Information and Assistance
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) staff is available to answer questions for individuals with disabilities, family members, employers, service providers, educators and anyone needing more information about assistive technology (AT). WATR provides this service at no cost through use of a toll-free number, e-mail, videoconferencing technology, or in-person meetings.
Typical questions involve identifying AT device options, providing strategies for working with agencies, or discussing funding avenues. WATR responds to individual AT requests through research, using existing products or devices in our assistive technology loan library, offering WATR services, and by linking individuals to outside resources.
Email: watr@uwyo.edu
Phone: (307) 766-6187 or toll free (888) 989-9463
WYoming AT4all
The Wyoming AT4ALL website is your entry point to view assistive technology available to all Wyoming residents for short-term six-week loans through the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) program. You can search by a device name or a device category. You will need to complete a WATR Device Loan Agreement prior to a loan.
Projects and Information
Devices
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) provides hands-on services and resources to help individuals and professionals explore, test, and access assistive technology that supports communication, learning, daily living, and independence.
Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)
AAC supports individuals of all ages with complex communication needs, and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess and provide AAC systems to help them communicate effectively across environments, with assessments available through schools, healthcare providers, or WATR.
Training and Technical Assistance
Enhance your assistive technology knowledge through our engaging AT Tech Tip Tuesdays and ECHO in Assistive Technology sessions, which offer professional development, collaborative learning, and access to materials via the iECHO registration platform.
Accessible Education Materials (AEM)
The Wyoming AEM Clearinghouse supports students with print disabilities by partnering with school districts to provide accessible educational materials, technical assistance, device loans, and training through various formats including phone, email, video, and in-person visits.
WATR Projects
Discover what WATR is currently doing in the field of assistive technology (AT), explore its community impact, and expand your knowledge of AT innovations and services.
Publications
The WATR Publications page offers a variety of reports, bulletins, brochures, and educational resources—many available in Spanish and alternative formats upon request—with an option to subscribe to the monthly dispATch for updates on assistive technology news and events.
Forms
The WATR Forms page offers a variety of fillable forms pertaining to devices, assessments, AEM, and the AT Advisory Council.
Notice of Privacy Practices
The Wyoming Accessibility Center (WAC) adheres to the privacy practices for protected health informaiton. For more information regarding and to see our full notice, please download the PDF.
Notice of Privacy Practices for Protected Health Information (PDF)
WATR Team
The Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) team expands access to tools, education, and support that help individuals with disabilities across the state live, work, and play more independently.
May 23, 2025: WY Commemorates Assistive Tech Month
May 23, 2025 Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed the proclamation to commemorate Wyoming Assistive Technology Awareness Month at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, WY. In attendance were members of the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) Assistive Technology Advisory Council and WIND and WATR faculty and staff.
Top row left to right: Nick Wiseman, Krista Zwieg, Terri Wofford, Gene McDowell, Governor Mark Gordon, Michelle Jarman, Chele Mecomber Porter, Gisele Knopf, Rebekah Smith Hazelton, and Mr. Porter
Bottom row left to right: Shelby Kapper and guide dog Olana, Mason McDowell, Sam Burkett, and Kylie Porter
Assessments
WATR provides assistance in identifying appropriate assistive technology (AT) and/or augmentative alternative communication (AAC) for yourself, your student/client, or family member.
Our credentialed staff members are dedicated to providing current and high quality information about devices and services to increase knowledge and to facilitate participation in learning, communicating, and other life activities.
In an effort to meet the needs for AT/AAC, we are now providing three tiers of support services. During your initial request, WATR staff will complete an Intake Form designed to help us understand the AT/AAC needs. Upon completion of the Intake Form, WATR staff will discuss options of support, beginning with our Tier 1 services.
Tier 1 services may include any or all of the following:
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Information and assistance related to potential AT/AAC devices
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Device demonstration activities
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Device trials through the WATR loan program
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Technical assistance and training using the device
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Vendor information, cost, and possible sources of funding
If additional support following Tier 1 services is required, the participant may take advantage of Tier 2 services. Tier 2 services may include any or all of the following:
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A de-identified case presentation to the UW ECHO AT network and professional learning community
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Virtual consultation with a WATR AT/AAC specialist. Consultations will guide the individuals existing support team through the AT/AAC assessment process. WATR staff will provide a written 1-page summary of considerations and may include additional device trials and trainings.
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Follow-up to determine success with considerations following implementation
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Vendor information, cost, and possible sources of funding
The consumer does not incur a charge for any Tier 1 or 2 services.
If Tier 1 or Tier 2 services are unable to determine successful AT/AAC solutions, the participant may consider requesting an AT/AAC assessment. The AT/AAC assessment is a fee for service approach billed through the Wyoming Accessibility Center (WAC). Assessments are currently being conducted virtually. Please refer to the Fee for Service Rate Sheet for an outline of costs associated with the assessment.
For questions and to schedule an AT assessment contact WATR at (307) 766-2932 or watr@uwyo.edu.
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The Wyoming Accessibility Center (WAC) adheres to the privacy practices for protected health information. For more information regarding and to see our full notice, please download NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES FOR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION.
Wyoming AT Awareness Month Video Compilation
In May 2023, a series of compiled videos highlighting key initiatives and community impact stories were presented to Governor Mark Gordon as part of a formal lead-up to the proclamation signing. These videos were carefully curated to showcase the importance and reach of the programs being recognized, helping to contextualize the significance of the proclamation.
AT Advisory Council
In 2004, Governor Freudenthal designated the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND)
to be the lead agency to administer the state assistive technology project as authorized
by the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004. As a result, the Wyoming Assistive
Technology Resources program was established.
The WATR program serves Wyoming resident needs related to assistive technology, in
collaboration with the advisory committee. The legislation stipulates that we must
provide core activities, such as assistive technology loans, device demonstrations,
device, technical assistance, and dissemination of information. In addition, this
Act requires us to maintain an advisory council for the project to include members
who represent assistive technology users as well as key members who can support and
inform efforts in areas of education, health, independent living employment.
Responsibilities of this Council include attendance at bi-annual meetings where members will help the WATR team to evaluate, develop, and implement strategies for the core activities listed above.
Dates and times of the next council meeting will be announced.
Resources for Members of the WIND Assistive Technology Advisory Council.
Janna Walker
Chele Mecomber Porter, Chair
Kylie Porter
Cheryl Godley
Jenna Rector
Laurel Henry
Nicky Harper
Lori Regnier
Matthew Mayberry
Tawny Kelley
Brandi Martin
Tina Bennett
Caleb Hebbert
Hunter Jones
Lauren Hulit-White
Nicholas Wiseman
Rebekah Smith Hazelton
Steven Millward
Jennifer D'Alessandro, Vice Chair
Cortnee Fabrizius-Johnston
Karen Clark
Spencer Clark
Gene McDowell
Mason McDowell
Gaylene Ring-Guth
T.J. Mechem
Join our next AT Advisory Council meeting!
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) is looking for users of assistive technology/self-advocates, family members, and professionals who serve individuals with disabilities to join our Assistive Technology (AT) Advisory Council.
Consider joining our next Council meeting in the spring or fall! You can join through Zoom or in person at the designated location to learn about WATR and consider serving on our Council.
The WATR Council members advise the WATR staff about strategies to reach and serve individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals in Wyoming. The council also provides an opportunity for members to voice interests and views on issues related to device loans, trainings, demonstrations, research and information and assistance. The Council meets twice a year in the spring and fall with lodging and transportation reimbursement for Council members provided.
