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Assistive Technology Equipment Loan Programs Information Center

Organizations that loan assistive products for temporary use or evaluation.

State Organizations

Alabama

1. Alabama Statewide Assistive Technology Access and Response Program
   The mission of the Alabama Statewide Assistive Technology Access and Response (STAR) Program program is to enhance independence, productivity and quality of life for all Alabamians with disabilities through access to assistive technology devices and services. STAR's services include Ability loans; assistive technology devices and services; equipment loan program; an information and referral service; and specialized training programs.

Arizona

1. Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
   The mission of the AzTAP is to (a) increase access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services for individuals with disabilities and their families, and (b) facilitate the development of a consumer-responsive AT service delivery system. Program staff work with consumers, service providers, state agencies, private industry, legislators, and other interested individuals to facilitate the development of a statewide system to provide AT services.
2. Services Maximizing Independent Living and Empowerment
   A Yuma, Arizona based non-profit organization, serving the disabled citizens of Yuma, offering such services as: support groups, home modifications, adaptive equipment lab, assistive technology showroom and lab, blind services, equipment loans, peer mentoring, and advocacy.

California

1. Assistive Technology Exchange Center
   A service of Goodwill of Orange County, CA, ATEC is a resource for any item of equipment or technology used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities for individuals with disabilities at home, school, or work. ATEC will provide assessment and a tailored recommendation that identifies the appropriate assistive technology, training, and support that can meet the needs of a person with a disability. This assessment, upon request, can include vendor information and quotes regarding any equipment that has been recommended. ATEC is vendored by the Department of Rehabilitation, Regional Center of Orange County. ATEC also accepts Medi-Cal Insurance as well as private pay. ATEC also operated an Equipment Loan Program (ELP) allowing children and adults with disabilities to borrow assistive products.
2. AT Exchange at the AT Network
   Formerly the California Assistive Technology Exchange, the AT Exchange is a service of the AT Network. The AT Exchange connects Californians to the AT devices they need to live independently. Users will find new and used low and high-tech devices for people with disabilities that include magnifiers, mobility devices, hardware and software. In California, there are 13 device lending libraries and some reuse centers that loan out or distribute AT devices for free or at a low cost. On the AT Exchange site, people can search what is available and find the devices that work best for them. They also can - borrow devices to try; find used devices for free or low cost; sell used devices; give away devices; and place want ads for devices they need.
3. AT Network
   The AT Network is a statewide project of the California Department of Rehabilitation administered by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Inc. The AT Network includes 29 independent living centers (ILCs) in California and a number of service providers and AT vendors. It is dedicated to expanding the accessibility to assistive technologies that can help increase independence, improve personal productivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Californians. Services of the AT Network include a free information and referral line, device lending libraries, low interest loans, a used device exchange, training programs, public policy analysis and advocacy on behalf of the disability community.

Connecticut

1. Connecticut TRS Distribution Program
   The CTRS Distribution Program loans telecommunication equipment to Connecticut residents who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.

Delaware

1. Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
   Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) focuses on improving public awareness, public access to information, funding for assistive technology devices and services, training and technical assistance, and coordination of statewide activities. The project has established Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) in each of Delaware's counties. These centers are barrier-free and open to the public. Assistive technology devices and materials are available to try out, and some devices are available for short-term loan.

Hawaii

1. Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii
   ATRC is a statewide, non-profit organization that is the state assistive technology project for Hawaii. ATRC also offers an equipment loan program, a computer training lab (on-site and mobile), a state-sponsored low-interest loan program for A.T., and a variety of other services.

Illinois

1. Illinois Assistive Technology Program
   The Illinois Assistive Technology Project offers assistance in finding appropriate assistive products; operates a demonstration center and an equipment loan program. It also offers a low-interest cash loan program for purchasing A.T.
2. Illinois Telecommunications Access Corp.
   ITAC provides the Illinois Relay Service and free TTY Loan Program to citizens of Illinois who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-impaired, on behalf of the 100+ telephone carriers in Illinois.
3. United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln
   United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln (formerly United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Illinois) serves individuals with developmental disabilities in Macon, Piatt, Dewitt, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, Cumberland, Champaign and Shelby counties in Illinois. UCP of ECI provides family support services, early intervention services, transitioning case management and adaptive toy and equipment loan program and an informational library.

Indiana

1. Indiana Equipment Distribution Program
   The purpose of the program is to loan a special telephone device to Indiana citizens who have telephone service and are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired. Those who are eligible will be loaned one device, a telephone ringing light flasher, a surge protector, and a carrying case.

Kansas

1. Assistive Technology for Kansans Program
   Assistive Technology for Kansans offers an online source for information about the ATK Project, its activities, resources and links to other partners and programs with similar objectives. The Assistive Technology for Kansans Project has established an Interagency Equipment Loan System that contains a variety of devices that people in Kansas can borrow on a trial basis, before they purchase equipment for themselves. The Kansas Equipment Exchange offers reconditioned durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs and lifts, availabe for Kansans who meet the program's guidelines.
2. Assistive Technology Resource Center (Kansas)
   A statewide service of the Kansas School for the Blind, the ATRC helps Kansas schools meet their obligation to provide AT to students with visual impairments and other additional disabilities. The AT Loan Library offers student evaluations, staff training, and the provision of AT equipment on a short-term loan or lease arrangement.
3. Kansas Equipment Exchange
   The Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE) Program is designed to help more Kansans obtain affordable medical equipment. In cooperation with Medicaid and other agencies, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other durable medical equipment(DME) that is no longer being used is returned to the program, refurbished, and made available for other Kansans to use. KEE also accepts donated equipment from individuals. The Equipment Exchange is operated by Assistive Technology for Kansans.

Maine

1. Maine Center on Deafness Equipment Program
   Through the Maine Center on Deafness Equipment Program both Telecommunications (TEP) and Emergency Notification System (ENS) equipment are available. Depending on your income there are three options available to obtain equipment: lending, cost-Share, and direct purchase.
2. University of Maine at Farmington Center for Assistive Technology
   "The Center for Assistive Technology provides information about assistive technology (AT), how to use and evaluate various AT devices, and a place to view AT equipment."

Maryland

1. Maryland Technology Assistance Program
   The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP) provides a statewide, consumer responsive system of technical assistance for individuals with disabilities. MD TAP programs include the Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program and the Telework Loan Program, which provide alternative financing for assistive technology; AT:LAST, an AT purchasing cooperative for Maryland schools; information and referral services; the Equipment Demonstration Program and Equipment Loan Program, which allow individuals with disabilities to try or borrow equipment before making a purchase; and AT training at the Workforce and Technology Center in Baltimore. MD TAP also sponsors protection and advocacy services through the Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC).
2. Washington Area Wheelchair Society
   The Washington Area Wheelchair Society provides a variety of services to people in Maryland and Washington, DC. It is run entirely by volunteers for the purpose of providing equipment to local residents with disabilities who are in need. The Society accepts all donate durable medical equipment and provides storage, parts and repairs using volunteer labor.

Minnesota

1. Minnesota Telephone Equipment Distribution Program
   The TED Program provides telephone equipment to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, speech impaired or have a physical disability and need adaptive equipment in order to use the phone. The equipment is loaned out at no cost as a long-term loan. Available equipment include Captel phones, light flashing ring signalers, TTYs, amplified telephones, loud ringers, hands free speakerphones and more.

Mississippi

1. Toy Library and Technical Learning Center
   The Toy Library and Technology Learning Center is a community based, university-directed, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing education, independence and quality of life for persons with disabilities. TLC serves children and adults with disabilities, their families ,teachers, and other special education professionals through specialized training and loan of assistive technology and recreation. The Center is part of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Montana

1. MonTECH
   MonTECH provides free, confidential information about assistive technology devices and services for Montanans of all ages. The project operates a technology demonstration and evaluation center called the Montana Technology Access Center (MTAC), located on the University of Montana campus. It maintains a statewide database of available assistive technology devices. MonTECH operates an Assistive Technology Loan Program in which loans are available for eligible Montana residents or military personnel and their families who are stationed in Montana. Through a partnership with Community Bank-Missoula, loans are made at an interest rate equal to the prime rate in effect at the time the loan is made.

New Hampshire

1. ATech Services - Alliance for Assistive Technology, Education and Community Health
   ATech Services is a grant-funded non-profit organization that provides assistive technology services for New Hampshire residents with disabilities. Services include Exploration Centers where devices can be tried out; an equipment loan program offering short term loans of devices such as video magnifiers or canes, and long-term loans of FM assistive listening systems; and a Marketplace for sale or rental of used home medical equipment,

New Jersey

1. Assistive Listening Technology Loan Program
   The Assistive Listening Technology Loan Program provides FM amplification systems for use by New Jersey residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. The ALD Lending Library has two types of FM systems available: a Personal FM System, and a Wide Area FM System. The personal system can also be used in conjunction with a conference microphone. The wide area system can use its own microphone, or the sound system in an auditorium or other facility can be plugged directly into it. Neckloops and patch cords are available for connecting these systems to a hearing aid or cochlear implant. The loan program is run through eleven regional libraries, called Regional Resource Centers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, one of which is the NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped in Trenton. The program is a joint effort of the NJLBH and the New Jersey Division of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing.

New York

1. TRAID Project
   TRAID, Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities, provides partial funding to New York's 12 Regional TRAID Centers (RTCs), where staff provide information, training, device demonstration and loan, technical assistance and advocacy on how to obtain and use assistive technology services and devices. In collaboration with the New York State Department of Health Early Intervention Program, the TRAID Project provides partial funding to the RTCs for equipment loan libraries for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. TRAID also operates and maintains the TRAID-IN Equipment Exchange program, which is a service for individuals who are looking to sell, donate or obtain used assistive devices for people with disabilities. An Equipment Loan Fund provides low interest loans for purchase of assistive technology.
2. United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC) New York Technology Resource Center
   The United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP)Technology Resource Center is a federally funded project administered by the New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. Its purpose is to provide resources for consumers, families, clinicians, educators, and anyone in New York City interested in finding more about assistive technology information and referrals, tech/work demonstration centers, augmentative communication centers, training, lending libraries, and equipment exchange programs.

North Dakota

1. North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology
   The Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) increases access to assistive technology in North Dakota by engaging in activities that raise awareness, disseminate information, provide training and assessments, work with policy makers, loan equipment for trial-use, and demonstrate assistive technology (AT) devices to individuals of all ages with disabilities and those experiencing the effects of aging throughout the state. IPAT increases AT acquisition by making available a used equipment bulletin board and an alternative financial loan program specific to the purchase of AT devices and services.

Ohio

1. Ability Center of Greater Toledo
   A center for independent living in Ohio. Among its many services, the center offers a disability-related equipment loan service that loans equipment to individuals for a brief period of time.

Oklahoma

1. Oklahoma ABLE Tech
   "The purpose of ABLE Tech is to make assistive technology devices and services more available and accessible to individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE Tech accomplishes this purpose by providing AT through a short term equipment loan program, AT demonstration centers, re-utilization of AT through the Oklahoma Equipment Connection and a low interest bank loan for AT. In addition, ABLE Tech provides information and referral services, training on various AT topics and collaborates with state agencies and organization to enhance the understanding and access to AT. ABLE Tech is funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Service Administration."

Pennsylvania

1. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
   The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education working in partnership with families and local education agencies to support programs and services to improve learning and achievement for students with disabilities. PaTTAN has three regional offices, with locations in King of Prussia and Harrisburg, in addition to Pittsburgh. These offices develop training courses, offer technical assistance, and provide resources to build the skills of intermediate unit and school personnel, in order to improve student achievement. Each regional office serves specific intermediate units.
2. Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library
   Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is a free service that loans assistive technology devices to Pennsylvanians of all ages and disabilities. The service is administered through the nine regional Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) located throughout the state.

Tennessee

1. Tennessee Technology Access Project
   "The Tennessee Technology Access Project (TTAP) is a statewide program designed to increase access to, and acquisition of, assistive technology devices and services. Through it’s four core programs: Funding Assistance, Device Demonstration, Device Loan and Device Reutilization, TTAP and a network of five assistive technology centers help people with disabilities and their families find and get the tools that they need to live independent, productive lives where and how they choose."

Texas

1. Discover Technology, Inc.
   Discover Technology Inc. is a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization based in Houston Texas, which lends computer equipment and gives classes for groups that help people with disabilities in the Houston area, with the main focus on the mentally retarded population. It also has a pen pal program for the disabled population called Discover A Pal. Discover Technology loans to groups cost-free computers, hardware, software, adaptive technology, and prepared presentations. The title to loaned items remains with Discover Technology. The computers that Discover Technology brings in are set up, then continually configured, monitored and upgraded. Classes are designed for a variety of activities, including learning computer techniques; using educational software designed for persons with disabilities; playing with fun software appropriate for persons with disabilities (as researched by Discover Technology); surfing the internet; accessing Discover Technology’s “Discover a Pal” pen pal program to communicate with others with disabilities; sending e-mail to friends and family (internet and e-mail contacts are monitored for content); creating reports and presentations; composing poetry; and writing and publishing class newsletters. Its programs also help prepare persons with disabilities for employment.

Virginia

1. Virginia Technology Assistance Program
   TAP makes a variety of assistive devices, including TTYs, amplified telephones, captioned telephones, and telephone ring signalers, available to qualified applicants. The program also includes TAPLOAN, which makes devices available to loan to individuals, businesses, and state agencies, and demonstration centers that allow people the opportunity to try out a wide variety of equipment before purchase.

Washington

1. Washington Access Fund
   The Washington Access Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to improving the socio-economic circumstances of people with disabilities through access to technology. The Fund provides low-interest loans to help Washington residents with disabilities obtain the technologies and business equipment they need to live independently and to succeed at school, at work, at play and in the community. Assistive Technology Loans can be used for any type of assistive device or service, for vehicle modifications, or for home modifications. Telework Loans can be used for business equipment and related services that will enable the borrower to work from home as an entrepreneur or an employee. In addition to its loan programs, the Fund also has a limited number of video magnifiers (CCTVs) available for long-term rental to Washington residents of all ages.
2. Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
   "The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library houses a varied collection of books and magazines on cassette. Special cassette players needed to play these materials are provided free of charge to registered users."

West Virginia

1. West Virginia Assistive Technology System
   The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) is dedicated to increasing awareness of and access to assistive technology (AT) for West Virginians of all ages and all types of disabilities. WVATS Regional Resource Centers provide AT lending libraries, toll-free information hotlines, and AT demonstrations. WVATS is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education,

Wyoming

1. WIND Assistive Technology Resources Project
   Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources is Wyoming's assistive technology project. WATR's aim is to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology in the areas of education, employment, community living, and IT/telecommunications. WATR programs include a Device Loan Center, Device Reutilization Programs, Training and Technical Assistance, a Device Demonstration Center, and the Wyoming Technology Assistance Program, which offers low-interest loans for purchasers of assistive technology.