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Imagine you had a disabling accident, suffered a stroke, broke a limb or contracted eye disease. It sounds scary, doesn’t it? But what if you were able to continue your career, take care of yourself in your home and keep active as always? Suddenly, an injury or unexpected illness doesn’t seem so daunting. This is what assistive technology is all about.

In the first state, the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) makes it possible for individuals with disabilities or physical limitations to be more independent and productive. This is especially important in today’s economy, where many workers over 50 are choosing to remain in the workplace. Also consider the aging boomer generation—so many of them have the desire to remain at home after a stroke, broken hip or other health issue, but can't. Assistive Technology makes this possible and puts people’s minds at ease.

That’s what happened with Robin Saxton. She was only 46 when she learned she was legally blind. Her eye doctor suggested leaving work on disability. Fortunately, Saxton’s employer, the state of Delaware, accommodated her and paid for a CCTV, a device with a built-in camera that magnifies written documents and other objects. They even went the extra mile and bought special software and installed special lighting for her. “I went from being scared to death to feeling just as I did before I went blind,” she says. “I don’t feel as if I have any limitations.”

Assistive technology (AT) refers to any product or device that increases, maintains, or improves the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. AT can be simple, like a non-skid mat to keep a plate from moving around, or more complex, like talking devices or hands-free access to a computer. DATI’s mission is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life and greater independence through increased access to AT at home, at work, at school, and in the community. DATI also helps individuals learn about technology and funding options and connects them with supports for effective device use.

Hundreds of older Delawareans have made informed choices about AT with the help of DATI. “We work side-by-side with people to introduce them to different devices they can use, coach them on their use,” says Beth Mineo, director of the DATI. “But the biggest obstacle people come up against is how to pay for the equipment.” She notes that Medicare doesn’t pay for many types of AT devices and some employers won’t pay, either. “While some employers are willing to make the investment to keep good employees, others resist upgrading their technology to accommodate the worker in need of AT.”

“Using this technology is a win/win situation for the worker and the employer,” says Rita Landgraf, state president for AARP in Delaware. ”It costs money to hire and train employees, not to mention that Delaware faces a shortage of talent in the workplace.”

AT can keep Delawareans contributing to the state’s economic well-being. “They are so much better off when they’re productive and employed rather than collecting disability.”

DATI is launching free training for employers to raise their awareness of how good workplace design and assistive technology can help keep older employees safe, comfortable and productive.

Center for Aging Services Technologies
www.agingtech.org