|
UCP/NYC is the principal nonprofit organization
in New York City providing information on assistive
technology equipment and services.
Since 1990, UCP/NYC has served as the New York
City Regional TRAID Center (Technology Related
Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities),
a federally funded project administered by the
New York State Office of Advocate for Persons
with Disabilities.
UCP/NYC sponsors TechWorks Centers in both
Manhattan and Brooklyn where interested individuals
from throughout New York City may call or visit
for assistive technology information and assistance.
Among the resources and services offered are:
1) Technology
Information and Referral
UCP/NYC's Technology Resource Specialists are
available to answer your assistive technology
questions. This includes information on specific
products and services, their costs, and how
and where to obtain them. Important information
on vendors, evaluation sites, potential funding,
eligibility criteria and fair hearing procedures
also is available.
UCP's easy-to-use library contains hundreds
of product brochures, catalogs and videos. We
also provide on-site access to AbleData, an
Internet-based listing of over 27,000 assistive
technology products. Individuals can stop by
to access AbleData or may request a search by
phone, fax or e-mail. In addition, UCP/NYC offers
assistance in contacting local support groups
as well as regional and national associations.
2) TechWorks
Demonstration Centers
The best way to learn about assistive technology
products is to come in and try them out. You
can "test drive" over 100 items at
UCP's two New York City-based TechWorks Centers
-- one located at 120 East 23rd Street in Manhattan,
and the other located at 160 Lawrence Avenue
(off Ocean Parkway) in Brooklyn.
TechWorks offers hands-on use of adapted toys
and recreation equipment; switches; adapted
computers and peripherals; wheelchairs and mobility
aids; augmentative communication systems; daily
living devices; home and workplace modifications;
environmental control units; telecommunications
equipment; and more.
Both TechWorks Centers also incorporate SHARE,
a unique educational resource for parents, teachers,
therapists and others. SHARE has access to a
team of professionals to consult on service
and technology needs and loans out books, videos,
software, games and toys for use by children
with disabilities.
To visit either TechWorks site, call in advance
to set up an appointment for a time that is
convenient to you. Tours for school groups,
college classes, senior citizen groups and others
can be arranged by calling the Manhattan TechWorks
Center at (212) 979-9700, ext. 279, or the Brooklyn
Techworks Center at (718) 436-7979, ext. 710.
3) Lending
Library
Both TechWorks Centers offer a lending library
of adapted toys and switches, environmental
control units and other assistive technology.
UCP/NYC also lends books, magazines and audio
and videotapes from an extensive library. The
resources of the lending library are geared
to children and adults of all ages, including
youngsters birth to three who are eligible for
Early Intervention Services.
BACK
TO TOP
4) Verizon
Affiliate
Both the Manhattan and Brooklyn TechWorks Centers
have been designated by Verizon as affiliate
sites for the Lifeline Assistive Equipment Distribution
Program. This program provides free and reduced
cost assistive telecommunications equipment
to individuals with disabilities who meet income
eligibility requirements. Assistive telecommunications
equipment is available for display and demonstration
purposes. Technology Resource Specialists can
assist you in trying out the equipment and applying
for the program.
5) Equipment
Exchange Program
UCP/NYC can assist you in accessing new and
used assistive technology equipment made available
through individual donations and listed on a
statewide directory, TRAID-IN, administered
by the New York State Office of Advocate for
Persons with Disabilities. Call to make use
of this valuable resource.
6) Assistive
Technology Training
UCP/NYC is highly committed to training consumers
and family members on a variety of assistive
technology topics. In addition to resource materials,
UCP conducts workshops and conferences and offers
on-site presentations/demonstrations at locations
throughout New York City.
7) Internet
Services
Individuals may request specific product searches
via the Internet by calling, faxing or stopping
by UCP's TechWorks Center.
To access UCP/NYC's assistive technology services,
contact:
For Manhattan and the Bronx
Phone: (212) 979-9700, ext. 279
TTY: (212) 475-0842
E-mail: TS4UCP@aol.com
For Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island:
Phone: (718) 436-7979, ext. 710
TTY: (718) 436-1450
UCP/NYC's Assistive Technology Services are
funded in part by the NYS Office of Advocate
for Persons with Disabilities under PL 100-407
by NIDRR, and the NYS Department of Health,
Early Intervention Program. They are supplemented
by private contributions.
Do you have a specific question
or comment about Assistive Technology?
Post
it here. Thank you.
BACK
TO TOP
|
