Enabling Technology

NY Alliance Technology Information Center

The mission of our center is to provide resources on enabling technology and to be available for technical support if needed.  In this constantly changing world of technology it is important for members to share resources. NY Alliance’s Assistive Technology Committee welcomes members. The focus of the committee is to research and report on ways to promote technology that will enhance the delivery of services to people with disabilities and help the agencies that serve them.

Please feel free to forward resources, events and new products to the NY Alliance for adding to this page. For technical support or if you wish to join the Assistive Technology Committee, please contact Carol Napierski, Vice President of Program Development and Grant Management at the New York Alliance at [email protected] or 518-407-5563.

Assistive Technology Tutorials - Informational videos and tutorials for using smart device accessibility features to live more independently.

Smart Device Accessibility Tutorials & Resources - A list of videos and websites offering tutorials for using accessibility features on commonly used smart devices. Products include: Windows/Windows 10, Google Products including Chromebooks and Home Audio devices, Android and Apple smart devices.

Learn More About Environmental Modifications (E-Mods) - E-mods are internal and external physical adaptations to the home, which are necessary to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the waiver participant. These modifications enable the waiver participant to function with greater independence and prevent institutionalization.

BIP Grant Data Report:

In 2015 New York Alliance (formerly NYSACRA) received a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) through the Balancing Incentive Program (BIP) which includes funding for Person Centered Thinking & Planning, Housing Services and Enabling Technology (ET). The ET segment of the grant included the creation of a comprehensive enabling technology (ET) curriculum and pilot program to assist a person in transitioning to a least restrictive home environment with the support of AT.

New York Alliance collaborated with SimplyHome on the ET portion of the grant. SimplyHome’s mission is to provide affordable and dignified options for the independent living and adding in place by developing assistive technology that is adapted as individuals needs change over time. SimplyHome designs and installs customizable systems and offers related client care for the aging and disabled populations. This report, NYSACRA BIP Grant Data Report, is a product of the ET pilot program segment of the New York Alliance BIP Grant.

Resources

AT Village

AT Village makes it easier for families and care teams to work together to get kids with disabilities the Adaptive Technology (AT) they need in order to do the things they like to do! The AT Village web resource was launched in 2021 by the Golisano Center for Special Needs at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.

Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) Program

The TRAID Program is administered by the New York State Justice Center and offers a variety of services related to assistive technology to individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as to professionals who support them. With funding provided by the Administration on Community Living, the NYS Department of Health, and ACCES-VR, 12 Regional TRAID centers across New York are able to offer opportunities for people to borrow devices to try at home, compare and contrast different options, and learn more about assistive technology.

Click here to view an overview webinar about the TRAID Program

NATADS Website: This website provides a list of available devices. Please note that the only TRAID Center using this is Access CNY in Syracuse. If you want to use the site, you must edit the search parameters and choose “New York State Justice Center” for the AT program and “Access CNY” for region:

TRAID Program: If you scroll down, you can choose your county and the TRAID center for that location will pop up.

Search for Other AT Programs: You can search by state, specific program, etc.

Webinars About Enabling Technology:

April 18, 2017 - What Enabling Technology is and Why it is Important to Those We Support

May 16, 2017 - Understanding the Types of Technology that are Most Commonly Used

June 13, 2017 - Evolving Through the Use of Technology

ATECH's Group Homes, Independent Living & Smart Assistive Technology Webinar Resources

Click on this link for the Full Recorded Webinar on YouTube: ATECH Group Homes, Independent Living & Smart Assistive Technology Webinar, April 2, 2020

Click on this link for the Issues Checklist: Issues Checklist and Considerations from ATECH Group Homes, Independent Living and Smart Assistive Technology Webinar

Click on this link for the Resources we discussed during the webinar: ATECH Assistive Technology Equipment Resources for Consideration During the COVID-19 Crisis & Beyond

Other Resources:

Technology Discovery Survey Tool: This tool was developed to provide a guided tour of technologies that are available to support independence.  You can browse the information or follow the needs of an individual. There are videos and examples to give you ideas about how technology can be used in relation to safety, wellness, independence, communication, work, and social development. Click Here to View

Click Here for a list of New York State and National organizations providing various education, advancements, innovative ideas and initiatives on Enabling Technology.

Assistive Technology Catalogue from Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT)

Articles:

National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) Supporting Virtual Meeting Accessibility