CART Ongoing Programs

Assistive Technology Loan Program

CART’s Assistive Technology Loan Program was established in 1992 with equipment obtained from donations. Over the years, through grant funding and collaboration with community agencies, the loan program has grown to include a range of devices for individuals with different types of disabilities (e.g. spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy). Approximately 175 individuals participate in the program each year. Only those evaluated by the CART team are eligible to participate. The program loans assistive technology for 4 primary purposes: for temporary use by inpatients to facilitate recovery in rehabilitation; for short-term use until permanent equipment is funded or repaired; or for trial use and extended evaluation in order to determine the most appropriate device. We recently obtained funding to expand services to the pediatric population.

Computer Therapy Lab

In December 2002 the CART established a Computer Therapy Lab as a component of the AT Loan Program. The Lab is located on the rehabilitation unit and is used by individuals with a range of disabilities including spinal cord injury, brain injury and stroke. The Lab has several computers, each with different accessibility options. Special keyboards, adapted mice and switch input software are just a few of the devices available to patients. In addition to using AT for trial purposes, an increasing number of patients and staff are utilizing the computer as a therapy tool to improve motor control and remediate cognition and language. The Lab serves approximately 150 clients each year.