The purpose of the Assistive Technology Program offered by the Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC) is to promote the use of equipment, software, devices, and applications that enhance full participation in the community and home for people with disabilities and older adults. Assistive technology can be as large as a lift-equipped vehicle and as small as a “talking” watch key chain. For many people with disabilities and older adults, assistive technology is the bridge to independence.
For more information about assistive technology or to donate durable medical equipment, call (714)621-3300 or complete the online form
Who Is Eligible to Receive AT Services
Any Individual with a disability who lives in the Orange County area is eligible for services through the AT program.
The following services are available through the assistive technology program:
AT Information and Referral: DMC has gathered information related to assistive technology including descriptions of a wide range of products, pricing, manufacturers, distributors, and resources for obtaining financial aid to acquire AT. This information is shared with the public.
AT Case Coordination: When an intake takes place, the AT coordinator works with each new consumer to develop an individualized independent living plan. The purpose of the plan is to identify the need(s), the goals to be accomplished, activities that will be carried out, and outcomes to be reached. Usually, services center on deciding the types of equipment and devices that are needed, identifying suppliers of the items, arranging for consumers to test potential assistive technology, helping to find possible loans or grant to purchase AT, and providing training on the use of items after they have been purchased.
AT Lab: DMC maintains an assistive technology lab at the Anaheim Office. The lab is equipped with different types of AT, catalogs for what is available, and accessible computer workstations with systems that have adaptive software installed. Training and demonstrations are provided by the AT Coordinator on the use of equipment, devices, and software. The lab is open for consumers to use the computers for accessing the internet, sending, and receiving email, working on resumes and job applications, etc.
AT Recycle/Reuse Program: The center accepts donations of used durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, and other assistive devices for donation to individuals, who cannot afford to purchase such items or who do not have coverage under their health insurance for AT. Donated equipment is cleaned and sanitized before reissue.
AT Fee for Service (FFS)
Technology never stays the same. The same can be said for a consumers’ needs.
DMC’s Assistive Technology Program offers much more than our basic services. Here is a breakdown of what else we offer.
Assistive Technology Fee For Service (FFS)
DMC is happy to be working directly with Department of Rehabilitation with our AT Fee for Service Programs for the Orange and San Gabriel regions for Assistive Technology Assessments and Training. To learn more call us at (714)621-3300 or email atprogram@daylemc.org
Program Success Stories
Assistive Technology Multitasks Well-Being for Consumer
The Assistive Technology Program supported a 59 year old consumer who acquired knee and back injuries related to her diabetes, making long distances difficult to manage. After moving into a new apartment complex with her sister, the distance from their front door to the elevator created additional mobility challenges.
The AT Program provided a transport wheelchair, allowing the consumer to safely navigate the apartment complex with assistance from her sister. This support has reduced pain and increased access, helping the consumer remain independent and safely access her home.
Accessibility Achieved Improves Quality of Life
The AT Program helped an 87-year-old consumer who had experienced a stroke and was losing strength in her legs.
She requested a transport chair to make getting around easier. The chair not only supported her mobility but also made it easier for her family to assist with transportation, improving her comfort and independence.
Assistive Technology Builds Access and Independence Bridge
The AT Program supported a 75-year-old woman by providing a Chromebook and personalized training. She wanted to stay connected and overcome feelings of isolation, and managing daily tasks on her phone had become increasingly difficult.
The Chromebook offered a more accessible way to communicate, stay organized, and engage with others online, giving her confidence to manage her responsibilities and maintain her independence.
Connection Creates Access Across the Miles
The AT Program made a meaningful impact by providing a Chromebook and ongoing training to a 77-year old consumer, enhancing her independence and connection with loved ones.
For this consumer, staying connected with her sister and accessing essential documentation had become increasingly challenging. With her new Chromebook, she now has a reliable tool that opens up new avenues for communication and access.
Through recurring training sessions, she is gaining the skills and confidence to navigate the device on her own, empowering her to manage important documents and stay engaged with family.
- Consumer Question: Do you provide in-home training? If yes, how often is it provided?
DMC Program Answer: Yes, in-home training is provided on a case-by-case basis. The frequency of in-home training depends on the consumer’s needs, goals, and availability, and is determined collaboratively with the consumer and the DMC team.
- Consumer Question: Do you deliver durable medical equipment to a person’s home and/or pick up DME donations?
DMC Program Answer: Donations are coordinated by scheduling an appointment for the consumer to pick up the equipment from the Anaheim office. If the consumer is unable to pick up the item, a family member or support person may pick it up on their behalf. If the consumer does not have someone who can assist with pick up, a DMC team member may deliver the item to the consumer’s home. Pick up and delivery of DME are determined on a case-by-case basis and dependent upon staffing availability.
- Consumer Question: Does your Recycle Reuse Program accept medical supplies or hospital beds?
DMC Program Answer: Our Recycle Reuse Program does not accept medical supplies or hospital beds. Medical supplies can raise hygiene and safety concerns, and hospital beds require specialized storage and handling that we are not able to accommodate.
- Consumer Question: Are your services free and/or do I need to have insurance?
DMC Program Answer: Yes, our services are free, and insurance is not required to qualify for our program services.
