November is Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Month--an ideal time to showcase some of the innovative, independence-enhancing equipment and devices made widely available by UCP.

The beauty of Assistive Technology is that its impact results in greater independence for the user. And with that greater independence comes increased self-confidence and, often, the development of enhanced social skills. The result is an all-around better quality of life… for the user and their families.

A perfect example is Mr. Parke, who recently visited UCP’s AT display at the Hearing Loss Expo in Camp Hill.

Mr. Parke has hearing loss but does not use hearing aids. Because of the background noise at the Expo, he was having a hard time communicating with people, and was dependent on his wife to ask questions and get information for him. Fortunately, among the Changing Hands* inventory UCP AT staff had on hand was a personal amplifier with headset and microphone. The equipment gives users with hearing impairment the independence of holding their own conversations rather than relying on others to tell them what is being said. 

UCP AT Specialist Jackie Wardle showed Mr. Parke how the equipment works; he gratefully took it and wore it for the rest of the time he was at the Expo. He stopped back by the display to thank Jackie and tell her he was able to hear his wife, even when she was behind him. He also expressed interest in the cell phone amplifier that was on display. Arrangements were made with Mr. Parke to borrow the equipment from the PA Assistive Technology Lending Library for a trial period. If he has success with it, he will be applying to get a cell phone amplifier through TechOWL’s** Free Special Phone Program, or TDDP (Telecommunication Device Distribution Program).

Like so many others, Mr. Parke benefited from two of UCP’s most popular AT services:

*The CHANGING HANDS equipment reuse program is offered free of charge on a first come, first served basis. If you or someone you know has a need for AT equipment or supports, but you don’t know where to start, reach out to Changing Hands. Alternatively, if you have home medical or other AT equipment or devices that you no longer use, please consider donating it to Changing Hands.

Learn more: Changing Hands

Two LENDING LIBRARIES let you TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. When it comes to AT equipment, the opportunity to trial tools and technology can be a game changer. Fortunately, that’s the concept behind UCP’s two distinct lending libraries.

Learn more: AT Lending Libraries

**TechOWL (formerly PIAT) helps people with disabilities explore the tools and technology they need to be independent. TechOWL is Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Act program.