Device Demonstration

The Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT) is an interagency AT service center in Salt Lake City, Utah. UCAT began as a project of the Utah Assistive Technology Program under its first 5 year grant. By the late 1990’s, UCAT was funded and administered with state funds through the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. However, UCAT has maintained its interagency focus. AT device demonstration is the main activity of UCAT staff; they serve clients statewide regardless of disability. UATP administers the advisory board for UCAT through the AT Council. In addition, UATP provides annual training and training funds to all UCAT staff so that they can remain current on new technologies.

There are 6 Centers for Independent Living (CIL) in Utah. Four of the five CILs outside of Salt Lake City, and the 5 satellite offices attached to each, conduct extensive AT device demonstrations in rural and remote areas of the state. The northern Utah CIL uses the AT Lab at Utah State University (the administrative center for the UATP) as its demonstration center. The CIL in Salt Lake City uses UCAT as its demonstration center. UATP staff provides annual training and training funds to CIL assistive technology specialist staff so that they can remain current on new technologies.

The Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DSBVI) operates an AT device demonstration center at the Utah State Library for the Blind in Salt Lake City. The staff provide AT demonstration focused on the needs of people who are blind and visually impaired. DSBVI staff work closely with the older blind specialists at each of the CILs outside of Salt Lake City by providing additional training on technology use and emerging/new technologies. UATP staff conducts joint training presentations and device demonstrations with DSBVI staff at its central demonstration center and at CILs around Utah.

The Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing maintains a device demonstration center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The devices in this center are primarily for use by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The focus is on technologies that improve education, employment and community integration outcomes. Some of the demonstrated technology improves access to information and telecommunications technology (e.g., TTY, voice carryover phones, etc.) The Center serves individuals of all ages across Utah. The Center has an extensive outreach program to rural and remote areas of the state. UATP works with Center staff to conduct outreach visits.