6 ways technology tools can help Kansans live more independently

A woman demonstrates the use of a table set up for alternative and augmented communication

Assistive Technology for Kansans has regional offices across the state and helps people with disabilities across Kansas access tools for safer, independent living. Life Span Institute

Mon, 10/13/2025

Christina Knott

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) helps people across the state access tools for safer, independent living. Based at the KU Life Span Institute, ATK has regional offices across the state to help Kansans wherever they live to try out tools to support independence.

One of these is Franz Pickett, 94, had long ago adapted to limited hearing and leg amputation in his youth. When his vision began to deteriorate, he explained how technology tools and devices offered him a path to independence.

ATK introduced him to iCanConnect, a program for people with vision and hearing loss, which helped him with tools to keep him safe, connected, and living on his own terms. For others who don't know devices can support their goals, ATK can help.

“The whole idea is that from employment to living at home to aging in place, what are those things that are going to help you be successful,” said Abby Azeltine, director of ATK.

ATK has specialists that help with options, including financing and borrowing devices to try at home for up to six weeks.

Trying out devices is important, said specialist Cassie Ramon during a device demonstration last year. "If it doesn't work for you, you won't use it," Ramon said.

If you're not sure where to begin, here’s an overview of how technology tools can increase your independence at home, at work, and in your community.

Here's how technology tools can help you:

Manage your environment

A woman explains smart technology tools for the home to a man sitting in a blue wheelchair — Smart home devices such as doorbells with cameras, smart plugs, and smart speakers can help improve accessibility in the home, as explained by ATK specialists at the ATK Fair in Topeka. Life Span Institute

Smart home devices can help people with disabilities manage their home environment with ease. These tools turn on and off lights, open and close blinds, adjust the temperature, unlock doors, monitor appliances, access entertainment systems, and more.

Smart home tools usually integrate with apps on your phone. If people have trouble using their phones, AT specialists can help with that too. They can set up your phone's accessibility features to increase the size of text, send alerts through flashing lights, allow control of your phone through voice commands or eye tracking, transmit sound to hearing aids and more.

“You can set it up to recognize a dog sound or a cat sound ... a doorbell, a fire alarm, a door knocking. It will ring or flash and say ‘door knock,’” ATK specialist Jamie McEachern said, swiping through the settings on an iPhone to demonstrate. “This is on your phone as much as it’s on mine.”

Smart home devices can be programmed to follow a routine, respond to specific instructions, or alert you to security concerns. Safety and security devices can detect danger in the home, such as smoke or gas leaks, as well as alert individuals to guests or unauthorized intruders, through video doorbells, automatic lighting, or alarm systems.

Improve access to employment

Aaron Brown, ATK specialist, explains the technology tools designed to help people with vision impairment that can improve communication access, employment ability, and entertainment options. Life Span Institute

For working adults, there are more options to improve accessibility for employment than ever before. Computers can be programmed for high zoom or voice communication to support those with low vision. There are also ergonomic keyboards and joysticks that function as a computer mouse.

“I’ve got a guy who’s a quadriplegic who wants to go back to work as a loan officer,” McEachern said. “So, we’re working with a computer program, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, that rather than typing things, it’s been assimilated into the professional world to where you can tell your computer what to do and you never have to touch it.

“He’s learning how to use this program so he can run his computer by voice.”

Participate in hobbies and recreation

A woman sits at a computer and demonstrates adaptive technology for gaming — Adaptive gaming gear can make it possible for disabled gamers to enjoy more recreation options to improve their quality of life. Life Span Institute

At the ATK Fair in September, a collection of adaptive garden tools on display could help someone get back to green thumb. Specialists also set up large, illuminated magnifying lenses that allowed for improved access to reading, knitting, or crafting.

Adaptive devices and tools allow individuals to enjoy their favorite hobbies, such as golfing, cooking, or playing video games. Specialists can adjust settings on monitors and screens for people with low vision, set up gaming systems with oversized buttons or specialized keyboards and more.

Socialize and communicate with others

A woman demonstrates a voice amplification device — Nancy Bolden, ATK specialist, demonstrates a voice amplification system that helps people who have trouble speaking loudly to be heard more easily by friends, family, and others they communicate with. Life Span Institute

Communication assistance tools can help individuals stay connected with family, friends, providers, and more. People who have difficulty speaking and use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, which facilitate speech such as text-to-speech applications, to express choices, to share thoughts and ideas, or to connect to others.

Communication assistive devices can also help people stay connected, speak to providers through telehealth appointments, or access help in an emergency. Video calls, amplified telephones, or captioned communication can not only empower people to manage their affairs but are an important tool for social inclusion and improved quality of life.

Measure and manage your health

A woman gestures while speaking at a table with technology on display to aid health — Abby Azeltine, ATK director, explains the value of various devices to support mental and physical health, such as sound machines, light therapy lamp, smart watches, and simulated pets, at the ATK Fair in Topeka. Life Span Institute

Task management devices can provide visual or audio reminders about appointments or daily routines. Other tools can remind individuals living independently when to take medications through automatic pill reminders or medication dispensers.

Health monitoring devices can monitor vital signs for individuals or health providers, even tracking activity levels or sleep patterns. Devices can monitor for falls or medical emergencies and send for help if needed.

There are even devices to improve mental health, with simulated pets that can cuddle without needing to be walked, meditation lamps to promote calm, and stereos that can play at the push of a single button.

Improve mobility and independence

A woman sits at a device to improve mobility to demonstrate its use — A wide range of mobility devices are available for individuals who need assistance. ATK specialists can help answer any questions you might have, including how to get help with financing.

Mobility aids can help people function independently within their community and home environment. This can also include adaptive home environments by adding ramps to entrances, installing lifts in stairways, or widening doors for wheelchair access.

There are also low tech and high text ways to increase independence at mealtimes with tools from adapted cutting boards to robotic arms capable of delivering food.

The robotic arm on display at the AT Fair in September works through Bluetooth and can be controlled by a smartphone, which means the child "doesn’t have to have a para next to her feeding her anymore,” ATK specialist Tina Steinert said. “What an autonomous situation for a child.”

More Information About Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK)

If you’re curious about what could work for you, Azeltine suggested people reach out. Specialists can answer questions, make suggestions, and help provide devices on loan to try at home.

Specialists at ATK can also help Kansans find programs to help pay for devices, including preferred interest financing for qualifying applicants. ATK helps Kansans find more than $500,000 in financial assistance each year.

ATK offices are located in Oakley, Garden City, Salina, Topeka, Wichita, and Parsons, and specialists can meet virtually by Skype or Zoom. To get started, call 1-800-526-3648 or email atkapps@ku.edu. Language translation is available upon request.

ATK is hosting a virtual chat on Oct. 28, 2025, to discuss assistive technology for employment. Learn more about this and other ATK events online.