Did You Know?
by Jeanne Panarace

At least 25% of Rhode Island adults have a disability...

The RI Department of Health conducts an annual survey (the BRFSS/Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System). Year 2000 survey results reveal that at least one quarter of the non-institutionalized RI adult population has a disability. Persons with a disability may actually be undercounted, especially if they have a communication impairment and use assistive technology to communicate by phone. Survey interviewers are often not aware that the phone number reached belongs to a user of a TDD or other piece of assistive technology. (The beeps which occur when a TDD user types on the keyboard to answer the phone are often mistaken for a Fax signal.)

Assistive devices + home modifications can significantly lower health care costs...

In a recent article ("The Potential of Technology to Ease the Care Provider's Burden"), William Mann cited several studies conducted in the US, Great Britain, and Australia illustrating improved function (fewer falls, increased independence) among elders receiving assistive devices. The most dramatic results occurred in the US study: Eighteen months after initial intervention, (assistive devices + home modifications), the treatment group had ...mean healthcare costs of $5,630, versus $21,846 for the control group.

Hearing Instruments Improve Quality of Life...

While this conclusion may seem obvious, the NCOA (National Council on Aging) set out to prove it scientifically, through a survey of over 4,000 persons. Researchers Kotchkin and Rogin sought to show the effects of treated vs. untreated hearing loss on adults with hearing loss and their families. The project revealed that hearing aid users are more likely to participate in social activity and have better interpersonal relationships; more likely to feel accepted socially, and have less difficulty communicating; have fewer negative emotional effects; and report better health/less pain than nonusers.

"Yes, you can run your own life..."

In an article of the same title, Jan Little (member of the first women's Paralympic Team, rehabilitation equipment marketing executive, product design consultant and founder of RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineers Society of North America) tells us how to do it! Become fully versed in the assistive technology which can help your specific condition. Learn the specific terminology which should be included in a letter of prescription from your physician, when requesting coverage from the health insurer for assistive technology. (Most physicians are unfamiliar with assistive technology.) Look into loan programs and sources for previously owned equipment. Consult TechACCESS and the ATAP partners. They can help you run your own life!

TechACCESS of RI
Phone: 401-463-0202 (v/tdd)
FAX: 401-463-3433
In-State: 800-916-(TECH)8324
Contact: TechACCESS of RI | techaccess@techaccess-ri.org|

Last Revised: May 30, 2002