The Utah Center for Assistive Technology is a statewide resource offering information and technical services to help people with disabilities acquire and use assistive technology devices.

Our services are available to people with disabilities, parents and other family caregivers, rehabilitation counselors, independent living specialists, special educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, allied medical professionals, and others who are concerned with and advocate for people with disabilities.

Assistance when you need it

Sometimes, a commercial, off-the-shelf assistive device is just not quite right to fill a specialized need in the life of a person with a disability. U.C.A.T. has a well-equipped workshop and a skilled staff who can modify the device to meet the need. We also have the tools and expertise to design and fabricate new solutions to fill unusual needs.

Our Technical Specialists can help you in the following ways:

--Design and build custom switches to meet specialized needs.

--Modify devices to better meet a need.

--Help define seating and positioning needs to ensure maximum effectiveness of a seating solution.

--Help clients to learn to use aids to daily living (ADL), including electronic ADLs to extend their range of independent activity.

--Assess job- and home-sites to determine the best way to facilitate client access.

--Assess aptitude for using voice-input technology for computer access by people who can't use other methods.

--Loan devices for trials of up to 30-days to ensure that they are suited to the need.

Information and Referral

We can help to identify and access information that is vital in acquiring equipment. We ensure each client is referred to the most appropriate U.C.A.T. staff member or to other community resources as circumstances warrant.

Our I&R Specialist can help you in the following ways:

--Search for information on the latest products

--Refer you to other resources for products or services.

The Computer Center for Citizens With Disabilities

The Computer Center is an integral part of U.C.A.T. It offers a unique resource through which people with disabilities can access more completely the power afforded by modern computers.

Our Education and Technical Specialists in the Computer Center can help you in the following ways:

--Consultations--One-on-one support as you explore and use various computer hardware and software applications. These are only by appointment. Please call (801) 887-9380 to schedule a consultation.

--Workshops--We provide opportunitites for parents and professionals to learn about all the aspects of applying computer technologies to the needs of people with disabilities.

--Information--As a technology resource center, we can answer questions and provide information on many types of adaptations and specialized hardware.

--Augmentative Communication--We work with teams of professionals in the public schools throughout Utah to help children find the most comfortable and effective ways to communicate with teachers, family, and peers. Under a contract with the Department of Education, we loan augmentative devices and adaptive equipment to teachers and therapists on these teams. We also offer augmentative communications assessments and services to adults with disabilities.

Funding--A Critical Step In Implementing Needed Technologies

U.C.A.T. services are free to all Utahns. However, we do not provide devices on a permanent basis.

Lack of funds can seem like a big barrier to device acquisition. Sources of funds for needed devices almost always exist, but knowing where they are and how to access them is not always apparent.

Useful Links

Abledata--A national database of products for people with disabilities.

Access Utah Network -- An information and referral service for a variety of disability issues.

Apple's Disability Solutions -- Information on computer access solutions for people with disabilities.

Closing the Gap -- Providing information on microcomputer materials and practices that can enrich the lives of persons with special needs.

Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

Cornucopia of Disability Information (CODI) -- A wealth of information relating to disabilities including topics such as: aging, statistics, computing, Centers for Independent Living, and universal design.

Learning Disabilities Online - LDONLINE Interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children.

Linux Access "How-To"

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) -- NARIC is a library and information center on disability and rehabilitation. Several NARIC publications can be found here, as well as information on ABLEDATA and REHABDATA.

On a Roll -- Talk Radio Talk Radio focusing on life and disability news, updated daily. While at the site, check out the RealAudio archives of this award-winning talk show.

Trace Research & Development Center The trace Center conducts research aimed at improving technology that can benefit individuals with disabilities by making it more accessible in four main areas: Communication, control, computer access, and next-generation communication information and transaction systems.

The Paciello Group Your accessibility partner. A web directory for disability-related internet resources.

International Center for Disability Information A center dedicated to helping those with disabilities to research, perform, and maintain meaningful employment.