AT Champions explore assistive technology

For individuals with disabilities, technology can provide the means for education, employment opportunities and enriched daily life. As technology advances and new means of assisting users become widely available, it becomes more important than ever to introduce and familiarize people with their assistive technology options.

The AT Champion Program at The Arc of Northern Virginia aims to do just that. Held in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and Tech Owl, the program presents a six-month journey of shared experiences and community building. The Arc of Northern Virginia received a grant from Transcen, Inc. to participate in this program to represent Virginia. It goes beyond information dissemination. The program aims to foster authentic engagement and empower young people with disabilities. For six months, participants in the program will explore various aspects of assistive technology and will create content, including video, documenting their experience.

Technology has great potential to significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities, but there is significant disengagement of members of the disability community due to systemic social barriers. The sponsors of the AT Champion program want to develop and implement an outreach strategy that will improve authentic engagement with assistive technology by people with disabilities. The program covers a number of mid-Atlantic states as well as the District of Columbia.

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Claire McTiernan was an AT Champion last year. This year, she serves as an Advicor to the program.

“When most people think of assistive technology, they probably think of a motorized wheelchair or alternative communication device that can cost thousands of dollars,” said McTiernan. “While those are forms of assistive technology, they are far from the only kinds. Assistive technology is anything that allows a person with a disability to do something much more than they could otherwise or will enable them to do something that they couldn’t before.

“That is why the AT Champions grant and program is so cool,” she continued. “It encourages self-advocates to share their experiences with assistive technology – what works best for them and what doesn’t. Hearing directly from users is much different from hearing from a therapist or doctor because they have hands-on experience with what they discuss.”

Three AT Champions are participating in the program this fall.

Mehdi Ali is a recent graduate of Independence High School, in Ashburn, Virginia, where he received the “Show Your Stripes” award for leadership and school spirit, as well as a Volunteer Service Cord for commitment to the community. “I plan on creating engaging content to raise awareness, help others navigate such tools and bring innovative videos to showcase how to use technology for their daily needs,” he said. “I am excited to continue using my reach to make a difference and inspire others through my work and dedication.”

Kim Drudge is a 22-year old college student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where she is majoring in sociology. “I love horses, am passionate about disability rights, the U.S. and military, and , of course, assistive technology and education,” she says. “I’ve been blind since I was approximately 4 months old.”

Schuyler Hudson, originally from Texas, has been using assistive technology to communicate for the past sixteen years. She also uses a computer to write stories and experience the world online. “I think what inspired me is I want to help people who wants to make an difference,” she said. “I can be shy in first but the more you get to know me, I can open up to you.”

For Keziah Wohlers, AT Champion VA Lead, it’s all about the possibilities opened up by assistive technology.

“AT Champion meetings always begin with a quote from MaryPat Radabaugh,” said WQohlers. “‘For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.’ As the AT Champion VA Lead, I’ve seen firsthand how technology is more than just a tool—it creates real solutions for accessibility.

“Last year, I watched our AT Champions grow in ways I didn’t expect,” she continued. “They learn from each other and share ideas, and their confidence really starts to shine as they figure out new ways to overcome challenges. It is a fantastic program that I am honored we have been chosen to participate in, and I can’t wait to see the amazing content this cohort will share.”