Easterseals Redwood is a nonprofit that supports veterans, people with disabilities, and those experiencing financial hardships in Northern Kentucky.

The office also has an Assistive Technology Resource Center that's providing equipment for all Kentuckians.

So what is assistive technology and who can use it?

Our Emily Sisk has those answers as she gives us an up close look at the Northern Kentucky Resource Center.

When Shelly Lane comes into the Easterseals Redwood office in Fort Mitchell, she puts a smile on everyone's face.

You can't really think about Easterseals Redwood at this location without thinking about Shelly.

She's just this presence and this beacon of joy.

Shelly communicates through what's called an augmented alternative communication device, which is connected to her motorized wheelchair at the click of a few icons on her screen.

Shelly has access to 7000 words.

When I asked her about the equipment.

She had this to say.

Without my communication device, I would be bored.

The equipment Shelly uses and all of the equipment at Easterseals Redwoods Resource Center is known as assistive technology.

It includes anything from high tech communication to developmental toys for children and special readers for older adults.

We have just about anything that you could think of that would be able to help someone.

It also includes walkers and trainers for preschoolers like Oakley, who need a little extra help with their mobility.

She just lights up when she gets to play with everything, and so she has used just about anything in this room.

The purpose of the assistive Technology Resource Center is for anyone to be able to try out equipment before they purchase it themselves.

Julie Herman, the clinical director of Easterseals Redwood, said this helps individuals save time and money.

Some of these devices are incredibly expensive and you don't want to spend money on something that is not going to meet the needs of the individual that you got it for.

I don't want to go out and buy all this expensive stuff and find out this is not going to help me.

This location is one of five resource centers across the state as part of the Kentucky Assistive Technology System.

The workers emphasized that any Kentucky resident, regardless of financial status, can come try out the equipment for 30 days.

And for parents who have a child up to three years old who isn't hitting developmental milestones.

The state of Kentucky pays for even longer rentals.

If a family ends up having a child that has some level of medical complexity or disability or something like that, they might not even know where to start.

For folks interested in seeing what all resources are available.

The worker suggested to come on in and test things out.

I've had actually therapists coming in like I have not used any of this equipment.

Can you please show me what is this one, what this one does or how I can get this?

I'm like, well, let's go play.

Let's figure this out and if it'll work for you or not.

For Kentucky edition, I'm Emily Sisk.

Thank you, thank you.

The Easterseals Redwood office rented out 400 pieces of assistive technology just last year.