We Couldn’t Have Said it Better Ourselves
THE BEAUTY OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) is that its impact extends far beyond any actual device or piece of equipment. We see it every day with our Changing Hands equipment exchange program. With every piece of AT equipment we recycle comes greater independence for the user. With greater independence comes increased self-confidence and the development of enhanced social skills. The result is an all-around better quality of life… for the users and their families.
Allen C. desperately wanted a bike of his own. He would visit a local bike shop but was never able to get one for himself. That was before Changing Hands entered the picture. Our AT staff facilitate increased independence, in whatever form that takes, from adapted phones and communication devices to walkers and wheelchairs… and everything in between. Fortunately for Allen, “in between” includes adaptive bikes of all kinds. UCP Director of Community Participation Supports April Treaster shared the impact of that acquisition on Allen. “Today, thanks to Changing Hands, Allen loves to pass his time riding his bike. At first, staff had to push him on the bike. But over time, he built up enough strength in his legs to pedal himself. His smile says it all. It was the determination of staff and seemingly endless resources available through Changing Hands that helped make Allen’s wish come true.”
Jess R. first connected with Changing Hands when her daughter Emily, who has Down Syndrome, was two years old. In the time since, the family has received several pieces of equipment that have greatly improved Emily’s mobility and expanded her world. “The equipment we’ve gotten through Changing Hands has given Emily greater freedom of movement, helped her turn movement into forward motion, and most recently allows her to play outdoors with her peers. And the really great thing is, as Emily outgrows the equipment, we are excited to return it so other children can benefit from the program as well!”
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.*
Changing Hands accepts donations from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations looking to find a new home for perfectly good items they can no longer use. So, if you or someone in your life has AT equipment that has served its purpose… but still has a lot of life left in it… please consider donating it to Changing Hands.
CONTACT CHANGING HANDS
Call: 717.737.3477
Email: ATUCP@ucpcentralpa.org
Visit: changinghandscentralpa.org
Locations
UCP Administrative Office - Camp Hill
55 Utley Drive
Camp Hill PA, 17011
717.737.3477
Get Directions
Changing Hands Satellite Location - York
Avail Personal In-Home Care Services
1900 W. Mason Avenue
York PA 17404
717.781.0952
Get Directions
*Changing Hands is an equipment exchange and reuse program of UCP Central PA that is supported in part by TECHOWL. TECHOWL is the Commonwealth’s Assistive Technology Act Program at the Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, and is funded through a grant from the Administration on Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Changing Hands program is a participant in the Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP), a program of TECHOWL.
Jessica Bucher
Hello I was wondering if a larger size kindle fire tablet (or something similar) is considered assisted technology equipment??? I have an adult special needs son,Ryan. He is 32 yrs old. He is a beginner reader very little writing and no math skills. He is capable of learning and we are working using books, paper, pencils, workbooks etc. I think a tablet would be a great educational learning tool for him. He does like electronics such a video games, mp3 player. He does have a cell phone a galaxy and I am trying to teach him to use it. With help he can access, YouTube, google, amazon, contacts, call and receive calls, video chat, he does have a Facebook and email but does not use without my help. I am thinking if he could have a larger screen for reading, and have educational apps downloaded on it for him to use learning games to make learning easier and more fun for him. Plus he will feel less different then other young men his age that use technology such as texting and are more social using technology. Ryan does not drive, text or go online at all even with his video games he prefers playing without interacting with others online he doesn’t fully understand the internet and I do think he feels “different” or more self conscious when he sees much younger teenagers even young kids using technology he doesn’t have or know how to use. After reading this email, I thought it may be worth asking. Just in case there may be a donated used tablet that he could benefit from, learn with and help his confidence, self esteem and social skills and abilities. Also he uses music on his mp3 player as a coping tool and books, hand-held video games to help comfort him when he has anxiety or even to take in the car for security. Please feel free to contact me I am Ryan’s mother but also his advocate and DSP for him through AOC.
admin
Hi Jessica, we have shared your inquiry with our Assistive Technology staff. Someone will be reaching out to you.