Vol. 1, No. 2 Sept/Oct 1993	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Strength In Numbers

We have begun to see the wonderful things that assistive technology (AT) can do to enhance the abilities of people with disabilities. Many of the devices available are truly amazing and seem more like science fiction than real life. Unfortunately AT is not always easily obtainable. Finding the right device for a specific need can be challenging. Having repairs made to a piece of equipment can be quite involved and frustrating, and obtaining help to pay for an expensive device can seem to take forever. Many times people have expressed feeling all alone in facing these challenges. Being able to talk with others about shared concerns--and joining forces to work for improvements--can be a real source of encouragement. DATI wants to facilitate this communication by establishing a network for AT users to link up with one another.

This AT Peer Support Network will have three levels at which people can become involved. The first level is simply a registry of AT users that will be circulated among the respondents. This listing will contain contact and descriptive information, type of AT used, any experience obtaining funding, and some AT-related interests. The second level involves training experienced AT users to be helpers to those unfamiliar with the AT service system and/or the operation of a particular device. Once a pool of helpers (referred to as Peer Mentors) has been recruited and trained, they will be available to meet or talk on the phone with individuals requesting guidance and encouragement in accessing AT The third level will consist of a series of informational/social events involving AT users. These will be planned and run by volunteers from the AT Peer Support Network with support from the DATI.

Those interested in more information concerning these three components of the Network are invited to contact the DATI Central Site or the Technology Resource Center in their county. It will take some time to develop the membership in the network, so help out by choosing to get involved and urging others to do so as well. We anticipate that Peer Mentors will be available sometime in the next few months.