There's a moment in this episode of Coral Currents where we go from talking about assistive technology as something specialized and intimidating… to realizing just how approachable it can actually be.
In this episode, I sat down with Angela Standridge, Ana Gonzalez, and Ryan Roush from the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP) to talk about the work they're doing to make assistive technology more accessible, affordable, and customizable for individuals with disabilities and the clinicians supporting them.
A lot of us — even clinicians — still view parts of assistive technology as something that requires extensive training, expensive equipment, or highly specialized expertise. But what stood out throughout this conversation was how many tools and resources already exist… and how many people simply don't know they're there.
We talked about AT Act programs, which exist in every state and territory across the country. These programs allow individuals, families, schools, and clinicians to trial devices, borrow equipment, access demonstration centers, and receive support exploring assistive technology options — often at little to no cost.
And then we got into the really fun part: 3D printing, fabrication, and toy adaptation.
Ana shared how their team creates low-cost, customized solutions for individuals with disabilities — from AAC keyguards that cost under a dollar to print, to tactile communication symbols for students who are blind or visually impaired, to adapted toys and switches designed around a child's exact access needs.
As someone who has worked in AAC and complex communication for years, hearing about families and clinicians being able to create personalized supports this affordably felt like a real shift. We talked about the reality many therapists face: a child quickly outgrows a keyguard, switches communication systems, or needs something highly individualized that simply doesn't exist commercially — or exists at a cost that makes it inaccessible.
And this episode kept coming back to the same idea: assistive technology does not always have to mean "high tech."Sometimes it's a customized switch. Sometimes it's a tactile symbol. Sometimes it's adapting a favorite Bluey toy so a child can independently activate it for the first time.
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing how approachable these tools have become. Public libraries now commonly have 3D printers and maker spaces. TTAP offers virtual trainings. Their maker community includes therapists, families, engineers, educators, and individuals with disabilities themselves.
You do not need to be an engineer to start exploring this world.
We also talked honestly about a gap many clinicians feel: most OT, PT, and SLP graduate programs still provide very limited training in assistive technology. Many providers graduate feeling underprepared, especially when it comes to AAC access, device supports, switches, mounting systems, and environmental adaptations.
This conversation felt hopeful because it highlighted how communities are stepping in to bridge those gaps.
Whether you're a clinician, a caregiver, or just AT-curious — there are more tools, communities, and resources out there than most people realize. This episode is a good place to start.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- AT Act Programs nationwide: at3center.net
- Texas Technology Access Program trainings & resources
- 3D printing and fabrication communities for AT
Listen to the full episode of Coral Currents on Spotify.
