Assistive Technology includes any device used to maintain or improve functional abilities of an individual with a disability.
What is an ATAP?
DVR's Assistive Technology and Assessment Practitioners (ATAP's) are responsible for merging assistive technology and the vocational rehabilitation process, ensuring individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals by providing guidance and technical assistance on accessibility, job modifications, accommodations, and technology.
What services do ATAP's provide?
DVR's ATAP's offer customers Assistive Technology evaluations and assessments such as:
- Mobility evaluations to determine feasibility and need of devices such as wheelchairs, scooters and walkers
- Transportation evaluations to evaluate needs such as public transportation options, vehicle modifications, van ramps and lifts or hand controls
- Organizational Assistive Technology evaluations to give options to increase an individual's personal organization
- Literacy support evaluations to determine the benefit of assistive technology for learning disabilities
- Ergonomic Evaluations for office and home work site
- Computer Access evaluations for individuals with physical or cognitive issues that interfere with computer use
- Speech Recognition Technology (speech to text) assessment and training
Additional services provided by ATAP's include:
- Special consultation on medical, dental, therapy and other complex services.
- ADA Accessibility assessments for vendors, employers and businesses.
- Training for customers and community groups including:
- Reasonable accommodations
- Assistive Technology training for Transition Students, Parents and/or Teachers
- Assistive Technology training for Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs)
Contact your nearest ATAP:
Eastern Washington (DVR Region 1)
- Name: Michael Fox
Email: michael.fox@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 509-934-0288
VideoPhone: 509-315-2260 (for ASL signers)
Northwest Washington - King County and north to Whatcom County (DVR Region 2)
- Name: Bill Youngman
Email: bill.youngman@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 206-437-9681 - Name: Evelyn Burnett
Email: evelyn.burnett@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 206-962-0978
Southwest Washington - Pierce County and south, Olympic Peninsula (DVR Region 3)
- Name: Jo'el Roth
Email: joel.roth@dshs.wa.gov
Phone: 360-515-8180
For more information, call us toll free at 800-637-5627.
Assistive Technology Partners:
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN):The leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
- Northwest Access Fund: Provides Assistive Technology loans for Washington residents of all ages with disabilities of all types, including seniors with age-related functional limitations.
- University of Washington, DO-IT: Disabilities, Opportunities, Inter-networking, and Technology promotes the success of individuals with disabilities in postsecondary education and career, using technology as an empowering tool.
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP): Provides Washingtonians with disabilities Assistive Technology Device Demonstrations and Borrowing.
- Washington State Labor and Industries: Provides useful information about Ergonomics, Services and Resources, Evaluation Tools, and Industry Guidelines.
- WorkSource Assistive Technology Explorer: Provides tools to help locate technology within WorkSource that may be useful to customers.