What is UCP Michigan?
UCP Michigan is a non-profit advocacy organization that works for the productivity, independence and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
 About the Assistive Technology Center
In April of 2000, the concept of an AT Center in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula began when Linda Potter, executive director of UCP Michigan, met with individuals with disabilities and representatives from local hospitals, universities, agencies and schools in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) to determine the need for such a Center. Members from these organizations became the Center's advisory committee and were involved in planning the Center’s initial proposal for funding. The need for the Center was obvious because of the geographic isolation of the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and the great distances one had to travel to receive an assessment or trial use of an appropriate device. UCP Michigan received funding to start the Center through an Innovation & Expansion grant from Michigan Rehabilitation Services and a second grant from the Elsie S. Bellows Foundation [affiliated with UCP National] for the purchase of assessment equipment.
The overall goal of the Center is to provide skilled assessments, trials on devices/software, and training on chosen equipment to anyone with a disability who could benefit from assistive technology.
Assistive Technology devices help a person with a disability do typical activities. AT can be computer software that helps a dyslexic student to read and write independently or a communication device that becomes the voice for a person with autism or someone who has had a stroke and is non-verbal. Other examples include switch-activated devices that are activated by a part of the body that an individual can control. A hands-free telephone and a page-turning device are examples of switch-activated devices that can provide independence to someone with upper body mobility difficulties.
Assistive Technology services begin with an assessment that matches an individual’s abilities, strengths and challenges with a device or software that will give them increased functioning and independence. A speech pathologist or occupational therapist specializing in AT provide recommendations for equipment and are available to help with implementation of the device once it is received. Implementation is crucial and can be an on-going process usually involving a support team (family members, school personnel, etc.).
Since its first assessment in June 2001, the Center has provided services to individuals ranging from 4 to 70 years old. In addition to assessments, the Center is available to the community as a resource and often hosts informational workshops for area schools, community mental health agencies, rehabilitation professionals and hospitals.
UCP Michigan, Assistive Technology Center 321 E. Ohio St. Marquette, MI 49855 1-906-226-9903 menzel@ucpmichigan.org
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