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Assistive technology is any service or tool that helps the elderly or disabled do the activities they have always done but must now do differently. These tools are also sometimes called "adaptive devices."

Such technology may be something as simple as a walker to make moving around easier or an amplification device to make sounds easier to hear (for talking on the telephone or watching television, for instance). It could also include a magnifying glass that helps someone who has poor vision read the news paper or a small motor scooter that makes it possible to travel over distances that are too far to walk. In short, anything that helps the elderly continue to participate in daily activities is considered assistive technology.

Disability Vs. Aging

Understandably, many seniors find the aging process difficult as their physical and mental abilities change. Many seniors do not view aging as a disability, thus they feel no connection to the disability community. Because they don't see themselves as disabled, seniors will often fail to take advantage of services for the disabled.

While seniors are familiar with devices such as reachers and grab bars, they do not think of those items as assistive technology devices. Most are also unaware of the many AT devices that can increase their function and independence. However, seniors may also reject using such devices, even if they understand the benefits, because the devices are associated with people with disabilities. In using AT, they may feel stigmatized as disabled. Seniors who lose their vision or hearing, develop arthritis or lose mobility must accept their age-related disability and learn that they can utilize the same resources as a middle-aged adult with the same impairments. Understanding their level of function will open more doors for seniors and provide seniors with greater resources for living independently.

Contact Elizabeth Church, I&A social worker, ext. 211 for more information about assistive technology.

The Home Ramp Project

The Home Ramp Project was developed to provide wheelchair ramps for home access to people in Washington County who have mobility needs. By recruiting the services of volunteers and using a modular design for the ramps, the cost of the home ramps is significantly reduced. The modular design allows the construction of ramps that can be easily removed and reused if the need for the ramp no longer exists. The ramps are designed and constructed in accordance with local codes and approved by local building authorities. Recipients are asked to provide financial information and, in many cases, the ramps are provided at no cost. Donations are always accepted.

The program was initially launched with a grant from the Maryland Home and Community Care Foundation with subsequent grants from the Washington County Gaming Commission and the Funhouser Foundation. Over seventy ramps have been provided to date.

For additional information about the Home Ramp Project, contact Bill Beard at 301-745-6444 or call Elizabeth Church, I&A Social Worker at the Commission on Aging (ext. 211).