Washington Assistive Technology Act Program

05/01/2025

Washington (May 1, 2025) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) released...

05/01/2025

Thank you to Senator Ed Markey (MA) and Senator Kevin Cramer (ND), for introducing the National AT Awareness Day Resolution! We appreciate your leadership in support of people w/disabilities to access AT in all parts of daily life!

04/30/2025

Visit the AT3 Center's Explore AT Page to learn more about assistive technology devices and resources.
https://exploreat.net

Explore AT (Assistive Technology) is a clearinghouse for information and resources on many different assistive technologies. You can find useful resources arranged by activity and disability. Always remember to contact your State AT Program for free assistive technology information and assistance in...

04/30/2025

The State Assistive Technology Act Programs, including WATAP, are authorized programs under the 21st Century Assistive technology Act, which was passed at the end of 2022. If you are not from Washington state, you can find your state's or territory's Assistive Technology Program contact information on the AT3 website.
https://at3center.net/state-at-programs/

Select a State/Territory selectAlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowa

04/30/2025

WATAP couldn’t do it without the help of partners. Special thanks to Northwest Access Fund, Bridge Disability Ministries, Hearing Speech and Deaf Center, Perkins School for the Blind, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education Technology Center, Timberland Regional Library, San Juan Island Library, and others. See About Us on our website for a complete listing.

04/30/2025

Last but not least, our Program Support Supervisor, Scott has selected the Pocketalker, one of our most popular devices. The Pocketalker an easy-to-use compact assistive listening device that amplifies sounds directly in front of the user while minimizing background noise. Users can connect headphones, earbuds, or a neckloop to the device, and it includes an omnidirectional microphone to capture nearby sounds. Great for one-on-one conversations and small group settings. Try it out from our lending library!

Pocketalker® Ultra System amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. Ideal for one-on-one conversation, small-group and

04/30/2025

Many of us word prediction as it is commonly available in most texting apps. But did you know word prediction isn’t just for efficiency and speed when texting? WATAP's Director, Alan, who struggles with writing, and spelling in particular, uses word prediction when composing in a =variety of settings. Word prediction is an assistive technology tool for writing that suggests words based on letters typed. Word prediction often becomes better at recognizing your writing patterns over time, with more frequently used words appearing in the word prediction list quickly. Speech feedback can also be turned on, allowing one to have the word spoken out loud to ensure the correct word is being selected. This screen shot shows word prediction in use while entering details of a bird sighting in eBird.

04/30/2025

WATAP's other Assistive Technology Specialist, Maria's AT highlights the Nuance Audio Glasses. These are innovative eyeglass frames designed for adults 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss. The glasses include a multi-microphone system and tiny, built-in speakers located in the arms of the frames, just above the ears. These speakers send amplified sound directly into the ear canal, helping you hear more clearly. The frames can hold prescription lenses and are designed to improve speech clarity in noisy environments. Users can adjust the level of amplification to fit their needs using the Nuance Audio companion app. These glasses are classified as over-the-counter hearing aids and are priced at $1,100. Some health insurance plans may help cover the cost. You can try Nuance Audio Glasses at select Target Optical, Walmart Vision Center, Pearle Vision, and LensCrafters locations. For more information or to find a store near you, visit www.nuanceaudio.com.

Discover Nuance Audio glasses: the new hearing eyewear at the intersection of sight and hearing. Glasses with invisible open-ear-speakers to reduce listening fatigue.

04/30/2025

Naomi, one of WATAP's Assistive Technology Specialists, is excited about the new Ray-Ban Meta Glasses! These smart glasses use Meta AI, built-in cameras, and a microphone to read and summarize text, recognize objects, and provide real-time information about surroundings. Her mother, who is blind, was able to access her washer cycles by asking Meta to identify the current setting—something she always needed sighted assistance for. Be My Eyes, a popular app for visual assistance from volunteers, is now integrated with the glasses as well. The relatively low price point ($300-380) and their cool look make this product worth checking out. https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/ray-ban-meta-ai-glasses

Request a demonstration of this device or check it out from our lending library!

04/30/2025

WATAP staff have each selected their favorite assistive technology to celebrate National AT Awareness Day. First up is WATAP's Assistive Technology Support Technician, Brennen, who is thrilled to spotlight a brand-new AT solution: the Customizable AAC Bracelet, created through our collaboration with the University of Washington’s 3D printing club, WOOF3D. This AAC Bracelet was designed by student project manager, Duy, after an OT's favorite commercial product was discontinued. These 3D-printed tiles can be changed to any symbol, number, or letter you choose. After printing, pop the tiles onto any common silicone bracelet band and you have an always-with-you communication tool that lets users make requests or share choices on the go. All design files are open-source, so anyone can download, remix, and print new tiles as needs change. Washington users can even borrow a prototype or request custom prints through WATAP’s 3D-Printed AT Program while WOOF3D volunteers keep taking on design challenges based on community requests. For more information, check out WATAP’s 3D Printing page: https://watap.org/3d-printed-assistive-technology

04/30/2025

Contact WATAP at 800-214-8731 or watap@uw.edu, or visit http://watap.org to:
Borrow a device to try out
Receive a demonstration of AT
Get AT from community reuse partners
Find out how to finance your AT
Get telecommunication AT for people with combined significant vision & hearing loss
Obtain simple 3D printed devices

Welcome! The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) provides resources and services to persons who face challenges related to disability and aging to help in the selection and use of assistive technology, also known as AT. AT helps make tasks easier or possible in school, at work, at ho...

04/30/2025

WATAP is always available to help persons with disabilities and seniors in Washington state in the selection and use of assistive technology. Visit our website (https://watap.org) for more information about our services and connect with one of our assistive technology specialists to explore options to help make tasks easier or possible in school, at work, at home, and in the community.

Welcome! The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) provides resources and services to persons who face challenges related to disability and aging to help in the selection and use of assistive technology, also known as AT. AT helps make tasks easier or possible in school, at work, at ho...