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Alternative Designs
for Access (ADA)
and
Assistive Technology Services
ADA is the division
of Caragonne and Associates, Inc. responsible for provision of comprehensive
technology consulting services. Keith
Sofka, Director
for Assistive Technology, is certified as an Assistive Technology
Provider (ATP) through the Rehabilitation Engineering Association of
America (RESNA).
The following services are available:
Direct
assistive technology prescription, ordering, installation, and follow up
training in assistive
technology services to family members
and individuals with
disabilities
Design and installation of architectural modifications to homes,
work sites, public agencies, and assisted living facilities to assure access
by persons with disabilities.
Training workshops in application and use of technology
Education in all phases of the technology identification, prescription, and
delivery process.
Caragonne
and Associates strives to teach family members sufficient knowledge
for identification of technology,
medical and therapeutic services
that increase safety, mobility, environmental control and independence.
Priority for technology purchase and need for technology is reviewed
with family members in order of its importance. Technology use to reduce
care-giver “burn-out” is also provided as part of the scope
of work. Caragonne and Associates assesses individuals for assistive
technology, develops prescriptions for technology, identifies vendors
and orders technology, fits or installs the technology, and provides
technology repairs on-site. Training in use of recommended technology
to assure its full use by the consumer, family members and care providers
is also provided. All assistive technology provided is re-evaluated on
a periodic basis for proper use by care givers and the individual with
disabilities to assure its use. If technology needs change, Caragonne
and Associates will review use of the device against the person’s
need and assure that inappropriate, outmoded or poorly fitting technology
is discontinued. Technology recommendations are developed for persons
utilizing adaptive computers and augmentative speech devices. Technology services ensure that increased independence and safety are
gained for the consumer. When appropriate, all specifications for accessible
bathrooms, kitchens, and hallway redesign are developed. Accessible gardens
are also developed when the individual wishes to resume gardening activities.
If architectural modifications are required, Caragonne and Associates,
LLC develops detailed architectural drawings, costs out the project,
implements a competitive bid process, and identifies contractors knowledgeable
in housing renovation and construction for persons with disabilities.
Caragonne and Associates, LLC locates appropriate housing resources and
will recommend all architectural modifications needed for safety, independence
and access. Design plans include assuring two accessible exits/entries,
re-insulation of housing if needed for temperature control, addition
of space for equipment, therapies and attendant care, installation of
video monitors, automatic door openers, ramps, and alteration of electrical
circuits, fixtures, and doorknobs. Platform lifts to basements are included
if needed, as are other technology for environmental control. When requested,
staff from Caragonne and Associates, LLC can function as on-site project
managers to assure that construction and housing conform to required
standards. Caragonne and Associates, LLC has provided technical consultation to
individuals, families, educational settings, government agencies, private
employers and hospitals. Over 300 task analyses and subsequent work site
modifications have also been completed to assure return to work for disabled
persons. Individualized technology assessments are completed for consumers
wishing to adapt and/or modify educational, home, leisure or work sites.
Types of disabilities represented include persons with blindness or low
vision, persons with mobility impairments, persons with speech or hearing
impairments, and persons with cognitive difficulties. This component
works extensively with issues of access to employment, frequently fabricates
both one-of-a-kind access methods designed to fit a particular consumer
or agency's needs, and develops and implements housing modification services.
(ADA) currently provides technology assessment services to consumers
in elementary and middle schools, Departments of Developmental Disabilities,
Department of Mental Health, Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation,,
and hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Caragonne and Associates provides technical training, curriculum development,
and service provision to a wide range of private employment, insurance,
governmental, rehabilitative, and educational concerns. Upgrade staff
training in rehabilitation technology, technology evaluation and technology
service delivery have been provided to over 150 agencies nationally.
Direct technology services have been provided to over 500 persons with
disabilities. These services include prescriptions for assistive and
adaptive equipment, modifications to support educational access, home
modifications to gain independence in daily living, and work site modifications
to assure employment access and stability.
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