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from our Care Services Manager, Brett Vowles MSW
The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP), through the University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine, in Columbia, South Carolina, is a federally funded program designed to get technology in the hands of those individuals that are living with disabilities so they can live, learn, work, and communicate, more easily. they Ideally, they would like to enhance independence, productivity and quality of life for those living with disabilities in South Carolina. We were fortunate enough to meet with Carol Page, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ATP, Program Director, and Tammy Wallace, Program Coordinator, to discuss how their services could benefit those who are living with ALS, their families, and caregivers.
While sitting down with SCATP in their Resource Center, they shared they are a statewide agency that is open to meet with anyone diagnosed with a disability who may need assistance with technology. They welcome people to make an appointment to visit their Resource Center in Columbia, so they can share what they are able to do with technology and making daily living less stressful. They can also arrange appointments to come and meet families for home visits as well. They are well trained and are able to assist South Carolinians with understanding how to operate different technological devices, however, they do not do formal assistive technology assessments. They do however provide consultations to AT teams on a limited basis. Some of the devices they work with that they shared with us were speech devices, iPads, phones, home modification applications, computers, and much more. The individuals at SCATP also shared that they have devices that can be loaned out as well.
Their loan closet program allows those living in South Carolina with disabilities to try a device for a few weeks to see if it is something that they would be able to use before purchasing. This is very beneficial when looking at expensive applications for computers, and iPads. The devices around their Resource Center are available for loan, they can send out loan applications or answer questions over the phone. They truly are a valuable resource when it comes to learning more about technology that may assist with even the little things that can be taken for granted.
They are able to purchase devices to be able to share with those in need to use from their loan closet, however, they also take donations of technological equipment, as well as day to day equipment such as shower chairs, bedside commodes, lifts, power chairs, etc.
This was a great visit to learn more about another resource available to those battling ALS and have technology inquiries. If you have any questions for the SCATP, their contact information is below.
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
Midlands Center
Poplar Building
8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC 29203
803-935-5263
800-915-4522
