West Virginia Assistive Technology - WVATS

11/13/2025

Happy Tech Thursday! Today we’re finishing our series on built-in accessibility features on Android devices. Features mentioned are Color Correction, Magnification, and Text-to-Speech Output!

11/06/2025

Happy Tech Thursday! Today we’re jumping back into our series on built-in accessibility features that can be found on Android devices. Features mentioned are the Accessibility Menu, Mono Audio, and Hearing Aid Support.

11/05/2025

Check out our AT Champion, Maelee! She is showing off how her DIT assistive technology helps her get ready for the day! You can make this tool at home easily with a bobby pin!

10/30/2025

Happy Tech Thursday! Today we’re talking about the PowerLink 4 which can control up to two electrical devices using a switch. This is great for individuals who have physical impairments and need to control multiple devices at once.

10/30/2025

Each October we celebrate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month by raising awareness about AAC and informing the public about the different ways that people communicate.

AAC can be unaided or aided. Unaided forms of AAC do not require equipment or technology. Examples of unaided AAC include speech, body movements, or eye blinks. Aided AAC options include the use of low-, mid-, or high-tech tools and devices. Examples of aided AAC include tablets with text-to-speech software, adaptive switches, or image sheets that a user can point to when communicating.

Two local providers in Morgantown, WV conduct AAC evaluations and consultations:

Chatter & Chalk and the WVU Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic.

If you've received an AAC recommendation and are currently working with a speech-language pathologist, you may also be eligible to borrow a device through the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) virtual loan library.*

*- devices are always free for anyone to borrow, but having an AAC recommendation will help streamline this process to connect you with the appropriate device!

West Virginia Assistive Technology - WVATS
WVU Health Sciences
Chatter & Chalk

10/23/2025

We are so excited to present on assistive technology, providing background knowledge about AT, and how to utilize our program and other resources available within the state! 😊💡

November Virtual Speaker Series!

Session Title: A Brief Overview of Assistive Technology for Families and Caregivers of Children and Adults with Special Healthcare Needs

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST

Presenters: Doug Cumpston and Allie Morlock, West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS)

Assistive technology (AT) can open up a world of possibilities for children and adults with special healthcare needs. This session will provide an overview of the wide variety of assistive devices and tools available to help individuals with mobility, communication, learning, and daily living tasks. We’ll discuss the latest technologies, how to determine which devices may be most beneficial for your loved one, and how to access these tools through healthcare providers and community resources. Whether your child is young or an adult with special needs, this session will help you understand how AT can enhance their independence and quality of life.

Join us for a laid-back, virtual speaker series designed specifically for families and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs. We know that life is busy, so we’ve made this series perfect for your lunch break—short, practical, and packed with info you can actually use. Every session will cover a topic that’s top-of-mind for families, featuring expert speakers and real-life tips from other caregivers. Whether you need advice, resources, or just a little support, these sessions are here to help make your life a little easier.

Register now: https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/YumBwvcTQveomu_E9WlnXg #/registration

10/22/2025

Check out our Advisory Council member, Christen, playing baseball with her community team! 😊⚾️

Everyday researchers and clinicians at the CP Research Network are improving health outcomes and wellbeing across the lifespan. 🌱 Whether you’re starting the week with a slow stretch or a gym workout, people with CP can have varying levels of activity and needs from day to day depending on their symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Activity will also vary from person to person depending on how CP affects their body and how they move. Some people walk, some people roll and other people may do a combination of both! 💚

10/20/2025

🎓 Meet our AT Champion!
We're excited to introduce Sophia, a dedicated college student who’s breaking barriers with the help of the LiveScribe Pen! This powerful assistive technology helps her stay organized, take notes, and participate fully in her classes. 💪📚

Stay tuned as Sophia highlights AT that empowers independence and success! 💡

10/17/2025

We apologize for the delay in our Tech Thursday post, here it is! Welcome back to another Tech Thursday post! This is the last installment in our series of built-in accessibility features on IOS devices! Features that are mentioned in this video are Personal Voice and Braille Support.

10/13/2025

CALLING ALL ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS!!!

We're looking for organizations and partners to host a trunk at our Sensory Friendly Spooktacular on October 27th. If you can join us, please complete the registration form found here: https://forms.office.com/r/1HtbPN3pjX

Trunks set up for this event should be mindful of sensory needs with no flashing lights, jump scares, or loud sounds. While individually wrapped edible treats are allowed, every trunk should have a non-edible treat item (bubbles, sensory fidgets, stickers, etc.) option, too. Please email info@chatterandchalk.com if you have any additional questions.

10/09/2025

Happy Tech Thursday! Today we’re talking more about built-in accessibility features for IOS devices that are very useful for individuals with mobility impairments! Features mentioned include Switch Control, AssistiveTouch, and Back Tap!

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10/07/2025

In October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Individuals with disabilities add so much to the workforce and the community!