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Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center

Assistive Technology for Kansans

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) is Kansas’s statewide assistive technology program, with AT Access Sites located throughout the state, including Oakley and Garden City. ATK helps individuals of all ages with disabilities and health conditions access the assistive technology they need to learn, work, play, and participate safely and independently in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

AT Access Sites are staffed by experienced professionals who provide individualized support and guidance. Kansans can explore and try assistive technology devices, borrow equipment, obtain refurbished or used devices, receive assistance identifying funding sources for new or used technology, and participate in training on the proper use and maintenance of assistive technology. Training opportunities are available for both individuals and groups.

ATK offers device demonstrations and resources in a wide range of areas, including vision, hearing, speech communication, computer access, daily living activities, mobility, vehicle and environmental modifications, recreation and sports, and learning, organization, and memory supports.

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Western Kansas AT Access Site, Oakley, KS

Tina Steinert

tsteinert@nkesc.org 785-672-3125 ext. 2145

Savannah Gray

sgray@nkesc.org 785-672-3125 ext. 2146

Southwest Kansas AT Access Site, Garden City, KS

302 Fleming, Suite 8E

Garden City, KS 67846

Sandra Lopez

slopez@nkesc.org 785-673-9609

Jamie McEachern

jmceachern@nkesc.org 785-672-3125 ext. 2147 785-673-9609

Barbara Blevins

bblevins@nkesc.org 785-673-9609

iCan Connect

ICanConnect is a national program with local contacts that helps individuals with significant combined vision and hearing loss stay connected with family, friends, and their communities. Recognizing that activities such as using email, making phone calls, or accessing digital communication can be especially challenging, the program provides specialized technology and training at no cost to eligible participants.

ICanConnect offers a wide range of equipment, including smartphones, tablets, computers, screen readers, braille devices, and accessibility software. Individuals who meet federal income and disability eligibility guidelines may apply to the program. Once accepted, participants receive a personalized assessment to identify the most appropriate technology solutions and training to support their communication needs.

The program is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Each location has designated local contacts who provide support, equipment coordination, and training services.

Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE)

The Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE) Program helps Kansans obtain affordable durable medical equipment (DME). In partnership with Medicaid and other agencies, equipment that is no longer being used is returned to the program, refurbished when appropriate, and made available to other Kansans in need. The program also accepts equipment donations from individuals.

Examples of refurbished durable medical equipment available through KEE include: 

Manual and power wheelchairs | Hospital beds (electric and semi-electric) | Patient lifts | Shower chairs 

Communication devices | Other health-related assistive devices

The Western Kansas Access Site for the Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) Project serves as the regional contact for equipment requests and donations in western Kansas. Staff members access the statewide KEE database to identify the best available equipment match for each individual’s needs.

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Kansas TAP

Do you, or someone you know, experience difficulty using a telephone? Conversations may be hard to hear or understand, others may frequently ask you to repeat yourself, or small buttons and displays may be difficult to use or read. You may also have trouble hearing the phone ring or reaching the phone before the caller hangs up.

The Kansas Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) is designed to help Kansans overcome these challenges by providing specialized telecommunication equipment for individuals who cannot effectively use a standard home telephone. TAP is an equipment distribution program that offers telephones and communication devices tailored to meet a variety of accessibility needs.

Equipment is provided at no cost to qualifying individuals. Kansas residents who have existing telephone service, an annual household income below $55,000, and difficulty hearing, seeing, speaking, remembering, walking, or holding a telephone may be eligible for the program.

Appointments are required. Please call to schedule a time to discuss eligibility and available equipment options.