INDATA Statewide Assistive Technology Conference

Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration/Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services contracted with Easter Seals Crossroads in order to be their state's provider of the Federal Assistive Technology Act.

Director of the Assistive Technology Center, Wade Wingler stated, "We have two major goals in mind; one is to get assistive technology into the hands of Hoosiers with disabilities through device demonstrations, device loans, computer recycling and alternative financing. The second goal is to provide statewide outreach educational opportunities regarding assistive technology capabilities, options and resources. We will accomplish these efforts through quarterly trainings offered statewide through telerehab, an annual assistive technology conference and small group presentations." INDATA offers several programs that benefit persons with disabilities related to assistive technology, such as:

Device Demonstration: Individuals may benefit from experiencing a basic Assistive Technology equipment demonstration. The demonstrations are available statewide and typically allow an individual to spend 10-20 minutes with an Assistive Technology Specialist who demonstrates the basic features of the Assistive Technology device or software.

Device Loan: Easter Seals Crossroads has a growing library of Assistive Technology devices that can be loaned for up to three months.

Equipment Reutilization: In Spring 2008, Easter Seals Crossroads launched an on-line buy/sell/trade web tool that will facilitate the reutilization of previously owned assistive technology. This free service will reduce the number of Assistive Technology devices that are abandoned when no longer needed by the original user.

Recycled Computer Program: INDATA picks up used computers from the donor, wipes off all previous data, refurbishes and provides them, at no charge, to individuals with disabilities who live in Indiana and have no other means of obtaining a computer.

Training: In February, 2008 Easter Seals Crossroads began sponsoring quarterly Assistive Technology Trainings, which are hosted in Indianapolis. Topics may include device-specific training, advocacy, funding, clinical techniques and other relevant topics. Trainings are also offered to local Universities, as well as to service clubs and other interested groups. The trainings are broadcasted via distance education systems to various locations in Indiana.

On Friday, August 7th, 2009, The INDATA Project is hosting the 2009 Statewide Assistive Technology Conference and Exhibition. The event will be held from 8:00AM until 5:30PM at the Indiana Convention Center located at 100 South Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis. The event provides a comprehensive overview of programs and devices that are available to assist people with disabilities. The event is free.

The second annual event is entitled, 'Get Connected,' and focuses on assisting people to become more knowledgeable about and connect to assistive technology resources, to include both local and national assistive technology products, systems, and services. Leading professionals in assistive technology will present information related to four different tracks that include education, employment, aging, and independent living. The keynote speaker for the event this year is Jeremy Warringer, who was involved in an automobile accident four years ago, resulting in double amputation. Jeremy exemplifies a, 'Can-Do,' spirit. Approximately fifty assistive technology exhibitors will be present to demonstrate products and services, as well as answer questions.

Pre-registration for the event is required. To register, visit EasterSeals.com or call June White at (888) 466-1314.