T.A.S.C. (Technology Assistance for Special Consumers) provides numerous services to the community at minimal or no cost. Visit www.ucptasc.org, call 256-859-8300, or email for more information.
Star Training
Visit www.startraining.org/ for complete information on free technology training modules.
Computer Resource Center
Located at 1856 Keats Drive, Huntsville, AL, T.A.S.C.'s Computer Resource Center houses a variety of computers accessible to individuals with varying abilities and disabilities. On a daily basis, staff members work with parents, children, educators, and professionals by providing consultations and training on equipment, devices, and appropriate software that can help a person who is blind use a computer through a talking screen, or allow a young child with Cerebral Palsy to type by a simple movement of her head, or select software that can help a person who has had a stroke learn to read again. T.A.S.C. provides free informational sessions to anyone interested in learning how assistive technology may enhance academic performance, work skills, independent living, social skills, and communication skills. Appointments will guarantee optimal services.
Lending Library
Too often the decision to purchase a computer, software, or special technology is made with little or no experience with the particular product. T.A.S.C. provides a lending library (long and short term) in order to support this difficult and often very expensive decision making process. Individuals can borrow switches, switch mounts, augmentative communication devices, software, adapted toys, adapted books, and a variety of other adaptive equipment. There is no cost to borrow from the lending library, but we do ask for a $25 annual fee. The Lending Library would not be possible without our support from STAR, Children's Advocacy Center, Rockwell, the Junior League of Huntsville, CAS Cares, Cosmopolitan Club, the Steelcase Foundation, the Delta Zeta Foundation, the Boeing Employee Good Neighbor Fund, and the long term loan programs provided by select Vendors (Dynavox/Mayer-Johnson, Renaissance Learning, Crick Software, Bumblee Bee DVD's, Don Johnston).
Assistive Technology Evaluations
Many individuals with disabilities never receive the adaptive technology that could help close the gap between their disability and independence because they don't know what the tools are or how to get them. T.A.S.C. has evaluators who are knowledgeable in the many assistive tools available. Evaluations can be conducted at T.A.S.C.'s computer resource center, schools, hospitals, homes, or work environments throughout Alabama and Southern Tennessee. The evaluator does not use a standardized assessment, but considers the unique needs and aspirations of the individuals, provides them an opportunity to try various tools, and often allows them to borrow any appropriate tools immediately. A formal written report is provided with all the information that was discussed in the evaluation, a list of suggestions for assistive tools and why it would help, as well as resources on how to obtain the tools.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Evaluations
Most private insurance companies and Medicaid will fund Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices (AAC) for individuals who can no longer communicate using their voice due to a disability, injury, or disease. An AAC evaluation requires a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist who is knowledgeable and willing to navigate the funding process. T.A.S.C. is fortunate to be able to utilize UCP's speech therapists to provide these evaluations.
Professional and Family Training
T.A.S.C. provides trainings in order to: educate individuals about the ever-changing assistive technology world, successfully implementing assistive technology, and maximizing the benefits (and minimizing the costs!) of Assistive technology. As a recognized Continuing Education Provider for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), SLP's can receive training on professionally related topics. T.A.S.C. coordinates with Universities and Colleges to increase awareness on the impact of assistive technology so our future teachers and therapists are knowledgable and have access to resources. Family Trainings are offered to empower families to support their loved ones. These include Free Monthly Early Childhood Trainings (1st Wednesday of the Month) and organizational meetings (ALS, Austim).
Community-Based Training
Assistive technology can help buisnesses improve employee productivity and decrease sick leave due to injury, illness, or surgery. T.A.S.C. is a Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center and can train the human resource department in adapting computer or environmental factors to support employees and encourage a quick return to work.
