According to RehabTool.com, assistive technology (AT) "...can enable people with disabilities to accomplish daily living tasks, assist them in communication, education, work or recreation activities, in essence, help them achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life. AT devices can help improve physical or mental functioning, overcome a disorder or impairment, help prevent the worsening of a condition, strengthen a physical or mental weakness, help improve a person's capacity to learn, or even replace a missing limb." (www.rehabtool.com/at.html)

Educating Latinos about assistive technology

Examples of AT devices include computer software, Braille printers, pencil grips, tape recorders, walkers and canes. Many times Latinos with disabilities are not aware of services and resources available that could allow them to live more independent lives. Fortunately for people in Central California, there are AT Advocates such as Maria Rodriguez-Castillo of the Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) to educate Latinos with disabilities about AT.

Maria has been working at CCCIL for 7 years, and has touched the lives of hundreds of consumers. Prior to working as the AT Coordinator, Maria was an Independent Living Specialist (ILS), assisting consumers in obtaining Social Security benefits, Medi-Cal, housing, and training individuals about self-advocacy, among other services. When asked what she likes most about working at CCCIL she stated, "I enjoy working in my community by helping consumers realize their goals to increase their independence."

As the AT Coordinator, Maria assists consumers throughout the region in selecting and obtaining AT, ranging from low- to high-technology devices. One of those consumers is Daniel Carmona of Watsonville, CA. Carmona was shot in the leg by his cousin at the age of 13 in Mexico. His leg was amputated, and Carmona began to rely on others for help getting around. Carmona moved to the United States at age 18. It was here that he received his first prosthesis.

Carmona quickly outgrew his prosthesis and needed assistance getting a new one in order to remain independent. Carmona contacted Maria Rodriguez-Castillo hoping she could help. "I don't want to rely on other people," said Carmona. Maria began contacting a number of local agencies with the hope they might be able to assist, however, funds were very limited. The prosthesis would cost $4700. Realizing there were very few options, Maria contacted the local newspaper and placed an article asking the community for assistance, to both her and Carmona's surprise donations from the community poured in. The full cost for the prosthesis was raised and Carmona now has his new prosthesis. He is currently going to school to receive his degree in nursing, but he knows that without his AT he would not be able to live independently and continue with his education.

Assistive Technology can improve the lives of people with disabilities in their homes and at work. AT advocates are available nationwide. For more information on how to get in touch with an AT advocate in California, contact the AT Network, a project of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, at 1-800-390-2699 (voice), 1-800-900-0706 (TTY) or visit www.atnet.org. AT Network also has consumer success stories regarding AT.

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