Enhancing daily life with meaningful, personalized technology.
Assistive Technology Center
UNLOCKING UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
The Arc of Spokane’s Assistive Technology Center (ATC) was established in the fall of 2019. We sought to meet a need that has long existed in Eastern Washington due to the lack of access people have to assistive technology (AT) resources. We recognize that it is difficult to navigate assistive technology options that may be available and we desire to ease that difficulty. Our ATC Coordinator, Paul Clements, uses AT to communicate and understands the power that AT can have in a person's life.
The ATC provides technology consultations and demonstrations of devices. If you reach out to the ATC for either of these options, you can expect:
Technology Consultations – our ATC Coordinator will meet with you in-person or virtually to discuss what AT you may have tried already, what works or doesn’t work for you, what your goals are, and then will provide recommendations for what AT might work best for you.
Technology Demonstrations/Training – the ATC is equipped with many different types of AT that may be beneficial for you to try. We want you to know what works best for you before you purchase anything on your own. We can also help you learn how to use the devices you already have.
Please email ATC@arc-spokane.org if you are interested in a technology consultation, demonstration, or if you have any other questions or comments about our Assistive Technology Center. We look forward to working with you!
How the ATC Process Works:
A pre-consultation questionnaire will be e-mailed to the client and they will send their responses back within a week.
The coordinator will look over the responses and reply within four business days with several possible consultation dates and times.
The ATC will set up a consultation in person or through video conferencing.
If any training is needed, the ATC will provide it.
The ATC uses a client-centered approach, but also welcomes family, friends, educators, etc. indicated by the client in addressing technology needs.
“My son “A” had a consultation with the ATC with The Arc, and it was a wonderful experience! We have been working with a speech language pathologist for nearly two years to try and locate the right applications to help my non-speaking son communicate. After many failed attempts and a lot of discouragement, I reached out and had the wonderful experience of working with Paul. I instantly felt comfortable and safe with Paul, who has lived experience using the technology he is using. It also was so heartwarming to share with my son that using augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) is normal, and to meet someone else using the technology. The Arc is the one place we have truly felt seen, safe and valued. Recently, “A” also was able to participate in a community event with other youth with support needs. This was the first time he had been able to attend an event where we didn’t face barriers to access, thanks in part to volunteers from The Arc and his AAC device. This has been life-changing, and we will continue to advocate for other families to access your services. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
