"TransAccess provides persons with disabilities access to adaptive technology and career transition services
so that they can achieve their desired education and employment, and improve their quality of life."

Access Technology Center


TransAccess' Access Technology Center (ATC) offers a place where persons with disabilities and work-related injuries can identify, evaluate, and train on the latest adaptive technology solutions to improve access to the computer for employment and educational opportunities.

Read on for more information and then fill out TransAccess Referral Form to get started! If you have already participated in any of our programs please take the time to fill out a Client Satisfaction Survey.

A Place to Serve Your Specific Needs

Big Keys Keyboard with one square inch keys

TransAccess offers Comprehensive Worksite/Ergonomic Assessments that ensure that your work environment is compatible with you and your needs. This service is especially important to address cross-disability issues (low vision together with carpal tunnel, multiple sclerosis and learning disabilities, etc.).

Customized Service for Each Individual

Access Technology Center (ATC) Lab

The demand for people with computer skills has never been greater, especially in Silicon Valley. Technology jobs are plentiful in Silicon Valley, but many other careers require some form of computer usage, such as a teacher using the computer to type course material, a lawyer using the Internet to research case law, or a stock broker using the computer to track orders. People with disabilities who come to the Access Technology Center are assessed by a licensed occupational therapist to determine the means to increase the person's access to the computer, whether by voice or alternative methods. The occupational therapist and client together decide on potential access solutions.

Equipment Available for Evaluation

The ATC has standard hardware and software available to accompany the adaptive computer access devices:

  • Voice recognition software
  • Adjustable monitor lifts
  • Alternative mice
    • Trackball adapted for switch access
  • Headpointing systems
  • Low vision reading systems
  • Switch adaptations
  • Screen magnification software
  • Software for learning disabilities
  • Alternative pointing devices
  • Break reminder software
  • Alternative keyboards
  • Adjustable workstations
  • Adjustable keyboard trays
  • Screen readers
  • Ergonomic devices

    • What Types of Assessments Are Offered?

    Adaptive computer access (alternative keyboards, mice, pointing systems), voice recognition, laptop computer access, ergonomic, worksite, low vision/blindness needs.

    Occupational Therapy and Assistive Technology

    TransAccess currently has two master's level registered occupational therapists on staff. OTRs are registered through an accreditation process and are trained to focus on increasing functional capabilities that affect the person's daily activities. The OTRs at TransAccess have experience with a variety of disabilities in different health settings and integrate these skills within the computer access evaluation and training. Occupational therapists are involved in promoting useful activities by suggesting creative devices that can help people, in particular people with disabilities, to access those activities.

    Mary Ellen Buning, in her article about assistive technology and occupational therapy, wrote, "Adapting computers so that disability is accommodated offers great potential to address all kinds of human occupation. Assistive technology is very natural to occupational therapy."

    Most equipment can be modified or customized for people with disabilities. For example, some keyboards can split down the center to better angle the keys for people who experience pain when typing. A trackball can be adapted with an ability switch, or alternative mouse-click button, that can be placed at a more accessible location, such as the side of a knee.

    There are many technologies and devices to help assist most disabilities. Fortunately, the job of the assistive technology evaluator is not focused solely on working with machines but working with people.

    Funding Available

    Fees for the Center's services, including evaluation and training sessions, may be paid for by the California State Department of Rehabilitation, Worker's Compensation Insurance carriers, or private pay on a sliding scale. TransAccess also has a limited number of scholarships available for people with disabilities who do not qualify for other funding sources.

    Request Services

    Click here to fill out a TransAccess Referral Form and we will contact you about the next steps. For further information on the Access Technology Center, please contact Jane Tong, OTR/L at (408) 278-2003.