Our Services

Assistive Technology

The vision of the Assistive Technology Program is to provide access to Assistive Technology (AT) evaluations, equipment and training to all ages, enabling children and adults with disabilities to function more independently.

AT equipment can range from low tech switches to high tech communication and wheelchair systems. This specialized technology enables people to function independently in areas where they would otherwise have difficulty, need assistance or be unable to participate. AT equipment may be used at home, school, work and community settings and can benefit those with neuromuscular and developmental disabilities, including apraxia, autism, brain and spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and stroke.

Services

The AT Lab offers evaluations and training services for:

  • Assistive daily living aids
  • Augmentative communication
  • Classroom, home or work-related modifications
  • Computer access and adaptations
  • Computer software evaluations
  • Electronic aids to daily living
  • Environmental controls
  • Independent living evaluations
  • Orthotics and custom headpointers
  • Positioning aids
  • Wheelchairs and customized seating

Evaluations are conducted by an interdisciplinary team based on a patient’s specific needs. The team may include therapists, educational consultants and other specialists, all of whom have expertise in AT.

Evaluations focus on identifying strengths and impairments of the patient so they may be introduced to a wide range of AT equipment. Follow-up sessions are arranged as needed, to ensure the patient is comfortable with the equipment. Once the AT equipment that will facilitate the largest increase in the patient’s independence has been identified, therapists assist the patient/family in the process of obtaining the equipment. Therapists also work with families and caregivers during the evaluation and follow-up therapy sessions to develop individualized plans for integrating equipment into home, school, work and community settings.

Smart Suite
As part of the AT Program, Children’s Hospital offers Smart Suite, a simulated home environment with the latest and most versatile technology available to adapt a person’s home. This area provides accessible kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom settings equipped with an assortment of devices enabling individuals to test and be trained on equipment that maximizes their ability to perform daily living and leisure activities more independently. Click here for more information about Smart Suite.

Information & Referrals
Referrals for AT can be made by physicians, school systems, families, employers and others. To ensure that services provided meet the patient’s need, background information, including medical and educational history, environments in which the person functions (e.g., work, school, home), and history of AT use is collected before an evaluation is scheduled.

Because Children’s Hospital is one of the few providers of comprehensive AT services in Central Virginia, these services are available to adults as well as children.

Referrals can be made by calling Patient Services at (804) 228-5818 or Toll Free (800) 443-0893 and specifying the need for an Assistive Technology evaluation and/or services. TDD via Virginia Relay Center is available by calling (800) 828-1120.

Related Articles:

  • Assistive Technology: Memory Aids
  • Augmentative Communication: For Children to Adults
  • New Applications, Innovations in Augmentative Communication
  • Taking Care of Siblings
  • Using Assistive Technology During Rehabilitation

    • The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.