Written by Rosemarie Punzalan, Program Coordinator for the AT Network
The Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology (CART), located at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey,
CA, is one of the largest medical rehabilitation centers in the United
States. CART staff - including physical, speech, occupational, and
recreational therapists and engineers - offer evaluations as well as provide
assistive technology solutions to individuals with physical disabilities. Clients of any age who have a physical disability such
as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, progressive
neuromuscular diseases, etc. are eligible for CART services. For
more information about CART, please visit http://www.rancho.org/ServiceReint_CART.aspx.
CART received a grant from The Rancho Foundation and has built a model home to showcase a variety of real-life adaptations that people with disabilities can make in their own homes. This model home showcases a wide variety of assistive technology solutions for the home, ranging from simple to complex. Commercially available products paired with universal design principles were used to create an accessible living environment. Below are some sample pictures from CART's Model Home website.
Have you been to CART or visited a different model home that demonstrates AT devices? What AT devices do you want to see showcased? Use the comment section below to share your thoughts and/or resources about AT in the home.
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| Bedroom - Simple adaptations increase safety and maintain independence. |
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| Bathroom - Simple adaptations increase safety and maintain independence. |
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Kitchen - Accessible
cooking supplies, work surfaces, and appliances maximize independence in the
kitchen.
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| Bathroom - Simple adaptations increase safety and maintain independence. |
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| Living Room Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL) systems provide independent control of electronic devices for persons with a range of physical limitations. |