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News and information about the Utah Assistive Technology Program. To read blog posts before 6/17/2020, please visit our old site

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We are saddened to hear about the passing of Clay Christensen, who served selflessly as the Logan UATP Lab Coordinator for many years.
In Memoriam: Clay Christensen

In Memoriam: Clay Christensen

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Clay Christensen, who served selflessly as the Logan UATP Lab Coordinator for many years.

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UATP
The UATP partnered with Shriners Children's in developing an mobility device for infants.
"Baby Bug" Mobility Device Empowers Infants to Move

"Baby Bug" Mobility Device Empowers Infants to Move

The UATP partnered with Shriners Children's in developing an mobility device for infants.

UATP
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After the use of the UATP's temporary ramps during festivals held in Salt Lake City, the ADA Committee installed a permanent ramp mid-block at 500 S in Washington Square.
Salt Lake City Enhances Accessibility with Permanent Mid-Block Ramp at Washington Square

Salt Lake City Enhances Accessibility with Permanent Mid-Block Ramp at Washington Square

After the use of the UATP's temporary ramps during festivals held in Salt Lake City, the ADA Committee installed a permanent ramp mid-block at 500 S in Washington Square.

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UATP
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Frame Runners are a great piece of mobility equipment that allow for greater movement and freedom.
Frame Runners: More Ways to Move

Frame Runners: More Ways to Move

Frame Runners are a great piece of mobility equipment that allow for greater movement and freedom.

English
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UATP
Wes Smith joins the Utah Assistive Technology Program team as a coordinator in Vernal.
UATP Welcomes New Assistive Technology Coordinator

UATP Welcomes New Assistive Technology Coordinator

Wes Smith joins the Utah Assistive Technology Program team as a coordinator in Vernal.

UATP
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Pamela and Bruce were able to get a low interest loan for an adaptive van through the UATP.
UATP’s Low Interest Loan Program Empowers Lives

UATP’s Low Interest Loan Program Empowers Lives

Pamela and Bruce were able to get a low interest loan for an adaptive van through the UATP.

English
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UATP
It all began with a daily task that was difficult for Shawnie Christensen. She has Muscular Dystrophy. Because of this, she has low-grip strength. She used a hanger to grab things (in the past) that were out of reach, but she wanted something easier. Tha
UATP featured on KSL with custom 3D-printed grabber

UATP featured on KSL with custom 3D-printed grabber

It all began with a daily task that was difficult for Shawnie Christensen. She has Muscular Dystrophy. Because of this, she has low-grip strength. She used a hanger to grab things (in the past) that were out of reach, but she wanted something easier. Tha...

UATP
English
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Cimaron Neugebauer joins the Utah Assistive Technology Program team at Utah State University's Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) Watch for him on social media and in the community as he spreads the word about assistive technolog
UATP Welcomes Journalist, Social Media Expert to the Team

UATP Welcomes Journalist, Social Media Expert to the Team

Cimaron Neugebauer joins the Utah Assistive Technology Program team at Utah State University's Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) Watch for him on social media and in the community as he spreads the word about assistive technolog...

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UATP
Dan O’Crowley had both physical and cost barriers in mind when he began a project to develop a device that would combine the health and accessibility benefits of a walking exoskeleton with the energy-conscious, battery-saving benefits of a wheelchair.
Small grant fuels big dreams in tech development for wheelchair users

Small grant fuels big dreams in tech development for wheelchair users

Dan O’Crowley had both physical and cost barriers in mind when he began a project to develop a device that would combine the health and accessibility benefits of a walking exoskeleton with the energy-conscious, battery-saving benefits of a wheelchair.

UATP
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UATP serves Utahns statewide. Logan’s staff members use tools, volunteers, experience, and innovation to create custom-made and affordable devices for people seeking to keep or improve their independence.
Utah State Alumni Magazine Photo Essay: Not Left Behind

Utah State Alumni Magazine Photo Essay: Not Left Behind

UATP serves Utahns statewide. Logan’s staff members use tools, volunteers, experience, and innovation to create custom-made and affordable devices for people seeking to keep or improve their independence.

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UATP
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The Larson family avoided taking trips together. For one thing, it was hard on 15-year-old Isaac, who uses a wheelchair. For another, it was hard on Penny, his mother, who tried to ignore the pain of a spinal condition as she lifted him in and out of thei
Family Can Travel Together, Thanks to Accessible Van

Family Can Travel Together, Thanks to Accessible Van

The Larson family avoided taking trips together. For one thing, it was hard on 15-year-old Isaac, who uses a wheelchair. For another, it was hard on Penny, his mother, who tried to ignore the pain of a spinal condition as she lifted him in and out of thei...

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UATP
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Anna Turner was preparing to welcome a new baby to her home. But in addition to the usual considerations of having a newborn in the house, she had an additional concern: What if she had a seizure when her husband was at work?
Small Grant Gives Peace of Mind to New Mother

Small Grant Gives Peace of Mind to New Mother

Anna Turner was preparing to welcome a new baby to her home. But in addition to the usual considerations of having a newborn in the house, she had an additional concern: What if she had a seizure when her husband was at work?

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UATP
Over-the-counter hearing aids were recently made available without a prescription. That’s a big shift in hearing technology policy. So how will this change affect the price, quality and risk? USU Clinical Audiologist Tiffany Shelton explains.
More Utahns Can Access Hearing Aids Now That They Are Available Over The Counter

More Utahns Can Access Hearing Aids Now That They Are Available Over The Counter

Over-the-counter hearing aids were recently made available without a prescription. That’s a big shift in hearing technology policy. So how will this change affect the price, quality and risk? USU Clinical Audiologist Tiffany Shelton explains.

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UATP
On October 17, the FDA's new category of OTC hearing aids hit retailers, allowing consumers to purchase hearing aids at a fraction of prescription devices. There are concerns by some, and the devices are not for everyone.
Over the Counter Hearing Aids

Over the Counter Hearing Aids

On October 17, the FDA's new category of OTC hearing aids hit retailers, allowing consumers to purchase hearing aids at a fraction of prescription devices. There are concerns by some, and the devices are not for everyone.

UATP
English
Blog
988 is the new phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Anyone struggling with a suicide, mental health, substance-use, and/or any other kind of emotional distress or crisis can call, text, or chat with a live person on the hotline at an
The 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline

The 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline

988 is the new phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Anyone struggling with a suicide, mental health, substance-use, and/or any other kind of emotional distress or crisis can call, text, or chat with a live person on the hotline at an...

UATP
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Federal crisis funding to Utah’s Aging and Disability Resource Center was administered through IDRPP, and it upgraded and enhanced technology for senior service providers throughout Utah.
COVID-19 Funding Will Have Lasting Effect on Technology For Utah Agencies

COVID-19 Funding Will Have Lasting Effect on Technology For Utah Agencies

Federal crisis funding to Utah’s Aging and Disability Resource Center was administered through IDRPP, and it upgraded and enhanced technology for senior service providers throughout Utah.

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UATP
Clay Smith and Melinda Thornton have joined the team. Watch for them on social media and in the community as they spread the word about assistive technology!
UATP Welcomes Two New Faces

UATP Welcomes Two New Faces

Clay Smith and Melinda Thornton have joined the team. Watch for them on social media and in the community as they spread the word about assistive technology!

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UATP
Blog
How much of your life in 2020 depended on the Internet? And if something didn’t depend on the Internet, it often required reliable transportation. Now, imagine the whole world shuts down, and you have some mountain-sized barriers to both using the web and
Podcast: Living With a Disability in the Virtual and Built World (Especially During a Pandemic)

Podcast: Living With a Disability in the Virtual and Built World (Especially During a Pandemic)

How much of your life in 2020 depended on the Internet? And if something didn’t depend on the Internet, it often required reliable transportation. Now, imagine the whole world shuts down, and you have some mountain-sized barriers to both using the web and...

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UATP
Podcast
UATP blog
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The Utah Legislature will most likely debate elections, so this is a good time to revisit accessible voting. We visit with a voter who needs accommodations but hasn't always gotten them. We also take a look at current and proposed legislation.
Accessible Times Podcast: Accessible Voting

Accessible Times Podcast: Accessible Voting

The Utah Legislature will most likely debate elections, so this is a good time to revisit accessible voting. We visit with a voter who needs accommodations but hasn't always gotten them. We also take a look at current and proposed legislation.

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UATP
Blog
Chelsey Sanders founded YOBBO Apparel after her son was diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder in first grade. Disappointed after many fruitless searches to find products or coping tools for her child’s sensitivities, she decided to make her own.
Assistive Technology Apparel Helping Individuals Cope

Assistive Technology Apparel Helping Individuals Cope

Chelsey Sanders founded YOBBO Apparel after her son was diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder in first grade. Disappointed after many fruitless searches to find products or coping tools for her child’s sensitivities, she decided to make her own.

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UATP
Advances for we “differently-abled” are achieved every day, but there is much left to discover and share. We are always searching for the optimal solutions to the obstacles placed before us. Here are some my family found, room by room.
Guest Blog: Making Our Home Accessible, Pt. 2: A Room-By-Room Tour

Guest Blog: Making Our Home Accessible, Pt. 2: A Room-By-Room Tour

Advances for we “differently-abled” are achieved every day, but there is much left to discover and share. We are always searching for the optimal solutions to the obstacles placed before us. Here are some my family found, room by room.

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UATP
Blog
Since my debilitating stroke, the search for a normal life—and all that entails—is quite the daunting task. I’m going to make an attempt at sharing what we have learned in our adventures.
Guest Blog: The Quest for Making Our Home Accessible

Guest Blog: The Quest for Making Our Home Accessible

Since my debilitating stroke, the search for a normal life—and all that entails—is quite the daunting task. I’m going to make an attempt at sharing what we have learned in our adventures.

UATP
English
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A lighted power chair from UATP helps Bruno go to a job that means so much to him. "I cannot stay home, that is not the kind of person I am. I have to keep moving, I have to keep working."
Bruno's Story: Lighted Chair Helps Him Go to Work

Bruno's Story: Lighted Chair Helps Him Go to Work

A lighted power chair from UATP helps Bruno go to a job that means so much to him. "I cannot stay home, that is not the kind of person I am. I have to keep moving, I have to keep working."

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UATP
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A Logan man can now move from the driver’s seat of his truck to his wheelchair lift at the back of the vehicle pain-free, thanks to some ingenuity from the Utah Assistive Technology Program in Logan.
Reused Elevator Rails Make a Big Difference For Logan Man

Reused Elevator Rails Make a Big Difference For Logan Man

A Logan man can now move from the driver’s seat of his truck to his wheelchair lift at the back of the vehicle pain-free, thanks to some ingenuity from the Utah Assistive Technology Program in Logan.

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UATP
We're back after a break, and it feels great! Especially when we get to talk to someone who loves AT as much as North Dakota Assistive's Jeannie Krull.
Latest podcast: AT for Seniors

Latest podcast: AT for Seniors

We're back after a break, and it feels great! Especially when we get to talk to someone who loves AT as much as North Dakota Assistive's Jeannie Krull.

UATP
English
Blog
Sometimes simple things can make all the difference. Things like a hospital bed, which helps make caring for a loved one at home more manageable.
Hospital Bed Helps Fulfil a Mother's Wish | USU

Hospital Bed Helps Fulfil a Mother's Wish

Sometimes simple things can make all the difference. Things like a hospital bed, which helps make caring for a loved one at home more manageable.

English
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UATP
This summer, Utah Assistive Technology Program Logan Coordinator Dan O’Crowley achieved Assistive Technology Professional certification. It adds a stamp of professionalism to work already being done at UATP in Logan.
Logan Coordinator Gains Certification

Logan Coordinator Gains Certification

This summer, Utah Assistive Technology Program Logan Coordinator Dan O’Crowley achieved Assistive Technology Professional certification. It adds a stamp of professionalism to work already being done at UATP in Logan.

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UATP
Blog
The last year and a half have been a lot for all of us to process. While our staff has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic well so far, it nevertheless brought some changes to the organization. Several retirements and personnel changes have impacted us, and w
UATP transitions into the post-COVID world

UATP transitions into the post-COVID world

The last year and a half have been a lot for all of us to process. While our staff has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic well so far, it nevertheless brought some changes to the organization. Several retirements and personnel changes have impacted us, and w...

Blog
English
UATP
Devices from the Utah Assistive Technology Program have been granting Utahns independence for many years, but this may be a first: one of our power chairs has made its theatrical debut.
UATP Wheelchair Makes Theatrical Debut in '33 Variations'

UATP Wheelchair Makes Theatrical Debut in '33 Variations'

Devices from the Utah Assistive Technology Program have been granting Utahns independence for many years, but this may be a first: one of our power chairs has made its theatrical debut.

UATP
Blog
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An outing to a farmer's market--and many more moments of freedom--were made possible by an AT loan for a wheelchair-accessible van. Thanks to the loan, a whole family can get out in the community again.
Van Loan Helps Family Enjoy the Community Again

Van Loan Helps Family Enjoy the Community Again

An outing to a farmer's market--and many more moments of freedom--were made possible by an AT loan for a wheelchair-accessible van. Thanks to the loan, a whole family can get out in the community again.

English
Blog
UATP
Throughout his years of volunteering with UATP within the Center for Persons with Disabilities, Stoke has shown his commitment to involving students in designing and building devices that improve lives of people with disabilities.
Volunteer Mike Stokes honored at Utah State University

Volunteer Mike Stokes honored at Utah State University

Throughout his years of volunteering with UATP within the Center for Persons with Disabilities, Stoke has shown his commitment to involving students in designing and building devices that improve lives of people with disabilities.

Blog
UATP
English
We’ve seen the question a lot in social media: what’s your favorite assistive technology? Our coordinators often customize the solutions they create, and their answers were just as individual as the work they do.
Happy AT Awareness Day! What’s your favorite AT?

Happy AT Awareness Day! What’s your favorite AT?

We’ve seen the question a lot in social media: what’s your favorite assistive technology? Our coordinators often customize the solutions they create, and their answers were just as individual as the work they do.

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UATP
Blog
Interviews with Sarah Benj, SLC's ADA coordinator, and Everette Bacon, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah, on accessibility features including improvements to 300 West, wheelchair emergency transport and AIRA navigation.
Accessible Times: Accessibility in Salt Lake City

Accessible Times: Accessibility in Salt Lake City

Interviews with Sarah Benj, SLC's ADA coordinator, and Everette Bacon, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah, on accessibility features including improvements to 300 West, wheelchair emergency transport and AIRA navigation.

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UATP
Blog
After an ER visit, a hospitalization and a battery of tests, Alan Howell found himself disabled, almost overnight. But with the help of friends and UATP, he held onto independence.
Vernal man gains independence following a stroke

Vernal man gains independence following a stroke

After an ER visit, a hospitalization and a battery of tests, Alan Howell found himself disabled, almost overnight. But with the help of friends and UATP, he held onto independence.

Blog
UATP
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The new director of Utah State University’s Utah Assistive Technology Program is also a familiar face.
Bora Lee Named UATP's New Director

Bora Lee Named UATP's New Director

The new director of Utah State University’s Utah Assistive Technology Program is also a familiar face.

Blog
UATP
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Sachin Pavithran is the new executive director of the US Access Board. But before that, he was the UATP director. We sat down with him to talk about his own very personal experience with accessibility, assistive technology and advocacy—and where it all go
Accessible Times: an interview with US Access Board director Sachin Pavithran

Accessible Times: an interview with US Access Board director Sachin Pavithran

Sachin Pavithran is the new executive director of the US Access Board. But before that, he was the UATP director. We sat down with him to talk about his own very personal experience with accessibility, assistive technology and advocacy—and where it all go...

English
Blog
UATP
Ismael Rojas is a Salt Lake City resident, student, Mexican immigrant, and volunteer at the Utah Assistive Technology Program lab. About a year and a half ago he received his first wheelchair from the program that allowed him unprecedented independence.
Ismael's story

Ismael's story

Ismael Rojas is a Salt Lake City resident, student, Mexican immigrant, and volunteer at the Utah Assistive Technology Program lab. About a year and a half ago he received his first wheelchair from the program that allowed him unprecedented independence.

Blog
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UATP
A pandemic isn’t fun. Neither is surgery. But when Gabriel Carter Olson combined those two obstacles with a therapeutic trike and a science project, he ended up winning an online science fair and speeding his own recovery.
UATP therapeutic trike helps boy recover from surgery, win science fair

UATP therapeutic trike helps boy recover from surgery, win science fair

A pandemic isn’t fun. Neither is surgery. But when Gabriel Carter Olson combined those two obstacles with a therapeutic trike and a science project, he ended up winning an online science fair and speeding his own recovery.

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UATP
Blog
institute for outdoor recreation and tourism
Whether you aspire to be a competitive Paralympian or just want to take that first step out the door in the winter, this episode will help you know the best way to get some exercise and enjoy nature in the cold.
Winter recreation for people with disabilities

Winter recreation for people with disabilities

Whether you aspire to be a competitive Paralympian or just want to take that first step out the door in the winter, this episode will help you know the best way to get some exercise and enjoy nature in the cold.

Blog
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UATP
Dr. Sachin Pavithran, the Utah Assistive Technology Program Director, will soon be the new US Access Board Executive Director.
UATP director to assume national leadership post

UATP director to assume national leadership post

Dr. Sachin Pavithran, the Utah Assistive Technology Program Director, will soon be the new US Access Board Executive Director.

Blog
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UATP
Four hard-of-hearing experts speak out via Google Meet about communication platforms and other assistive technology that helps them survive life, the holidays and the perils of navigating a mask-wearing world.
AT Episode 5: Hearing Tech for Life

AT Episode 5: Hearing Tech for Life

Four hard-of-hearing experts speak out via Google Meet about communication platforms and other assistive technology that helps them survive life, the holidays and the perils of navigating a mask-wearing world.

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UATP
Blog
As the pandemic drags on, it seems its toll on mental health keeps growing, especially among seniors and caregivers who feel cut off from their loved ones. Here are some high-and low-tech solutions.
Fighting isolation among Utah’s seniors and caregivers

Fighting isolation among Utah’s seniors and caregivers

As the pandemic drags on, it seems its toll on mental health keeps growing, especially among seniors and caregivers who feel cut off from their loved ones. Here are some high-and low-tech solutions.

Blog
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UATP
We’ve known for months that work can happen online. But what about play? Here’s a list of games you can enjoy with your friends and family, in the same room or a different state.
Playing at a distance

Playing at a distance

We’ve known for months that work can happen online. But what about play? Here’s a list of games you can enjoy with your friends and family, in the same room or a different state.

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Blog
UATP
Video communication apps are the stuff of pandemic survival. Here are some October 2020 observations on apps and ways to use them.
UPDATE: A quick comparison of communication apps

UPDATE: A quick comparison of communication apps

Video communication apps are the stuff of pandemic survival. Here are some October 2020 observations on apps and ways to use them.

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Podcast
UATP
Special Education
Blog
October's podcast is on AT that helps parents deliver special education at home in the COVID era.
Podcast: Special education at home in the age of COVID

Podcast: Special education at home in the age of COVID

October's podcast is on AT that helps parents deliver special education at home in the COVID era.

UATP
English
Blog
UATP’s demonstration and loan program has helped people in southeastern Utah receive the equipment they need, helping them remain independent.
SE Utahns receive devices they need from UATP

SE Utahns receive devices they need from UATP

UATP’s demonstration and loan program has helped people in southeastern Utah receive the equipment they need, helping them remain independent.

UATP
Blog
English
In this second episode dedicated to tactile learning, Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen of Bowling Green State University points out the advantages of tactile exploration, not just for the Blind but for everyone.
Accessible Times: The UATP Podcast episode 3

Accessible Times: The UATP Podcast episode 3

In this second episode dedicated to tactile learning, Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen of Bowling Green State University points out the advantages of tactile exploration, not just for the Blind but for everyone.

UATP
English
Blog
Last month, David Kojorski received an iPad with a protective case, through a small grant from the Utah Assistive Technology Program.
UATP small grant helps a boy communicate

UATP small grant helps a boy communicate

Last month, David Kojorski received an iPad with a protective case, through a small grant from the Utah Assistive Technology Program.

UATP
English
Blog
The first episode of Accessible Times: The UATP Podcast is now live! You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.
UATP'S "Accessible Times" podcast launches now!

UATP'S "Accessible Times" podcast launches now!

The first episode of Accessible Times: The UATP Podcast is now live! You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.

English
UATP
covid-19
Blog
In the wake of the pandemic, UATP and other agencies focus on technology that fights isolation with more devices, to be loaned to those who need them.
UATP, other agencies team up to fight isolation

UATP, other agencies team up to fight isolation

In the wake of the pandemic, UATP and other agencies focus on technology that fights isolation with more devices, to be loaned to those who need them.

English
covid-19
UATP
Blog
UATP creates a face shield for autistic woman, invites others who need adapted personal protective equipment to contact us.
UATP joins effort to make face shields for individual needs

UATP joins effort to make face shields for individual needs

UATP creates a face shield for autistic woman, invites others who need adapted personal protective equipment to contact us.