The goal of the Duke Assistive Technology Program is to help you find assistive technology (AT) options that will allow you to compensate most effectively for your disability.

Our main goal is to help you maintain or increase your ability to participate in life -- whether it be communicating, using your computer, or achieving further control of your environment.

We offer the following services to patients with communication disorders:

• An initial evaluation to assess your needs and abilities
• Demonstration of, and trials with, our extensive collection of augmentative communication equipment
• A comprehensive report, including recommendations of technology that can help meet your needs
• Assistance with funding for both rental and purchase of equipment
• Follow-up visits to help with device selection, training, and modification

Specialty Technology Services

A wide variety of assistive technology services are available. Each service includes a comprehensive evaluation to help determine the technology that would best meet your needs. In addition, follow-up training and modification are available as needed.

The technology services that we provide include:

• Communication access for people with limited verbal communication skills. Various degrees of technology can help augment or provide an alternative to speech.
• Computer access for people with limited access to written communication because of physical disabilities. Specialized software, keyboard modifications, encoding techniques, and physical access methods can help provide you with efficient means to use a computer.
• Environmental control for people who have limited access to their environment because of physical disabilities. Modifying the way appliances can be operated and accessed can help increase your ability to manipulate the environment (for example, using your television, kitchen appliances, or telephone).
• Expectations for success: commitment to learn and use technology in your daily life.

Additional Benefits of Our Program

In addition to providing services to our clients, we also:

• Maintain a multi-disciplinary staff who continually shares and develops expertise in state-of-the-art techniques and technology
• Collaborate extensively with regional and national universities, clinics, and organizations in the field of AT
• Lead state and federally funded research projects with the goal of advancing the field of AT and related services

Schedule an AT Evaluation

To schedule an evaluation, you must complete and return an assistive technology questionnaire. This will help us to individualize our evaluation to meet your needs.

Contact Duke Speech Pathology and Audiology at 919-684-3859, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.