“My disability exists not because I use a wheelchair, but because the broader environment isn't accessible.”- Stella Young If you have made your way to this blog, chances are you have heard the word ‘accessibility’ many times. But what does that really mean and how does that manifest itself in the world of AT? Anything that is accessible is attainable or obtainable. Essentially, an accessibility feature or item allows you access to something. When talking about Assistive Technology this means lots of different things!
Jean Des Roches
Program Director
Assistive Technology
"My name is Jean Des Roches, I am the Assistive Technology (AT) Assistant Vice President for Seven Hills Foundation. I invite you to access helpful tips, tools, information and resources as I share them here."
Why AT?
Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they may have difficulty accomplishing.
Assistive technology, or AT for short - is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities. AT helps by providing enhancements to the methods we use to accomplish tasks and goals.
Seven Hills is committed to enhancing the education, communication, recreation, and social opportunities of individuals we support. This work is enhanced by our increasing ability to provide access to Assistive Technology through secured funding from private and corporate grants, individuals and through the generosity of our funding partners.
Thanks to grant funding, Seven Hills has been able to purchase, configure and deploy an impressive amount of vital technology across our various programs.
“Technology is just a tool.” – Bill Gates
By Jean Des Roches, AT Program Director
I couldn’t think of a catchy way to convey that AT (Assistive Technology) is now, was in the beginning and always shall be about the person using the technology! So I turned to one of our technology gurus, Mr. Gates. A simple yet very true statement. I don’t need to tell you that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of new apps, devices and software coming out every month meant to address the needs of many differently-abled individuals. And this is great news! However, it didn’t take me long to decide that rather than choosing one of these many new devices or apps, or even choosing to write about some of the general categories of AT such as...