Clinical Services

Assistive Technology for All Ages

CIDE's Assistive Technology Clinic provides one-on-one services for individuals with disabilities to improve the overall health and function of children and adults across the lifespan through the acquisition and use of appropriate assistive technology.

Our services include:

Assessment to help determine the most appropriate technology
Fittings
Adjustments
Programming
Training in the use of technology after it is acquired

As an outcome of the initial assessment, we recommend specific AT devices and provide clinical documentation to assist with funding justification of the need for the recommended technology.

a child smiles while sitting in his wheelchair

We offer clinical services in the following areas of need:

a young child uses his communication device

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Services for Complex Communicators of All Ages

Our Services Include:

Comprehensive, age-appropriate assessment of communication strengths and barriers considering:

Sensory and motor access,
Communication requirements of various settings and tasks,
Changing communication needs of the user given continued physical development or disease progression,
The features needed to make the technology match the needs of the communicator.

Extended, hands-on device trials in natural settings to allow informed consumer participation in final recommendations.
Knowledgeable assistance with funding for recommended communication technologies and needed accessories.
Follow-up with inclusive training on all new technologies to ensure successful communication across settings. Ongoing training using the new technology for developing language needs is also available.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

An Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) approach is a means to enhance communication competence in a person of any age with a significant communication disability. AAC approaches may range from using natural behaviors, such as facial expressions, vocalizations, and gestures, to more sophisticated signs, use of symbols, and technology. Typically, AAC strategies are used in combination like tools in a toolbox. Low-tech, high-tech and even no-tech strategies are combined when developing personalized AAC approaches for any one communicator. Appropriate AAC interventions can benefit facilitation of language development, increase natural speech production and promote compensation strategies for lost communication function. AAC interventions are often considered for people with diagnoses such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Apraxia of Speech, ALS, or Traumatic Brain Injury.

Improving Access to Mobile and Desktop

CIDE's Computer Access assessment evaluates a wide range of challenges that can make computers and mobile devices difficult to use. These challenges may include:

Motor Impairment
Low vision or blindness
Learning and cognitive disabilities, or
a combination of the above

Our team provides a solution unique to each person to empower them to use computers more successfully at home and on the job. Solutions can include strategies, software, specialized peripheral devices, or web-based approaches.

The Home Automation/Smart Home Technology assessment provides solutions to operate appliances or tools so a person with physical disabilities can be independent in their home environment. Smart Home technologies can range from simple devices such as a cord to a light switch to complex control devices that control multiple systems from a central control unit. Our team can assist in the selection and use of smart home technologies based on the individual’s unique abilities, preferences and goals.

A child is supported lying on her side on a dreama mattress

Assessment of Postural Supports When Not in a Wheelchair

The Nighttime Positioning assessment assists in identifying specialized positioning technologies that will improve an individual's body alignment, comfort, sleep quality, and safety during sleep. This is a vital component in overall posture management and prevention of secondary complications for a person with severe physical disabilities. We can help determine the most therapeutic body position for sleep, and recommend specialized equipment that will support that position during sleep. This results in an improvement in health and sleep for both the impaired individual and their caregiver.

a young man with cerebral palsy lies with his legs supported on a certified sleep system mattress

Read& Write for Google literacy software is shown reading a tale of two cities

Learning and Cognitive Technology Assessment and Training

The Learning and Cognitive Technologies assessment helps an individual identify accommodations and assistive technology solutions to improve their educational and/or vocational independence.

CIDE provides:

Evaluations to address the educational technology needs of students with a wide range of learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADHD.
Assessments to identify vocational accommodations for adults with learning disabilities.
Technology evaluation to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and cognitive impairments; whether it is a result of an injury, progression of a disease, or developmental disability - we can identify accommodations and technology solutions to meet an individual's goals.

a therapist measure a person's wheelchair seating angle

Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Assessment and Training

Our services include:

Evaluating, recommending and fitting - positioning and mobility devices such as manual and power wheelchairs, power scooters, positioning chairs, adaptive strollers, and standers for children and adults with a variety of disabilities.
For individuals unable to walk, we assess sitting posture, comfort, seated function, and ability to propel/operate a manual/powered wheelchair.
If a person is able to walk, we assess their gait and ambulation skills, and consider the need for safe functional mobility in all environments.
For individuals with complex postural needs, we use an adjustable seating simulator to help determine the technology features needed to support their body in a comfortable, aligned and functional position in their wheelchair.
For individuals with complex mobility needs who are unable to use a standard joystick, we use a power wheelchair simulator to determine a method of alternative drive control (such as use of sip n puff devices or switches embedded in a headrest) to enable the person to operate a power wheelchair.

Our assessment process is collaborative.

We work closely with the individual’s Durable Medical Equipment supplier of choice in order to help specify either new equipment or modifications to existing technology.
Upon completion of the assessment, the evaluating therapist provides the clinical documentation of medical necessity to justify the recommended equipment to the designated funding agency or health insurance plan.
After the individual receives the recommended technology, we provide follow up services to insure that the recommended equipment has been delivered as specified, and that it is adjusted properly to insure optimal fit, health and function.

Work Site Ergonomics

CIDE Ergonomic assessments determine how a person’s workstation can best minimize repetitive stress injuries and other injuries associated with the person’s normal job duties, while also enhancing workflow ease and efficiency.

Implementation of appropriate ergonomics worksite recommendations offer long term benefits to both employee and employer by reducing the risk of work-related injuries while providing an enhanced work environment for accomplishing work tasks more efficiently and with less effort.

The types of ergonomic evaluations we provide include:

Ergonomic assessment and recommendations for an individual workstation and employee (who may or may not have a disability, or pain and discomfort associated with work)
Ergonomic assessment and recommendations for multiple individuals and their workstations in a single office location
General ergonomic assessment and recommendations for a worksite with multiple workstations (without assessing the needs of specific employees)

Who Pays?

Most, though not all, of our clinical services can be billed to the individual’s private health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, under the plans’ outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy benefits. For services not covered by health insurance, we accept payment directly from the individual, from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or other disability services organizations. Our Clinic Administrator can help you determine if your health insurance plan covers the services that you need, and assist with determining other funding sources if needed. To inquire about our services or schedule an appointment, please call our front desk at 303-315-1280.

Meet Our Clinic Staff

Services are provided by our faculty, which include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and rehabilitation engineers.

Make an Appointment

Call: 303-315-1280

Refer a Patient

Fax: 303-573-2340

Documents

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cide-specialty-clinic-intake-and-referral-form2023 (pdf)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Read through our Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to common questions about our Assistive Technology clinic.

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Alert: Plaza Building Is Closed

The Plaza Building will be closed through at least Dec. 6 because of a water line break and expected repairs. The Health Center, located in the building, will only offer Telehealth until further notice. Please check the Auraria Campus website for updates.

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Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering

Assistive Technology Clinic

Assistive Technology for All Ages

We offer clinical services in the following areas of need:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Services for Complex Communicators of All Ages

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

Improving Access to Mobile and Desktop

Assessment of Postural Supports When Not in a Wheelchair

Learning and Cognitive Technology Assessment and Training

Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Assessment and Training

Our assessment process is collaborative.

Work Site Ergonomics

Who Pays?

Meet Our Clinic Staff

Make an Appointment

Refer a Patient

Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE)

Assistive Technology Clinic

Assistive Technology for All Ages

We offer clinical services in the following areas of need:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Computer Access

Home Automation / Smart Home Technology

Nighttime Positioning

Learning and Cognitive Aids

Wheelchair Seating and Mobility

Worksite Accommodations / Ergonomics

Who Pays?

Meet Our Clinic Staff

Becky Breaux PhD, OTR/L, ATP

Aleaza Goldberg MA, CCC-SLP/L

Kimberly Koole BA

Jayne Manush MS, OTR/L, ATP

Claire Simpson MSOT

Make an Appointment

Refer a Patient

Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE)