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The Vermont Parent Information Center (VPIC) has a FREE Assistive Technology Try-out Center, where parents, children and professionals can explore Assistive Technology options. Assistive Technology (AT) refers to the adaptive devices and software programs, which help individuals with disabilities to do things more easily.
 

The AT Try-out Center includes a variety of equipment and software such as:

Alternative keyboards:

www.intellitools.com: Intellikeys, Overlay Maker & Web ActivityExchange; (800) 899-6687
IntelliKeys is a programmable alternative keyboard that plugs into any Macintosh or Windows computer. It enables students with physical, visual or cognitive disabilities to easily type, enter numbers, navigate on-screen displays, and execute menu commands.
 

Magnification Aids:

www.aisquared.com(802) 362-3612   Zoom Text Xtra

ZoomText Xtra is the world’s leading magnification and reading software. With its easy to use features, ZoomText makes computers accessible and friendly to low-vision users.

Reading/ Writing Aids:

http://www.wizcomtech.com/index.php3 (888)777-0552
The Quicktionary Reading Pen is a hand-held, pen shaped scanner that reads words in seconds. Just glide the Quicktionary Pen over an unknown word and the spoken word and definition instantly appear in the display window.

AAC:www.neatinfo.net/equipment/fivetalker.html (800) 652-0033 V/TT
Augmentative Communication Consultants Five Talker records up to five messages with 2 minutes of total memory. Compact and light, it fits snugly in user’s hand. Speaker projects sound clearly when hand-held. The Talker includes laminated inserts, 9-volt battery, and marking set.

Software examples:

www.donjohnston.com(800-999-4660)
www.slatersoftware.com(877) 306-6968

CoWriter4000 adds word prediction, PixWriteris a stand-alone writing program with grammar and vocabulary support capabilities color pictures, voice output, and buttons to any word processor or email program.
 
 

Positioning:www.wenzelite.com1-800-706-9255,

The First Class Chair is designed to assure good seating posture. It is comfortable, attractive and adjustable. It is ideal for physically challenged children with mild to moderate involvement for use in the classroom, clinic or home. It’s multiple adjustments and accessories meet the needs of each child as they grow and develop. The chair is so easy to adjust! This allows for use by multiple children in schools and clinics.

  The AT Try-out Center provides information and referral services and enables parents, children and professionals to sample a variety of tools that can help children to be more independent at home, at school or at play. This provides the opportunity to review AT options before making a major purchase. Parents and educators have found this to be very beneficial in helping children realize their personal potential.

Program hours are 8 AM to 1 PM Monday through Friday and by appointment at other times. To schedule an appointment or learn more about the AT Center, contact VPIC’s AT Project Director, 1 Mill Street, Suite 310, Burlington, VT, (802) 658-5315 (V/TTY) or 1 toll-free, (800) 639-7170. Note: AT try-outs can be arranged in other state locations, as well. For additional information, please visit our website at www.vtpic.com