ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities and older adults.
The River Valley Regional Commission/Area Agency on Aging has a technology lab in our offices in Columbus and will soon have one located in Americus. Interested persons are invited to make an appointment to visit the lab to see the variety of technology available as well as to try it out. Please call us at 1-800-615-4379 to set up an appointment.
What are some types of assistive devices & how are they used?
Some examples of Assistive Technologies are:
- People with physical disabilities that affect movement can use mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices, to enhance their mobility.
- Hearing aids can improve hearing ability in persons with hearing problems.
- Cognitive assistance, including computer or electrical assistive devices, can help people function following brain injury.
- Computer software and hardware, such as voice recognition programs, screen readers, and screen enlargement applications, help people with mobility and sensory impairments use computer technology.
- Closed captioning allows people with hearing impairments to enjoy movies and television programs.
- Lightweight, high-performance wheelchairs have been designed for organized sports, such as basketball, tennis, and racing.
- Many types of devices help people with disabilities perform such tasks as cooking, dressing, and grooming. Kitchen implements are available with large, cushioned grips to help people with weakness or arthritis in their hands. Medication dispensers with alarms can help people remember to take their medicine on time. People who use wheelchairs for mobility can use extendable reaching devices to reach items on shelves.
Assistive Technology Catalog
Click on the links below to view/download various products available for purchase:
Transferring Bathing and Dressing
**Please note that the list of Assistive Technology is updated frequently as new items to assist are introduced**
*Prices listed are based on prices at the time the resource was found and may vary based on company, quantity, and size. *
Click on the websites below that offer additional AT resources:
Daily Living Aids:
High Quality Caregiver Products
https://www.caregiverproducts.com/
Arthritis Products:
https://www.arthritissupplies.com/
Mobility Aids:
https://www.mobility-aids.com/
Quality Exercise Aids:
Walk-in Tubs:
https://www.retirementliving.com/best-walk-in-bathtubs
Medical Alert Systems:
https://www.retirementliving.com/best-medical-alert-systems
Georgia's Assistive Technology and Funding Guide
Click for more detailed information on Financial Educational Service Resources from the Credit-Able Program at Tools for Life.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on this website. However, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. AAA does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information provided.
No warranties, promises and/or representations of any kind, expressed or implied, are given as to the nature, standard, accuracy of the information provided in this website, nor to the suitability of the information to your particular circumstances.
AAA does not recommend or endorse any of the products or services described in this website, or the equipment or suppliers whose information is provided.
AAA is a service of River Valley Regional Commission public agency of the State of Georgia created and existing pursuant to O.C.G.A. Sections 50 – 8 – 30, et seq.
News and
Upcoming Events
2020 Wellness Fair
Columbus Convention and Trade Center Friday, May 8 2020 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More Information & How to Register
|
Recurring AAA Events
Quarterly10 a.m. |

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on this website. However, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. AAA does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information provided.
No warranties, promises and/or representations of any kind, expressed or implied, are given as to the nature, standard, accuracy of the information provided in this website, nor to the suitability of the information to your particular circumstances.
AAA does not recommend or endorse any of the products or services described in this website, or the equipment or suppliers whose information is provided.
AAA is a service of River Valley Regional Commission public agency of the State of Georgia created and existing pursuant to O.C.G.A. Sections 50 – 8 – 30, et seq.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line
1-800-715-4225
Are you seeking help and information related to mental illnesses, drug/alcohol addiction, or developmental disabilities? Whether you need to get help in a crisis, access services, or find long-term support, the Georgia Crisis and Access Line is available for you, your family, friends and clients. Click here for more information.
Considering College Education?
It's never too late to pursue higher education. If you are considering attending college for the first time or returning, the following resources might be of help to you:
Living with Diabetes
When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, you have a lot of questions. The American Diabetes Association offers "Living with Type 2 Diabetes," a free-12-month program for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Members choose to get their information online or in the mail, in English on Spanish. Click here for more information.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on this website. However, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. AAA does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information provided.
No warranties, promises and/or representations of any kind, expressed or implied, are given as to the nature, standard, accuracy of the information provided in this website, nor to the suitability of the information to your particular circumstances.
AAA does not recommend or endorse any of the products or services described in this website, or the equipment or suppliers whose information is provided.
AAA is a service of River Valley Regional Commission public agency of the State of Georgia created and existing pursuant to O.C.G.A. Sections 50 – 8 – 30, et seq.
Chronic Disease Self Management
What is CDSMP?
CDSMP is an evidence-based program that was developed from a research grant in 1996 at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The program goal is to help individuals with chronic conditions, or those who know anyone who does have a chronic condition, to learn to effectively manage their conditions in order to live healthier lives. In the workshop, participants learn to structure “action plans” in order to achieve goals and solve problems. Being an active manager of one’s condition is the key to living well and feeling better.
How is CDSMP implemented?
CDSMP is facilitated as a 6-week workshop. Sessions are scheduled once a week, for 2.5 hours per session. The lecturette-style curriculum is facilitated by two certified Lay Leaders, who either have chronic conditions or know someone who does.
Benefits of CDSMP CDSMP is beneficial in terms of cost effectiveness as well as health improvement. Studies have shown the following:
-According to the National Council on Aging, an estimated $714 per person is saved from individuals requiring fewer hospital/emergency room visits after having participated in a CDSMP workshop.
-Two years after workshop participation, an estimated $590 had been saved from patients requiring fewer hospital stays and outpatient visits for a group of 831 participants, aged 40 and older.
-Overall, program participants have reported that they have experienced a multitude of health improvements that include, but are not limited to:
- Reduced levels of stress
- Better exercise habits
- More energy
- Less fatigue
- Improved disability management
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Fewer hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and outpatient visits
CDSMP significance to Workplace Wellness
We live in a time in which a correlation exists between rising health costs and rising rates of health conditions. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 75% of national health care costs are attributed to chronic disease rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor health among employees can lead to significant health costs for organizations. The example of chronic condition costs provided by the CDC is that of obesity rates in the workplace and how such rates result in rising costs: “Obesity and related chronic diseases cost employers up to $93 billion per year in health insurance claims.” Chronic health conditions can also impact employee morale and productivity. If employees do not feel well in a chronic sense, their workplace performance will likely follow the same pattern.
For more information or to schedule a workshop, call Ilona Preattle or Franetta Miles at 706-256-2910 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lay Leader Training
The River Valley Agency on Aging offers Lay Leader Training for people interested in learning to lead a CDSMP workshop for their communities.
Links of Interest
National Council on Aging CDSMP information
Stanford School of Medicine CDSMP program
Sources for information on this page: National Council on Aging, Centers for Disease Control, Stanford School of Medicine
Advisory Council
The River Valley Area Agency on Agency staff participates in the Regional Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) Advisory Council.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection Advisory Council
The ADRC Advisory Council meets quarterly.
Minutes |
||||||||||||||
2016 | ||||||||||||||
January | ||||||||||||||
July | ||||||||||||||
October | ||||||||||||||
2017 | ||||||||||||||
January | ||||||||||||||
April | ||||||||||||||
July | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
2018 | ||||||||||||||
February | ||||||||||||||
April
|
Area Agency on Aging
Active Valley
Workforce Innovation
COVID-19
Website by Majestic Pages
© 2014 River Valley Regional Commission