TECHNOLOGY

An Open Letter to Users of Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library

Dear Borrower:

As you may know, Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is primarily funded with state dollars, supplemented by some federal funding through Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT). In addition, small cash donations from appreciative borrowers, as well as in-kind donations from various vendors and manufacturers, help support the program. We are proud of the record the Lending Library has, each year enabling thousands of Pennsylvanians with disabilities of all ages to make a decision about the assistive technology (AT) that can help them at work, at school, and in their everyday activities. People are also able to borrow the device they need while they wait for funding or the repair of their own device. This free program is unique, operating through a centralized inventory that ships a device to a borrower anywhere in the Commonwealth.

Due to loss of state funds, we are at a critical juncture in the operation of the program. You may have already experienced a waiting list for popular items, due to several years of funding cutbacks. These cutbacks have affected our ability to maintain a sufficient supply devices and impeded our ability to purchase the newest products on the market. You may find some of the following changes coming to the program over the next 6-12 months:

1. Continued wait lists for the most popular devices.
2. Lack of current products.
3. Request that you pay for part or all of the shipping costs.
4. Request that you PICK UP and RETURN the item to a regional Assistive Technology Resource Center.
5. A rental or "membership fee" for providers who borrow devices for fee-generating activities (e.g. assessments).
6. A rental or "membership fee" for university faculty who borrow (or require their students to borrow) devices for a class presentation or assignment.

For more information on impending changes or how you can support the program, or to provide us with feedback, please feel free to contact me (amy.goldman@temple.edu, 800-204-7428) or your Assistive Technology Resource Center.

What is Assistive Technology?

"Assistive Technology" includes devices that people with disabilities can use to help themselves communicate, learn, travel, do household chores, care for themselves, and have fun. An Assistive Technology device is defined in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

Assistive technology services are defined as "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device."

What is Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library?

Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is a free service that loans assistive technology devices to people with disabilities. It's available to Pennsylvanians of all ages and disabilities.

Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Annual Report

Download the Annual Report (PDF, 263KB). This is the 13th full year of operation for this program which was utilized by Pennsylvanians with disabilities, their families, and service providers, taking advantage of this unique opportunity to "try before you buy." The Lending Library enables individuals to make decisions about the assistive devices that will help them. Between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, almost 3700 devices were sent to borrowers—from 63 counties—who made more than 3215 separate requests for devices.

What Assistive Technology is available and how do I borrow it?

Requests for devices can be made by you, a family member, friend or advocate, or someone who is helping you with your assistive technology needs (e.g., a therapist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor).

How do I borrow an Assistive Technology device?

Visit this page for complete instructions.

What if you don't have the item I need?

You can suggest an item for the Lending Library.

Do you have answers to frequently asked questions?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page

Who can I contact for more information?

For Technical Information & Support:

Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRC)—Regional

For General Information: PIAT, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology:

Voice: 800-204-PIAT
TTY: 866-268-0579
FAX: 215-204-6336

or Email: atlend@temple.edu.

More About Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library

THE AT LENDING LIBRARY IS PRIMARILY SUPPORTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH FUNDING THROUGH THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, PA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY. IN ADDITION, THE LENDING LIBRARY RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION PROVIDED TO THE INSTITUTE ON DISABILITIES AS A PART OF PENNSYLVANIA'S INITIATIVE ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, THE COMMONWEALTH'S ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT PROGRAM. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM USERS OF THE LENDING LIBRARY ALSO HELP TO CONTINUE AND EXPAND THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM.

Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is a program of Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT).

PIAT, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology

PIAT is a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, Pennsylvania's UCEDD—University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Technology Programs

All Programs

Home Page