Louie Santillanes, Assistive Technology Coordinator and ADA Specialist at Active Re-Entry, assists individuals that need extra amenities with their everyday lives. Santillanes works mostly with technology and gear that is designed to accommodate or overcome obstacles for those with disabilities.
Some of the higher tech that he works with are porch lifts, ramps and more. Some of the lower tech, but just as important items, include shower benches, large-handled silverware and anything else that is important to assist with every day activities.
Many times, Santillanes receives a phone call that an individual is gaining a wheelchair through insurance but is unsure of how to access the home with the new chair and make it livable in their space. If contacted before the chair is received, he assists the individual by going over the different types of chairs and assessing what their needs are. He walks them through the process and helps them to make informed choices.
Santillanes also has a program that can assist individuals to receive equipment that is not covered through insurance. This program is based upon income and disability. Santillanes stated there are many medical related expenses that are able to be deducted from the household income to help people to qualify for assistance.
Another way Active Re-Entry can provide assistance is through the Assistive Technology Loan Bank program that Santillanes is responsible for. Through the loan bank, durable pieces of medical equipment can be provided for those that are not covered by insurance.
Santillanes also assists in ideas of how to mount equipment, conducts home evaluations for the ramps and other equipment to ensure that they are meeting buildings codes, and is happy to work with those in the community to ensure that their facilities, homes and programs meet the ADA code.
Assistive Technology Evaluation is also provided for Vocational Rehabilitation clients as needed. Types of equipment recommend may include of voice-activated computers, amplification equipment and other tools as needed.
Santillanes works with all disabilities, stating that the youngest he works with is about ten months old and the oldest is around 102. To speak with Santillanes on the program, contact him at (435) 637-4950 or louie@arecil.org.