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Learn more about Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, a destination for recovery for stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and complex medical rehabilitation.
Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities with a person with a disability.
Assistive technologies, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), help people with disabilities live more independent, fuller lives. These technologies come in many shapes, sizes and levels of intricacy — from adaptive computer equipment and gyro-balanced wheelchairs to adaptive utensils and high-tech eye-gaze communication devices.
Additionally, they help in the rehabilitation process of individuals with strokes or injuries, as well as people who have undergone surgery or were born with a debilitating disease.
Good Shepherd’s Assistive Technology Program offers a leading-edge and coordinated program that connects you with the proper technology, helping you or your family member achieve goals and maximize independence.
The team at Good Shepherd’s Edwards Center in Allentown connect you with an appropriate manual or electric wheelchair or mobility product to maximize your safety and independence, while improving your function, skin integrity, comfort and quality of life.
Designed for people with physical or cognitive disabilities or older adults wanting to extend their driving years, the Safe Driver Evaluation & Training Program assesses an individual’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, with or without adaptive driving aids. Program evaluations may provide physicians with objective data to be used when completing medical forms from the State Bureau of Driver Qualifications.
The Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Program is an outpatient service providing comprehensive AAC evaluations for people who are nonspeaking or whose speech is severely impaired. We assist patients in communicating functionally in their daily lives by using alternative communication devices or methods to augment their current communication ability.
Communication options range from low-tech communication boards to sophisticated eye-tracking, speech-generating devices, all based upon a patient’s skills and needs. Good Shepherd’s speech-language pathologists provide individualized assessment and therapy to guide patients and families in implementing strategies as needed, as well as training on and programming of speech-generating devices.
Patients also can trial various communication devices in our AAC lab in Allentown.
Our expert therapists evaluate and connect you with computer technology that improves your literacy, writing and cognitive development, and compensates for visual deficits.
Technologies available include:
Adaptive aids for daily living provide you with more control over your environment and include self-help aids to eating, bathing, cooking, dressing, toileting and home maintenance.
Smart home devices and other smart technology help people with disabilities control home environments through voice control or phone applications. Examples include technology that assists with controlling lighting, temperature, home security and TV.
For more information about Good Shepherd’s Assistive Technology Program or to request an appointment, call 1.888.447.3422 or fill out the form below.