Assistive Technology: Assistive Technology Devices (AT Devices)

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Mobility Systems: At Good Shepherd’s RJ Foundation Mobility Center, people with disabilities are fitted with customized wheelchairs and other mobility systems. Certified therapists work with patients to ensure that the device they purchase is right for their body type and disability. Good Shepherd is an evaluation and training site for the iBOT 4000 Mobility System, which uses gyroscopic technology to climb stairs, navigate rough terrain, and raise a user to the eye level of a standing individual.

Daily Living: Self-help aids for use in activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, dressing, toileting, home maintenance, etc.

Augmentative & Alternative Communications (AAC): Some severely disabled individuals can communicate by having their speech synthesized with an augmentative or alternative communication device (devices/techniques that provide a means for expressive and receptive communication). AAC devices range from relatively simple to extremely complex. People can use switches, their fingers, or even their eyes to manipulate AAC devices. AAC devices offered at Good Shepherd include the Pathfinder System and the Eye Gaze System (uses infrared technology; developed by the U.S. Air Force).

Computer Access: Input and output devices (voice), alternate access aids (head sticks, light pointers), modified or alternate keyboards, switches, specialized software, etc. that enable persons with disabilities to use a computer.

Environmental Aids to Daily Living (EADL): EADLs allow persons with disabilities to perform everyday tasks. Users operate electronic devices by pushing a switch or using a voice command. They can control home appliances, pull drapes, open doors, and more. EADLs are widely used at the Good Shepherd Home—Allentown, Good Shepherd Home—Bethlehem, and Good Shepherd’s Supported Independent Living Apartments.

Environmental Control Systems: Systems that allow persons with limited mobility to control various appliances, electronic aids, security systems, etc. in their room, home, or other surroundings.

Seating & Positioning: Accommodations to a wheelchair or other seating system that provide greater body stability, trunk/head support and an upright posture, and reduction of skin surface pressure (cushions, contour seats, lumbar).

Aids for Vision Impaired: Magnifiers, speech output devices, large print screens, closed circuit television used to magnify documents, etc.

Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids: Manual and electric wheelchairs, mobile bases for custom chairs, walkers, three-wheel scooters, and other utility vehicles used to increase personal mobility.

Adaptive Driving: Good Shepherd’s Adaptive Driving Program provides driving evaluations and training to men and women with various disabilities. Clients are evaluated and taken on the road with an occupational therapist, who makes recommendations for additional training and equipment. Special equipment includes hand controls, special levers, steering devices and left gas pedals.

Vehicle Modifications: Adaptive driving aids, hand controls, wheelchair and other lifts, and modified vans and other motor vehicles used for personal transportation.