Our Mission
Create a physical location to promote and educate families on various adaptive technologies that are available to enhance the quality of life of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
Visit
The Adaptive Technology Center, located in Spokane, serves as an information and exploration center for families to explore and learn about ways to better incorporate adaptive technology into their lives. We aim to encourage independence for those with ALS and their families and invite those affected by neurodegenerative diseases to stay involved in the community of people who help support them on this journey.
The Adaptive Technology Center is open by appointment only at 325 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane’s University District. Explore our tour options or tap the button below to schedule a time to visit the ATC.
Experiential Case Study Tour
1 hour 30 minutes
This tour is designed for undergraduate and graduate-level students to learn about the effects of neurodegenerative diseases and technologies that can increase independence and quality of life. Learn about diseases such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson’s, how it affects not only the person living with the disease but the entire family and their care team, and ways to combat some of its effects. Please plan for a minimum of 90 minutes. Drinks and light snacks can be available at request. During the tour, students can expect to be paired together and will move through various adaptive technology stations, exploring eye-gaze devices, home automation and environmental controls, adaptive gaming, and much more! We welcome all students and faculty from all educational backgrounds and schools.
ATC Family Resource Tour
1 hour 30 minutes
Visitors are welcome to explore the Adaptive Technology Center with an in-depth discussion about potential technological needs and ways to plan for future strategies around progressive diseases and their effects. Visitors can also learn about current and new technologies that can be implemented into daily activities. This tour highlights the resources available for individuals and families, customized based on a family’s needs. All family members are welcome to join. Learn about local support groups and opportunities to attend seminars, guest speakers, webinars, and educational classes. Please watch for a follow-up survey to share more details. Plan for a minimum of 60-90 minutes for exploration and discussion.
Experiential Learning Tour
2 hours
This experiential learning tour is designed exclusively for 7th – 12th-grade students. Students can expect a rich experience full of new and exciting opportunities to learn about neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, and the effects of these diseases on families. Students will explore, touch and play with a variety of technologies, including eye-gaze technology, virtual wheelchair simulators, home automation, adaptive gaming, and much more! Students will leave with a newfound appreciation of technology that is meant to assist families and learn about ways to increase independence and quality of life. Plan on a minimum of 2 hours. Lunch and light refreshments can be available upon request.
About the ATC
Phase 1 of the Adaptive Technology Center opened in late summer of 2021. The center features home automation through devices controlled through voice and/or eye gaze technologies, as well as communication devices that are a necessary component when learning to live with neurodegenerative diseases.
Come explore our wheelchair simulator and gaming stations, and learn about the ways families can connect with the Gleason Institute. Participate in surveys and beta testing for technology companies to make improvements to their products. Be part of the push for inclusivity for all people, no matter their limitations.
Phase 2 of the Adaptive Technology Center will extend renovations to the remainder of the Sprague building. Plans include:
- Space for patients, students and technology companies to test and modify new products
- Travel and Transportation Logistics Center and Simulator
- Robotics and AI exploration
- Wheelchair obstacle course
- Student involvement opportunities and internships
Thank you to Team Gleason for its generous donation of computer stands, eye gaze communication devices, tablets, and much more!
It was wonderful meeting you and your team. I can’t wait to come back. The meeting was very helpful. Great resource and a place every newly diagnosed ALS patient and family should visit.
We are so grateful to have this resource available for our family.
We welcome all those touched by neurogenerative diseases to come explore, learn, and benefit from our innovations.
A Crucial Resource
Patients and their families are often overwhelmed by the needs that neurodegenerative diseases demand. However, through adaptive technology, patients and families can learn ways to continue finding purpose, extend quality of life, and lessen caregiver stress and fatigue.
Innovations Developed, Knowledge Shared
Collaborating with technology companies, the Adaptive Technology Center showcases various types of adaptive technology devices for families and demonstrate rooms equipped with cutting-edge solutions. We also partner with community stakeholders to provide outreach and education, as we strive to transform our understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases