Vol. 3, No. 4, July/August 1995	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Easter Seal Society Opens SMART Center

Delawareans celebrated the establishment of a major assistive technology services program on June 2 in New Castle County. The Easter Seal Society's Seating Mobility and Rehabilitation Technology Center (SMART Center) was open to the public and showcased a variety of AT-from low-tech reachers to high-tech robotic aids-at the Easter Seal location in the New Castle Corporate Commons. The SMART Center offers assessment and training to individuals with disabilities in the areas of seating, positioning and mobility; computer access; augmentative and alternative communication; and worksite and home accommodations.

The Seating Team, comprised of the Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Rehabilitation Engineer, evaluates an individual's needs for a manual or power wheelchair. The seating simulator, called a Flamingo, and a computerized pressure mapping system are technologies that assist the team in determining optimal positioning and comfort for an individual using a wheelchair.

The SMART Center also specializes in computer assessments. These assessments involve the use of special computer hardware and software that can maximize individual capabilities and accommodate limitations. Computer assessments are completed by Easter Seal's Occupational Therapists Patty Hove and Jill Bauder, with assistance from the Rehabilitation Engineer, Mike Meyreles. Assessments may be completed at the SMART Center or at the worksite.

Other types of worksite assessment can be performed by the SMART Center team. The Occupational Therapist focuses on the abilities of the individual and completes a task analysis of the job. The Rehabilitation Engineer focuses on evaluating the environment's accessibility and the need for technology to bridge the gap between the individual's abilities and the task at hand.

The SMART Center also houses the latest electronic and computerized communication devices. Easter Seal's speech-language pathologists evaluate children and adults who have severe communication difficulties, giving consideration to the types of AT that could enhance their communicative effectiveness. Assessments are completed after trial use of one or more devices establishes the beneficial impact of the intervention.

Even though the SMART Center is located at the Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center in New Castle, AT assessment and training services are also provided at the Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center in Kent County. Maureen Schweitzer, Coordinator of Clinical Services for Easter Seals in New Castle and Kent Counties, states that "the services of the SMART Center are a natural outgrowth of the foundation laid by the DATI project. Proper assessment and training are critical to effective use of assistive technology." Assessments and training have been funded by Medicaid, DVR, DMR, employers, and some insurance agencies.

For further information, contact Maureen Schweitzer or Mike Meyreles at Easter Seals at (302) 324-4444.