To make up one of our classes, I was given the opportunity to head to Easter Seals in Boston. This organization is designed to spread awareness about the most current forms of assistive technology. They provide hands-on examples that people can test and practice using to see if that product is right for them. They provide classes to teach people about the different resources that are offered. I highly recommend going if possible because they provide such a unique and positive outlook to the world of special needs. Easter Seals Massachusetts even provides consultations or formal assessments for schools/home/work services.
The following videos are people who use the services provided through Easter Seals and their experiences working with the organization.
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One thing that I did find very interesting in regards to their Assistive Tech programs, there are certain requirements that need to be met in order for people to obtain services for their home from Easter Seals Massachusetts. I believe this is due to the contract they have with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Independent Living Division to provide these materials to people with severe disabilities. Requirements include:
In addition, individuals must not be eligible to receive assistive technology services from other Executive Office of Health and Human Services agencies, such as the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Mental Retardation or the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- They must have severe physical, mental or sensory disability or disabilities.
- The disability must substantially* limit their ability to function independently in their family and the community
- Assistive technology services and training must be able to improve their ability to function or continue functioning in their family and the community.
- They must have an Independent Living Goal tha requires assistive technology and be unable to meet that goal without it.
- Individuals must not have vocational, educational or work goals that would make them eligible for assistive technology services through MRC or Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation programs.
In addition, individuals must not be eligible to receive assistive technology services from other Executive Office of Health and Human Services agencies, such as the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Mental Retardation or the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
One of the highly qualified instructors explaining a new program to Jean, a woman unable to use her hands. This program will allow her to search the internet, read books and run applications on her computer.
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Driving tools provided through the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program, a program created to assist people with disabilities to try new resources before purchasing them.
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Anselmo was using a children's picture book to communicate until Easter Seals Speech-Language Pathologist Samantha Oxton worked with his Easter Seals occupational therapist and physical therapist to set up a Bluetooth speaker and a mount to attach the iPad to Anselmo’s wheelchair.
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