Texas: One Hand, New Opportunity

A man wearing glasses and a red striped shirt sits in an office, smiling and holding a split ergonomic keyboard.

April 22 is Assistive Technology Awareness Day! Assistive Technology (AT) plays a very important role in supporting independence for people with disabilities. AT includes any device, equipment, or system that is used to enhance functional abilities of people with disabilities.

Across 56 US states and territories, AT programs transform access to life-changing technology. These statewide, comprehensive, consumer-driven programs help people of all ages and abilities test and get access to the AT tools they need to live, learn, work, and thrive—wherever life takes them.

Check out this story of an adult from the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP):

One Hand, New Opportunity: Finding the Right Keyboard for Work

BridgingApps met with an adult client with a physical disability that affects the use of his right hand. He was working with the transition program at Easter Seals Greater Houston to find employment and wanted to learn about his assistive technology (AT) options for the workplace. He visited the BridgingApps AT lab to trial Dragon NaturallySpeaking dictation software on one of the computers provided through the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP), as it was a program he had used in the past.

During the trial, he discovered that the software would not meet his needs and asked about keyboard options that could help him perform the tasks required for a potential job. A BridgingApps digital navigator discussed one-handed keyboard options and requested the TIPY Keyboard from TTAP for the client to try. Once it arrived, the client tested the keyboard, loved it, and requested a short-term loan. He felt relieved to find a device that met his needs and appreciated the extensive training resources provided by the developer to help users learn one-handed typing. With generous funding from Compudopt, BridgingApps was able to purchase the TIPY keyboard for the client. He has been practicing with it ever since, preparing for his next job opportunity.

Want to learn more about what State and Territory Assistive Technology programs do to improve access, expand the availability, and raise awareness of AT for people with disabilities and older adults? Visit CATADA, the Institute for Community Inclusion’s central hub for data, best practices, consumer stories, and resources focused on improving access to AT as reported by State and Territory Assistive Technology Programs.