Assistive Technology for Kansans


KS-Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, UCEDD/LEND
Program Type UCEDD Fiscal Year 2020
Contact Sara Sack, PhD
Email [email protected]    
Phone 620-421-8367    
Project Description
Purpose of Assistive Technology for Kansans: Increase statewide access of assistive technology devices and services to people of all ages and abilities. Kansans of all ages with any type of disability or health condition can request information/referral, evaluation, technical assistance or training supports by calling 1-800-KAN-DO-IT.

Assistive Technology for Kansans have five regional Assistive Technology Access sites that have assistive technology specialists, funding specialists, access to technology devices, and contacts with experts in all areas of technology. Areas of assistive technology covered: computer access devices and software, activities of daily living, assisted listening, communication, education/learning, environmental control, leisure/play, and mobility.

The project is guided by an Executive Advisory Board composed of consumers and disability agency and organization representatives. This group reviews barriers to technology access and suggests strategies for changing pracitices, policies, regulations or laws to increase access to technology devices and services. The project's legislative and policy analysis component addresses issues at the local, state, and national levels.

ATK Services:
5 Access Sites across the state, provide AT services to people with disabilities of all ages in Kansas
Technical consultation in selecting appropriate devices to meet an individual?s need
Hands-on demonstration of AT
An equipment loan program with more than 12,000 items that can be borrowed on a trial basis
Funding resource information ? assistance locating a funding source for a device
Advocacy for individuals & their families on their rights to AT services
Provide assistive technology evaluation for entitites such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran's Administration, Worker's Compensation, Infant-Toddler Services and AgrAbility
Presentations to groups on specific AT topics
Related community resource information & referral
Provide home modification evaluations for individuals who qualify for the Kansans Accessibility Modification Program (KAMP)


ATK Serves: Children, adults, & older adults with disabilities & their families
Older adults experiencing difficulty with daily activities
Professionals in various fields, i.e. health care, social services, or education
Employers and employees in private and public settings