Assistive Technology
Shepherd Center's assistive technology specialists help people with limited mobility or neurological deficits achieve a greater degree of independence using new equipment and technology. Specialists provide evaluations and prescriptions for the simplest, most economical solutions that improve quality of life.
Our assistive technology specialists help people customize an appropriate package of technological solutions that maximize independence in accomplishing day to day tasks.
Adaptive Driving School
Shepherd Center's state-licensed adaptive driving school provides the resources, modifications and training for people with both spinal cord and neurological injuries so they can get back behind the wheel.
Our professional team includes driver rehabilitation specialists who are state licensed driving instructors, and a registered occupational therapist. These experts conduct evaluations and provide driving lessons to both new and experienced drivers with a wide range of disabilities.
Shepherd Center conducts the following evaluations:
Dependent passenger evaluations are used to recommend appropriate vehicle modifications when the client is not expected to drive in the near future due to physical and/or cognitive deficits. Evaluations include the client and family members, and are intended for those who use wheelchairs that require a van or minivan for transport. Recommendations are made for both new and used vehicles. Shepherd Center urges people with disabilities not to purchase a vehicle without the proper recommendations. This detailed but quick evaluation can give you confidence to shop for this expensive equipment, knowing that it will work for you and your lifestyle.
Van driving evaluations are for people who can operate a vehicle, but require a van or minivan to transport their wheelchair or accommodate their disability. These individuals may drive from their wheelchair or from a powered transfer seat. The evaluation includes a pre-assessment of physical and cognitive abilities associated with driving, as well as an on-the-road assessment.
High-tech van driving evaluations are for people with extremely limited functional abilities who are able to drive using advanced technological solutions, such as joystick and touchpad controls, as well as with brake and steering wheel modifications. The evaluation includes a pre-assessment of physical and cognitive abilities associated with driving, as well as an on-the-road assessment.
Car driving evaluations are for people who can transfer to a car independently and load a wheelchair (if they use one.) The evaluation includes a pre-assessment of physical and cognitive abilities associated with driving, as well as an on-the-road assessment.
Mobility equipment evaluations are used for people who are replacing their vehicle or equipment, or if the person's function warrants changes to their vehicle or driving equipment.
Shepherd Center offers a video program that presents options in adaptive driving and transportation for persons with disabilities called The Road to Independence. It describes the need for driver assessment and evaluation, options in technology systems, training options, and vehicle selection and modifications. You can purchase a VHS video copy ($5) from Shepherd Center.
For more information about adapted driving, call the Assistive Technology Department at Shepherd Center at 404-350-7760.
Seating Clinic
The Seating Clinic at Shepherd Center offers people with disabilities a variety of seating and mobility products. Therapists are available to help people make decisions about which devices best address their lifestyle.
All patients must have a physician referral to be seen in the Seating Clinic. The therapist will perform one or more of the following evaluations to address each person's specific needs.
Posture evaluation to determine flexibility of postural deformities. This evaluation will help to determine postural supports and options to address balance and improve posture. Measurements are also taken to make the wheelchair and seating system fit the individual.
Pressure mapping evaluation to determine the most appropriate wheelchair seat and back cushion and means of pressure relief. This mapping system helps to identify the areas of highest risk and which cushion is most effective at distributing pressure to decrease potential for skin breakdown.
Mobility evaluation to determine the most efficient means of wheelchair mobility. We have manual and power wheelchairs from most all manufacturers available for trial. Shepherd has a large variety of control systems that can be set up on a power wheelchair for evaluation and training someone to drive a power wheelchair. Functional evaluation to aid in the selection of equipment that will allow each person the highest level of independence in transfers, weight shifts, and other activities.
The seating clinic also will work closely with equipment suppliers to fit and adjust the wheelchair for optimal support and function at the time of delivery of the equipment.
For more information, call the Seating Clinic at Shepherd Center at 404-350-7760.
Computer Access Clinic
The Computer Access Clinic at Shepherd Center helps people with disabilities customize a computer system to suit their needs for home. Therapists evaluate the needs of individuals and prescribe solutions, such as keyboard modifications, switches, voice-activation, and headpointing and remote-control devices. Financial concerns and insurance are also taken into account in order to determine the best equipment for each individual.
For more information, call the Computer Access Clinic at Shepherd Center at 404-350-7760.
Environmental Controls Clinic
The Environmental Control Clinic at Shepherd Center helps people with disabilities gain more independence through technology that controls our home and work surroundings. Our experts provide information and recommendations on:
Attendant call systems
Telephone communication
On/off control of lamps, ceiling lights, ceiling fans and other appliances
Remote control of televisions, video recorders, DVDs and stereo amplifiers
Automatic door openers
Lap trays
Shepherd Center occupational therapists evaluate each user's lifestyle requirements and functional abilities, then provide custom modifications to hardware, software, electronics and other appliances so that users can live safely and function productively.
Shepherd has a large inventory of switches, environmental control devices and systems for evaluation and trial use, and can consult with durable medical equipment specialists to determine financial options that may cover equipment costs.
For more information, call the Environmental Controls Clinic at Shepherd Center at 404-350-7760.
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