Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) has been awarded a grant from the Temple University Institute on Disabilities to offer services under the Pennsylvania's Initiative On Assistive Technology. PIAT is a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, Pennsylvania's UCEDD-University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. The mission of PIAT is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, by helping them to acquire and access assistive technology devices and services.

As of October 1, 2015, Christina Chamberlain, RESNA ATP, will serve as the Assistive Technology Resource Coordinator for the program at CLASS. CLASS will serve as the liaison for PIAT in Allegheny,
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana, Lawrence, and Westmoreland counties, offering the following services:

  • Device Demonstrations - Allows individuals to explore and learn about different assistive technology devices
  • Lending Library - Short term equipment loans for individuals to evaluate at home or in the community
  • Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP) - Classifieds to buy, sell, or donate previously owned assistive technology devices and equipment
  • Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP) - Provides free specialized telephone equipment for individuals who may have difficulties using a regular telephone

To learn more about these programs, CLASS is holding an open house at CLASS located at 1400 South Braddock Avenue on November 24, 2015 from 3 pm - 7 pm. All individuals with disabilities and their families, providers, and community stakeholders are welcome.  Come to the Open House to:

  • Meet Christina
  • View the new location for the Southwestern Pennsylvania PIAT Assistive Technology
    Device Center
  • Visit with vendors

And more! 

If you would like to be a vendor at the event or would like to learn more about PIAT, please contact Christina Chamberlain at 412.683.7100 x2179.

The open house will feature the following vendors:

  • Bansen Labs will be demonstrating accessible gaming equipment
  • SAGE Technologies will display low vision devices
  • Affordable Adaptive Solutions will show how the Amazon Echo can be used as an environmental control device
  • HearWell Center will provide information on hearing tests and technologies