Using the Power of Assistive Technology to

Help Veterans
With Disabilities

Live Safely, Securely & Independently

Smart-home assistive technologies are enabling veterans with disabilty to stay safe, secure and independent.

ATECH supports veterans and their loved ones in using these technologies in ways that are best suited to you and them.

Comprehensive Services Include:

  • Assessments that determine the right technology for each unique situation
  • Support through the ATECH Lending Library, allowing you to try out technology before purchasing
  • Peace-of-Mind through remote, real-time monitoring and alerts to the caregivers

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Thousands of US veterans and active duty servicemen and women have been injured, and for these individuals, coming home has meant adapting to physical and emotional changes while coming to terms with a new way of living. Now, with assistive technology, these individuals are improving their quality of life both in the home and in the community.

Journey to Independence

“Smart home” technologies are taking assistive technology to new levels. At the same time, these smart home technologies provide the information that loved ones and caregivers may need to remotely support and provide safety and security. The exact scaffolds and supports each person needs can be formulated to maximize independence, without providing too much or too little direct caregiving.

Starting With a Comprehensive Assessment

An assistive technology assessment starts with an understanding of the needs, wants and desires of veterans.  The smart technology solution is then created. Training during the transition to independence builds confidence, competence, and comfort. The right supports, monitoring, and alert systems offer safe, healthier independent living.

We believe that every veteran with a physical or emotional disability, regardless of the type, complexity or severity, deserves the opportunity to decide how to live, work, and take part in their communities.

Veterans Living with Injury and Trauma

Thanks to advances in technology, training, equipment, and medicine, a greater number of servicemembers are surviving battlefield injuries.Greater survival rates for these brave veterans also equates to more retired service members returning home with injuries and disabilities that require long term physical and emotional support.

In addition to the 48,000 service personnel physically injured in recent conflicts, it’s estimated that over 400,000 individuals have incurred service-related emotional conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with another 320,000 believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury.

One of the first steps to successfully transitioning to life at home with a physical or emotional injury is to adapt the home to better meet the veterans’ needs.

Taking proactive steps toward making the veteran feel comfortable, capable and independent all help with reestablishing their place in their family and in the community.

Assistive and adaptive technology is a critical component for addressing the most common disabilities among military personnel, allowing these individuals to move to as independent a life as possible.

Migraines

Migraines and other headache disorders are becoming increasingly common among veterans and service members primarily due to stress. Additionally, service members who suffer traumatic head injuries are at an increased risk of developing migraines. Common “smart home” changes can have a huge impact on the comfort, safety and independence of veterans siffering from migraines.

 

Home Modifications:

  • Add fluorescent diffusers to existing fluorescent lights
  • Anti-glare glasses
  • Air purification system
  • Consider noise when positioning furniture
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Install a filter that excludes certain elements of light that tend to trigger migraines
  • Install sound absorbing wall paneling
  • Provide an environmental sound machine
  • Provide an anti-glare filter for computer monitors, or choose a liquid crystal display monitor with a high refresh rate
  • Replace flickering lights and/or remove dimmer switches
  • Use fragrance-free chemicals throughout the house

Assistive Technology:

  • Electrical stimulation devices
  • Motion sensing lights with dimmers

Vision Impairments

Individuals with vision impairments may find themselves entirely blind, they may have difficulty in identifing details, their vision may be blurred, they may be sensitive to glare or bright lights, or they may be unable to see properly at low light. Assistive and adaptive technology can provide the support needed for veterans to live independently with comfort and security.

 

Home Modifications:

  • Flooring, threshold and carpeting modifications
  • Hot water setting adjustments
  • Installation of additional lighting or task lighting
  • Bathroom safety devices

 

Assistive Technology:

  • Magnification software
  • Optical character recognition (OCR) systems
  • Portable magnifiers
  • Computer font enlarging software
  • Adaptive application software
  • Dictation software
  • Large-sied computer monitors
  • Refreshable braille displays
  • Screen-reading software
  • Video magnifiers and closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is an emotional disorder with physical symptoms that impacts a significant number of servicemen and women. Veterans who suffer from PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression in a variety of settings, including the home. These episodes may be triggered by unexpected changes in sound or light. The use of assitive and adaptive technology has been shown to provide signifcant support.

Home Modifications:

  • Install sound absorbing wall paneling to muffle sounds and prevent sudden sounds
  • Use a white noise or environmental sound machine to mitigate loud, unexpected noises
  • Use soft flooring or carpeting to muffle sound
  • Ensure surfaces are level and any items affixed to the wall are properly mounted and secure
  • Install blackout curtains to prevent sudden flashes of light
  • Use blinds or shutters/plantation shutters to block out light
  • Remove ceiling fans
  • Use central heating/cooling
  • Reduce the overall number of mirrors.

Assistive Technology:

Mobile applications used on a cellphone can assist with developing and strengthening coping mechanisms.  PTSD Coach is a mobile app that helps PTSD sufferers cope with triggers and symptoms.

CPT Coach uses cognitive processing therapy to help those with PTSD reduce distress.

Tinnitus & Hearing Loss

Tinnitus is a condition marked by the presence of phantom noises when in reality, no external sound exists.  The condition is caused by damage in the inner ear, which can occur from exposure to loud noises or percussive events, and is very common among returning service personnel and veterans. Simple changes in the home may provide significant relief.

 

Home Modifications:

  • Visual warning/alert signalers for common appliances like telephones or doorbells
  • Wide area door peepholes for maximum visibility
  • Use of thin carpeting or linoleum floor

Assistive Technology:

  • Hearing aid-compatible landline or cell phones
  • Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
  • Audio or hearing loops
  • Captioned telephones
  • Communication access real-time translation (CART)

Body Injuries & Amputations

Spinal cord injuries, paralyis, or losing a limb can cause a veteran to feel as though they have lost a part of thier identity. Aside from the physical limitations that occur after so an severe injury, many veterans often experience emotional stress and insecurities surrounding their changed appearance.  Feeling comfortable and capable in one’s home is critical to adapting to their altered circumstances and living as independently as possible.

 

Home Modifications:

  • Lifts, including an elevator, wheelchair lift, ramp, and/or stair lift
  • Wide doors and hallways
  • Install lever-style door handles
  • Easy-open or keyless locks with remote or keypad access codes
  • Increased lighting to reduce the possibility of a fall due to darkness
  • Non- skid flooring
  • Light switch positioning/use of easy-touch/rocker style switches
  • Electrical outlet placement for wheelchair access
  • Counter, sink and shelf height adjustments allowing for kneee space
  • Easy-access storage and drawers
  • Grab bar / shower assist installation
  • Low threshold, roll-in shower
  • Adjustable-height showerhead
  • Lever handle, anti-scald faucets
  • Toilet / bidet placement for wheelchair/walker access
  • Bath chair or shower seat
  • Nonslip bath matts
  • Adjust door hinges to allow for wheelchair / walker access
  • Use of gooseneck clamps or suction cups

Assistive Technology:

  • One handed computer keyboards
  • Speech recognition software
  • Large-key keyboards
  • Foot mouse and touch pad, trackballs
  • Head pointing or hand-body switches
  • Speaker phone telephones
  • Gripping tools, grasping cuff, or universal cuff
  • Hoyer Lift, tailgate lift, hoist, or lift table.

 

Still have questions about how assistive technology can help the veteran in your life live more independently? Contact us.