AllOne Charities awarded a grant for $15,000 to North Central Sight Services to purchase Assistive Technology items for people who are blind or visually impaired in Lycoming, Clinton, Centre, Bradford, Tioga, and Sullivan counties.
In the summer of 2020, NCSS began building a state-of-the-art Assistive Technology Lab at its Reach Road facility that provides hands-on opportunities for clients and community members to work with the latest tools and devices designed to help people who are blind or visually impaired gain independence and access to information. The Assistive Technology Lab includes low-tech products like special pens that write dark and don’t bleed through the paper, handheld magnifiers, and talking clocks all the way through to high-tech wearables and sophisticated digital magnification systems. However, since cost can be a significant barrier for individuals with visual impairments, NCSS felt it was critical to make samples of Assistive Technology accessible to anyone who may have a need. This way we can provide a “try before you buy” service to the community of people with visual impairments. Included in our services is a one-on-one assessment by one of our IT/AT specialists who are on hand to advise and instruct on the best device for a person’s individual needs. Additionally, our Assistive Technology clients are provided with follow-up at regular intervals to ensure they have found the right fit for their needs.
“I am thrilled to make Assistive Technology available to the people who need it the most”, says Brandon DeArment, NCSS AT and IT Specialist. Brian Patchett, NCSS President & CEO adds, “I deeply appreciate AllOne Charities for granting these dollars that will help community members have access to information and technology in all aspects of their lives. Having been an Assistive Technology professional and user, I know the priceless value that Assistive Technology brings to the life of an individual with a visual disability. Thank you so much to AllOne Charities for helping make our dream of an Assistive Technology Lab a reality. This gift will create independence for so many individuals in our region”.
To learn more about NCSS, or if you know anyone who has a visual impairment and needs assistance, visit us at 2121 Reach Road, Williamsport, PA, check out the website at www.ncsight.org, or call (570) 323-9401 to schedule a visit with a member of the services team, take a tour, or visit the Assistive Technology Lab.
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