Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs)

Spotlight on ATRC Staff

Sam Creech - Director of Information Technology at Walton Options for Independent Living, a Tools for Life Assistive Technology Resource Center located in Augusta, GA.

Click here to read about the success of this man.

What are Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs)?
The Tools for Life Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) are "hands-on" learning centers for demonstration, education and evaluation of products available on the market today. They are also a resource for Georgians with disabilities, families, friends, health care professionals and other professionals who are interested in seeing, learning and experimenting with new and existing assistive technology devices and equipment.

Why have ATRCs
In Georgia, an estimated 1,250,000 people have one or more disabilities. Of these, nearly 14% or 656,097 have severe disabilities requiring one or more kinds of assistive technology (LaPlante et al, Technology and Disabilities, vol. 6, pp. 17-28, 1997, and the 1990 Census Report) to live, learn, work, or play more independently. Tools for Life has found that the majority of Georgians with disabilities need the opportunity to try out different devices/tools before purchasing them, as well as assistance on a local level in finding resources. Most ATRCs also loan out devices/equipment for trial usage to make sure the device is appropriate. ATRCs also work together to provide training regarding funding. Documenting unmet needs in funding for AT devices and services and work with others to develop resources to meet those needs. Providing for legal assistance, when appropriate, to assistive delivery and services. Promoting the development of alternative funding sources such as : Equipment exchanges and recycling, Loan Programs, and Legislation.

ATRC Locations
If you would like to try out various devices and equipment, call one of the ATRCs listed below:

Atlanta | Augusta | Conyers | Macon

Metro Atlanta
ATRC-Metro Atlanta
Touch The Future ATRC
4508 Bibb Blvd. Suite B10
Tucker, GA 30084
Phone 770-934-8432 
Fax 770-934-8433
Metro Atlanta Coordinator: Joanne Willis, OTR/L
Email: joannewillis@mindspring.com
Web Site: http://www.reboot-atrc.org
Area of Expertise:  Computer Training, Learning Lab, equipment library

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Augusta
Walton Options for Independent Living
948 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 31901
Phone (voice): (706) 724-6262 
(TDD): (706) 724-2324 and (706) 261-0199
FAX (706) 724-6729
Augusta Coordinator: Kathy Pelletier
Web Site: http://www.waltonoptions.org 
Area of Expertise: Jaws software training; Braille
 

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Conyers
Tech-Able
1114 Brett Drive, Ste. 100
Conyers, GA 30094
Phone (voice and TDD): (770) 922-6768
Fax: (770) 922-6769
Coordinator: Joe Tedesco
Email: techable@techable.org
Web Site: http://www.techable.org
Area of Expertise: Computer & Software Training - Equipment, Toy, & Software Lending Libraries

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Macon
Disability Connections
170 College Street
Macon, GA 31201
Phone (Voice & TDD): (478) 741-1425
Coordinator: Jerilyn Leverett
Email: LaneMll@aol.com
Web Site: http://www.disabilityconnections.com/
Area of Expertise: transportation needs for persons with disabilities, Independent Living Center, working with other organizations

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