KATS Network

Fact Sheet 14 - Cognitive Disabilities and Assistive Technology

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Note: See Fact Sheet 10 for information on Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices.

What is a Cognitive Disability?

Cognitive disabilities affect a person's ability to reason, understand, and learn. An individual with a cognitive impairment may have difficulties with processing information, decision-making, and communication. Cognitive limitations can be found in varying degrees in individuals who have been classified as having learning disabilities, mental retardation, autism, multiple disabilities or those who have been diagnosed as having acquired brain injuries.

Individuals with cognitive disabilities often times have difficulties with functional skills, such as communication, self-care, daily living skills, social skills, self-direction, health and safety, recreation, school and work.

Assistive Technology for Cognitive Disabilities

Individuals with cognitive disabilities can benefit from a wide array of assistive technologies ranging from Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices, adapted technology, daily living aids, adapted seating, and mobility aids.

5 Things to Consider before Purchasing Assistive Technology

What is the cause and course of my disability?
Where will I use this equipment (Home/Community, School, Work, etc)?
How am I currently performing these skills and how can I modify this with assistive technology?
Does this device accommodate my physical, sensory, and cognitive needs?
What funding sources are available for this purpose?

The KATS Network has four (4) Regional Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRC’s) that can assist you in answering these questions.

Our ATRC's can provide you with one-on-one demonstrations of assistive technology (AT) and short-term loans of AT so that you can try the equipment out at home, work or school before you make a purchase. We can also assist you in locating funding resources and qualified vendors once a purchase decision has been made.

KATS Network Assistive Technology Resource Centers

Enabling Technologies of Kentuckiana (enTECH)

Spalding University
901 S. 3rd Street
Louisville, KY 40203
Toll Free - (800) 896-8941, ext. 2648
Local - (502) 992-2448
Fax - (502) 585-7104
web: www.spalding.edu/entech
email: enTECH@spalding.edu

Bluegrass Technology Center

961 Beasley Street, Suite 140
Lexington, KY 40505
Toll Free - (800) 209-7767
Local - (859) 294-4343
Fax - (859) 294-0704
web: www.bluegrass-tech.org
email: office@bluegrass-tech.org

Redwood Assistive Technology Center

71 Orphanage Road
Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
Toll Free - (800) 728-9807
Local - (859) 331-0880
Fax - (859) 331-6177
web: www.redwoodnky.org
email: tcallahan@redwoodnky.org

Western Kentucky Assistive Technology Center at Wendell Foster's Campus

815 Triplett Street
Owensboro, KY 42302
Toll Free - (800) 209-6202
Local - (270) 689-1738
Fax - (270) 852-1491
web: www.wkatc.org/WKATC
email: wkatc@wfcampus.org

Resources on the Web

Visit the KATS Network resources page for additional internet resources.

“Disability Solutions through Technology”

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