Colorado State Invites Community to Try Equipment that Helps Make Computers More Comfortable and Accessible

Community members can learn about office ergonomics and try out specifically adapted computer equipment at an open house July 9 hosted by Colorado State University’s Assistive Technology Resource Center.

The open house will run from 4-6 p.m. at the Assistive Technology Resource Center in Room 300 Occupational Therapy Building on campus.

The Assistive Technology Resource Center offers help to people who use a computer for extended periods of time, who experience pain when computing or who have a disability that makes it difficult to use a keyboard or to view a computer screen. The open house is an opportunity for community members to receive free consulting and to try out software that accepts dictation, computer programs that talk and a variety of ergonomic computer keyboards and mice.

"This is a chance for people with and without disabilities to get hands-on experience with adapted computing technology," said Erin Scott, occupational therapist in the Assistive Technology Resource Center. "Adapted computing technology is anything that personalizes computer equipment and makes it easier to use. For some people it means software that enlarges the images on screen, for others it’s a foot- or head-operated mouse."

Those attending the open house also can learn proper posture and wrist positioning for working at computers and specific exercises to prevent computer-related fatigue and injury.

Services offered by the Assistive Technology Resource Center include access to a loan closet, where community members can rent equipment for personal use. The center also offers adapted computing technology demonstrations, consulting and training for Colorado State students, faculty and staff.

For more information, call the Assistive Technology Resource Center at (970) 491-6258.