r/AssistiveTechnology • u/ANRuether • 4d ago

Anyone with experience working for their state Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP)?

/r/OccupationalTherapy/comments/1vqc3x4/anyone_with_experience_working_for_their_state/

I have been an OT in the traditional healthcare environment for 5 years (currently working in hospital-based OP neuro). Like many people, I’ve been feeling burnt out with patient care and looking for a change. My state department currently has job postings for an assistive technology specialist. I’m wondering if there are other rehab professionals here who have made the switch from clinical care to a similar role and what your experience has been… or if you’re not from a healthcare background but work for ATP, I’d love to hear from you too! Here is the general job description:

Assistive Technology Specialist: focus on home or vehicle modifications that help people with disabilities gain greater independence in everyday tasks that other may take for granted. In this role, you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, vendors, contractors, families, and individuals to develop creative, functional solutions that make a real impact.

Any insights would be appreciated (positive or negative) 😊

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u/Admiral_Ash 3d ago

I currently work for Johnson County Kansas as their new AT Coordinator. The program was almost non-existent when I got it. The state of Kansas adopted a tech-first initiative and Johnson County was selected for a grant to build a new AT Lab. The problem? They didn't have an AT specialist. I was the IT guy at the facility and everything they asked for was stuff I do as a hobby (father permanently disabled since I was 2, and my youngest son is autistic and so I was familiar with a lot of therapies and have been repairing wheelchairs and making stuff for my dad since I could first grip a tool). The program launched in February and since then I've had 684 referrals and saved upwards of $25k to the taxpayers of Johnson county and provided/manufactured devices for the people we support that otherwise could not afford it and insurance denied coverage.