What We Do
CAT Client Services provides an array of assistive technology services for people with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, and independent living. We provide assessment, training, consultation, demonstration, loan, and professional development services to individuals, school districts, colleges and universities, and other entities that require support with the utilization and integration of assistive technology.
CAT conducts research activities related to assistive technology use and accessibility across a range of contexts, and is always open to new projects. Contact us to discuss potential collaborations, and explore our Projects page to learn more about our research activities.
Our Services
A key part of our service is to assess how people with disabilities use assistive technology devices to help maximize their independence in everyday activities.
We provide assessments for current technology and assistive devices, including:
- Evaluation of assistive technology devices related to a person’s abilities and needs
- Assessment for computer access, ergonomics, environmental control, positioning and daily activities
- Coordination of hands-on trials with various assistive devices
- Configuration of various devices to enable function, participation and increased independence
- Use of alternate input and output devices for computer and device access
- Assessment for assistive technology for reading, writing and other learning needs
- Use of devices to assist with function, participation and independence in various activities including work, education and daily living activities
Assessments are conducted:
- At our accessible and ergonomically designed workstations at CAT
- At on-site locations in schools and educational environments, work sites and in home and community environments
We offer assistive technology assessments to people with disabilities in the eight counties of Western New York, and other regions as requested.
Our training can be offered on an individualized, one-on-one basis or as group training for two or more people.
Training topics include, but are not limited to:
- Instruction in use of assistive devices and specialized features
- Equipment set-up, installation and configuration
- Customization and modification of assistive devices for specific needs and environments
- Integration of assistive technology devices and software into specific job or educational tasks
We offer our services to individuals, schools, colleges, employers, community organizations or any entity that may have an assistive technology service need.
Our interdisciplinary team includes experts in occupational therapy, assistive technology and education, and can provide consultation on any aspect of assistive technology services, devices and integration into environments.
Consultation services are designed to meet the need of the individual within a specific context, and can be contracted by individuals, agencies, institutions and school districts. The flexibility of consultation lead to this service being an appropriate fit for many needs. Contact our team to discuss consultation services and what they can entail.
Our demonstration and short-term loan program allows qualified individuals to use assistive technology devices on a trial basis to determine the usefulness and need prior to purchase.
This program is offered through our Western New York Region’s TRAID project.
Up-close Look at Assistive Technology Devices
Demonstrations highlight how assistive technology can be used for daily living activities, education and employment and allow participants to experience assistive technology devices in action. We offer device demonstrations at our office and at outside locations via scheduled appointments.
Device Trial Before Purchase
We have an extensive collection of devices available for short-term loan for individuals with disabilities, their family members, service providers, employers and educators. The hands-on trial experience helps people ‘test drive’ various devices and select the most appropriate ones to meet their needs before purchasing. This is especially important for Early Intervention and Community Living.
We provide professional development — an essential in the assistive technology field due to rapidly-changing technologies — for those interested in expanding their skills and knowledge base.
Specific audiences may include teachers, therapists, college instructors, service providers, counselors, employers and caregivers.
Professional development is provided through:
- One-on-one meetings
- Small and large group sessions
- Hands-on workshops
- Continuing education programs
- Professional development days
Professional development includes:
- Instruction specific assistive technology device
- Customization of assistive technology features
- Integration of multiple assistive technology used together
- Using assistive technology in various environments
Who We Work With
- Participants of ACCES-VR
- Participants of NYSCB
- Community members in need of assistive technology education, awareness, demonstration and short-term loan of assistive technology devices through the TRAID Program
- Accessibility Resources students at UB
CAT's Fee for Service Center
Our center enables individuals and entities to contract with CAT for any of the assistive technology services listed on this webpage, tailored to their goals and needs. CAT has a longstanding history of providing assistive technology services for school-aged students with disabilities through contracts with their school districts, as well as individuals, institutions and community agencies. Learn more about contracting with CAT for assistive technology services by expanding the information below or contacting our center.
We provide assistive technology services for students in elementary and secondary school systems. To refer a student to our office, please contact us so we can initiate the contract and referral processes.
Our team follows a specific process for conducting assistive technology evaluations for school-aged students with disabilities. This process is outlined below, and includes stakeholders in the student's educational access to faciliate integration and effective use of any recommended assistive technology.
- Following a review of the referral documentation, our evaluators have a 30-minute remote meeting with the parent(s)/guardian(s), educational team (i.e., teachers, therapists), and the student if they are of transition age (14 years and older). This meeting enables our evaluators to ask questions about the referral documentation, review expectations related to the student's curricular requirements, and determine specific areas of need to be addressed under the evaluation.
- An in-person evaluation is conducted at our office. The process includes assessing the individual needs of the student, configuring adaptive equipment for hands-on trial, assessing the student’s ability to use adaptive equipment and modifying the system accordingly, and considering factors related to integrating the assistive technology equipment into the student's classroom and computer use.
- A comprehensive report, including detailed justification and purchasing information is submitted in a digital, password-protected file to the district and parent(s)/guardian(s).
Our assistive technology services are available under private pay to any entity, including to individuals and organizations. In order to provide any assistive technology service under private pay, we will need a contract and authorization for services in place. Please contact us to discuss your specific service needs, and to initiate the process.