KU program that assists Kansans live independently to host open house April 22
LAWRENCE--Assistive Technology for Kansans, a statewide service program based at the University of Kansas Life Span Institute, will welcome the public to their new space on the KU campus for an open house and equipment demonstration on April 22.
The public is welcome to stop by between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Dole Human Development Building, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., with a short program offered at 11:30 a.m. Free parking for the event is available to the first 100 people to register for the event and request it. Registration is not necessary to attend, but appreciated by organizers.
“Our open house is an opportunity to introduce our new location, connect with the community, and celebrate Assistive Technology Awareness Month and National Assistive Technology Awareness Day,” said Abby Azeltine, director of Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK). “During the event, we’ll highlight the assistive technology programs and services available across Kansas through ATK and help people learn about tools and resources that can make everyday activities more accessible and independent.”
ATK helps Kansans of all ages who have disabilities find assistive technology that works for them by offering device demonstrations and short-term equipment loans to try out equipment, among other core services. Staff at each of the six offices across the state help people locate financial assistance from private and public resources, including help finding refurbished durable medical equipment (DME) at no cost. The program is funded federally through the Life Span Institute.
In 2024, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly designated April as Assistive Technology Month in the state. That year and again in 2025, ATK assisted Kansans living in every county in the state.
Recently, ATK relocated its statewide assistive technology loan program and launched a new public online database to make it easier for individuals across Kansas to explore available devices and request short-term loans online, Azeltine said. The loan program allows people to borrow assistive technology for 4–6 weeks to try equipment before purchasing it or to meet a short-term accommodation need.
“As part of our move, we created a new demonstration space designed to welcome community members, professionals, students, families, and caregivers to explore assistive technology in a hands-on way,” she said.
Visitors to the space, which is also open during the event, can explore interactive spaces such as a mock adaptive kitchen featuring one-handed tools, a robotic meal assistant, and an height-adjustable table, along with smart home technology that demonstrates how voice activation can control lights, blinds, and televisions.
“We hope the event helps people see the many ways assistive technology can support daily living, education, employment, and play,” Azeltine said.