DATI Kicks Off New Project

With financial assistance from the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) and the Delaware Division of Mental Retardation (DMR), the DATI has launched a relatively short-term activity that is intended to have long-term impact. The project will help to determine the nature and extent of assistive technology (AT) needs among clients of the Division of Mental Retardation by examining the needs of a sample of this larger group. Working with clients ranging from young children to adults in community residences to residents of nursing homes, project staff will first screen 50 selected clients to determine whether AT could potentially increase their independence in various aspects of daily life such as communicating, getting around in one's environment, and taking care of one's personal needs. If the screening indicates that AT use could be of some benefit, the individual will then undergo a full evaluation to identify specific areas of need and the technologies that might appropriately meet those needs.

In addition to identifying individual needs and potential intervention approaches, the project will also permit some projections to be made relative to the entire DMR client population. The state will then have a much better idea about how many people within the larger group are likely to have AT needs. The final report will also address systemic issues such as staff development, access to equipment, and options for funding AT devices and services. Staff from the Easter Seal Society will join with DATI and DMR staff in the completion of project activities.