North Carolina Assistive Technology Program

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NCATP Overview

NCATP serves people of all ages and abilities:

Children, adults, and older adults with disabilities and their families

Older adults experiencing difficulty with daily activities

Professionals in disability related fields such as health care, social services, education, rehabilitation, or other human services

Employers and employees in private and public settings

NCATP provides services at AT Centers and satellite sites.  Listed below are both the free services and the fee-based services:

Free Services:

Device demonstration - Various devices are demonstrated and basic information on the features is provided.  Consumer can try out equipment through this hands-on approach.  Consumers identify their needs and NCATP staff demonstrate the various devices with features and functions that can help meet those needs. Information is provided about State and local vendors, providers and repair services.

Device loan - The device loan program helps individuals try out equipment in the location they will use it:  at home, work, school or recreational activities.  It’s a “try before you buy” approach which helps individuals and funding agencies make wiser choices. A wide range of assistive technology devices are available including augmentative communication ( for people with limited speech), computer access, low-vision aids, assistive listening, aids for daily living, switches, environmental controls, adaptive toys and recreational devices. Devices can be borrowed for a two week period.  Toys and other AT for young children (birth to 5 years old) may be loaned for longer periods of time.

Device reutilization - The Technology Exchange Post is intended to facilitate assistive technology device exchanges.  North Carolinians may either list devices for sale on the Exchange Post or may post devices they need.  Anyone may browse the Exchange Post but registration is required to access contact information for persons with listings.  Once registered, individuals who are interested in an item can contact the current owner about acquiring the device.  The Exchange Post is web-based and available via the Internet at www.pat.org.  The Exchange Post offers many features making AT equipment exchange efficient for both buyers and sellers.  The Exchange Post is updated as new advertisements are received or items are sold.  It is always current. Individuals can post “Wanted” items and the system will automatically notify the individual if an item is listed “For Sale” matching the description of the item they have listed .The Exchange Post has search capability:  by category, type of listing, zip code proximity, length of time it has been posted and/or keywords.

Training /Technical Assistance -  AT consultants and specialists  conduct training, develop and disseminate training materials, and provide technical assistance related to assistive technology.   NCATP staff respond to individual requests about the benefits of AT, device options, information on funding resources, and the use of specific devices.  Staff research the inquiry and provide the information in person either on-site in the AT Center or in the home, school, work or community setting or via phone, email or U.S. mail.  Consumers or family members are not charged for this information.  However, if training on a device or forma, evaluation is needed, there are fees for these services.  Often other public agencies can cover the fee-based services if the individual meets their eligibility requirements.  Also, specific skill-building training to groups is fee based.

Public awareness - The NC Assistive Technology Program conducts public-awareness activities on the availability, benefit, appropriateness and cost of assistive technology for the general public and targeted groups. NCATP  participates  in activities such as fairs and exhibit booths.   General overview presentations about the services offered by NCATP are often provided free.  More specific skill building training to groups is fee based.

Fee-based services to agencies and schools and other organizations:

Assistive Technology Assessment  -  NCATP provides an in-depth analysis of devices to assist a person with a disability in achieving an identified task or goal.  This assessment is conducted on-site in an Assistive Technology Center in collaboration with the consumer, family and related service professionals.  A hands-on approach allows consumers to try out a variety of devices both low tech and high tech.  The individual may borrow devices on short term loan to try out at school, work, home or another setting at no additional charge. A comprehensive written report is provided.  Recommendations are given for assistive technology devices and related services with equipment specifications and information to help funding sources in their purchase process.  Cost $475

Community Based Assessment – NCATP  provides assessments in settings other than an Assistive Technology Center.  Settings may include:   work, home, school, group home or other community site.  This assessment can be part of a multi-disciplinary approach in which devices are tailored to meet the needs of a specific setting, task, or situation.  A comprehensive written report is provided to the party requesting the assessment. Cost $475

Feature Matching & Device Trial – This service helps match the best AT device to a person’s ability.   NC Assistive Technology Program staff will work with the referral professionals to determine which devices to try based on a brief in-house assessment with the input of other referral information.  A one-page summary of feature matching and summary of devices that meet the individual’s requirements is provided to the referral source. Cost $200

Training on Specific Devices/Software - Training includes the use of assistive technology devices, equipment or software packages. This training can be provided to individuals or groups.  Potential participants:   consumers, family members, professionals, organizations, businesses, school systems, government agencies, etc.  Examples of frequently requested training:  Speaking Dynamically Pro, Intellitools, Dragon Naturally Speaking.  Cost $75/hr

Consultation Services – NCATP staff  provide assistive technology expertise to individuals or organizations for a specific need identified by the requesting party.  Written reports are not provided for consultations unless the requesting party pays for the report writing time. Cost $75/hr

Workshops/Seminars – NCATP conducts specialized presentations, seminars or workshops regarding assistive technology to meet an organization’s needs. Cost negotiated per training.

Training – NCATP provides training ranging from an overview of AT to specific AT skills development training at local, regional and statewide levels based upon demand.  Regionally, NCATP will work with schools, community colleges and universities, Job Link sites and state agencies to provide training.  Topics may include:  computer access, environmental controls, augmentative communication, AT related to hearing loss, low vision aids, and low-tech AT for activities of daily living, funding resource information, or other special area identified.  Cost negotiated per training.

Travel Time – NCATP charges for travel time to conduct community assessments, consultations, device training services, workshops and seminars. (Billable in 30 minute increments.) Cost  $37.50 per hour

Categories of Assistive Technology

• Vision - Products designed to assist with vision;  Examples:   Magnifiers including CCTV systems; talking scales, blood pressure gauge, glucometer etc.; screen readers, screen magnifiers and Braille displays;
• Hearing - Products designed to assist with hearing; Examples: Personal amplification systems (PocketTalker Pro);Personal amplification systems – wireless (FM);Group Assistive Listening Systems; smoke alarm with strobe flashers; door bell with flashing signal; vibrating baby monitor
• Speech communication - Products designed to assist with speaking and face-to-face communication for individuals with speech disabilities. Examples:  Speech generating devices; Communication boards/books; Software with speech output; Artificial larynx; Devices that produce text but not voice output for face-to-face communication (e.g. Crespeaker);Voice clarifiers;Voice amplifiers; Stuttering aids
• Learning, cognition, and developmental - Products to provide people with disabilities with access to educational materials and instruction in school or other environments; products that assist with learning, and cognition. Examples: Calculators; Clocks/Timers/Wake-up Systems; General Personal Organization; Memory Aids; Money Management; Notetaking/Recording Devices; Electronic Organizers/Personal Digital Assistants; Educational Software (spelling, math, reading, writing, science, history, etc)
• Mobility, seating, and positioning –  Products whose main focus is on augmenting or replacing the functional limitations of an individual’s mobility.  Examples: Ambulatory aids: low tech aids such as canes, walkers or crutches; also includes orthotics & prosthetics; Wheelchairs;Scooters and power chairs; Seating and positioning – considerations for  postural control & deformity management, pressure & postural management, and/or comfort & postural accommodation.
• Daily living - Devices that enhance the capacity of people with disabilities to live independently, especially AT that assists with Instrumental and other Activities of Daily Living, (ADLs, IADLs) such as dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, home maintenance, cooking, eating, shopping and managing money. Examples:   Writing guides, modified or large-handled tools and utensils, eating/feeding equipment, button hooks, zipper pulls, spiked cutting board, adapted writing implements, personal pager.
• Environmental adaptations- Environmental and structural adaptations to the built environment  that remove or reduce barriers and promote access to and within the built home, employment and community facilities  for individuals with disabilities. Environmental adaptations usually involve building construction, engineering, and architecture, but also include environmental controls and switches that can control a portion of or an entire living environment. Examples:  Adapted playground equipment and structures; Alarm and Security Systems; Door/Gate Openers;Environmental controls and switches (i.e., electronic systems that enable people to control various appliances, lights, telephone and security systems in their room, home, or other surroundings) also known as electronic aids to daily living (EADLS)
• Vehicle modification and transportation - Products that give people with disabilities independence and enhance safety in transportation through adaptation of vehicles. Examples:  Adaptive shoulder and seat safety belts; Tie downs and lock downs that secure the wheelchair to the vehicle floor; Hand controls; Extended directional mirrors; Vehicles and vans modified with lifts, ramps, raised roofs, etc.  

• Computers and related - Hardware and software products that enable people with disabilities to access, interact with, and use computers at home, work, or school. Includes modified or alternate keyboards, switches activated by pressure, touch screens, special software, voice to text software. Examples:  Standard software; Standard hardware; Computer accessories.

• Recreation, sports, and leisure - Products not already classified in other categories that help persons with disabilities to participate in sport, health, physical education, recreation, leisure, and dance events. Examples: Switch-adapted toys and games; tennis wheelchairs; skiing equipment; playing card shuffler; beach wheelchair; adapted camera and other photography equipment; adaptive exercise equipment (not used in a rehabilitation setting); adapted equipment for fishing, hunting, and camping.

Questions or concerns regarding this website should be directed to

 lynne.deese@dhhs.nc.gov