State program headquartered at OSU offers technology access, services to Oklahomans

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

By Katie Butler

Oklahoma State University is home to statewide assistive technology program, ABLE Tech, which helps people all around Oklahoma.

ABLE Tech’s mission is to improve access and acquisition to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. The organization provides comprehensive programs throughout the state making assistive technology devices and services more available to individuals with disabilities and their families.

ABLE tech is funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 through the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education.

Technology is provided to Oklahoman’s through four main programs: demonstration centers, short-term equipment loans, assistive technology reutilization and low interest bank loans to purchase the technology equipment. The demonstration center is located in the OSU Seretean Wellness Center in Stillwater as well as in eight partner locations across the state.

Linda Jaco, director of sponsored programs for ABLE Tech, said it is a great opportunity for OSU to be the home of this program.

“Having ABLE Tech on campus positions OSU in a unique way,” Jaco said. “It helps us serve people well beyond the OSU campus and reach people all across the state, which brings OSU to the forefront of assistive technology.”

ABLE Tech promotes the availability of assistive technology for people with disabilities but Jaco stresses that assistive technology can be any item or piece of equipment used to improve the capabilities of a person.

One Oklahoman who has already benefited from ABLE Tech’s services is Bettie Jo Knight.

Knight, a retired college professor, is gradually losing her vision and came to ABLE Tech for an equipment demonstration.

“I love all the equipment and was really excited about being able to take the items home for a loan period so I could try them out during my daily life,” she said. “It has helped me become more independent and also lets me read books for pleasure again.

“We would love to see more people on campus find value in our services,” Jaco said. “It can be for anyone with poor vision to arthritis; we really can benefit everyone.”

There are about 40,000 assistive technology manufactured devices, according to Jaco. ABLE Tech and its partners have an inventory of approximately 1500 devices, which have benefited Oklahomans of all ages.

ABLE Tech’s services are available for all Oklahoman’s who need assistance at any age.

For more information on ABLE Tech’s services call 744-9748, the toll free Info-line at 888-885-5588 or visit online at http://okabletech.okstate.edu.