Northeast Arc changes lives with technology Luke Acton
PEABODY — Northeast Arc, a nonprofit that provides disability services and support, is launching an assistive technology program that will allow individuals to privately pay for devices — either on their own or through the organization — and receive instruction on how to use them.
The program is being led by Northeast Arc Director of Assistive Technology Areeba Khan, who started the role in September. A pilot program is currently accepting participants at a discounted rate, and she hopes to launch the full program in April.
“This program was created to give people access to devices to increase their independence,” Khan said. “One of the biggest barriers out there is that there’s so much technology that can help people overcome obstacles, but not enough people know about them.”
Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products designed to help people with disabilities in their daily lives. These products include tablets and accessibility apps, text-to-speech software, adaptive kitchen products, and communication devices.
Currently, Northeast Arc’s existing assistive technology program is limited to individuals who qualify through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
The new initiative, however, will expand access by [...]