Every year in the fall, Tricounty Independent Living, Inc. hosts a Lost Coast Assistive Technology Expo. This year will be the fourth year of the expo, which highlights the use of assistive technology (AT) to enable the disabled to use technology effectively.

As a blind person, I am using a talking computer to compose this article. The talking computer is one example of AT.

Actually, AT is a broad term meaning technology of any kind that assists someone with a disability to gain independence. To read more about the legal definition, visit The Washington State University website and conduct a word search using "assistive technology".

To find a good survey of the various assistive technology categories, visit The Rehab Tool website. Some of the categories include communication aids, computer access aids, accessible software, or environmental controls and switches.

The main category of assistive technology I use and on which I provide assessment and training falls into the access technology category. More specifically I specialize in access technology for people who have visual impairments.

Unfortunately, one of the major reasons people don't use assistive technology is that they are unaware it exists. Hopefully a few more people are now aware of this area, and I hope to see you in October at the fourth annual Assistive Technology Expo.

Doug is a blind technology user and is owner of Rosepond Aquatics along with his wife Patti. They are members of the Redwood Technology Consortium.