West Virginia Assistive Technology - WVATS

09/25/2025

Happy Tech Thursday! Today we’re introducing some built-in accessibility features on IOS devices! Features mentioned include VoiceOver, Zoom, and Magnifier!

09/11/2025

Happy Tech Thursday! This week we’re talking about the XRAI AR Glasses and the NuCaption Pro 4 Smart Glasses which are great for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing stay engaged in conversations and live their lives in ease!

09/11/2025

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) takes place annually in October, but planning for it gets started well before. The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy just released the official 2025 poster to help. Download or order yours today to join in "Celebrating Value and Talent!" https://www.dol.gov/ndeam

08/29/2025

🌟 Do you love assistive technology and want to share your passion with others? 🌟

The Assistive Technology Champion Project is looking for young people with disabilities who are:
✨ Creative
✨ Experienced with assistive technology
✨ Excited to grow leadership skills
✨ Collaborative

As a Champion, you’ll:
🎥 Learn about assistive technology
🎥 Create social media videos with us
🎥 Receive a stipend for your time

📅 Program runs September 2025 – March 2026
⏰ About 10 hours per month

This project is led by TechOwl with participation from the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS).

💡 If you use tools for hearing, mobility, vision, self-regulation, computer access, or more—you could be a great fit!

Interested? Give us a call at: 304-293-4692 or email: wvats@hsc.wvu.edu

08/28/2025

Happy Tech Thursday! This week’s focus is on communication devices. Devices mentioned are the 7-Level Communication Builder, the Cheap Talk 4, the Large Communication Book, and the Picture Exchange Communication System.

08/21/2025

✨ Are you an assistive technology user interested in attending the conference? ✨
We have financial supports available to help make it possible!
Follow this link: https://cedwvu.wufoo.com/forms/w1k98kag16iapwu/

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and share your experience. 💡

08/20/2025

Interested in attending this conference? Follow the link in the post to find out more information! We would love to see you there!

Don't miss your chance to get tickets to the Mountain State Conference on Disabilities!

This statewide conference delivers relevant, expert-led sessions and practical resources designed to meet the needs of:
- Students preparing for their future,
- Professionals working towards licensure or continuing education,
- People with disabilities interested in learning more and/or sharing their lived experiences,
- And family members seeking guidance and support.

The main conference will take place on September 18 & 19, 2025 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, WV. Special pre-conference sessions take place on September 17 and can be added on to your ticket before checking out.

Important info:
- CEUs/CMEs available for Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Medical Education.
- A special Traumatic Brain Injury track will take place on Sept. 18 and include 3 CEUs for Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS).
- Limited scholarships are available for people with disabilities and their family members.
- Student tickets are only $25!
- There are ticket options for CEU and non-CEU seeking attendees.
- Certificates of attendance are available to submit for independent learning hours.
- The registration deadline is this Friday, August 22.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mountain-state-conference-on-disabilities-bridging-the-gap-tickets-1253521629939?aff=oddtdtcreator

Disability Rights of West Virginia
WV Developmental Disabilities Council
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
National Disability Rights Network
WVU Health Sciences
WVU School of Public Health
West Virginia University- Occupational Therapy
WVU School of Social Work

08/19/2025

Happy Tech Tuesday! This week we’re talking about adaptive kitchen utensils that are great for people with limited hand mobility or tremors! Items that are talked about are the adjustable weighted spork, the adjustable weighted teaspoon, the Bagel Slicer, the butter knife with grips, and the Cuff with Universal Attachments.

08/15/2025

These are some steps on how employers should handle accommodations that they receive from their employers!
💙Understand legal rights for accommodations: recognize the ADA and that it requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations
💛Clarify if needed through communication: if the employer is unsure about how to help with a request, ask the employee to clarify and to understand nature of disability
💙Document all conversations: record all details of the discussion and all of the information given
💛Explore all solutions and involve HR: brainstorm all possible accommodations and make sure that HR is involved
💙Determine appropriate accommodation: consider the employee’s preferences, evaluate if accommodation is reasonable by consulting with experts, and consider if accommodation would be unreasonable
💛Application and monitoring: communicate all decisions on the accommodation, document the whole process and any changes made, provide adequate training, maintain confidentiality, and check-in with the employee to make sure the accommodation is effective

08/13/2025

☕ Deaf Coffee Chat – Hosted by WV Deaf Service Center
📍 West Huntington Branch Public Library
901 14th St W, Huntington, WV

📅 Date & Time: August 16, 2025 10 AM - 1 PM (3 hours)
👥 Public Event – Everyone Welcome

Come join us for a fun and welcoming Deaf Coffee Chat! Enjoy ASL activities, Deaf culture, games, snacks, and great conversations. All ages and ASL skill levels are encouraged to attend!

Special guest: Erik Essington, Director of WVCDHH, will be joining.

💡 While you’re here, check out the West Huntington Library! Sign up for a free library card and explore books, audiobooks, DVDs, public computers, Wi-Fi, a children’s iPad station, and more.

📞 Info: (304) 528-5697

@topfansWest Virginia Department of EducationWest Virginia Hands & VoicesWest Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the BlindASL Connect

08/12/2025

Happy Tech Tuesday! This week we’re doing a “back to school special” dedicated to items that are perfect in the classroom! Items that are described in this video are the C-Pen Reader 2, the Livescribe Smartpen, Thick Line Paper, Bouncy Bands, and the Pocketalker 2.0!


39m

08/11/2025

The WVATS Team had a blast introducing students to all kinds of assistive technology!🎉 We loved showing them tools they can use not just in their daily lives, but also during clinic time—and long after graduation. We’re here as a resource whenever they need us! ✅
Thank you to WVU CSAD for inviting us and making this event happen!