Success Story!

Check out how 5-year-old Romeo was able to use Assistive Technology to “communicate with the world around him”. Thanks to our AT Coordinator Jason Rivera, Romeo now has a loaned iPad he can use to help with his Autism and Optic Nerve Atrophy and creating new social interactions.

What Assistive Technology Can Do For You

Assistive Technology is the use of any devices, gadget or tool to increase mobility, communication, and overall independence for people with disabilities or functional limitations. Assistive Technology ranges from low-tech items like a pill organizer to high-tech items like a Reminder Rosie (talking alarm clock).

Need Help with your Cell Phone or Laptop?

Do you need help navigating the web, taking calls, logging in to accounts, or checking your email? Contact AT@crilhayward.org to schedule a one on one with our Assistive Technology Coordinator!

Voice Option Program

CRIL is partnering with DOR (Department of Rehabilitation) to provide Voice Options Program services to those who have a difficult time verbally communicating. The goal of this program is to ensure full telephone communications access for all Californians with disabilities. CRIL staff will be able to identify and assist consumer to pick the best fully customizable speech-generating app based on consumers’ needs.

Through this program, any eligible Californian referred to a Voice Options provider will have the opportunity to test six different speech-generating applications for up to 14 days. The six applications that will be provided are:

  • GoTalk NOW Plus

  • LAMP Words for Life

  • Predictable     

  • TouchChat HD with WordPower

  • Proloquo4Text     

  • Proloquo2Go

Once the trial period has ended, the user will exchange the borrowed iPad for a new one with their preferred speech-generating application already loaded and ready to go.

How To Get Started:

  • Step One:  Schedule an orientation and demonstration.

  • Step Two: Participate in a Voice Options orientation and receive a speech-generating device demonstration.

  • Step Three: Take a short-term loaner iPad home for a 2 to 14-day trial period. The loaner iPad is preloaded with six speech-generating applications. You will practice with the applications during the trial period to help you determine which speech application will work best for you.

  • Step Four: Receive a new iPad with one speech-generating application of your choice downloaded onto the iPad.

For more information or to get started please contact:

(510)881-5743

Ask for Jason Rivera

A graphic image of a person wearing blue, waving from an assistive wheelchair.

FAQs

What can AT do for me?

  • Maintain your mobility and ability to get around your home or the community

  • Improve your ability to see the TV, computer or read books and recipes

  • Increase your ability to hear conversations in person, on the telephone, or on your favorite TV show

  • Expand your computer access with an adaptive mouse, keyboard, software, or other equipment

  • Engage in fun activities like community events, sports, and recreation.

Chances are that if you struggle with a task, there is an AT solution for you!

How does CRIL help me gain access to AT devices?

AT devices can be borrowed from CRIL, or from other lending sites in the state, at no cost. The loan period is typically one month.

How does CRIL’s loan program work?

You are encouraged to contact the AT Coordinator directly to express your need. After a device has been chosen, we encourage you to come to our office and try the device along with similar devices, to find the right fit. This process can also be done over the phone, and the device can be shipped to you at no cost.

What if CRIL doesn’t have what I need?

The AT Coordinator at CRIL will help you to find the device at another lending library, or you can register for an account on the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS) at https://testing.myatprogram.org/home/6. This account will allow you to search the state’s inventory of AT devices.

What can an AT Coordinator do?

  • Provide information on the types of AT devices, tools, and equipment that exist to help you become more independent

  • Locate and assist in developing funding resources to purchase AT

  • Provide referrals to qualified AT professionals for evaluations, assessments, training, repair, and other services

  • Lead AT presentations for groups in your community (just ask)

  • Find specific devices and equipment for consumers to borrow for free from one of Ability Tools’ Device Lending Libraries

  • Help with your donation of AT equipment so it may be of use to community members who need it.


What if I like a device, but am unable to pay for it?

The AT Coordinator can refer you to the FreedomTech Loan program at https://freedomtech.org/ The AT coordinator can also check the state’s inventory for reused devices that can be donated.

Reach Out!

Our AT coordinator will respond to you within 7 business days.

AT@crilhayward.org
(510) 881-5743

439 A street

Hayward, CA 94541