I CAN Centre for Assistive Technology

The I CAN Centre for Assistive Technology (ICC AT) provides assessment intervention services to people of all ages who have complex needs for assistive technology.  Assistive Technology (AT) means using devices, services, strategies, and practices to help people be as functional and independent as possible.

The goal of ICC AT is to help people find the right tools and strategies to do the job, and to help clients, their families, and community members learn how to use the tools in their daily lives. Tools may range from simple low-tech tools such as picture boards to high-tech computerized systems. 

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars and plan to attend our upcoming AT for Literacy Expo on April 23 2010.

You will have time to meet representatives from the leading suppliers of AT products in Canada, visit their displays, get your questions answered, learn about their products and try our their devices.

Please refer to the TechTalk January 2010 newsletter for more information.

Areas of need are:

• Augmentative Communication - used by people with severe communication difficulties who cannot speak clearly.  Systems include gestures and signs (no-tech communication), communication notebooks and boards (low-tech communication) and electronic devices with speech output called speech generating communication devices. 
• Adapted Computer Access - if you cannot use a regular keyboard or mouse, there are hardware solutions such as different keyboards and mice, and software solutions that may help you use the computer more effectively. 
• Environmental Controls - also known as Electronic Aids for Daily Living: devices or systems that allow you to control your environment. Systems are available as stand-alone units, or as software using a personal computer.  Systems can be controlled by the user in many ways including voice and switches. 
• Specialized Power Mobility - operating a power wheelchair with specialty controls such as adapted joysticks and multiple switches if you cannot use a regular joystick 
• Cognitive Rehabilitation - devices and tools used by people who have had a brain injury and are learning new ways to help attention, memory, written and verbal communication skills.

Depending on your needs, various I CAN Centre clinicians may be involved: occupational therapist, physical therapist, rehabilitation engineer, assistive technology specialist, and speech-language pathologist. We work with you, your family, and community agencies as part of your team.

Assessment and Intervention Services

• Assistive Technology needs assessment and evaluation 
• Assistive Technology device trials, training and extended intervention 
• Follow-up evaluations and reviews 
• Technical support

A referral is needed for assessment services.

Educational Services for the Community 

• Resource library and short term equipment loan pool 
• TechTalk Newsletter
• Demonstration Days and Workshops (see our latest TechTalk Newsletter for details)
• Consultation

What about funding for the tools needed?

The I CAN Centre can advise clients on how and where to locate sources of funding for equipment needs and will provide clients with supporting documentation. Unfortunately we do not provide any funding for equipment ourselves.

TeleHealth 

If you have difficulty traveling to Edmonton to attend appointments or workshops, ICC AT services are available by TeleHealth.  This is a live audio-visual link between the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and your local community health centre.  To find out more about use of TeleHealth contact the Centre Coordinator.