The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) is a statewide initiative that provides assistive technology services to people of all ages and abilities. The program, funded by state and federal resources, aims to promote independence for individuals with disabilities through access to adaptive equipment. NCATP operates nine AT Centers throughout North Carolina, and on May 3rd, the Charlotte AT Center hosted the third of its three AT Resource Fair Pop-Up events.
Over 100 people attended the event, eager to explore recent innovations in assistive technology and to try out various devices firsthand. The fair featured two dozen exhibitors, along with NCATP staff, who were available to connect with attendees and provide information.
One of the attendees, Adria Twyman, Activity and Enrichment Coordinator with InReach, brought a group of residents to the Pop-Up. InReach supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. The residents had the opportunity to connect with local resources, experiment with different assistive technologies, and enjoy the event. “I just wanted to bring our residents to see the adaptive technology available – especially the communications devices because a lot of our residents are non-verbal,” Twyman explained.
Matt Kirby from Catalyst Sports also participated in the event, traveling from the organization’s Asheville office. He showcased the latest adaptive hand bike he built, and promoted adaptive sports opportunities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayak paddling. Catalyst Sports operates in 11 cities across the southeast, including Asheville and Raleigh, and organizes group outings tailored to the interests and abilities of their clients. “I’ve seen lots of tears and enjoyment – I myself tear up too at seeing someone have access to the outdoors,” Kirby shared.
Michelle Williams and Xuan Truong of Access Charlotte were particularly impressed with the NeuroNode, a wearable sensor that enables users to access communication technology via bioelectric signals and spatial movements. “It really is amazing, the automatic control,” Truong stated. “And the adaptive video games were really fun too.”
NCATP’s next major event is the annual AT Expo, scheduled for October 3rd at the NC State McKimmon Center. This year’s theme is “Breaking Boundaries, Empowering Lives.”
