Center for Innovative Design and Engineering

See you tomorrow at the Colorado Assistive Technology Expo!

Join CIDE on Friday, October 2 for a free, public event with over 30 assistive technology vendors. Try new tools hands-on, meet the people behind them, and connect with the AT community. There will also be swag, door prizes, and a certificate for your time.

We are also hosting a Make & Take workshop where you can create your own assistive technology tools to take home. Sign up when you arrive. Spots are first come, first served.

📅 Friday, October 2, 2026
🕙 10 AM to 3 PM
📍 The PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, CO 80138
🔗 https://www.ucdenver.edu/center-for-innovative-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/assistive-tech-in-k-12/professional-development/colorado-assistive-technology-expo

Winter storms, high winds, and wildfire risk can all knock out power. Most electric companies offer outage alerts by text, phone, or email.

Check your provider's website or call and ask:
📳 How do I sign up for outage alerts?
🚸 Can I get alerts for another address, like a family member I care for?
♿️ Do you have a medical priority program for customers who rely on powered medical equipment?

That last question matters if someone in your home uses a ventilator, home dialysis, or other powered medical equipment. Registering usually won't keep the power on, but it can mean earlier notice and extra outreach.

Xcel Energy customers in Colorado: update your contact preferences in your Xcel Energy account. If you rely on powered medical equipment, you may also qualify for the Backup Battery Rebate, which offers up to $10,000 toward backup power.

Learn more and apply: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/backup-battery-rebate

Are you an Xcel Energy customer who depends on powered medical equipment in Colorado wildfire country? You may qualify for up to $10,000 toward a backup battery system.

You are likely eligible if all three are true:
1) You are an Xcel Energy residential customer in Colorado.
2) Your service address is in Wildfire Risk Tier 2 or 3.
3) Someone in your home is enrolled in Xcel Energy's Medical Certification Program or the Colorado Medical Exemption Program.

Learn more and apply: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/backup-battery-rebate

Wildfire season carries significantly more risks for people relying on assistive technology and medical equipment. When a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is implemented to stop a fire, a person’s ventilator, oxygen concentrator, or medication fridge can immediately turn off. Xcel Energy’s PSPS Backup Battery Rebate Program can help those in Colorado facing this scenario. Eligible Colorado households can get up to $10,000 towards a backup battery system.

Learn more and apply at: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/backup-battery-rebate

We are expecting a great turn out at this amazing annual event! If you or someone you support uses or is interested in learning about assistive or adaptive technology, med tech, accessibility tools, or just gadgets to make daily life a little easier, we would love to see you there!

Join us at the Colorado Assistive Technology Expo 2026—free registration!

• 📍 Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center (Parker, CO)
• 🗓 October 2, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM

Register today → https://cvent.me/8oXg4E

Hosted by CIDE & SWAAAC


[Image: Top reads “Colorado Assistive Technology Expo 2026.” Photo of an expo hall scene with people milling in front of a tablecloth display with a representative. Text highlights read Free, open to the Public, 35+ vendors, Assistive tech products & services, Live demos + resources. Bottom reads October 2, 2026. 10 am – 3 pm. The Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center.]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

🎮 Did you know CIDE offers Adaptive Gaming Evaluations and Training?

Gaming should be accessible to everyone. Our clinic works with individuals with disabilities to find the right adaptive equipment and controls so they can play, connect, and have fun on their own terms.

Want to learn more? Reach out:
📧 [email protected]
📞 303-315-1280
🕐 Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm (MST)
🌐 ucdenver.edu/cide

Breaking Barriers, Changing Lives.

If you rely on an oxygen concentrator, CPAP, powered wheelchair, or other technology, do you have a plan for when the power goes out?
A battery backup is a great start. But step one is knowing how much power your equipment actually needs. Try our free calculator: https://www.ucdenver.edu/center-for-innovative-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/emergency-preparedness-services-new/surviving-in-place/backup-power-options/power-calculator

1 in 4 U.S. adults — about 61 million people — live with a disability.

Many of them rely on assistive technology to work, learn, communicate, and live independently. But building that technology well takes people who understand both the engineering and the person using it.

CU Denver's Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology & Inclusive Engineering is a program for exactly those people. Engineers and clinicians, learning together.

15 credits. Stackable with an MS in Biomedical Engineering. Supports RESNA ATP/RET exam prep. Built for working professionals.

Registration is open through August 1.

🔗 engineering.ucdenver.edu/BME/certificate-programs/assistive-technology-and-inclusive-engineering

Quick reminder to check out the Xcel PSPS Battery Rebate Program this month!
Right now, the rebate (up to $10,000) covers whole-home battery systems for Xcel customers enrolled in the medical certification program who live in wildfire risk areas.
Rebates for portable backup batteries will also be available beginning in August 2026.
If you know someone who 1) 🏘️ is an Xcel Energy residential customer in Colorado, 2) 🏥 is enrolled in Xcel's medical certification program, and 3) 🔥 lives in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 wildfire risk zone, please share this with them. We want to make sure that everyone who qualifies for this program knows it exists.
Program details: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/backup-battery-rebate
Emergency preparedness for people with disabilities involves unique challenges most guides miss. Our free training course covers what you actually need to know: https://www.ucdenver.edu/center-for-innovative-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/emergency-preparedness-services-new/training---courses/individuals---families

Emergency Preparedness Courses for Individuals & Families Hear from individuals with a variety of disabilities on how to prepare and improve your own readiness. Learn from personal stories and get suggestions for being prepared. 

Sixteen active wildfires are burning across Colorado right now. Fire season isn't over yet and burn scar areas are also facing flood and landslide risk this weekend.
If you or someone you care for relies on medical equipment or assistive technology, now is a good time to ask: do you have a plan?
We've put together three free printable resources specifically for people with disabilities and their families:

📄 What to do if your AT or medical equipment is damaged or destroyed in a disaster: https://www.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider38/ep-documents/planning-for-replacing-at-or-dme-after-an-emergency-or-disaster-final.pdf?sfvrsn=2c99d2ba_4

⚡ Power outages and assistive technology — what you need to know: https://www.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider38/ep-documents/at-power-outages.pdf?sfvrsn=c7908b9_12

💊 Personal medication chart — keep your information together before an emergency: https://www.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider38/ep-documents/personal-medication-chart-record.pdf?sfvrsn=213f70ba_6