ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Assistive Technology (AT) includes products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities. Assistive technology is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities.
Most Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) clients have assistive technology funding available but do not know about it. If you are a DDA client and interested in AT, reach out to your case manager and let them know you are interested in purchasing a phone or tablet.
THE ARC OF SPOKANE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The Arc of Spokane’s Assistive Technology Center (ATC) recognizes that it is difficult to navigate assistive technology options that may be available and desires to ease that difficulty. ATC provides technology consultations and demonstrations of devices. The Arc will meet with you in-person or virtually to discuss what AT you may have tried already, what does or does not work for you, what your goals are, and will provide recommendations for what AT might work best for you. ATC is equipped with many types of AT that may be beneficial for you to try and can also help you learn how to use the devices you already have access to.
Click here for more information.
Email: ATC@arc-spokane.org
NORTHWEST ACCESS FUND
The Northwest Access Fund provides funding to help people with disabilities in Washington and Oregon purchase assistive technology needed to achieve greater independence and to lead full and productive lives. Their programs center on asset-building tools such as low-interest loans and Individual Development Accounts. They also provide assistive technology loans and free financial coaching for people with disabilities.
Northwest Access Fund
1437 S Jackson St. Ste 302
Seattle, WA 98114
Phone: (206) 328-5126
Email: info@nwaccessfund.org
Website: https://www.nwaccessfund.org
WA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT PROGRAM (WATAP)
The WA Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) provides assistive technology resources and expertise to Washington residents with disabilities as well as family members, employers, and service providers in employment, healthcare, community living, and education. WATAP helps with devices meant for seeing, hearing, speaking, managing information, fine motor, and getting around.
Phone: 1-800-214-8731
Email: watap@uw.edu
Website: www.watap.org
RESOURCE CENTER OF SPOKANE COUNTY
The Resource Center of Spokane County provides resources and support to help ensure that all aspects of a person’s personal and professional life are addressed in order to increase their opportunities. Just some of the services they provide include: free cell phone programs; low-cost internet service and computer equipment; energy assistance; SSI and SSDI assistance; Financial Literacy, Responsible Renters, and First-Time Home Buyers classes; Substance-Use Disorder and mental health assessments and referrals; counseling referrals; assistance in signing up for State medical insurance; and work readiness programs.
Website: https://spokaneresourcecenter.org/
Phone: (509) 867-8188
Email info@spokaneresourcecenter.org
Location: 130 S. Arthur 2nd Floor, Spokane, WA 99202
ASSISTIVEWARE
AssistiveWare empowers people through innovative technology. They work in close collaboration with users and professionals to offer a wide range of assistive technology products and service solutions for individuals with physical, vision, communication, and reading impairments.
Email: info@assistiveware.com
Website: www.assistiveware.com
INLAND NORTHWEST LIGHTHOUSE
Inland Northwest Lighthouse for the Blind believes each employee must be provided with whatever supports are necessary for success in the workplace. Their services include in-house sign language interpreting, staff mobility instructors to teach independent travel, 100 computer workstations, accessibility and braille literacy, computer training, deaf-blind and interpreting services, orientation and mobility, and supported employment.
Website: lhblind.org
Phone: 509-487-0405
Location: 6405 N. Addison St. Spokane, WA 99208
WASHINGTON RELAY-TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
Washington Relay-Telecommunications Relay Services is free service provided by the Washington State Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH (Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)) ensuring equal communication access to the telephone service for people who are deaf, deaf-blind, heard of hearing, and speech disabled. Service allows hearing callers to communicate with deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and speech disabled relay users and vice versa. Calls can be made to anywhere in the world 24/7/365 with no restrictions on the number, length, or types of calls.
Website: www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/odhh/telecommunication-relay-services
Call: 711 or 1-(800) 833-6384
WASHINGTON SENSORY DISABILITIES SERVICES
Washington Sensory Disabilities Services provides online training and education to families and service providers in education to assist children ages 0-21 who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or have a combined hearing and visual impairment.
Website: https://wsds.wa.gov/
Phone: (425) 917-7827
Location: 800 Oakesdale Ave. SW Renton, WA 98057
WA STATE CENTER FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING YOUTH
WA State Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY) is a statewide outreach team offering statewide services to deaf and hard of hearing students, teachers of the deaf, school districts, educators serving the deaf, educational interpreters, and families of deaf infants, toddlers, and students. CDHY services include ASL specialist and audiology services, counseling and evaluation services, speech and language pathology, and career/transition services.
Website: https://www.cdhy.wa.gov/
Phone: 1(855) 342-1670
LILAC SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
Lilac Services for the Blind’s primary service, the Independent Living Program, provides personalized training, adaptive devices, and support, which includes instruction in alternative techniques in home management, activities of daily living, communication methods, and more. Both in-office and in-home training is available. Other important services include the low-vision department and adaptive-aid demonstrations and extensive Braille transcription services and Braille lending library. Their address is 1212 N. Howard St. Spokane, WA 99201.
Website: www.lilacblind.org
Email: contact@lilacblind.org
Call: (509) 328-9116