Advancements in assistive technology have allowed more and more individuals to enjoy opportunities for greater success and independence.
Since 1989, Ability KC’s Adaptive Computer and Communication Technology (ACCT) program has been at the forefront of these advancements. Working with children, adults, and families, our experienced ACCT team is capable of helping individuals identify, acquire and utilize assistive technology tools for everyday needs in their home, work, school, and community.
Get Started:
ACCT Prescription Form (Please submit for ACCT speech or ACCT OT services)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication – For individuals who have difficulty communicating due to a disability, injury, or illness. AAC includes tools and strategies that help people to express their needs, share their thoughts, and engage fully in their communities.
Message Banking – Record common, specific messages and phrases that you use often.
Voice Banking – Capture a sample of your speech to create a customized digital ‘voice’, allowing assistive devices to sound more like you.
Adaptive Technology for Everyday Access – We help individuals with physical, visual, learning, or cognitive challenges find customized solutions for using everyday devices. From computers and tablets to smartphones, we explore adaptations that enhance accessibility and independence.
Adaptive Gaming – Whether you are an avid gamer or have never played, video games can provide a fun way to engage your brain and work on motor skills while building social connections with others.
Tools for Reading and Learning – For individuals who identify or demonstrate difficulties with reading due to visual limitations or learning difficulties, we provide tools and techniques to enhance reading and comprehension. This may include technology that adjusts visual displays, reads text aloud, or portable devices that assist with reading on the go.
Computer Workstation Ergonomics – For individuals experiencing repetitive strain injuries or postural discomfort from computer work, we offer on-site ergonomic assessments and education to improve positioning, reduce strain, and enhance workplace comfort. Equipment trial use and recommendations may include office furniture; and adapted keyboards, mice and displays.
Written Communication – For individuals without a way to write or type, we explore assistive technology solutions that make computers, phones, and tablets accessible for written communication, including texts, emails, and more.
Computer Access – For individuals with physical, visual, learning and/or cognitive limitations, we will explore adaptations to your computer to make it more accessible and functional for you for school or work.
Assistance through the Funding Process – Correspondence with payer sources, advocacy, and referrals to community agencies and organizations are included by our team as part of the general evaluation and training process.
Training – Individualized training is available for equipment use, skill development, and compensatory techniques. We also provide team training for families and support staff to ensure seamless use of assistive technology across all daily environments.
5%
Re-hospitalization rate (10% below the national average)
3,000
Over 3,000 patients and families served annually
$5 Million
$5 million in uncompensated, at-cost services for under-resourced individuals and families.
250
Medical and vocational professionals
Get more details about the program and other services offered through Ability KC by reading through one of our available program handbooks.
Our Approach to Assistive Technology in Kansas City
Our intake process helps determine what aspect of programming will be optimal for your desired outcome. Referrals may be made by the person requesting services, family members, state or community agency personnel, physicians, insurance case managers or other healthcare providers.
Depending upon an individual’s needs, the evaluation and training services may be provided at our facility or at the individual’s home, workplace or classroom – either in-person or through telehealth options.
Please feel free to use the following link to initiate the scheduling process:
To speak with an Admissions Representative about scheduling, please call: 816-751-7748
Ability KC’s assistive technology services are designed for children and adults who experience a disability that impacts their education, employment or interaction within their community, and who might reasonably be expected to benefit from ACCT Services.
Evaluation: The assistive technology evaluation may be used as a forum to explore the individual’s goals and expected benefit from services, since individuals may not have had prior exposure to the equipment and strategies introduced. We incorporate previous experience and strategies with input from family and other members of the team to assist individuals to make informed decisions regarding their equipment and training.
Training: Individualized training is provided when equipment use, compensatory techniques or skill development is needed. Training goals are developed collaboratively to meet individual needs and to maximize the features of the tools and ensure effective and ongoing use.
Assistance to Locate Funding and Acquire Equipment: Correspondence with payer sources, advocacy and referrals to community agencies and organizations is provided as part of the general evaluation and training process. The length of time until equipment is received varies. Loaner or rental equipment may be acquired within 1-2 weeks of service. The wait time for purchased equipment varies dependent upon the payer source and equipment needed. Wait time is discussed on an individual basis at the time of the evaluation. ACCT staff are particularly sensitive to turnaround time for individuals with progressive diseases.
Our services don’t end once a person completes their services at Ability KC. Even when patients and families accomplish all of their care goals and reach their desired milestones, we’ll always be here as a resource to help guide them through the next phases of their lives.
Our team will work with individuals to develop a care plan that can include intensive outpatient rehabilitation services, goal-based group therapies, and interest-based resources.
Children
Ability KC offers pediatric disability services for young children suffering from both congenital and acquired disabilities, while also working closely with their families. Services include our outpatient medical rehabilitation program, therapeutic preschool, summer programming, and much more.
Adolescents
Adolescent teens and young adults have needs that differ from those of younger children, and Ability KC offers a number of unique services to help them as they transition and prepare for adulthood.
Adults
A broad range of adult outpatient medical rehabilitation services are available through Ability KC, including traditional outpatient therapy services and our Adult Day Hospital Program. All of our care plans are tailored to the individual’s unique needs and goals and can include intensive rehab, goal-based group therapies, and interest-based services.
Seniors
Senior services at Ability KC take a comprehensive approach to support aging adults—helping them remain actively engaged in both their personal and professional lives, as well as within their communities.
Start your journey with Ability KC by using our online therapy planning tool, or feel free to reach out to our team regarding any questions or comments you may have.
Case Study
Clarence
Clarence’s learning disability and dyslexia make it difficult for him to stay focused and engaged with written material.
Before coming to Ability KC, he struggled to comprehend and retain what he was reading on his own. Through the ACCT program at Ability KC, Clarence began using computer technology to aid him in reading.
Case Study
Jasmine
Jasmine was referred to Ability KC for the Adaptive Computer and Communication Technology (ACCT) program because of a speech impairment after surviving a stroke as a child.
The therapists at Ability KC identified TouchChat and Voice Chat as the best tools for Jasmine to communicate independently. As a result, Jasmine became more confident in expressing herself.
Case Study
Dwayne
Twenty-two years ago Dwayne came to Ability KC for the first time for assistive technology in Kansas City to open doors for computer access at his job.
Through the years Dwayne has continued to return to Ability KC as technology evolves and advances for new communication devices.
Nowhere else in the region offers the breadth of advanced technologies capable of improving the lives of those with disabilities.
Ability KC is capable of providing adaptive technology and outpatient medical rehabilitation services to patients ranging from preschool to senior age.
We strive to provide all patients with educational and treatment environments that are completely tailored to individual client needs throughout their continuum of care.
Assistive technology strategies and tools help improve the functional abilities of individuals with physical, sensory, cognitive, or communication limitations as they relate to:
Ability KC’s adaptive technology services can help lead to improvements for patients dealing with all of the following conditions:
Program length will vary depending on the goals of the person receiving services, as well as those of the sponsoring agency representative. Average program lengths have been established to guide the initial authorization for services, but may be modified to meet individual needs.
With a rich history that spans over 75 years, Ability KC has provided services that have helped change and shape the lives of thousands.
Our organization is proud to serve over 3,000 individuals with disabilities and their families annually, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to help the members of our community reach their greatest potential.
