Assistive technology helps maintain seniors’ independence

Lynn Gitlow has a dream. When closing her eyes, she envisions a place where everyone is able to do whatever their heart desires. And she is working to make that dream a reality.

Hearing the term “assistive technology,” I always pictured a voice-activated computer that could perform every possible task at the simple command of its operator. While this is true and such machines exist, that is only part of the story.

“The interesting thing is that at some point, everyone will need some help with something,” said Gitlow, program director of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Husson College and co-director of the Technical Exploration Center. “Assistive technology is not about disability all the time, but it’s about matching people with their environment.”

While some people go through their entire lives utilizing assistive technology, seniors can also benefit.

The Technical Exploration Center, a collaboration of Husson College and United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Maine, is an assistive technology program that helps people do things they otherwise would not be able to accomplish. TEC lends equipment to members on a two-week trial basis because “not everything works for everyone,” said Gitlow. Membership and some fees for service may apply.

TEC also offers evaluations with a physician’s referral, resource materials and workshops, which train individuals how to use assistive technology like “switch control,” computers and even adapted toys for children with special needs.

Because necessity is the mother of invention, TEC has an area called the Adaptive Design Center, where people can “create low-tech devices and modify equipment.”

“It is amazing what we make here that can be used by other people,” said Gitlow. “We are very creative in adapting everyday items that help people live their lives. We really problem-solve.” Sometimes all it takes is a little cardboard, fabric or electronics – and some Yankee ingenuity.

“Assistive technology can alleviate the sense of loss experienced by an older person who can no longer do certain basic or favorite things,” said Gitlow.

There are communication devices where the touch of a button can make your wishes clear if speaking has become difficult or impossible. People with arthritis, who love playing cards but find their hands are no longer nimble, might invest in a card stand. Cards with very large numbers are also available for those with vision problems. Gardeners can use tools with a special handle that takes the pressure off hands and makes digging in the dirt easier. There are also talking pill bottles that can remind you to take medications.

There’s even a device, originally born to spy technology, that can increase the audio on the television without disturbing others. And TEC has an array of items to assist with bathing, dressing and cooking.

“[Assistive technology] keeps people able to do the important things they need to do and matches people with their passion, while helping them carry out everyday life,” said Gitlow.

And TEC is always looking for volunteers, especially those with some electrical aptitude.

“We are really looking for someone who loves to tinker and can fix things that are returned broken, or that need adapting,” she said.

Sometimes adapting requires rewiring, such as a lamp whose switch is too hard to use by someone with weakened fingers. Pushing buttons may be easier, but a certain skill is necessary.

“Independence is the number one value in our culture,” said Gitlow. Assistive technology keeps people “doing [things] for themselves.” It can mean the difference among doing what you love to do, having someone do it for you or giving up that activity all together, she added.

To obtain more information on TEC, or if you would like to volunteer, call Gitlow at 973-1074 or log on to www.tecmaine.org.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.