Adelante provides assistive technology services through our TechWorks program. The mission of TechWorks is to provide expert staff and resources to ensure quality, on-site assistive technology services and devices for people with disabilities in New Mexico.

In addition, TechWorks and Adelante use their connections in the disabilities field to coordinate with other service organizations and resources to help people get and use the assistive technology they need.

TechWorks History

Adelante Development Center started TechWorks in 1989. It was the first and only statewide mobile assistive technology service available in New Mexico. Traveling all over the state to meet the needs of people where they lived and worked, TechWorks staff provided assistive technology services, onsite, for everyone from young children to seniors, in schools, homes, and employment settings.

The TechWorks program was operated with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program, and the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. When the funding was no longer available, Adelante had to end the program. However, the need for assistive technology in New Mexico remained. In 2003, Adelante revitalized TechWorks. Today, the agency provides assistive technology services to people with disabilities through our mobile lab or in our offices.

Services  

TechWorks provides a variety of assistive technology evaluation and training services for people who have physical, sensory, and/or learning disabilities. Our assistive technology services are designed to help people improve their mobility, employment or home accessibility, transportation, communication, computer/information technology use, and activities of daily living. In addition, we provide training for other professionals interested in accessibility and universal design.

Onsite Assistive Technology

TechWorks is a mobile service that operates with the understanding that you have to work with each person, hands-on, where services are needed, to provide the right assistive technology. On-site evaluations can take place in a program center, work site, home, school, or recreational setting. In addition we have loaner equipment and materials available in our offices.

Evaluation

The first step in the TechWorks process is to identify the device and/or environments that work best with the functional capabilities of the individual. We take a comprehensive look at what types of technology and training can help the person be more successful at work, education, recreation, and self-care.

Implementation

Once an evaluation is complete, the TechWorks staff will make or customize a device, or create an environment that works well with the individual's capabilities.   In addition, we will provide information, training and/or technical assistance for the use of the device or environment.

Coordinating Resources

A key advantage of working with TechWorks is Adelante’s 26 years of experience in the field of disabilities and the many contacts available to us.

TechWorks helps people identify and find funding sources – federal, state, or private – for assistive technology devices and services. TechWorks also makes sure that the assistive devices utilized come from reputable vendors, and coordinates the usage and applications with other service providers – therapists, technologists, and contractors.

Assistive Technology Internships/ Residencies

Assistive Technology Internships/ Residencies are available through TechWorks. In an effort to communicate the needs of people with disabilities and to educate others on the need for universal design to make products and facilities more accessible to everyone, TechWorks will provide internships and residencies to students enrolled in the following:

• Therapy Schools
• Rehabilitation Schools
• Engineering Schools
• Vocational Technical Schools
• School-to-Work Programs

Contact

For more information about Adelante’s TechWorks program visit GoTechWorks.org or call 341.2000 or email Scott Segner at SSegner@GoAdelante.org

Back in Use

In addition to our own TechWorks program, Adelante has been instrumental in helping the state of New Mexico develop BackinUse.com, a website that connects people with disabilities to the assistive technology they need. The site offers the ability to sell technology you are no longer using or to find items you need. Some are donated and are free to new users. Other items are posted for sale. Visit the site to learn more.