NY Assistive Technology and Occupational Therapy, PC (NYatot) provides a broad range of Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology services and devices to assist individuals in their daily activities. These services include electronic communicators, power wheelchair controls, computer access, recreation, environmental control, and home modification.
Electronic Communication
The ability to speak or let your needs be known is an important part of life. NYatot can help evaluate and choose the right kind of alternative communication for individuals unable to speak, as well as choosing from a wide assortment of switches and controls.
Power Mobility
picture of: Turtle TrainerTM:evaluating power mobility readiness.
Everyone should have the ability to move about and explore, get from class to class, or stroll with one's grandchildren. NY Assistive Technology and Occupational Therapy, PC can evaluate people for power mobility readiness. NYatot can also help select the proper control options.
Home Modification
NYatot can consult with individuals and builders to make homes and other buildings accessible.
Environmental Control
The ability to change the TV channel, answer the telephone, or turn on a light can be important for an individual's independence. Controlling items in a person's immediate surroundings can increase self esteem, and reduce the amount of care required. NY Assistive Technology and Occupational Therapy, PC can help identify the types of devices necessary to control one's surroundings.
Recreation
picture of: Train Set:with multiple switch input.
Fun and play are an important part of everyday life. Switch controlled Spin-Art machines, electric train sets, soap bubble blowers, and techniques to allow speech communicators to sing have all been developed by NY Assistive Technology and Occupatonal Therapy, PC staff. These devices can all be made to order by NYatot.
Computer Access
Every day, computers become more and more a part of our lives. Computer manufacturers and other developers have designed a wide array of equipment for individuals unable to operate a keyboard or mouse. NY Assistive Technology and Occupational Therapy, PC can help in the selection, setup and training of such alternative computer inputs.
Vocational Rehabilitation
picture of: VocRollerTM: for rolling advertising circulars
Employment opportunities are important in every day life. NY Assistive Technology and Occupational Therapy, PC can modify or create devices which can be used to evaluate, train, and assist individuals with disabilities to work. Currently, some devices available or under development by NYatot include: The VocRollerTM, The Paper Mover, and The Telephone Receptionist System for Switch and Voice Output Communicator Users. The Spin-Art machine mentioned earlier, can be used for vocational purposes, as well as recreational, since it is large enough to make t-shirts for sale.
Selection and Set-up of Commercially Available Devices
While some devices must be custom designed or modified, many commercially available devices exist. Staff is familiar with products from many manufacturers.
Funding
Some of this equipment is expensive or needs extensive training. Staff at NYAssistive Technology and Occupational Therapy, PC can assist in locating funding sources to purchase devices, modifications, and training.
About the Founder
Mark I. Bresler, MBME, PE (OK) received his Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Rehabilitation engineering from the University of Virginia. He has been working in Assistive Technology for more than 20 years. Mr. Bresler is former chair of the consumer affairs committee of RESNA, an interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies, and is a frequent presenter at its annual conference.