2. Mission: To improve the quality of life for all Floridians with disabilities through advocacy and awareness activities that increase access to and acquisition of assistive services and technology What is FAAST?
3. Technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible Often allows communication in unique ways for those who cannot communicate through speech What is Assistive Technology?
6. Regional Demonstration Centers Ex: Research Pavilion houses one on Research Parkway FAAST Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center Dedicated to those who have survived Spinal Cord Injury and their families and friends, healthcare professionals etc. FAAST Services in the Community
7. The New Horizon Fund Provides loans for those in need of assistive technology Allows loans of up to $30,000 Affordable Housing Helps individuals find affordable housing in all counties in Florida FAAST Services in the Community
8. AT Vendor Services Services with quality Assistive Technology specialists, engineers and vendors all over Florida Ensures competitive prices and reliability Community Outreach Assist in outreach events to promote awareness FAAST Services in the Community
9. Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Provides direct case management and resource facilitation Partners with FAAST to provide those in need with assistive technology services AT Lending Program Borrow technology from FAAST at little or no cost to consumer FAAST Programs in the Community
10. Computer Recycling Program Personal computers from businesses or individuals donated Computers are refurbished for assistive technology users FAAST Programs in the Community
11. 14 undergraduate speech-language pathology interns from the Department of communication Sciences and Disorders helped area young adults learn to use assistive technology Technology in the FAAST Lane 5 day camp in June Helped at Assistive Technology Educational Network facility in Sanford FAAST and the University of Central Florida
13. Allows hands-on experience for students Allows inexpensive services for those in need of assistive technology devices Benefits the entire community FAAST and the University of Central Florida
FAAST works with those with disabilities and works with them to use assistive technology for communication purposesThis truly improves the lives of individuals who are unable to communicate otherwiseAll ages are treated
Alternative keyboards-larger or smaller than standard keys, alternative key configurationsElectronic pointing devices-ultrasound, eye movements, brain wavesJoysticks-moved by hand, feet chin, and used to control cursor on screenTrackballs-movable ballsTouch screensCan change people’s lives by allowing them to communicate with others
FAAST is a non profit organization funded by US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration , Florida Department of Health Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Regional Demonstration Centers-have assistive technology devices on display and for demonstrationAllow free consultationProvide pamphlets of info FAAST Spinal Cord Injury Resource CenterA lot of people requiring AT services are those who have had spinal cord injuriesHelps individuals to understand their conditionImmediate access to SCI resource info
The New Horizon FundNot a “need-based” loan and no income restrictionsCredit history not consideredFunded through Rehab Services Admin and Florida Department of Ed, Division of Vocational RehabAffordable Housing
AT Vendor ServicesCommunity Outreach-community events such as fairs, conferences, workshops, recreational forums
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury ProgramProgram itself-case management, acute care, inpatient and outpatient rehab, nursing home transition etc.Partners with many community members to provide care to those in need; funds education, prevention and research activitiesTo be fast applicable: Client must have traumatic brain injury and/or spinal cord injuryMust be full time Florida residentAT Lending Program
Computer Recycling ProgramRefurbish computers and make available to AT users who can not afford a PC
These undergraduate students provided individuals with priceless knowledge and tools used for communicationInterns worked with 11 young adults and their parentsThe camp included a curriculum relevant field trip to Epcot
Some individuals would never be able to afford communication devices for themselves or their loved ones without the opportunities provided to them by FAASTProvides UCF students with real world experiences and a sort of volunteer work to encourage giving back to the community
