Assistive technology will be showcased at Selma High School gym on June 27 for individuals with disabilities in the Black Belt region. The exhibition will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to residents of Dallas County and surrounding areas, such as Wilcox County. Devices that will be displayed include wheelchairs, speech devices for non-verbal individuals, and tools to assist visually impaired individuals in seeing computer screens.
The event is organized by Accessing Potential through Assistive Technology (APTAT), a federally funded grant program in Alabama that aims to increase awareness and access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Jessica McKay, an assistive technology specialist and APTAT coordinator, highlighted the importance of ensuring that people in rural areas have access to these resources. As part of their Rural Road Show initiative, APTAT has divided rural counties in Alabama into groups and is touring the state to provide closer access to assistive technology demonstrations.
Marengo County is part of a group that includes Choctaw, Green, and Sumter counties, with details on when the Rural Road Show will visit the area still pending. Attendees at the demonstration will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of assistive technologies and consult with experts to determine the devices that best suit their needs. A lending program through APTAT allows individuals to borrow devices for a trial period of 30 days before committing to a purchase, helping to prevent costly investments in devices that may not be suitable.
While registration for the event is not mandatory, McKay encourages individuals to sign up to provide insights on the types of technologies that are needed in the area. Interested participants can create an account on www.al.at4all.com and complete the registration form at www