Information and Referral
From time to time clients or professionals will have questions about technology and whether or not someone they know can benefit from something they’ve heard about. KATC does research so that we can be a resource to the community. If we are unable to perform the type of assistance necessary we will also assist in referring clients or professionals to other resources in the community. Because we have relationships with a number of agencies and companies in Kern County and throughout the country we are able to assist many people find the services or equipment they are looking for through information and referral. Click here to request info now.
Other AT Resources:
The AT Network: This statewide organization is an online resource waiting for you to access it. You can learn about Services available throughout the state, technology available to help people with disabilities, how technology can be funding, borrow AT from one of 13 Centers across the state participating in the Device Lending Library program-formerly known as CATE-California Assistive Technology Exchange, stay connected through an AT Listserv and Blog, and learn about the emerging Equipment Re-Use efforts people and organizations in our state are engaging in.
AbleData: AbleData provides objective information about Assistive Technology Products and Rehabilitative Equipment. This is a great resource for those looking to do research on equipment. Very thorough and designed nicely for ease of use.
AAC Institue: A not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the most effective communication for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
RESNA: RESNA is the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. A professional society for individuals and organizations interested in technology and disability.
Other Local Disability Related Resources:
HIRE; HIRE is a group of people connecting job seekers with disabilities to employers with available jobs. Several events are organized through this public private partnership to promote these opportunities.
Independent Living Center of Kern County: The Independent Living Center of Kern County, (ILCKC), is a consumer based, consumer directed, non-profit agency dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities to live independently in their community. The ILCKC advocates to effect positive changes in society, leading to the integration and acceptance of persons with disabilities in the community. ILCKC offers a wide range of services to a growing population of persons with disabilities. These services are designed to empower persons with disabilities to grow creatively, professionally, personally, and to educate the community on disability issues.
Kern County Consortium SELPA: The Kern County Consortium Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is a Multi-District/County Office SELPA. Currently, 44 school districts, 2 charter schools and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office are members of this SELPA which provides special education programs and services to over 10,000 students from birth until age 21 years. All SELPAs have the same basic goal. . . to deliver high quality special education programs and services to students with disabilities in the most effective, efficient, and cost effective manner practicable.
Kern County Superintendent of Schools Special Education Division:The Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office through the Division of Special Education provides support services to students throughout Kern County for specific areas of need identified for the student from birth through age 21. Local school districts provide many programs as well. Specialists are available to complete assessment and provide instruction to students who may need additional support and services to make education progress.
Kern Regional Center: One of California's 21 Regional Centers which coordinate community-based services to California's 225,000 citizens from birth to death (sometimes even before birth through genetics clinic) who have developmental disabilities. KRC serves about 6,300 people in Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties. Our counties cover approximately 22,000 square miles with a population of 811,000 people. Services provided include supporting individuals goals to live, work, and play in the community.
Information about Home Ownership for People with Disabilities
There are over 40 million individuals in the U.S living today with a mental or physical disability. Yet only a small percentage of them enjoy the benefits of home ownership. Read this article to learn more.