Fair will offer opportunity to explore technology to increase accessibility, independence
LAWRENCE — With an aim to share the wide variety of advances in technology including smart home technology, Meta Glasses and accessible gaming, University of Kansas staff will offer the public an opportunity to explore technology options for work, home, employment and recreation at an upcoming fair in Topeka.
Specialists from Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) will offer the AT Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Room 123, 1515 SW 10th Ave. Individuals can drop by the fair any time to learn about tools designed to make daily tasks more functional and enjoyable.
Abby Azeltine, ATK director, said event attendees can test devices, check out hands-on demonstrations and speak to specialists about options.
“Technology offers so many ways to make the world more accessible — from smart home tools that let you control your lights with your voice or a tap on your phone to devices that make it easier to take your medication, to solutions that help you hear your TV more clearly,” Azeltine said.
The fair is for people in all stages of life, whether they are working professionals or enjoying retirement.
“No matter the need, technology can be a great tool to support accessing the world around us,” Azeltine said.
This fair will promote technology to support adults with memory, mental health, smart homes, medication management, activities of daily living like cooking and getting dressed, communication, vision, hearing and employment.
ATK, which is federally funded through the Administration for Community Living and is a part of the KU Life Span Institute, works with Kansans across the state to increase access to and acquisition of technology for people with disabilities and health conditions.
Azeltine said people are generally surprised by how useful the tools can be.
“People generally state the following or some variation, 'What? I did not know that was a thing!' or, 'Whoa I had no idea!’” she said.
In addition to adults who may benefit from these technologies, Azeltine encouraged professionals in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathologists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, social work, managed care organizations and others to attend.
“We're encouraging anyone who would be a user or promoter of assistive technology to attend,” Azeltine said.
More information about ATK and the event is available at the ATK website.