The KATS Network would like to turn the spotlight on Wendell Foster Technology and Resource Center,
Wendell Foster is one of the five (5) Regional Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) that make up the KATS Network.
Join us as we take a virtual tour of the AT Resource Center. To learn more about the KATS Network and locate your nearest AT Resource Center, visit us at www.katsnet.org.
Video Transcript
Doug Hoyt, CEO of Wendell Foster
Hi, I’m Doug Hoyt – CEO of Wendell Foster. We are proud to be difference makers.
Wendell and Edith Foster, pictured with daughter Louise
Wendell Foster has a rich history of providing supports to people with developmental disabilities. Named after our founder, Wendell Foster was established in 1947 after Mr. Foster and his wife, Edith, searched for ways to connect to other parents who had a child with cerebral palsy.
Thanks to their vision, Wendell Foster is now the premier provider of rehabilitative, community-based, and residential services.
Wendell Foster is home to 63 individuals that reside in the Intermediate Care Facility which offers 24-hour skilled nursing and a person centered support plan. In addition, we serve more than 2,000 children and adults through comprehensive outpatient therapy, community living supports, transportation and assistive technology. The Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility opened in 2020 and features state-of-the art physical therapy space.
The Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility
Wendell Foster’s Technology and Resource Center is part of outpatient services, which provides a multi-disciplinary approach through physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Assistive technology covers a broad range of categories, such as communication, hearing and vision, computer access, aids for daily living, mobility, adapted seating, and positioning equipment.
Assistive Technology Lending Library
With over 700 items, the lending library offers loans that provide short-term accommodations, as well as device demonstrations, which affords consumers with the ability to make an informed decision before they purchase equipment.
AT helps people have more independence – in the home, at work, school, and play.
Jana Billingsly, Assistive Technology Specialist
Child playing with adapted bubble maker, trying to catch bubbles
Play is an important part of learning for young children. For those with limited motor skills, adapted toys and switches teach cause and effect, which allows a child to gain skills that can be transferrable to other types of assistive technology.
Consumer trialing Robotic Feeding Arm
Wendell Foster is contracted with the state’s early intervention program to provide assistive technology loans for infants and toddlers. Wendell Foster’s Occupational Therapists often recommend assistive technology to support activities of daily living. This can range from simple adaptations to high-tech equipment such as robotic feeders.
Speech Therapist demonstrating communication device
Wendell Foster has two Speech and Language Pathologists that provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication assessments. Consumers travel from across the region to access these specialized services.
Communication is at the core of assistive technology. Everyone deserves a way to express his or her wants and needs.
Kristy Hampton, Director of Speech Therapy
Consumer participating in AMBUCS Bike fitting
Wendell Foster’s team of physical therapists provide wheelchair evaluations and complimentary fittings for AMBUCS adapted bicycles.
Mobility isn’t just about walking but exploring one’s environment independently.
Charity Pinkston, Director of Physical Therapy
Seating and Positioning equipment
Wendell Foster participates in two statewide initiatives. Project CARAT supports the reuse of assistive technology and durable medical equipment to consumers in need. RampUP! Kentucky provides loans of temporary ramps for consumers who need a short-term accommodation or are waiting for a permanent ramp to be built.
Wendell Foster is proud to be the region’s leader in Assistive Technology. We’re open to the public and employee five Assistive Technology Professionals, ready to serve the needs of people of all ages and abilities.
Doug Hoyt, CEO of Wendell Foster
Thank you for taking time today to let us show you how we are difference makers.
