Assistive Technology
Assistive technology makes things possible for people with disabilities. We were founded for this purpose in 1988, and we continue the tradition to this day. Our state-wide assistive technology specialists equip individuals with adaptive and rehabilitative devices. Assistive technology can overcome barriers through physical modification, vision services, and communication supports, and workplace accommodations.
We offer a variety of services, including but not limited to:
- Information and tours for assistive technology.
- Demonstrations of both low-tech and high-tech devices.
- A reuse and loan program for devices and equipment.
- Adaptations for computers and smartphones.
- Workplace accommodations and accessibility.
- Tours, device demonstrations, and reuse services are free (donations are welcome).
Prices and funding vary for other services. Assistive Technology comes in many shapes and sizes, but in every scenario, its primary purpose is to improve the quality of the life for the person using it.
For more information on AT Services, please see our AT Services Flyer (PDF)
Contact Information
Jennifer Cunningham, OTR/L, ATP
Vice President of Client Services
Jennifer.Cunningham@star-center.org
1-800-464-5619
Meet our Statewide Assistive Technology Team
Billie Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP
Jackson, West TN
Billie has been working as a Speech-Language Pathologist since earning her Master's degree from UT Knoxville in 2007. She has experience working in multiple settings: schools, hospitals (both acute and rehab settings), nursing homes, and private practice. She enjoys technology and how it can be used to improve functional communication across multiple settings.
Christie Elliott, MA, COMS, CATIS
Jackson, West TN
Christie joined the STAR Center staff in 2005. She earned a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation of the Blind in 2015 and earned a Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology in 2022. She is both a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) for individuals with visual impairments. Christie enjoys helping people find tools to realize their full potential and increase independence in their daily lives.
Jennifer Cunningham, OTR/L, ATP
Jackson, West TN
Jennifer is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of Tennessee, Health Sciences Center in 1992. She worked in various areas of physical rehabilitation prior to joining the STAR Center in October of 2000. Jennifer holds an additional accreditation as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and enjoys finding solutions for individuals with a variety of disabilities.
Lindsey Wilkerson, MS, CMHC
Jackson, West TN
Lindsey received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University in 2014. She is a generalist in the field of Assistive Technology, utilizing a variety of devices to support individuals with physical, sensory, and invisible disabilities. She has been a member of the STAR Center staff since April 2015. Lindsey is passionate about integrating technology to improve an individual’s mental health and quality of life.
Gwen Foxx, MA, COTA/L
Memphis, West TN
In 2014 Gwen earned an MA in Teaching and Learning, with a Specialization in Technology from Ashford University. Prior to joining the STAR Center in 2023 Gwen worked in Pediatrics, Home Health, Long Term Care, and School-Based settings. She served for 9 1/2 years as an Occupational Therapy Assistant Professor, Program Director, and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. Her passion is to assist persons from all walks of life in achieving increased independence in meaningful “occupations” through the use of assistive technology.
Tara Janssen, MS, OTR/L
Clarksville, Middle TN
Tara graduated with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Utica College in New York in 2009. Prior to joining STAR Center in January of 2020, Tara worked at Fort Drum rehabilitating Army soldiers who had sustained traumatic brain injuries. Her passions lie with serving veterans, working with those with physical impairments, and integrating technology into the lives of farmers with disabilities through STAR’s partnership with the TN AgrAbility Project.
Jeremy St. Pierre, M.Ed.
Murfreesboro, Middle TN
Jeremy graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Assistive Technology from Bowling Green State University in 2018. Prior to joining STAR Center in January of 2023, Jeremy worked at Rutherford County Schools as a Special Education Teacher. His passion lies with serving individuals with disabilities by increasing independence and supporting their personal, vocational, and higher education goals through the use of Assistive Technology.
Lizzie Harris, SLP-A
Chattanooga, Southeast TN
Lizzie earned her degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and worked as an SLP-A in Oregon for 2 years after graduating. She provides AT services of all kinds, but her main point of interest is in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Her favorite part of Assistive Technology is its ability to give someone experiences they never thought possible, no matter how small.
Rich Henderson, MS, OTR/L
Knoxville, East TN
Rich graduated with a Master's Degree from Milligan University in 2013 and has since served as an Occupational Therapist OTR/L helping individuals regain their independence. After joining the STAR Center in October of 2021, Rich states that he has been exposed to a whole new world in helping others with disabilities through assistive technology and adaptive aids, and that it is his calling.