Kevin, Porter and Ryker raced at the Nibley one-mile HOPstascle run on Frame Runners, three-wheeled running frames that provide support and stability to users while allowing them to walk, jog or run. The frame runners were loans from the UATP loan library. Photo courtesy of UATP.
Utah State University is hosting Salt Lake City’s first assistive technology fair, ‘Gadget Galaxy.’ The event will highlight different kinds of technology available for individuals with disabilities. It will take place on Saturday, July 19th from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Sorenson Unity Center in Glendale.
According to a press release, “The free, public event will showcase how assistive technology (AT) — tools and devices that support individuals with disabilities — can promote independence and accessibility.”
Jack, an equine science student at USU, needed to be able to move more easily in the arena sand and needed extra height for grooming horses. UATP modified a power wheelchair by bolting wheels together to make them twice as wide and equipped it with hydraulics to lift Jack higher. Photo courtesy of UATP.
Hannah Nelson with the Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) at Utah State University says a lot of things fall under the umbrella of assistive technology. “AT can be as simple as a sock aid or pencil grip, or as complex as a speech-generating device,” said Nelson. “Whether it’s high-tech or low-tech, the goal is the same: to meet the unique needs of the individual and support greater independence."
Activities at the fair will include a number of booths featuring disability resources as well as several demonstrations of assistive technology. Some of these include Not a Wheelchair, a company offering off-road electric wheelchair alternatives designed for exploring the great outdoors; LUCI, a smart safety system that adds collision detection and drop-off protection to power wheelchairs; and Huckleberry Hiker, a tandem hiker that allows wheelchair users to experience more rugged terrain.
Additional demonstrations will be available for everyday tools that help people with disabilities, such as captioned phones for hearing loss, robotic pets for companionships, and self-stabilitizing utensils that help people with hand tremors or other coordination difficulties.
Assistive technology is a vital part of daily living for some individuals with disabilities. Smart home technology, stabilizing utensils and grab bars are all examples of common devices. Photo courtesy of UATP.
"This event is a powerful way to demonstrate our shared commitment to empowering people with disabilities to live more independently through assistive technology,” said Bora Lee, UATP director. “Many Utahns aren’t aware of the services and tools available to them. This event is a fun and welcoming way to spread that knowledge, bring the community together, explore tools that support daily life, and learn how UATP helps individuals across Utah thrive."
There will also be several activities open to children, including an art station where participants can build their own rocket launches and a space shoot-out station with switch-adapted Nerf blasters. There will also be a video game area featuring adaptive controllers — such as one-handed controllers and modular switches.
A sensory room with dimmed lighting will also be available to provide a quiet and calm atmosphere for anyone needing a sensory-friendly break.
Gadget Galaxy is sponsored by the Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) at Utah State University. Founded in 1989 under the federal Assistive Technology Act, UATP operates with the belief: “Independence is priceless. We make it possible.” Some of UATP’s core services include:
Low-interest loans, small business loans, and small grants to help individuals buy assistive technology
Demonstrations and short-term equipment loans from a free lending library
Low-cost refurbished equipment
Affordable device repairs
Training and other resources.
UATP has multiple labs that allow for customization of assistive technology to meet individuals' specific needs, such as this partially 3D printed iPad holder custom-built for Shawnee. Photo courtesy of UATP.
UATP serves people with disabilities all over the state, with labs in Logan, Salt Lake City, and Vernal. A traveling van provides additional services and support for those living in southern and rural Utah.
“People are often surprised to learn that UATP has a lab right here in Salt Lake,” said Rob Remund, UATP Salt Lake coordinator. “This fair is a great way to show what we and other organizations can offer.”
Nelson says they chose to hold the fair on the Westside in order to reach Utahns who may not be aware of these kinds of services and AT tools, and may not know about programs to make them more affordable and accessible. “Accessibility and strong community ties were central to choosing a location,” Nelson explained. “Sorenson Community Campus on Salt Lake City’s Westside offered both — with a bus stop out front, full wheelchair accessibility, and a long history of serving local residents.”
The Gadget Galaxy event is open to everyone — not just those with disabilities — and is open to drop-ins at any point. ASL and Spanish interpreters will be on site throughout the event. Registration is not required but is encouraged so that organizers can be aware of any accommodations needed for attendees to be able to fully participate in the assistive technology fair.
