At the Center for Assistive Technology, a personalized wheelchair or hearing aid is more than just equipment — it is also a chance to change someone’s life and support them as they achieve their goals and follow their dreams.
The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT), part of UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, has provided customized mobility, communications, and comfort products and services to people with disabilities since 1992. By doing so, they have significantly improved the quality of life for their patients.
The CAT houses a multidisciplinary group of passionate professionals, such as physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, audiologists, and rehab engineering technologists, each ready to share their expertise and provide support to the people that come in.
The team includes Vince Schiappa, ATP, clinic manager, Becky Russell, DPT, ATP, physical therapist, team lead, Seating and Wheeled Mobility, Mary Jane Edwards, administrative coordinator, and Dana Boyer, administrative coordinator.
Each patient’s needs are unique and personal. The team’s combined expertise allows them to provide highly personalized mobility and communications equipment.
“We do a full therapy evaluation with them and then we are able to work with local suppliers and companies to make [product] recommendations … and really work with [patients] to figure out what custom equipment will work best for them to allow them to be independent and comfortable and protect their skin,” Becky said. “The goal is to help people to live their lives as independently as possible, to be able to access their homes and communities, and participate in meaningful activities.”
The center also offers services for augmentative and alternative communication, including speech-generating devices, computer access, and other assistive technologies.
“The program’s speech and language pathologist assesses and provides recommendations to fulfill communication needs, while rehabilitation engineers work closely with our patients to identify the most appropriate types of assistive technology and applications, such as computer and smartphone access, mounting of devices, smart home technology, home and work modifications, and adaptive gaming,” Dana said. “Similarly, the audiologist identifies listening assistive technologies to assist them in their home or work, including Bluetooth connected microphones, specialized professional equipment, alerting systems like a bed shaker, and hearing accessible telephones.”
Meaningful Moments
At the CAT, providing a customized device is just the beginning of the process. Many patients return to receive adjustments to the technology they use, and the team at CAT will also train families on more basic personalization that they can do for their loved ones.
“It’s very rewarding to be able to provide hands-on help,” Vince said. “[If an armrest isn’t working], I take my wrench out and tighten up a few bolts.”
Each team member has memorable moments that have inspired them in their work, whether it is adjusting a power wheelchair to allow an individual with multiple sclerosis to drive independently, building connections and trust with complex patients, or watching a young adult flourish as they adapt to living with a disability.
“I think some of my favorite moments are when a patient calls in to be scheduled, and it’s a new diagnosis,” said Mary Jane. “I get to encourage them and let them know that they’re in good hands.”
For Dana, working with patients within the audiology department is deeply meaningful.
“As a hearing aid user myself, I’m able to connect with some of our hearing-impaired patients and people that are getting their hearing aids for the first time … and share experiences,” she said. “So, it’s very enjoyable.”
Changing Patients’ Lives
Each day, the team at CAT strives to provide a better quality of life for patients. They aim to support people, no matter what step of the process they are in. Some clients are still adapting to a diagnosis, injury, or progressive condition, and are there to work with them throughout that journey.
“I am not going to let anyone feel their emotions alone. It’s important to any human to feel like you’re not walking through these situations alone,” said Mary Jane. “How do I help them move from overwhelmed to empowered?”
At CAT, it’s not just about the technology patients are provided with. It is also about empowering them through the process and helping them to experience newfound confidence and joy.
“We get to plant that seed of hope,” Becky said.
Technology and Devices Provided by CAT
The CAT assists with complex rehab technology (CRT), which includes customized devices such as:
- Manual and power wheelchairs.
- Complex speech-generating devices.
- Adapted hearing aids.
- Other technologies to assist with access to a personal computer, tablet, or phone.
The center does not cover generalized durable medical equipment (DME), such as walkers, canes, crutches, and basic communication boards and mats.
Growing the CAT’s Impact
The CAT collaborates with Assist+ at the UPMC Mercy Pavilion, the University of Pittsburgh Adaptive Driving Program, and the Pitt Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology — among others — on research, education, and raising awareness of assistive technology.
To learn more, visit the center’s web page, call 412-647-1310, or email catfrontdesk@UPMC.edu.