Assistive Technology Program
How the Assistive Technology Program Rebuilds Independence
Assistive technology describes tools and devices that help you do things in your everyday life. Assistive technology can be simple, like a cane to help you walk. It can also be advanced, like smart home systems to control lights and doors. These tools help people live safer and more independent lives.
Nationally Recognized Pioneers In Innovation
Our Assistive Technology Program at Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital earned national recognition for excellence in creating and fielding new assistive technologies. We continually develop and improve patient access to the latest devices. This includes partnerships that allow us to test new technologies:
- The Personal Data and Empowerment Lab (PeDEL) creates new assistive devices and smart hospital systems that are available to our patients. It is based in the University of Utah Kahlert School of Computing.
- Axion Click is a headband-style device reads brain waves and eye movements to help control phones, computers, and other devices. We are one of only six centers in the nation chosen for a clinical trial of the Axion Click.
- We are an Augmental Technologies test site for a new hands-free touchpad. The MouthPad allows patients to control a phone, computer, or tablet using their head and tongue.
Patient-Centered Care From the Comfort of Your Home
The University of Utah Information Technology team and members of the Assistive Technology Program developed a tablet and mobile phone application for you to use at home. The application mimics the voice-activation and touch-screen controls that you see in our smart hospital rooms.
When you are ready to return home, we work with you and your caregivers to make this transition seamless:
- Assess the home for hazards and recommend changes
- Coordinate installation of the application and all devices
- Establish maintenance and troubleshooting plans
We install the application in your home and connect it to all devices. This allows you to manage common household tasks without physical movement:
- Managing security cameras
- Opening and closing doors and blinds
- Setting the thermostat
- Turning lights and appliances on and off
Why Choose Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital?
Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in helping people with severe injuries and disabling conditions. You benefit from our connection to a leading academic medical center. Our faculty and physicians are actively participating in research, which means you may have early access to new technology or qualify for clinical trials. These trials can provide advanced care not available elsewhere.
Our team of specialists supports you through every step of your rehabilitation. After you leave the hospital, we continue to provide rehabilitation care, wellness programs, and support groups. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and live a rewarding life.
Explore Our Assistive Technology Devices
Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital offers assistive technology devices to match your needs. These devices range from simple utensils to virtual reality simulators.
Assistive technology helps people in many ways:
- Communicate with others when a disorder makes talking hard or impossible
- Enhance their ability to walk, hear, see, learn, or remember
- Improve movement, strength, or thinking
- Manage everyday activities, like using household appliances or climbing a flight of stairs
- Recover from surgery or an injury
3D-Printed Devices
We have six 3D printers that enable us to quickly create tools designed to make your everyday life easier. This technology provides advantages over traditional methods of creating devices:
- Custom-made scans of a body part allow us to print devices with perfect fit and function.
- Low-cost printing creates complex devices that are expensive to make using traditional methods.
- Simple and fast redesigns and reprinting enable us to adjust any device as your needs change.
Advanced Technologies
We have access to high-tech tools that support people facing major, long-lasting limitations in movement or communication. Tools we recommend include advanced software and rehabilitation devices:
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Adapted gaming uses modified controllers to allow you to play video games. Some games also act as exercise therapy if you have limited mobility.
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Electromyography (EMG) control technology uses electronic signals from your muscle movements to operate a computer or other device.
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Eye gaze technology uses cameras to track eye movement. This lets you control computers or tablets just by looking at a screen.
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Robotic devices help you recover your ability to move by gently guiding your limbs through repeated movements and exercises.
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Sip-and-puff technology uses your breath to perform different actions. This happens by inhaling (sipping) or exhaling (puffing) into a tube.
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Virtual or augmented reality uses a headset for therapy simulations to practice walking or other exercises. We often use this to help you with balance and movement.
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Voice control software converts spoken words into computer actions or written text.
Who Can Benefit from Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is for people who have conditions, injuries, or long-term disabilities that make regular activities hard to do:
What to Expect in the Assistive Technology Program
We offer rehabilitation services for both patients staying in the hospital and those visiting our program for the day. Your provider must refer you to our program. After you are admitted into the program, our team of therapists and tech experts recommends tools to help make your daily life easier. This involves testing your physical and functional abilities and discussing your goals.
Our team matches you with custom devices for your specific needs. We train you how to use the devices and offer support as you learn. This process may take anywhere from a few weeks to a year. When you are ready, we will help you set up the devices in your home.
Meet Our Assistive Technology Team
1 Resulting Health Care Providers
Assistive Technology Program Referrals
For Referring Providers
Call or fax Assistive Technology referrals to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Outpatient Therapy Services at Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital:
- Phone: 801-581-2267
- Fax: 801-585-3498
For Patients
You will need to ask for a referral from your provider.