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Why A Mobile Access Technology Lab?

Catherine Parris, MA, OTR
DPI
San Jose, CA
Email: catp@dpiaccess.org

This presentation will focus on how the DPI mobile computer access technology lab was established. During the presentation the mobile lab coordinator will discuss why this lab was needed, funding, implementation, utilization of services, and projected needs in the future.

The MAT lab allows real time assessments at the workplace, home or school. The service allows thorough follow up visits to the individuals who at their workstations. The mobile lab can serve as an educational tool for students who need access technology. By knowing what types of technology exist for work performance, a student with a disability can understand career choices that are not limited and will perhaps pursue an educational goal not otherwise thought possible. The mobile lab is used to educate employers about the types of accommodations which are available, the easy conformity to the work environment, and the cost effectiveness for current or potential employees. The MAT lab is used to provide access technology training to clients for whom it is not feasible to travel to the internal Computer Access Technology lab in downtown San Jose.

Many clients had difficulty coming to the internal Computer Access Technology lab in downtown San Jose. Working with the client at his/her workstation was important to determine safe positioning, task analysis, current computer and software utilization (for access technology compatibility), and employer/employee communication.

How the program was funded with an establishment grant with the California Department of Rehabilitation and private resources. Discussion of how the types of clients served, service delivery area, project goals, organization capability, service provider qualifications, and client input determined grant type.

Goals for client service, cost of service, timelines for milestones, hiring staff, training staff, measuring goals, purchasing access technology and van. Review of key pieces of access technology and accessible workstation equipment utilized during the first year of the program.

Promoting program, client needs, client evaluation, recommendations, report, and follow up.

Funding program when initial grant is over, continuing to update access technology, education of different types of access technology, networking with other agencies.

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