MANHATTAN, Kan. – Perceptions and misunderstandings about assistive technologies may prompt many who could benefit from using them, to overlook them, a Kansas State University specialist said.

While it’s true that some assistive technologies involve high-end electronics, such as motorized wheelchairs, voice-activated computer software, or memory devices designed to help those with brain injuries, many are low-tech, relatively inexpensive and easy to use, said Deb Sellers, a K-State Research and Extension specialist on adult development and aging.

An electric can opener, floppy rubber jar opener and colorful little grippers added to make a pen or pencil easier to hold all qualify as assistive technologies, Sellers said. A long- handled shoe horn and hands-free card holder also fall into that category.

Such gadgets can be helpful to older adults or others who may have a chronic illness or health condition such as arthritis, but aren’t limited to any one population or group, said Sellers. She is working to introduce a new, interactive program to promote understanding of assistive technologies and how to access – and use them – to improve daily living.

Sellers is partnering with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and Assistive Technology for Kansans Project to develop (and fund) 12 kits that each contain 30 assistive devices for a show-and-tell-like educational session that will be offered through local and district Extension offices, beginning this fall.

Many of the technologies – ergonomic garden or kitchen tools or oversized key-grips that make identifying and using keys easier for children and older adults – are inexpensive and readily available, Sellers said.        

Others, such as a cutting board with suction cups on the bottom of the board to hold it in place, edges on two sides to reduce spills and a spike to hold a potato or tomato in place to simplify cutting, may not be as familiar, Sellers said.

One of Seller’s favorites is a cart on wheels that has multiple uses. While she uses it to transport educational materials easily, others might find it handy for transporting groceries or doing laundry without having to carry a load.

A plastic sock aid with rope handles that makes it possible to put socks on without bending, stooping or sitting and crossing a leg is proving popular with those who have previewed the kits, she said.

Many assistive technologies are readily available in local stores. More costly devices, such as those developed for a specific impairment, may require a recommendation or consultation from a health care professional, Sellers said. More sophisticated technologies can be more costly, but may be covered by insurance or other benefits plans. Financial assistance may be available.

The Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) Project has five sites within the state to support individuals with disabilities via assistive technology. The assistance available includes identifying appropriate technologies, training, information about short-term loans and help in identifying funding sources. More information is available on the ATK Project Web site:  http://www.atk.ku.edu/ or by calling 1-800-KAN-DO-IT or 1-800-526-3648.

More information on local programs about assistive technology is available by contacting the county or district K-State Research and Extension office or on Extension’s Web site on aging: www.aging.ksu.edu.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by: Nancy Peterson
nancyp@ksu.edu
K-State Research & Extension News

Deb Sellers is at 785-532-5773 or dsellers@ksu.edu.