By: Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services hosted its Annual Assistive Technology Expo, “Breaking Boundaries, Empowering Lives,” on October 3, 2024. This event was very informative in regards to technologies, devices, opportunities, and resources from differently abled people and their families.
More than 45 companies and organizations including NC Agrability, NC Parks and Recreation, Disability Rights, NC Services for the Blind, Humanware, NC Relay, NC Assistice Technology Programm NC Department of Public Instruction, Apple, and many more were present. The host organization also shared, “The vendors at this year’s AT Expo include companies like LUCI, which specializes in adding smart technology to power wheelchairs to aid in stability, security and connectivity. Control Bionics will be demonstrating its suite of dedicated speech generating devices for people living with complex communication needs. OrCam’s MyEye devices aid those with visual impairments by making reading material accessible. Apple representatives will be onsite in a separate room called the Apple Accessibility Playground where they will provide technical assistance and information on the accessibility features incorporated into Apple products.”
One of the most informative elements for me was learning that NC Parks and Recreation will rent accessible transportation devices and deliver them to parks so everyone can explore outdoors comfortable. You can rent accessible bikes or chairs on the NC Parks website. This is important because the correlation between being outside and mental health and wellbeing is well documented. Outside is for everybody! I was also intrigued by NC DeafBlind Project, they offer a plethora of services for the differently abled, their families, and schools to thrive together.
The speakers and breakout sessions were very moving and motivating as well. Hargie Sagoo was a presenter live from Nottingham, United Kingdom. Hargie reminded us that, “Just because I can’t talk, doesn’t mean I don’t understand.” Hargie has Cerebal Palsy and uses assistive technology to communicate, to take care of himself around the house, to play Xbox, and to engage with social media and friends. His smile was infectious and he plans to present at the NC APT Expo in person next year.
NCDHHS describes the event as, “An event for individuals with disabilities, their family members, employers and organizations interested in learning more about the range of assistive technology available. This event will be open to the public, and the department encourages those interested to attend, especially senior living providers, older adults, vocational rehabilitation counselors, therapists and educators. The NCDHHS Assistive Technology Program is a state and federally funded program that provides assistive technology services statewide to people of all ages and abilities. NCATP leads North Carolina’s efforts to carry out the federal 21st Century Assistive Technology Act by providing device demonstration, short-term device loans and reutilization of assistive technology. The program promotes independence for people with disabilities through access to technology. There are 10 NCATP Centers located throughout North Carolina.” Next year the annual fair will take place October 10th, 2025. Come out and learn about the resources available to our community.