meet the requirements for his potential job. The BA digital navigator discussed one-handed keyboard options then requested the Tipy keyboard from TTAP for the client to trial. Once received, the client trialed the Tipy, loved it and asked for a short-term loan. He felt relieved that he had found a device that did exactly what he needed and loved the extensive training the developer offered on their website to get used to a one-handed keyboard. With the generous funding of Compudopt, BridgingApps was able to purchase the Tipy keyboard for this client and he has been practicing with the keyboard since to be prepared for his next job opportunity.