Assistive Technology Lab Services

Easter Seals Greater Houston, Childrens Therapy and BridgingApps programs are pleased to offer Assistive Technology Services in Texas (Houston, The Woodlands, and Stafford). Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive Technology can be anything from low tech communication boards, to high tech communication devices, iPads, or switches.

Each AT lab has Open Lab Days available to the public without an appointment. Visitors can explore a variety of assistive technology, including mobile devices and apps, specialized software and computer equipment, communication devices, and switch-friendly apps and toys. Volunteers and staff are available to answer questions; however, individualized support is limited depending on the number of participants.

The AT Lab services vary for each location, please see details and contact information for your local lab below.

Have you tried out a technology that you feel will work for you but want to try it at home?

The button below will take you to the page of the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP)‘s website where you can apply for a short-term loan of a device to try at home.

Have you tried out a technology that you feel will work for you but are unclear how to purchase it?

The button below will take you to a list of possible funding sources gathered by the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP). While there is no guarantee that you will qualify for funding from any of these sources, this list is a great place to start. It is accurate as of the most recent updated date on the document.

Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4 ESC) have partnered with the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Connect Texas Program to ensure students within TEA’s Texas footprint have access to reliable, commercially available home-based fixed broadband internet services free of charge.

If you need assistance getting internet for your home, download the flyer for the Internet Essentials program from Comcast by clicking on the button below.

If you or a loved one uses eye-gaze control technology to communicate, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Group has published Clinical Guidelines to assist decision-making. They are based on consensus of 126 respondents including clinicians, educators, families, people with cerebral palsy and others from 17 countries.  The topics addressed by the Clinical Guidelines include unique features of eye-gaze control technology, initial assessment, trial, learning, support, follow up, outcome measurement, and funding considerations. Download the flyer to share by clicking the link below.

Individual Lab Appointments

Individualized lab appointments with BridgingApps AT Lab staff are available to provide more in-depth information about equipment than open labs or open houses. Appointments are geared towards a clients individual needs for assistive technology. These appointments are available for one on one help, but not intended to be a full and documented assessment.

Mobile Device Services

ESGHs BridgingApps program offers services specific to mobile device users. The first is an app matching service, which is done at different levels and can be based on a clients IEP, family goals, or classroom goals. The second is a comprehensive service that helps clients create a plan for the purchase and effective use of a mobile device.

Full Augmentative and Alternative Communication Evaluations

Full AAC Evaluations are available for a fee and are appropriate when the clients primary concern is communication. Devices included in a Full AAC Evaluation are AAC devices such as TobiiDynavox and PRC-Saltillo, mobile devices such as an iPad or iPod Touch and communication apps such as Proloquo2Go and TouchChat, as well as other AAC options. Because these evaluations are not typically covered by insurance, Easter Seals Greater Houston only accepts a self-pay rate of $450. (In some cases, a limited number of evaluations can be covered by grant funding.*) The evaluation includes a language assessment, device trials, an evaluation report, guidance during the purchasing process, and one follow up appointment. In most instances, full AAC evaluations are done at our central Houston location. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

* If you have concerns about your child’s communication skills and want to request an AAC evaluation please call: 713-838-9050 ext. 381 or send an email to AAC@EasterSealsHouston.org for more information.