Michigan Assistive Technology Program

Michigan Assistive Technology Program AT Specialists Abby and Jileesa had a wonderful time at the first event in this year's DiverseAbility Days series! Participants had the opportunity to learn about and try adaptive E-bikes, and several people even took them out for a ride.

Interested in joining a future DiverseAbility Day? There are still many events coming up, and we'd love to see you there! Events may offer lunch and a variety of adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities such as face painting, track chairs, adaptive bikes, archery, pontoon boat rides, adaptive kayaking, and hand cycles. (Activity offerings vary by event.)

For more information and to register, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefPM2QyiZym9sTAPYRttw8rmq5ys6Pl0kg3ts7yjflSt3RIQ/viewform

We hope to see you at a future DiverseAbility Day!

[Image description: Set of three pictures: 1. AT Specialist Jileesa stands next to a participant who is sitting on an E-trike and wearing a helmet and smiling, on sunny day in a park area. 2. AT Specialists Jileesa and Abby stand in the middle of two participants on E-bikes wearing helmets. 3. Two participants enjoy adaptive cycling on a sunny day along a paved path beside a small lake or pond. In the foreground, a person wearing a black helmet and a pink floral jacket rides an e-bike. Ahead of them, another participant rides an adaptive tricycle while Jileesa follows closely behind, providing support.]

New in Inventory: Guided Hands

We now have the updated version of Guided Hands available in our inventory. Our new bundles include the Guided Hands unit, the new joystick handpiece, and the Adaptations Kit.

The updated model includes important design improvements that enhance both durability and accessibility, helping create a smoother and more reliable user experience. Guided Hands can support increased independence with activities like eating, writing, painting, gaming, and using technology by assisting people with limited hand or arm mobility.

Contact us to learn more or to be added to the waitlist for a demonstration or short-term loan.

We also have older refurbished Guided Hands devices available through our reuse program. These devices are available at no cost for individuals interested in receiving one, depending on availability.

Contact us to inquire about either version:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-578-0280

For more information about Guided Hands, check out their website at the link below:

Guided Hands® | An Assistive Device for Limited Hand Mobility Guided Hands® is an assistive device for mobility that enables anyone with limited fine motor skills in their hands to write, paint, draw and access technology.

MATP will be closed Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. We will be back Monday, June 22

[ID: graphic with the MATP logo and a calendar logo. Text: MATP will be closed Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. We will be back June 22 at our usual hours. mi-at.org.]

Have you attended one of our trainings?

We love to show people how assistive technology (AT) can help people with disabilities and older adults live their lives more independently. We offer a variety of trainings that include AT for Gaming, which this individual attended and helped them make gaming more enjoyable for the participants.

Contact us if you would like us to offer a training about AT for your organization, you can send us a message below or you can reach out at [email protected].

[Image Description: A graphic with decorative items in teal and purple, a quote and the MATP logo. Quote: "I took your Adaptive Gaming course and implemented a few things right away that greatly improved participant’s ability to independently play games, thank you!" - Participant of Michigan Assistive Technology Program training.]

If you are in Northern Michigan this summer, don’t miss your chance to join us at DiversAbility Days on July 15th! This FREE day of adaptive recreation activities offers something for everyone. Register today to reserve your spot. We can’t wait to see you there!

[ID: A flyer promoting DiversAbility Day. Text at the top: “DiversAbility Day. Join us for a FREE day of adaptive recreation activities! Adaptive kayaking, accessible pontoon rides, adaptive cycling, and more. Snacks provided with registration!

A section below lists the event details. Text: "July 15, 2026, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Interlochen State Park: 4167 J. Maddy Parkway, Interlochen, MI 49643. A recreation passport is needed for each vehicle entering the park."

The center of the flyer contains a QR code with the heading, “Register using the QR Code.” Circular photos appear on each side of the code. The left photo shows people working with adaptive cycling equipment at an outdoor event. The right photo shows a person riding an all-terrain wheelchair on a paved path surrounded by trees.

Text beneath the photos and QR code: “Questions? Need help with registration? Accommodation Requests Contact Disability Network Northern Michigan: 231-922-0903."

The bottom section contains logos for the organizations supporting the event, including: Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Wheels in Motion, Michigan Track Chair, Norte, Disability Network Northern Michigan, Discovery Pier, Creative Ability Solutions (CAS), Michigan Assistive Technology Program Outdoor Recreation, The Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The PATH Foundation, Rehab and Mobility Systems.]

Northern Michiganders: check out this cool Adaptive Kayak program offered by Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center. The event is happening July 29th and August 19th. Check out the flyer for details, including how to register.

[Image Description:
Flyer for the Lighthouse Adaptive Kayak Program with a yellow, blue, and white design. Text: "Lighthouse Adaptive Kayak Program. Mission The Lighthouse Adaptive Kayak program provides opportunities for individuals of all abilities to experience kayaking with the use adaptive equipment and modifications as needed."

Two photos are displayed in the center of the flyer. The left photo shows adaptive kayaks, life jackets, and paddles arranged near a lakeshore beside a banner that reads "Lighthouse Adaptive Sports." The right photo shows two people wearing life jackets in an adaptive tandem kayak on a calm lake, equipped with stabilizing outriggers.

Text: "Adaptive Kayak Clinics: July 29th, August 19. Location: Interlochen State Park. Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All equipment is provided. *A Recreation Passport is required to enter the state park.*

Please pre-register for clincis by contacting Olivia Heldt at (231) 263-1350 or email: [email protected]."

The lower right section includes contact information for Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center, located at 4040 Beacon Street, Kingsley, Michigan 49649, with the phone number (231) 263-1350. Logos for the Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center and partner organizations, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Kayak Bike & Brew, and Rehab and Mobility Systems, appear at the bottom of the flyer.]

We had a great time sharing gaming and sensory assistive technology (AT) at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital's 3rd Annual Game-A-Thon! MATP's Gaming and Crafting AT Specialist, Abby Squires, connected with children and families, demonstrating how AT can make play more accessible for everyone.

Highlights included a child proudly showing off a card holder made from recycled CDs and fabric that he had received at a fair and comparing it with some of the card holders on display, and a gamer showcasing an iridescent 3D-printed T. Rex head customized to replace the joystick k**b on his power wheelchair. It was also fun to connect over a shared love of gaming, "nerding out" about favorite video games, discussing accessibility features, and talking about where game design still has room to grow.

Thank you to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital for inviting us! It was a day filled with games, creativity, connection, and a reminder that some of the best AT conversations happen when people come together to share their experiences.

[ID: 4 pictures from the event:
1. 2 photo collage: First photo is AT Specialist Abby sitting at a colorful table full of AT, including playing card holders, All-turn-it Spinner, and adaptive game controllers. The second photo shows a row of 3D-printed, colorful Pac-Man ghosts and Pac-Man in front of a 3D printer.
2. 3 photo collage: First photo is of AT Specialist Abby sitting at a table with a child playing with a fidget on the other side of the table, second is a child with Mario face paint smiling, holding up a U of M card holder, third is a child sitting across from the table smiling, holding a fidget cube.
3. 2 photo collage: First photo is of a staff member holding a controller and a child in a power chair sitting in front of a mobile gaming unit with Minecraft on the screen, second photo is of two staff members smiling, watching a child in a power chair playing Untitled Goose Game on a mobile gaming unit.
4. Iridescent 3D-printed T. rex head customized to replace the joystick k**b on a power wheelchair.]

Come join MATP staff at Fli-Anthropy’s Family Advocacy Fun Day at Ballenger Park in Flint on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.!

Stop by our table to explore and try a variety of assistive technology devices, learn about resources available through MATP, and discover tools that can support independence at home, school, work, and in the community.

The day will also feature games, delicious food, door prizes, and plenty of family-friendly fun. We hope to see you there!

[Image Description: A colorful event flyer with the headline "FREE! FAMILY ADVOCACY FUN DAY FREE!" displayed in large green, purple, and orange letters across the top. Beneath the title, the text reads: "Building opportunities for youth & young adults with disabilities."

The background features blue skies, bubbles, and a collage of smiling children, teens, and adults interacting, playing, and spending time together outdoors. Some children are flying kites, dancing, or playing, creating a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.

A banner across the middle states: "Advocate & Earn a $25 VISA Gift Card, *First come first serve for 50 families*".
Text: "Saturday, June 27th, 11 AM – 5 PM.
-Fun games
-Sensory Friendly
-Door Prizes
-Delicious Food

Local Resources:
-Tutors
-Driver’s Training
-Transitioning to College
-ABA Therapy
-IEP Advocates
-Employers
-Family Support Groups
-Social & Recreational Clubs
And so much more!

Take a free family picture with Mario & Sonic!"
Cartoon images of Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario appear in the lower left corner.

Text: "Ballenger Park
1201 Dupont St., Flint, MI"

The bottom of the flyer includes logos for several sponsoring organizations and community partners. Colorful clusters of balloons decorate both lower corners of the flyer. End Image Description.]

The June Newsletter is being written today: don't miss out on great resources and insight from our assistive technology specialists and staff. Subscribe today and stay in the know!

Link to subscribe: http://eepurl.com/hUO5iX

[ID: promotional Flyer for the MATP Tech Connect newsletter.
On the left side, large text reads “Subscribe to Our Newsletter” with “Newsletter” displayed in oversized teal lettering. Beneath it, the title “MATP Tech Connect” appears in bold white text, followed by "Your source for the latest insights, events and resources for assistive technology!"
There is a large illustrated teal envelope with a newsletter partially pulled out on the right side. There is also a small paper airplane illustration. A footer banner with text reads: "Stay Connected. Stay Ahead", and a large teal “Subscribe Today!” button. End ID.] See less

Do you live in Southwest Michigan? Don't miss out on this fun way to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Details at the link below: