A program based in Roosevelt is changing lives for the better by getting assistive technology into the hands of locals who need it. Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product that is used to increase, maintain or improve function of individuals with disabilities. The Utah Assistive Technology Program or UATP, located on Roosevelt’s USU campus, is going above the call of duty to fulfill their mission. Sometimes that means referring people to already available services, helping them with application processes, or loaning equipment so people can try before they buy. And then there are those unique times when a specialized solution is created, literally, with whatever scrap parts will get the job done. In one touching example, a special device was created for a little local girl named Jaele who is diagnosed with Osteogenisis Imperfect, or brittle bone disease. “Sometimes people have unique needs and it requires some special work with the individual,” shares AT Lab Coordinator Cameron Cressall. “This little girl could not be in a standing position and they were having difficulty finding anyone to work with her because she was so small and unique.” Putting heads together, the UATP crew built Jaele a device using about $50 dollars worth of scrap materials. There is no application or criteria anyone needs to meet to receive services from the Utah Assistive Technology Program. For more information, visit
www.uatpat.org
.
Jaele is thrilled with her new device created by the UATP. Jaele had never been able to stand due to Osteogenisis Imperfect or brittle bone disease.
Cowboy Mike trying out the adapted saddle created by UATP.
