Empowering Independence: UATP's 35-Year Legacy in Photos
Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) has been serving Utahns for over 35 years. Founded in 1989 by Marvin Fifield after the passage of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, UATP began as an advocacy effort to improve access to assistive technology (AT). Over the years, it has grown to offer device loans and demonstrations, financial assistance, AT reuse, and training.
Today, UATP operates from three locations in Utah—Logan, Salt Lake City, and the Uintah Basin—and also runs a mobile van serving Southern and rural areas of the state.
Since its inception, the program has helped thousands of Utahns access the tools and technology they need to live, work, and engage with their communities. In 2024 alone, UATP loaned 323 devices, reused 480 devices, fabricated 74 devices and trained 1,837 people.
Don McMahon, parent and UATP loan recipient said he has “seen the Utah Assistive Technology Program make a difference in people’s lives and give them freedom to be involved in the community by providing technology that changes peoples lives.”
As we celebrate UATP’s impact, we’re taking a look back at a few of our favorite projects and success stories over the years.
Image (right): Gerald standing in front of his truck. "The folks at Microenterprise helped me develop my concept and business plan," Gerald said. "The experience of starting my own business was scary, but the UATF and the Microenterprise Loan Fund helped me understand what to expect when owning a small business."
Gerald wanted a way to continue working and maintain his independence after losing his leg. A longtime truck driver, he could no longer operate his truck as it required the use of a clutch. Through a loan from the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation, Gerald was able to purchase an automatic truck and launch his own driving business, Big 9 Transport.
Image (left): Jack leading Honey the horse around the arena. To help, UATP fabricated a modified power wheelchair by bolting wheels together to make them twice as wide, allowing for better movement through the sand. The chair was also equipped with hydraulics that allowed Jack to raise himself up a foot to groom horses. "It allows me to move through the arena more freely, without getting stuck in the dirt," he said. "It’s a lot more fluid in the power chair."
Jack, an equine science student at Utah State University, had been riding horses for as long as he could remember. But navigating the USU arena sand in a manual wheelchair made training difficult—he often found himself moving in circles while trying to lead a horse or use a training tool.
Image (right): Diane standing on platform at register. "It's working really well," Diane said. "It's very lightweight. You can move it easily."
Diane needed a better way to reach the keypad and interact with shoppers at her job. UATP designed and built a platform that raised her workstation, complete with non-slip padding and handles.
Image (left): Parker riding in front of bike pedaled by his father. "It's been a godsend to us," Parker's dad said. "Everything just fell together, one piece after another." While Parker does not use words to communicate, his love for biking is unmistakable. “We don’t have to ask him twice if he wants to go.”
Parker's family loved biking together, but when Parker outgrew the bike trailer they had been using to tow him, they turned to UATP for a solution. UATP fabricated a custom seat using parts from five bikes, a high-end jogging stroller, a custom box, and a modified chair.
Assistive Technology for Independence
AT is not just for one age group or one aspect of life—it can enhance quality of life and support independence in a manner that is tailored to individual needs.
UATP is dedicated to helping individuals find and customize the right solutions to fit their needs and lifestyle. If you or someone you know could benefit from AT, reach out to us to learn more by calling 1-800-524-5152 or visit the UATP website.