The New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (NJCART) is a non-profit organization established in 1987 to promote the appropriate applications of technology for individuals with disabilities, assure access to resources and provide continuing education to its members and the community at large.
Who is part of NJCART?
NJCART seeks to connect people within the Assistive Technology community of New Jersey by providing networking opportunities and offering easy access to information and resources about Assistive Technology. Anyone can join - our members include, but are not limited to:
- Assistive Technology Providers
- Therapists
- Educators
- Consumers
- Caregivers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Vendors
- Medical Practitioners
- Administrators
- Government representatives
- Volunteers
- Students
What is AT?
The United States government, in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, makes a distinction between an Assistive Technology Service and an Assistive Technology Device.
An Assistive Technology Service “directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition and/or use of an Assistive Technology Device or Assistive Technology Service.” Services can include:
- Evaluations
- Purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of an AT device or service
- Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing or replacing AT devices
- Coordinating necessary therapies, interventions or services with AT devices
- Offering training or technical assistance for an individual with a disability or, where appropriate, family members, guardians, advocates or authorized representatives of said individual
- Offering training or technical assistance for professionals, employers or other individuals who provide services to, employ or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities
An Assistive Technology Device is “any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Commonly used categories of Assistive Technology (AT) include:
- Architectural Modifications
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Computer Access
- Daily Living Aids
- Environmental Control
- Hearing and Listening Aids
- Mobility and Transportation
- Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Recreation Aids
- Seating and Positioning
- Vehicle Modifications
- Vision and Reading Aids
- Vocational Supports
- Writing and Typing Aids