Center for Assistive Technology

Are you in need of assistive technology services or products to help with mobility, communication, or comfort in your day-to-day life? The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute is a leader and innovator in the assistive technology field. The CAT is an interdisciplinary center comprising multiple outpatient clinics that offer a variety of services to assist you.

What Services Do You Offer at CAT?

Specific products and services, based on the client’s individual needs and goals, include:

Mobility Products and Services

• Manual and power wheelchair evaluations.
• Personal mobility seating and positioning systems.
• Recreational devices.

Communication Products and Services

• Augmentative communication devices.
• Audiology services.
• Aural rehabilitation assistive listening and alerting devices.
• Hearing aid dispensing.

Comfort Products and Services

• Adaptive gaming evaluations.
• Environmental control units for home, work, or school.
• Ergonomic workstation designs.
• Specialized computer equipment and software. This includes adaptive keyboards, monitors, and voice recognition programs.
• Workplace modifications.

Who Will I See at the Center for Assistive Technology?

CAT takes a team approach when working with clients and their families.

All members of our team have advanced training in assistive technology and are committed to staying current with the latest technology.

Among the team members are:

Physiatrists and APPs

• Medical doctors (MDs and DOs) and physician assistants specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• Address medical issues.
• Help clients and patients in making decisions about technology.

Occupational and Physical Therapists

• Certified as Assistive Technology Professionals.
• Analyze needs and help with selecting the appropriate technology.
• Provide training with selected devices.

Rehabilitation Engineers and Rehab Engineering Technologists

• Certified as Assistive Technology Professionals.
• Use engineering principles to fit assistive devices to you.

Speech-language Pathologists

• Evaluate clients who need augmentative and alternative communication or speech-generating devices.
• Train clients on various types of communication.

Audiologists

• Study and evaluate hearing impairment and loss.
• Work to rehabilitate individuals with hearing disorders.

Assistive Technology Suppliers and Manufacturers

• Trained professionals within their respective fields.
• Work alongside our health care professionals to assist with the purchase and service of assistive technology products.

Clients also are an important part of the team. Assistive technology affects everyday life.

Because of this, you and your friends and family aren't just part of the decision-making and education process. You're also the experts on what works best for you

What to Expect at CAT

When you come to CAT, you’ll first undergo a thorough evaluation with a specialty-trained clinical professional. This appointment will usually last one to two hours, depending on complexity and need.

Clinicians will evaluate your:

• Physical and functional abilities.
• Current assistive devices.
• Environmental considerations.

The team will identify suitable assistive technology options. Then, they'll recommend the appropriate device or product that can help you reach the highest level of functioning and self-sufficiency.

You can try the assistive technology in the clinic or at home, using CAT’s extensive range of commercially available demo equipment.

After the evaluation and device trial, the team involved in your care will work with your payer source to assist you in getting your device. If necessary, you'll visit the center for follow-up care and training.

Lastly, ongoing follow-up for you and your assistive technology will remain available throughout the device's lifespan.

Insurance

If your care relates to a medical condition, most health insurance plans — including Medicare — cover CAT’s service fees.

You may need a referral and prior authorization from your primary care physician.

Certain programs and services, such as the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), are available for private pay or alternative funding options.

Location and Parking

CAT is in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, in Forbes Tower, between Meyran Avenue and Atwood Street, one-half block south of Forbes Avenue. We're on the third floor in suite 3010.

Complimentary, accessible parking is available in the Forbes Tower parking garage and the Forbes Tower surface lot behind the building. Before you leave the CAT office, one of our staff members will validate your parking ticket.

Contact Us

Call 412-647-1310 or e-mail catfrontdesk@upmc.edu for more information on CAT and our services.

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 412-647-1325.

Center for Assistive Technology
Forbes Tower, Suite 3010
3600 Forbes Ave. and Meyran Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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