Assistive Technology (AT) Highlights
October is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness month! Oklahoma ABLE Tech has many assistive technology (AT) solutions that can support individuals with ADHD:
- The Watchminder 4 is a watch designed to help individuals manage their time by providing tactile reminders.
- The Key Finder with Remote helps track misplaced items by providing auditory cues. Attach the receiver to keys, wallets, remote controls, and more! Then, press the coordinating button to hear the receiver beep.
- The multifunctional Productivity Timer helps keep users on task and on schedule. The multiple setting options make this versatile, pocket-sized device a great alternative for those who get distracted using their smartphone timer.
- Loop Earbuds can help block out distractions like background noise, allowing individuals to enter deep focus. In addition to protecting hearing in loud environments, they can also help prevent overstimulation.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Device Loan Program inventory offers more than 2,300 devices across 10 AT categories, including hearing, speech communication, vision, learning cognition/development, seating/positioning/mobility, daily living, recreation, environmental adaptations, computer access, and vehicle modifications. Visit the Device Loan Program webpage to learn more about how to borrow AT for up to six weeks.
October is AAC Awareness Month
October is also Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, an estimated 5 million Americans and 97 million people worldwide may benefit from AAC (Beukelman & Light, 2020).
AAC includes all the ways a person communicates besides oral speech. People may use an AAC device when they cannot communicate using natural speech face-to-face, across distances, through the phone, social media, email, or other forms of communication. Augmentative communication adds to a person’s natural speech, while alternative communication provides a way to communicate without speech.
AAC can look different for everyone. Some people use AAC throughout their lives, while others use it only in certain situations. Some people may use AAC for a short period of time, such as during recovery from surgery when they cannot speak.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech provides several AAC resources to help individuals, families, and professionals.
- Assistive Technology (AT) Highlights
- October is AAC Awareness Month
- Choosing the Right Equipment – AT or DME?
- Fraud Prevention – Financial Education Tip
- Oklahoma ABLE Tech Presents at Talent Without Borders
- Regional Training – Empowering Educators Through Assistive Technology
- New Accessibility Resource Coming Soon – Workforce Accessibility Hub
- Accessibility Programs Updates
- Oklahoma AT Center Locations and Partners
- OSU Department of Wellness – Accessibility Programs Staff
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AAC Resources
Oklahoma ABLE Tech offers AAC devices to borrow through our Device Loan Program. Device loans are free and available for up to six weeks to Oklahoma residents with disabilities, their family members, and the professionals who support them.
- The High-Tech AAC Solutions webpage provides information about high-tech AAC devices available to trial through the Device Loan Program.
- The AAC Funding Information webpage serves as a hub for resources and answers to commonly asked questions about funding AAC devices.
- The Speech Communication AT Discovery webpage provides information and examples of AAC, along with additional resources to help individuals and teams explore AAC.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff encourages individuals, families, and professionals to explore the resources available through Oklahoma ABLE Tech and learn more about AAC!
Choosing the Right Equipment – AT or DME?
Choosing the right equipment for daily tasks can be confusing. You may wonder if you need assistive technology (AT) or durable medical equipment (DME).
AT includes tools that help people with disabilities and older adults gain independence. AT can be simple, like adapted utensils or reading aids. It can also be advanced, like speech-generating devices and computer access tools.
DME is designed for repeated use. It helps treat medical conditions or disabilities. DME includes items like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and bathroom safety equipment. Sometimes, a device can be both AT and DME, depending on how it is used.
With so many options, trying equipment before buying can help you find the best fit. Oklahoma ABLE Tech offers services to help Oklahomans explore equipment options. Through the Device Demonstration Program, you can view and test different AT devices with trained staff. The Device Reutilization Program provides certain DME at no cost to eligible Oklahomans.
Before choosing equipment, ask yourself a few questions. Does it meet your needs? Will it work in your home, workplace, or classroom? If you’re unsure where to start, Oklahoma ABLE Tech can help you explore options and find the right equipment for you.
Fraud Prevention – Financial Education Tip
Fraud and scams are constantly evolving. The information below is an excerpt from the FDIC Money Smart for Adults article. For more information, visit the FDIC’s Avoiding Scams and Scammers webpage.
Protect yourself by:
- Avoiding emails & attachments from unknown senders
- Being cautious with links & unfamiliar websites
- Protecting your personal & financial information
- Staying informed about current scams & cyber threats
- Using strong, unique passwords
- Keeping your devices, operating systems, & security software up to date
Common scams to be aware of:
- Money Mules – Be cautious if someone asks you to receive or forward money, packages, or goods on their behalf.
- Romance Scams – Scammers build online relationships and eventually ask for money.
- Impostor Scams – Scammers pretend to be someone you know or trust to convince you to send money.
- Mortgage & Foreclosure Scams – Scammers may pose as lenders, loan servicers, financial counselors, or government representatives offering help with your mortgage.
Contact Stephanie Hesser, Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Financial Loan Program Specialist, by calling 405-744-3995 or emailing stephanie.hesser@okstate.edu if you have questions or need financial education.
For crime safety and scam alerts, follow Lori Fulbright News 6 on Facebook or Instagram.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Presents at Talent Without Borders
Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff recently participated in Talent Without Borders at Tulsa Tech, an event focused on creating more inclusive and accessible employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Mindy Cash, Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Assistive Technology (AT) in Education Program Manager, presented about AT in the workplace, highlighting practical AT solutions that can help individuals overcome barriers and increase independence and success in employment settings.
Participants explored examples of AT for computer access, communication, vision, hearing, mobility, organization, and daily workplace tasks. The presentation also emphasized that AT is highly individualized, which means what works for one person, job, or environment may look very different for another.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals and community partners while increasing awareness of how AT and workplace accommodations can help individuals demonstrate their skills and participate more fully in the workforce.
For a glimpse at some AT solutions for the workplace, check out the virtual AT Demonstration on YouTube.
Regional Training – Empowering Educators Through Assistive Technology
Oklahoma ABLE Tech hosted the first Empowering Educators Through Assistive Technology (AT) regional training of the school year on September 24, 2026, in Miami, Oklahoma.
The in-person training was held at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. Educators, related service providers, and administrators strengthened their knowledge and confidence in AT and accessible educational materials (AEM).
Throughout the day, participants explored practical strategies for AT consideration, assessment, individualized education program (IEP) documentation, AT implementation, device trials, and AT evaluation. The training also introduced resources and supports that schools can use to strengthen AT practices within their classrooms and districts.
The next Empowering Educators Through AT regional training is October 22. Eligible districts may receive Project 613 reimbursement for substitute pay and travel expenses associated with attending the training.
To register for the 2026-2027 Empowering Educators Through AT workshops, visit Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s AT Professional Development For Educators webpage. We look forward to a day of hands-on learning, collaboration, and practical ideas that can be taken back to the classroom!
New Accessibility Resource Coming Soon – Workforce Accessibility Hub
Oklahoma ABLE Tech, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) have partnered to create the Workforce Accessibility Hub (WAH).
The WAH brings together information, resources, and services to help Oklahoma businesses build accessible and inclusive workplaces. Through this partnership, employers can learn how to recruit, hire, support, and retain qualified people with disabilities, as well as access additional resources on disability etiquette.
DRS Business Services Program
The DRS Business Services Program (BSP) helps businesses address workforce needs while expanding meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Services available to Oklahoma businesses include:
- Connections to qualified, skilled, and dependable job candidates
- A variety of free training opportunities
- DRS incentives supporting paid, work-based learning experiences.
- Information about tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities and improving workplace accessibility.
- Ongoing support for candidates and businesses throughout the employment and accommodation process.
- Networking and hiring events.
- Services tailored to meet each business’s unique workforce needs.
BSP liaisons work with businesses and community partners throughout Oklahoma to provide education on disability awareness and etiquette. This includes practical guidance on respectfully communicating and interacting with people with different types of disabilities. These services help address misconceptions, strengthen workplace relationships, and promote inclusion.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma ABLE Tech connects Oklahomans with disabilities to assistive technology and provides training and technical assistance related to accessibility. Through the WAH, Oklahoma ABLE Tech helps businesses identify and address barriers that may prevent employees or job seekers from fully accessing the workplace.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech provides businesses with information and resources related to:
- Assistive technology (AT) for the workplace
- Digital and document accessibility
- Physical accessibility
- Workplace accommodations
- Training and technical assistance to improve accessibility
These services help businesses better understand accessibility and identify practical ways to ensure their workplaces, technology, information, and services are accessible to everyone.
Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council
ORC represents the interests of Oklahomans with disabilities and works in partnership with DRS to support and improve vocational rehabilitation services throughout Oklahoma.
As a WAH partner, ORC helps bring the perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities into conversations about workforce accessibility. ORC also supports collaboration among people with disabilities, employers, service providers, state agencies, and community partners.
Through education, outreach, advocacy, and collaboration, ORC promotes employment opportunities and helps businesses better understand the value that people with disabilities bring to Oklahoma’s workforce.
Working Together for an Accessible Workforce
Each partner brings a different area of expertise to the WAH:
- DRS connects businesses with qualified candidates, employment services, incentives, training, and ongoing support.
- Oklahoma ABLE Tech provides expertise in assistive technology (AT) and physical and digital accessibility.
- ORC brings perspectives of people with disabilities and promotes collaboration, outreach, and inclusive employment opportunities.
This collaboration is meant to help Oklahoma businesses consider accessibility at every stage of employment – from recruiting and hiring to onboarding, accommodations, professional development, and employee retention.
The WAH is currently under construction, and staff are excited to see it take shape. Explore the WAH to see the currently available resources! Since the WAH is a work in progress, we appreciate your feedback! If there’s a resource or topic you’d like to see addressed, please email us at abt.workforce@okstate.edu for consideration.
Accessibility Programs Updates
SERC Update – Acronyms in Special Education
Do all the acronyms in the special education world make your head spin? We can help!
Follow the Special Education Resolution Center (SERC) on Facebook and Instagram for our current post series, “Acronyms in SPED.” Each week, we break down a common special education acronym, explain what it means, and explore how it may be used in the context of an individualized education program (IEP) meeting.
Have additional questions? SERC staff are here to help. Email SERC at okserc@okstate.edu or call 918-270-1849.
SERC’s mission is to help school districts and parents resolve disputes at the earliest stage possible through conflict resolution and creative problem-solving. Learn more on the SERC website.
ORC Update – FFY27 Strategic Plan
The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) begins the Federal Fiscal Year 2027 (FFY27) on October 1, 2026! The strategic plan for FFY27, with all the objectives, goals, and activities, is available on the FFY 27 ORC Strategic Plan webpage. Scheduled ORC Quarterly Meetings for the FFY27 are set for:
- Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Thursday, February 18, 2027
- Thursday, May 20, 2027
- Thursday, August 19, 2027
ORC will meet at the Francis Tuttle Portland Campus. Quarterly Meetings start at 9:30 AM and the public is always welcome to attend.
If you have any questions or need additional information on ORC’s work, please contact ORC@okstate.edu or call 405-200-7947.
ORC’s mission is to facilitate consumer education and empowerment, to assure services are of high quality and lead to the employment of individuals with disabilities within Oklahoma. To learn more, visit ORC’s website.
SAS Update – Accommodations for Mobility Impairment
Students with mobility impairments may face unique barriers when navigating a college campus. Getting to class, moving between buildings, or accessing a classroom can require additional planning and support. Here are some accommodations that may help reduce barriers to campus access:
- Priority enrollment can help students select course schedules that reduce travel between classes, such as classes located closer together or online courses when appropriate.
- Tardies can provide additional flexibility when a disability-related need makes it difficult to arrive to class on time. This may allow time for slower travel between buildings, elevators, or brief rest breaks.
- Classroom access accommodations can help ensure students can physically access their classes. Depending on the barrier, this may include relocating a class to a first-floor room or a building with reliable elevator access.
- Temporary parking accommodations or permits may support students experiencing a temporary mobility impairment or those who are waiting to receive a state-issued accessible parking permit.
If you or a student you know has a mobility impairment, encourage the student to reach out to their disability services office to discuss how they can access their courses and fully participate in the college experience!
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is dedicated to facilitating an accessible campus experience for students with disabilities at OSU-Stillwater and NOC-Stillwater. To learn more, visit the SAS website.
Oklahoma AT Center Locations and Partners
Oklahoma ABLE Tech and its partners operate device demonstration and short-term loan programs to increase statewide access to AT.
- Bethany Children’s Health Center
Bethany, 405-789-6711 - Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) Area Agency on Aging
Tulsa, 918-579-9477 - J.D. McCarty Center for Children with Disabilities
Norman, 405-307-2800 - Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma (KEDDO) Area Agency on Aging
Wilburton, 918-465-2367 - Life Center – Adult Day Services
Stillwater, 405-377-0978 - Mobility Works
Tulsa, 918-622-8400 - Moore Autism Center
Moore, 405-735-8478 - Newby-Vance Mobility
Guthrie, 405-518-0167 - NewView Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, 405-521-4880
Tulsa, 855-811-9699
- Norman Regional Rehab Services
Norman, 405-307-1786 - Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services – Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Oklahoma City, 405-951-3400 - Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services – Vocational Rehabilitation
Oklahoma City, 405-521-2140 - Oklahoma State University (OSU) – Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Stillwater, 405-744-6021 - SoonerStart
Oklahoma City, 405-271-8333 - Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) Area Agency on Aging
Durant, 580-920-1388 - Therapy Specialists
Stillwater, 405-377-8255 - United Access
Oklahoma City, 888-939-1010
OSU Department of Wellness – Accessibility Programs Staff
- Todd Misener, Assistant Vice President and Chief Wellness Officer, OSU Department of Wellness
- Allyson Robinson, Director of Accessibility Programs
- Meg Busteed, Device Reutilization Program Manager
- Mindy Cash, State Leadership Program Manager
- Cam Cheek, SAS Interpreting Coordinator
- Carolina Colclasure, ORC Program Manager
- Cassandra Cotton, SAS Program Coordinator
- Alyssa Dady, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
- Shannon Esmeyer, SERC Administrative Assistant
- Allison Fennell-Conch, SERC Assistant Director
- Orfa Foster, Sponsored Programs Specialist I
- Shelley Gladden, Assistant Director, Assistive Technology Core Programs
- Peyton Haley, Marketing and Communications Manager
- Terri Harris, Device Demonstration and Loan Programs Specialist
- Joshua Hawkins, Assistant Director, State Leadership; Department Head, SAS
- Stephanie Hesser, Financial Loan Program Specialist
- Averie Hinchey-Lucas, Device Demonstration and Loan Programs Manager
- Alisa Holuby, SERC Program Manager
- Rob Keiter, SERC Program Coordinator
- Angie Larison, SAS Accessibility Specialist
- Lillie Love, Device Reutilization Program Warehouse Specialist
- Chase Mason, Administrative Operations Specialist
- Gwen Mellor, Communications Specialist
- Bethany Navarro, Transition Program Coordinator
- J.J. Newsom, Device Reutilization Program Driver and DME Educator
- Natalie Rohwer, Financial Loan Program Manager
- Matti Rosson, SAS Program Specialist
- Louise Ruleford, Device Demonstration and Loan Programs Specialist
- Tracy Sexton, Sponsored Programs Coordinator
- Adam Thiel, Digital Accessibility Coordinator
- Chelsey Thompson, SAS Program Specialist
- Jennifer Williams, Device Reutilization Program Administrative Support Specialist
- Amy Woods, Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Kimberly Young, Device Reutilization Program Specialist
- Michele Young, Fiscal Grant Manager