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Assistive Tech That Supports Disabled Lives

• bindwaves podcast • Season 7 • Episode 6

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0:00 | 31:09

 Meet Angela Standridge, Director of the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP) at the University of Texas. The program helps people with disabilities get access to assistive technology so they can live more independently.

What is Assistive Technology (AT)? is any device, equipment, software program, or product that helps a person with a disability improve or maintain their ability to function.

TTAP makes these tools easy to find and use. They not only have a library of available devices but also provide product demonstrations, 35-day loaner devices, recycled equipment, and information about national loan programs. Angela explains that the tool itself is not the full solution—the real solution is how the person uses it in their own environment to meet their specific needs. 

Listen in and find out how this amazing program allows those of us with disabilities to live a more independent life.

Guest Social Media info - Website: https://ttap.disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/



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angela-standridge

So the whole piece of starting with the consumer in mind and with where they are is critical. Which so I can have the best gadget as then we It's got all the bells and whistles, when I say we've been but if I don't do my due diligence and say is-- same funding consumer where they are and say, "Is this what you need and this is what's gonna make your life for my staff and, and the the way you want it to be for whatever you wanna do, whether it's work, go to school, engage in the community, talk to your family, whatever it is, be more independent, buy be less independent, whatever your goals are, I have to start with that person. That be my just because I think it's the right thing may not be the right thing. Oh. And the- go ahead the tool doesn't fix it. The tool is not the solution. the solution is what the consumer sees in their environment that will make it work.

bindwaves-host

I'm Carrie, A stroke survivor and a member of BIND And I'm Brittany. I'm a brain injury survivor and member of BIND. Um, today- And I'm- Oh, yeah, go ahead.

angela-standridge

let's say I'm Angela Standridge.

bindwaves-host

Mm-hmm. I'm

angela-standridge

the director of the Texas Technology Access Program. All right.

bindwaves-host

So a little bit more about you. So, um, you lead the Technology Access Program at the University of Texas at Austin. Um, your work focuses on helping people with disabilities access technology that supports communication, independence, and daily life. Um, she brings a practical people first perspective on how technology can remove barriers and create opportunity. So can you please describe the Texas Technology Access Program to us? Yes, I can.

angela-standridge

So,

bindwaves-host

uh,

angela-standridge

to make life easier, we abbreviate to TTAP, 'cause everything in, uh, the disability world is an acronym, right? Exactly. Mm-hmm. So we are a federally funded grant program through Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living, and there is a program like this in every single state. We're the one for Texas. So we are housed in Austin, but we do serve the entire state, any person with a disability, little bitty babies, all the way to the aging. so

bindwaves-host

roughly

angela-standridge

60% of the population would have access to our services and their caregivers and their service providers would you like a little overview of what most of the AT programs do?

bindwaves-host

Um, you know what? If we do that, you may take away all our questions- that you've already answered, so, so we'll- I'll just wait then. Yeah. We'll, we'll-- I mean, I th- if we miss anything, feel free to add. We'll make sure we save some time in case we miss anything, but- Mm-hmm um, or we can just let you have the show. Maybe we'll... 'Cause one of the things I was gonna ask

angela-standridge

Technology

bindwaves-host

it TTAP? Is it TT- I mean, it was, I, we... Jessica and I were talking about that yesterday, too. But so it's TTAP is the... Okay. Hmm. So what are the biggest benefits of TTAP for people with disabilities? Hmm.

angela-standridge

So there's a variety of services the AT (Assistive Technology) programs offer.

bindwaves-host

Probably

angela-standridge

our most popular service is our device loan closet. So we have a collection of assistive technology tools that anyone can borrow for 35 days. easier, we it's a mixy match of tools for different kinds of disabilities and needs. It's not so much durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and things like that, a but it is things like computers and communication devices and desktop imaging systems for individuals with visual impairments, Living,

bindwaves-host

um,

angela-standridge

switch-adapted toys, accessible video games. We're the one for we have a robot

bindwaves-host

feeding- Mm-hmm

angela-standridge

we are ...gadget that's kinda cool, so that's entire very high-end tools. any person with a disability, little bitty so people can go in, create an account. They look at our database. population would they put the items they want to borrow in a cart, and their service kinda like Amazon, but not quite as pretty of a website. Would you like a little And then, AT they check out, and it sends an email to my device loan coordinator And she said, "It'll get so and so would like to borrow this device or devices." And she'll email back and say, "These are available," it'll be a wait list, and then we box them up, and we pay shipping both ways.

bindwaves-host

Um,

angela-standridge

if you are local to Central Texas, you could come pick it up, but it's actually usually just easier to ship it even if you're down the road. Sure. Yeah. Because we're on the UT campus, and managing getting to a campus and getting to a building is complicated. Mm-hmm.

bindwaves-host

I can only imagine. Yeah. Um, so you-- So I'm gonna... You said you check to make sure it's available, so

angela-standridge

the AT

bindwaves-host

I'm guessing you have

angela-standridge

Probably

bindwaves-host

each device.

angela-standridge

service is our device many devices. Okay. Not all. The less popular devices- of assistive we may just have one of.

bindwaves-host

Okay. Hmm.

angela-standridge

anyone can borrow

bindwaves-host

you mentioned there's no age limit,

angela-standridge

Uh,

bindwaves-host

so anyone can access it, take advantage,

angela-standridge

of

bindwaves-host

and families and care-giger- the caregivers it sounds like fit very easily into this process as well. So if I'm technology challenged and don't-- or a baby, obviously I can't get on your website and order your stuff, so that-

angela-standridge

So caregivers or professionals can utilize the system as well. Okay. so a len- many times the funding sources for these tools are, um, that's kinda cool, so they require, one of

bindwaves-host

data

angela-standridge

to show that it was effective before they'll fund it. so people can So a professional will check it out and use it with their client during the assessment process and the initial diagnostic intervention to collect that data, for example, for a communication device, quite as pretty of a website. that, yes, this person was able to communicate more effectively with this tool, and then it's more likely to get funded. an So the same thing if there was loan coordinator, school was gonna utilize the system, so would like to borrow this device there would be obviously an adult involved that's gonna guide that intervention. They're on

bindwaves-host

Okay. That makes sense. Yeah.

angela-standridge

them up, and we pay shipping both ways.

bindwaves-host

you were saying, like,

angela-standridge

you

bindwaves-host

tools, computers. Is there any more, like... Can you more elaborate on what kind of tools that you have? Like

angela-standridge

to

bindwaves-host

what devices?

angela-standridge

the road because we're on the so we have, um,

bindwaves-host

about

angela-standridge

getting to a campus and gadgets in our closet. Wow. They range from very simple things like low-tech communication boards to

bindwaves-host

very

angela-standridge

very sophisticated things like the communication devices I mean, the ca- categories are broad, so there's things for people with visual impairments, things for people with hearing impairments, just have things for people with mobility issues, things for people with cognitive issues. We have a collection of,

bindwaves-host

uh, tablets

angela-standridge

with pretty much every app you would ever need to use for education, communication, aids to daily living,

bindwaves-host

community

angela-standridge

involvement, uh, vocation-type oriented things with accessibility features built in. Um, we can do

bindwaves-host

some

angela-standridge

training with it, like a little one-hour webinar if somebody checks it out, but usually times the you wanna connect with the vendor to learn how to use those things.

bindwaves-host

The, it,

angela-standridge

it's a little hard to answer your question in one word- Mm-hmm ...because there are so effective different kinds of gadgets. Okay.

bindwaves-host

I have- So-

angela-standridge

a

bindwaves-host

I have an idea.

angela-standridge

check it

bindwaves-host

What--

angela-standridge

and

bindwaves-host

Let's-

angela-standridge

with

bindwaves-host

So what's, like,

angela-standridge

during

bindwaves-host

top two common-

angela-standridge

diagnostic intervention

bindwaves-host

Mm-hmm tools that people are looking for?

angela-standridge

Uh, communication devices device,

bindwaves-host

and

angela-standridge

things for people with visual impairments. this person if someone can't see small print, tool, there are these desktop imaging systems where you can put your child

bindwaves-host

either

angela-standridge

text or maybe if you're knitting or doing something like that, you put it under the camera, and it makes it bigger. involved that's gonna both of those tools are quite expensive too, so you wanna

bindwaves-host

try

angela-standridge

them before you buy them- Okay. before you make an investment.

bindwaves-host

Yeah.

angela-standridge

Whether it's through a funding source or through personal funds. I, I- Then I would say the next thing might be, um,

bindwaves-host

tablets

angela-standridge

and laptops for sure.

bindwaves-host

Okay. Mm-hmm. And so you said that it's a 35-day loan program. Can you check it back out like you do a library book,

angela-standridge

from

bindwaves-host

or is it-

angela-standridge

If there's not a w- if there's not a queue for the device. communication boards

bindwaves-host

so then,

angela-standridge

very sophisticated

bindwaves-host

so basically you have 35 days to decide if it works for you, and if,

angela-standridge

I

bindwaves-host

if you like it and it does work, and you wanna purchase it

angela-standridge

impairments,

bindwaves-host

one, obviously we're not gonna purchase from you, can you

angela-standridge

for people with

bindwaves-host

explain that process, and is there financial assistance for that if needed?

angela-standridge

uh, tablets with pretty

bindwaves-host

I can.

angela-standridge

app you would ever need to

bindwaves-host

there are a variety of funding sources,

angela-standridge

communication,

bindwaves-host

insurance for many of them.

angela-standridge

uh, vocation-type

bindwaves-host

an organization called STAP, which is the Specialized Telecommunications

angela-standridge

do

bindwaves-host

Access Program.

angela-standridge

some It's a state program through one-hour webinar if somebody It is funded through a tax on your phone bill, a little two or three cents, you'll see this little tax- Yeah every time you pay your bill. to answer your And they fund anything that facilitates accessing telecommunications. so So it could be communications, specialized phones, somebody who has a hearing impairment and needs a TTY system or something like that. Um, that's a pretty big funding source in Texas. for people with visual impairments. Like,

bindwaves-host

There

angela-standridge

are some, uh, private funding organizations, and one feature that we do offer, we do have a financial loan program. You do have to pay the loan back, but we can provide doing

bindwaves-host

favorable

angela-standridge

rates, and we tend to be a more, it makes it bigger. Um,

bindwaves-host

forgiving

angela-standridge

than a bank might be. You wanna so if you went to Chase Bank and said, "I need to borrow whether

bindwaves-host

$5,000

angela-standridge

for a communication device," they're just gonna go,

bindwaves-host

Mm-hmm,

angela-standridge

yeah, right?" say the next thing we know what that is, and we know that sometimes individuals with disabilities may have,

bindwaves-host

uh, interesting

angela-standridge

funding.

bindwaves-host

You know,

angela-standridge

like they may, they may live at home, but they get a little bit of SSI funding, and they may work a part-time job. So we if there's at the big picture to see if the person is able to pay back that financial loan. And then there are some that are s- disability specific. So there's one through Texas Workforce that is,

bindwaves-host

um, specific

angela-standridge

to older individuals who have acquired w- uh, blindness, like through, uh,

bindwaves-host

macular

angela-standridge

degeneration or something like that. Even though it has nothing to do with work, it's under

bindwaves-host

T- Texas

angela-standridge

workforce. I don't know why. Uh, but they're actually-- They provide the device and the training, so it's actually a

bindwaves-host

really,

angela-standridge

really good funding source for that population.

bindwaves-host

Um,

angela-standridge

go to our website, uh, called we do have a section on acquisition that talks about more of those funding sources. Some are state-based, some are national-based, some are nonprofits and CBOs and things like that. on your phone bill, a little

bindwaves-host

Okay.

angela-standridge

cents.

bindwaves-host

quick que- so the website, it's pretty easy to navigate?

angela-standridge

anything that facilitates So if you go to our website, that it is fairly easy to navigate because we have it accessible for individuals who might be using accessible devices. Sure. So it's or something like fairly text-based and fairly straightforward and not, doesn't have complex navigation. So there's the one tab for the loan closet. We also contract with an organization called Project Mend. loan They refurbish durable medical equipment favorable make it available to consumers at a significantly reduced price, which may be as little as nothing and as much as $20. So let me borrow put a scenario for you. $5,000 for a communication if you have somebody who Yeah, they use a wheelchair, and their wheelchair can only be funded every five years through their insurance company, may and they find that they need either a second wheelchair or another wheelchair before their funding cycle is due, they can go to Project Mend, say, "I need this electronic wheelchair or manual wheelchair," or whatever, we kind bring a doctor's note, and $20 gets you anything in their warehouse. back that financial you do have to go to San Antonio, although they do make trips to Dallas, one

bindwaves-host

Houston,

angela-standridge

and other parts of Central Texas periodically, specific but it may not align with right when you need your tool. bl- uh, They also have things like hospital beds and bedside toileting and other kinds of durable medical equipment, Texas Workforce. I don't is open to any Texan, and some Texans, there's even more benefits. the have some additional benefits for veterans and things like that. So that's And we-- If piece of our website is talking about that, uh, a section on acquisition that Then we have our section on AT acquisition. That is about funding, and also we do have a, this is kind of and CBOs and thing. Mm-hmm. a network of makers across Texas for fabricating technology gadgets for people. if you go to our website, we don't really make them for individuals, but we're connected to, I think there's something like accessible 60 or 70 entities in our collaborative group now. and fairly so if you live in Dallas and you need a XYZ 3D-printed or laser cut or whatever- ...we we can connect you with that maker group, and sometimes if they can't solve the problem for you, they'll bring it back to us and say, "Hey," the, uh, our group meets, make it virtually, consumers at a significantly times a month. I can't remember for sure. as nothing and but they'll bring the problems to the group and say, "Hey, do y'all have a solution?" So that, you it's, To buy something off the open market can be $200 or $300, and to print it on a 3D printer is five less than a buck. company, that's and a new need either a second wheelchair thing we've added that's sorta cool. cycle is due, let's see. And then we do training, and we do, uh, outreach as well. So you'll see us at disability conferences across Texas, and we'll list gets you where we're going, what we're doing with that. And then if you wanted to do either to go to San customized training or contract training, you can work with us with that as well. So if you were a school district and you wanted all your speech therapists trained may on how to do assistive technology assessments for communication, we can provide that, but there is a fee for that particular service. equipment. Okay. That's cool. And then the final thing that you'll see on our website is we do have demonstration centers all over the stra- state. There's 28 of them that's kind of another piece around geographically, and uh, refurbished So rather than having to come to Austin to take a look at something before you decide to check it out, you can go to your local demo center, a cool and there are professionals there that are familiar with assistive technology and can kind you through some of the decision-making processes and maybe provide some resources that you then might be able to have a better idea of what to borrow from our loan closet. them for Did that answer your question? to, I I got a little winded there at the end. No, it's o- It's okay. I mean, entities intrigued, so yeah. Yeah. So then I guess, So if you let me ask this. Do you have to create an account to look at all this stuff, or you only have to create an account when you're ready to check out? You do need to make an appointment at the demo centers.

bindwaves-host

Okay.

angela-standridge

if they can't

bindwaves-host

available on the website too?

angela-standridge

us and say, "Hey,"

bindwaves-host

We have it divided by the geography of the state. Okay. So like, the East Texas ones and the North Texas ones, and the South Texas ones, and the West Texas ones. Sure. Okay. Mm-hmm. Okay. So yeah, 'cause I'm thinking, like right now I'm like, well, what,

angela-standridge

to buy

bindwaves-host

what

angela-standridge

off

bindwaves-host

would be beneficial for me and my needs? But yeah, I would like, I would have to look at the list to figure that out. Mm-hmm. 'Cause I know when I first,

angela-standridge

acquisition thing

bindwaves-host

had my stroke shortly after I went to TWAC, and I'm gonna not say anything much more about that because-

angela-standridge

conferences across

bindwaves-host

they, and they gave me what they considered a one-handed keyboard to practice with. Absolutely couldn't stand it. Not for me. But I mean, I'm not saying it didn't work for, it doesn't work for other people that only have one hand. Mm-hmm. But I was like, "Eh." Did not like it. But yeah. I mean, and again, that's what you're there for, right? Is so that we can try it- Mm-hmm and go, No, that doesn't work for me." My hand is small enough, the keyboard, keyboards are small enough. My one little hand can do just fine with a regular keyboard, so. Mm-hmm. The other one felt like more ergonomically, and I was like going like this. So I'm like, "No." But,

angela-standridge

having to come to Austin

bindwaves-host

gonna take one quick little break and just remind our listeners to go ahead and click that like button, that subscribe button,

angela-standridge

and there

bindwaves-host

and that follow button so you can make sure you get all the updates on Bindwaves.

angela-standridge

talk you some of the decision-making

bindwaves-host

So I know, well, going back,

angela-standridge

then

bindwaves-host

tab that I would like is the maker tab. I'm a maker, so I love 3D printers, laser cutters, and

angela-standridge

I got

bindwaves-host

different technologies, so that's pretty cool program, so yeah.

angela-standridge

It is. If you go to our website and you click on the acquisition section, and you go to the 3D printing section, there is a Padlet we have created, which is basically just an online bulletin board, and we have

bindwaves-host

curated

angela-standridge

a collection by the of 3D-printed items like

bindwaves-host

geared

angela-standridge

towards specific disability needs. Texas ones And And specific profession types. So

bindwaves-host

like

angela-standridge

if I'm a speech therapist, it has my sorted files that a speech therapist might use. So most of the 3D print files are, uh- In the public domain. Mm-hmm. so we've just curated the list and made it a little bit easier so you're not just,

bindwaves-host

you know, searching

angela-standridge

the worldwide web to find the best adapted key gripper for somebody who can't hold a key like this, right? So.

bindwaves-host

Which I 3D printed one before, so that's why it's so fascinating me, 'cause 3D printing things to help you adapt better to life, So Hmm. So how often are y'all researching new technologies and are new items added to the library?

angela-standridge

Funny you should just ask that.

bindwaves-host

Uh,

angela-standridge

I just came back from a conference called the Assistive Technology Industry Association, which is kind of the premier gadget assistive technology conference. And so one thing we do is we do attend these professional conferences and tour the exhibit hall. there were, I don't know,

bindwaves-host

11

angela-standridge

rows of

bindwaves-host

exhibitors.

angela-standridge

Wow. We had to--

bindwaves-host

Well, there

angela-standridge

was a couple of my,

bindwaves-host

uh, staff

angela-standridge

there. We had to split it up 'cause we couldn't get to all of it. So that's one way we stay connected. um,

bindwaves-host

another

angela-standridge

way we stay apprised is

bindwaves-host

because

angela-standridge

there is a program like this in every state, the directors of the programs collaborate together, and you click on the and we have a shared listserv that we can share information and updates on. we have We also meet annually in person once a year and monthly, and when we meet monthly, they give us

bindwaves-host

a, um,

angela-standridge

like a-- They'll invite a vendor to temp- come and do their little elevator speech before we have our business meeting. types. So, like if I'm a speech therapist, it has my sorted files that

bindwaves-host

There,

angela-standridge

there are many avenues to stay connected. Plus 3D print files are,

bindwaves-host

Once,

angela-standridge

once, somebody finds out you're the state AT program, the the vendors come and find you. not just you know, Oh. Okay. A g- a good 25% of my daily emails are some vendor reaching out saying, "Hey, hold

bindwaves-host

wouldn't

angela-standridge

you like to buy my gadget?"

bindwaves-host

Okay. So we had, um... I'm gonna read this question because it was a new one added last night. I don't even know if you got it. Um, and it's actually the gentleman that recommended you to you, um, had this question. So,

angela-standridge

Funny, you should just

bindwaves-host

and it's, like I said, she, Jessica just added it last night.

angela-standridge

conference called the Assistive Technology

bindwaves-host

are there items explicitly identified as assistive included in the collection? So his example was, emerging smart glasses are designed for able-bodied users, but there could be potential for them to support people with vision or cognitive impairments. Is something like that in your library?

angela-standridge

exhibitors. We had to-- do have some of the smart glasses uh, staff there. We had to split it up 'cause we couldn't that technology is So

bindwaves-host

almost

angela-standridge

there. Okay. It's just not quite as smooth as I'd like it to be yet. is but we do have a couple of samples of that. every state,

bindwaves-host

rule

angela-standridge

about, the directors of the programs collaborate a new gadget comes out, I wait at least six months before I buy it, because many times the companies don't succeed. And if I buy something and put it in my loan closet, annually somebody borrows it and they can't go out and buy it, and when we meet that's useless. Sure. So I kinda wait to see where it's going. a-- and then inevitably, to

bindwaves-host

after

angela-standridge

one year, there will be an update to whatever a new thing is. our business meeting. And then nobody wants to borrow the old one. Sure. And since I am a steward of taxpayer funds, I feel like I kinda have to find this happy medium of finds out when I see a new gadget, when do I actually buy it and add it to the closet so that-- 'cause they're usually quite expensive when they're new. Like those glasses are several thousand dollars. vendor reaching

bindwaves-host

So

angela-standridge

you wanna make sure you're to buy my gadget?"

bindwaves-host

doing

angela-standridge

that well. So are they-- Those would probably be categorized under a VI tool, a visual impairment tool, but anybody could check them out for another application if they wanted to. And I think you're right, there could be application of that tool for mobility issues and cognitive issues as well. I think that could cross over. In fact, there's many times when tools can't be put in one finite category like that. Sure. That makes sense.

bindwaves-host

So, okay. Well, cool. That's pretty neat. Yeah. So are there any barriers or gaps or challenges with this program that you have? Funding. And then- I want more money. Everything. Yeah. I want more money to buy more ex-

angela-standridge

We,

bindwaves-host

more staff,

angela-standridge

the smart glasses

bindwaves-host

and to buy more gadgets. the other state programs, not Texas-

angela-standridge

almost

bindwaves-host

get additional funding from their state. Oh.

angela-standridge

yet. but we do have a couple of samples of

bindwaves-host

sources.

angela-standridge

I sort of

bindwaves-host

Not Texas.

angela-standridge

about, um,

bindwaves-host

other states also provide funding for assistive technology for their s- for their citizens.

angela-standridge

companies don't succeed.

bindwaves-host

Not Texas, not much.

angela-standridge

it in

bindwaves-host

Dang it. Um-

angela-standridge

and somebody

bindwaves-host

so I would like more sources for my consumers to buy equipment, and I would like more funding for my program.

angela-standridge

And then

bindwaves-host

been close to level funding for about two or three years.

angela-standridge

a new thing

bindwaves-host

It's a benefit that this particular program

angela-standridge

the

bindwaves-host

what they call, um,

angela-standridge

am a steward of

bindwaves-host

authorized, which means a law was written that put it in place, and in the law, they defined how the funding was done. So as long as the federal government is funded,

angela-standridge

usually quite

bindwaves-host

which as you

angela-standridge

when they're new. Like

bindwaves-host

can be- Right a thing lately. Yeah. As long as the federal government is funded, then we get funded.

angela-standridge

you're

bindwaves-host

So when I say we've been level funded for about three years now, we've had the same funding-

angela-standridge

would

bindwaves-host

Okay across time. Yeah, that makes sense.

angela-standridge

a VI

bindwaves-host

still had to increase my cost of living for my staff and the cost of devices has gone up, but that pot of money hasn't gone up.

angela-standridge

of that tool for

bindwaves-host

result is we buy less stuff for our loan closet.

angela-standridge

that could

bindwaves-host

Okay.

angela-standridge

over.

bindwaves-host

kind of a, a...

angela-standridge

In fact,

bindwaves-host

that would be my big ask. Okay.

angela-standridge

can't be

bindwaves-host

a good ask.

angela-standridge

finite

bindwaves-host

just had another thought. So everything sounds pretty simple to use. When you're getting ready to check out something, do you have to have a doctor's note? Do you have to prove that you have this disability?

angela-standridge

I want more money.

bindwaves-host

Okay,

angela-standridge

I want more money to buy more

bindwaves-host

Not at all we don't want people taking advantage of it, but yeah. Yeah. But you don't ha- you don't have to have a doctor's note.

angela-standridge

But you- That, I've never seen that being a problem, and most of our stuff comes back on time. Most of it comes back undamaged. Occasionally, we lose some,

bindwaves-host

uh, power chargers.

angela-standridge

I've bought more iPad cha- power chargers than I think anything else. But you

bindwaves-host

know,

angela-standridge

they're 50 bucks, so whatever. Right.

bindwaves-host

Yeah. Um, so wrap it up. Um, is there anything we didn't ask that you feel like that's really important to share? we've

angela-standridge

close to level funding for about two or three years. I would like to

bindwaves-host

It's

angela-standridge

a

bindwaves-host

reflect

angela-standridge

back on the comment you had before about when you, I think you said you worked with Texas Workforce and the gadget didn't really-- it wasn't a good fit So the whole piece of starting with the consumer in mind and with where they are is critical. which So I can have the best gadget as then we It's got all the bells and whistles, when I say we've been but if I don't do my due diligence and say is-- same funding consumer where they are and say, "Is this what you need and this is what's gonna make your life for my staff and, and the the way you want it to be for whatever you wanna do, whether it's work, go to school, engage in the community, talk to your family, whatever it is, be more independent, buy be less independent, whatever your goals are, I have to start with that person. That be my Just because I think it's the right thing may not be the right thing. Oh. And the- Go ahead the tool doesn't fix it. The tool is not the solution. the solution is what the consumer sees in their environment that will make it work. So I might have some ideas 'cause I have 40 years of experience doing this stuff, and I say, Try this

bindwaves-host

and

angela-standridge

this." and this." And if they say no, then I'm gonna have to say, "Okay," and back and say, "What else can we look at?" And it, it-- Technology's an evolving world. AI is changing everything. You know, s- there's probably a solution out there. It just may take a while to get there.

bindwaves-host

Okay. So you bring up a good point

angela-standridge

power

bindwaves-host

that I didn't, that,

angela-standridge

I've

bindwaves-host

so it's not just I check out on the library that I want this. There is a discussion that we have with someone in your office- Yep like what we're trying, what our goal is So it's not just I wanna try this device. It's I'm trying to accomplish- There can Be. If there's a professional involved, usually the professional is guiding- Okay that experience. Um, But many times a family member is contacting us or a person with a disability.

angela-standridge

comment you had before So there's think you said you worked with Texas five of us for the entire state of Texas. it wasn't a good For that 16% of the population. Right. and there's 30 million people in Texas. You're saying six zero, not one six, correct? Oh. One six. About 16% of the population- Mm-hmm identifies with a disability more or less. So I can have the best gadget Okay. Anyway, uh, so we can't provide evaluations or assessments but if I or direct recommendations, but we can guide people or ask questions or give them resources or guide them to a professional in their geographic area to help them make those final decisions. wanna Okay. That makes sense. Yeah. Sometimes it's something simple like talk to I get contacted by an older person and they say, "I can't see my screen anymore." And I say, goals on the screen reader on your phone?" with that And they go, "I didn't even know I had a screen reader." think it's the right thing may And then they turn it on and they go, "Oh my gosh, now I can use my phone." So that's like a, doesn't a fix it. 10-minute phone call or a 30-minute webinar maybe, right? The solution is So that's not even really an assessment. That's just the, "Did you know about this thing?" make it work. But prescribing a communication device, that's something a speech therapist would do that takes some "Try time 'cause you've gotta trial the device and find the right fit for the-- That's much, much more involved. Sure. So that is not really something we could do.

bindwaves-host

Okay. Yeah. No, that makes sense. it kinda depends on where you are. Like at this point in my life, out I know what I know and I know what I need, so I would be able to figure it out. And again, like I said, I was at the stage where I was, you know, already typing on a computer and knew where I was going. And like I said, it was just, in my mind it was too big for me, so. Mm-hmm. Um, but yeah, I think this was great. Angela, thank you so much for coming on. And like honestly, involved, know y'all existed until this recommendation came our way. Mm-hmm. And I feel like times a You're a service out there that we really, more of us should know about. Yes. So I'm excited to go check out the website and for our listeners to learn about you, and for that sorry to add to your workload. But you're mine. 30 Yeah. Yeah,

angela-standridge

I'm gonna do a plug,

bindwaves-host

Um, we do have a conference- Mm-hmm open to anybody. Mm-hmm. We have professionals come, we have agency people come, we have caregivers come, and we have people with disabilities come. It is October 28th and 29th of 2026. If you go to our website, it's the tab on the left that says Viva la Vida with AT. We have a, a taco theme to every- Mm-hmm we, we have a Mexican food theme to everything we do 'cause we like to eat. So our big thing is we serve breakfast tacos- Yum and it's Viva la Vida, so there you go. Oh, that sounds wonderful. But yeah, we have a- I'll have to check that out exhibit hall. We have about 40 sessions. We have a make-a-thon for an assistive technology gadget. Oh. So I would encourage anybody to come and enjoy our conference. It's a fabulous, fabulous time. And it's in Austin? It is in Austin. Okay. It is on the Pickle Campus, so it's a little bit easier to navigate than the main campus. It's kinda over by the, the Domain, if you know where that is. No. I can ask my sister. Well, it's, it's north of the main campus and not downtown, and you can park. Oh. Oh, parking. Oh, good. That's, that's key. Okay. Yeah. Well, no, but again, thank you so much for your time and for- Mm-hmm coming on and sharing with us. I'm, like I said, I'm excited. I'm excited. Yep. And thanks to our listeners for listening, and remember, you can find our new episodes on all your favorite platforms. Until next time. Until next time. Thanks, Angela. All right. Bye-bye, y'all. Thank you. Bye-bye.

Speaker

We hope you've enjoyed listening to bindwaves and continue to support Brain Injury Network and our nonprofit mission. We support brain injury survivors as they reconnect into life, the community, and the workplace, and we couldn't do that without great listeners like you. We appreciate each and every one of you. Please remember to click the like button, the share button, and the subscribe button on YouTube, and follow us on Instagram @bindwaves and Brain Injury Network on Facebook. You can email us at bindwaves@thebind.org, or go to our website, bindwaves.org, or call us at 972-769-2463. Please continue watching. Until next time