Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology-ACAT

01/08/2026

01/08/2026

Thank you to the Knott County Health & Rehabilitation Center for inviting our ACAT team to participate in their spa day!
We brought 3D-printed assistive nail items, hand devices to help hold combs, and our iPads for communication so everyone could participate more independently.
We had a wonderful time with all of these lovely ladies—smiles, empowerment, and great moments all around! Loved working with our community partners at Galen College of Nursing as well.

01/08/2026

Today, our Pre-ETS students at Perry Central High School explored goals for the new year. We discussed what a resolution is and how it can be transformed into meaningful, transferable goals that can empower the students to focus on their own needs and wants. Students then used a visual triangle to identify their goals and outline steps for improving and working toward them. This activity helped create a clear vision they can revisit as a reminder to stay motivated and continue striving to be their best selves.

12/19/2025

Happy Holidays from the ACAT Team!

The Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT) would like to wish each and every one of you a happy holiday season. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy a restful, joyful time filled with warmth and cheer.

Thank you for being part of our journey—we look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together in the year ahead!

We will be closed for the holidays, from December 22, 2025- January 2, 2025. We will reopen on January 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM.

12/18/2025

Our ACAT team visited the Paule E. Patton Veterans Center today to deliver Christmas cards 🎄❤️—each one thoughtfully handmade by our amazing Pre-ETS students from Leslie County and Hazard High Schools.
A small gesture filled with big gratitude. Thank you to our students for spreading holiday cheer and honoring our veterans! 🇺🇸

12/15/2025

Today our ACAT team had a blast with the LKLP Compassionate Heart participants! 🎄✨ We designed custom ornaments for their in-house Christmas tree and shared lots of smiles along the way.
Huge thank you to Sandy and her amazing staff for always being so welcoming and supportive during our monthly visits. We’re excited to see what comes next in this wonderful collaboration!

12/11/2025

Today, the Pre-ETS students from Hazard High School engaged in a community-based project by signing Christmas cards for the local veterans center. Afterwards, each student decorated their own Christmas cookie. This simple, enjoyable activity helped the students celebrate the season as they prepare for Christmas break.

12/10/2025

🎉 Huge shoutout to Hazard Walmart — especially Gina and Melissa! 🎉

Thank you for hosting our PCC PRE-ETS students during their shopping experience today!
Ms. Crystal has been leading a finance lesson, and today each student brought $15, created a wish list, and drew a classmate’s name. With the help of a chaperone, they shopped for items from their classmate’s wish list — a fun and practical way to learn money skills!
After all that shopping, students were welcomed into the lounge for sausage biscuits, drinks, and cookies. And to top it off, some Walmart elves surprised everyone with festive holiday headbands!
Fun was had by all, and we truly appreciate the warm hospitality.

Thank you again to the entire staff at Walmart in Hazard — we are so grateful! 💙🙌

12/09/2025

Just a little Christmas baking fun today at Leslie County High School with the Pre-Ets students.

12/03/2025

Thank you Caroline Mueller from WYMT, for this amazing story, highlighting our CARAT-TOP students!

On Monday, the students along with parents and city, county and school leaders gathered at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health building for a certificate ceremony.

12/01/2025

✨ Bittersweet Moments Today ✨
We wrapped up our final session of the CARAT-TOP Spring 2025 cohort, and celebrated with a certificate ceremony recognizing this semester’s incredible accomplishments.
Students shared reflections on their projects, and the room was filled with support from school administrators, central office leadership, parents, grandparents, and local community leaders.
We’re so proud of the hard work and growth these students demonstrated all semester long. This year also marked a special milestone — it was the first time all three high schools in the county participated together!
We can’t wait to build on this momentum next semester and continue supporting the amazing work of our local high school students.

11/25/2025

Exciting Day for Our CARAT-TOP Students!
Today, our incredible CARAT-TOP students showcased their sensory park projects to local community leaders. Each group presented their innovative ideas and research, then opened the floor for thoughtful questions and discussions.
We couldn’t be prouder — what a fantastic day of creativity, confidence, and community collaboration!