The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado can help individuals with disabilities to lead more independent lives through the use of AT. The CIDE team works together with stakeholders throughout Colorado to provide AT information and assistance to individuals with disabilities, seniors, and their service providers.
It is estimated that 15% of the world’s population experiences some form of disability. Spreading awareness about this issue is important for everyone. We build awareness through targeted services and through participation in local expos, fairs, and events. We provide an extensive offering for all ages and disabilities - both from an individual and business perspective in a broad range of areas.
Our services range from one-on-one assessments for individuals with disabilities to training for groups and businesses. If you have a general idea of the assistance you need, please visit our ‘Services’ pages to find the information you are looking for. For more guidance on what services could help improve your life or business accessibility, please visit our ‘Need Help?’ page to help direct you to the right resource to fit your needs.
The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering is committed to increasing awareness of AT, and one way we do this is through participation in expos, fairs, and events. Throughout the year, we are actively involved in many local, state, and national fairs and expositions in addition to events held on an annual basis, such as AT Awareness Week. For more information on upcoming events, please see our announcements or join our mailing list.
We offer a comprehensive and extensive range of training available to individuals, caregivers, therapists, organizations, professionals, and anyone seeking more information on AT. Our trainings are offered through one-on-one instruction or in group settings in both live and web-based formats. Some of the topics geared toward professionals include how to implement AT in school and work settings and how to make Information Communication Technology accessible. Examples of topics for individuals with disabilities and their families include Emergency Preparedness, learning about assistive technology, as well as numerous others. Please visit our ‘Education’ pages for more information or see our ‘Need Help?’ page if you aren’t sure where to start.
The clinic at the Center for Inclusive Design and Egineering (CIDE) is run by a team of experts that help people with disabilities and seniors select a technology solution unique to their needs and capabilities. The clinical services include:
Comprehensive one-on-one assessments to help determine the most appropriate technology as well as a method to access that technology
Clinical documentation that helps justify the need for the technology to assist with funding and technology procurement
Fittings, adjustments, programming and training in the use of the technology after it is acquired
Please see our clinical services page for more information.
The AT loan bank is available for children receiving early intervention services and students with disabilities in the Colorado public school system. AT consultants through the early intervention programs or SWAAAC team coordinators in schools work with each child and their caregivers to evaluate their needs and determine which technology devices would be most effective. All available AT devices can be found on the AT loan bank online storefront; however, loans must go through the AT consultants or SWAAAC team coordinators.
For more information on other services offered to children in Colorado please see the SWAAAC and Tech for Tykes pages.
The AT Network was established as a statewide resource that provides AT information and assistance across the state of Colorado for adults with disabilities. AT kits are available for check out allowing local community members to learn about tools to support independence for those with disabilities or the aging population. They contain hundreds of devices for all of the rooms of the home, office, and community. The primary goal of the AT Network is to raise the awareness about AT to a greater number of people across Colorado and to help those in need acquire the technology they need in order to improve quality of life.
Organizations that serve people with disabilities are eligible to join the AT Network and gain access to borrow the AT kits. For more information on the AT Network, contact us.
AT devices can make an incredible impact on the lives of users and their caretakers. We want to ensure that these devices remain accessible despite someone’s financial status. Online databases and resources are available to assist you to find funding for AT devices.
The following services were recently updated. If you need assistance with the new tools or have questions about funding for AT, please contact Julia Beems for direct assistance.
The AT Funding $ources database was created to help individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers, find funding sources for AT devices, equipment, and programs. The site is fully accessible, available statewide and allows users to filter the results to easily find what they are looking for. Once a potential funding source is identified, the site also directs users to more information and instructions on how to apply for funding. To begin your search, please visit the AT Funding $ources database.
The CIDE AT Exchange is an online tool and resource that assists individuals, and organizations, in obtaining used AT devices or equipment for little or no cost. This service allows users to search posted items available within Colorado. Any devices or equipment obtained from AT Exchange should be based on a professional evaluation and recommendation from an Assistive Technology Specialist to assure proper usage and fit.
The Colorado Assistive Technology Coalition serves as the advisory council for the AT Program. More than fifty percent of membership is persons with disabilities who use AT or are parents, family members or guardians of people who use assistive technology. Other members include representatives of state agencies and organizations that serve people with disabilities who use AT.