Black Belt students with disabilities will have a chance to see the latest in assistive technology on June 27 in the Selma High School gymnasium.
The show begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. The demonstration is aimed at people in Dallas and the surrounding counties, including Wilcox.
Assistive technology devices include wheelchairs, speech devices for people who cannot communicate verbally, devices to help the blind see a computer screen, etc. Prosthetic limbs are not included in this category.
Thursday’s demonstration is being organized by Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology, a federally funded grant program in Alabama aimed at increasing awareness of and access to assistive technology for people with disabilities.
Jessica McKay, an assistive technology specialist and coordinator for APTAT, said that while they often attend shows in big cities, they realized some people who live in rural areas might not be able to attend these shows.
To ensure rural people are fully aware of the assistive technology available, APTAT is traveling around the state on a rural roadshow. McKay explained that they have divided Alabama’s rural counties into 10 groups. APTAT will visit the center of each group, giving people in the county a chance to take in a show near them.
Marengo County is in the same group as Choctaw, Greene and Sumter counties. It has not yet been announced when the Rural Road Show will be in that group. McKay said if the show goes ahead, it will likely be in Demopolis.
Visitors will find a wide range of technology on display for different disabilities, with experts on hand to explain the devices and help them acquire the device they need.
McKay said people can try out some of the devices before buying, and that APTAT’s loaner program allows people to borrow a device for 30 days to see if it works for them before buying. “It’s very frustrating and disappointing when you spend hundreds of dollars buying a device only to find out it doesn’t work for you,” McKay said.
To apply for the lending program, you can start an account at www.al.at4all.com .
Registration is not required, but McKay said it will help people learn what technology is needed in their area. To register, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/RQ6RG3K.