ACCT turns 20, Still helping people live independently!
 
It all started in 1989 with a patient who had a head injury and had cognitive skills, but was unable to communicate with anyone. "This patient could move her arm, so we used an old Apple computer to help her communicate with," said Suzie Wiley of the Adaptive Computer and Communication Technology Program (ACCT) at The Rehabilitation Institute. And today as the ACCT Program celebrates its' 20th year, the technology is much improved but they are still helping people communicate and fully participate in school, work and home activities. "We help the people who are severely disabled but are cognitively there," said Suzie. Some of the patients who use the ACCT Program may have lost all abilities except a feeling in a pinky or to speak. Another huge part of ACCT is Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC)," said Suzie. This is used when someone can't express their needs verbally. Pictures and simple devices are used to speak for the person. "We start by asking our patient what they want to do and look at their needs," said Suzie. Then the ACCT team figures out what tools they may need or how their environments need to be changed to help create a more independent lifestyle for the person. "ACCT is a way for people to stay in touch with family and friends and be active in their own lives regardless of their physical or communication challenges," said Suzie. Congratulations to ACCT on turning 20 and helping others succeed!