UCP Expands Tech Support in Connecticut to Meet Increasing Demand

UCP of Eastern CT recently expanded its assistive technology (AT) services into Fairfield County, adding to its existing service to residents of New Haven, Middlesex, New London and Windham Counties. The goal is to help people with disabilities of all ages, as well as family members, senior citizens, employers, educators and other professionals identify assistive technology to decrease social isolation and increase independence. UCP’s partnership with the CT Tech Act made the expansion possible to serve more people in Connecticut.

In September 2021, UCP brought its assessment, device demonstration and lending program into Bridgeport with these partners: the CT Tech Act Project, the Department of Public Health, the Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation and the East End NRZ Market & Café. The program will help to identify the types of technology equipment needed for seniors in the east end to address social isolation. Tablets, iPads, and smart home technology will help senior citizens maintain their health and safety in their own homes and allow them to connect to their community. Technology assessments and demonstrations will take place in community settings and remotely.

UCP also opened a new Assistive Technology Lending & Accessibility Services (ATLAS) Center at 300 Long Beach Blvd #1 in Stratford in September. Senior citizens and people with disabilities can visit the ATLAS Center by appointment by calling 860.443.3800 x 308.

“Social isolation reached an all-time high during the pandemic for seniors and people with disabilities,” explains Jennifer Keatley, Executive Director of UCP of Eastern Connecticut. “When you consider the Pew Research, which states that one in four Americans live with a disability that interferes with activities of daily living, and a recent national survey that reports 90% of Americans age 50 and over want to ‘Age in Place,’ the problems of isolation cannot be ignored. Despite the overwhelming numbers, few people are aware of how to do that safely.”

That’s where assistive technology can help. UCP’s technology tools expand access to community-based services, medicine, food, learning and independent living. New technology connects people to family and friends through smart home devices, mobility equipment, iPads and specialized software for those with speech, low vision or hearing disabilities.

UCP’s AT services include technology demonstrations (in-person or remote) to explain how new technology can be applied and used, as well as free technology loans, so people can try new technology before they buy it, to ensure that it meets their specific needs.

Connecticut residents like Jim Alling, a statistician with limited mobility and compromised motor skills, gives testimony to the value of UCP’s AT program. Technology recommended by UCP helped modify Alling’s workspace with voice recognition software, an adaptive keyboard and microphone to enable him to use speech to control and access his computer. These modifications help Alling function at a higher level in his job.

UCP services have also helped seniors like Nancy Robertson who, at age 90, had never used a computer. Nancy has macular degeneration, an eye disease that causes vision loss. With UCP’s help, she gained access to the Internet and has a new chrome book. This technology connects her to friends and family, decreasing isolation and increasing her safety and well-being.

To learn more about the program, contact Shannon Taber at 860.443.3800 x 111 or at staber@ucpect.org.