TECHNOLOGY

Support Funding Assistance: The Jean Griswold Assistive Technology Service Fund

Assistance in Using Equipment Borrowed from PA's Assistive Technology Lending Library

When borrowing complex equipment from the Lending Library, it is necessary to have a support person to make sure you are able to use the equipment. If you can't figure out how to use the device you are borrowing, you won't be able to make a decision about whether it is the "right" device for you! You will be asked to identify your support person on your application to borrow equipment.

Your Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) can help you find a support person, if you don't already have a therapist, educator, or some other individual helping you with your assistive technology needs. The support person may be a person who sells the equipment the device you want to borrow, someone you know who uses the same equipment, or any other person you believe has the skills to assist you in setting up and using the device. Your ATRC may be able to be your support person, but only for a limited amount of time (no more than two hours) and only if you have no other way to arrange or pay for support.

There are limited "scholarships" to pay for support services through the Griswold Fund made possible by a generous contribution from Jean Griswold .

If you have borrowed a complex device, you will receive a call from your ATRC during the first few weeks of the loan, to ask you how you are doing. If you are unable to get the help you needed from your support person, you should feel free to ask for assistance.

What is the Jean Griswold Assistive Technology Service Fund?

The Jean Griswold Assistive Technology Service Fund was created to provide scholarships to individuals with disabilities and their families who want to borrow complex devices from Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library (ATLL), but do not have the resources to pay for the support services necessary for a meaningful trial with the device. This Fund was made possible by a generous gift from Mrs. Jean Griswold, in honor of the assistance that had been provided to her through the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Some individuals have insurance that will pay for services to learn how to set up and use an assistive technology device, but many do not. Sometimes, vendors may be willing to provide support services, since it is more likely that someone who has a satisfactory trial period with their product will pursue obtaining it. However, not all vendors or manufacturers provide that kind of service. Your Assistive Technology Resource Center can help you identify individuals who can provide support services.

The Griswold Assistive Technology (AT) Service Fund will pay for necessary supports ONLY for eligible individuals who wish to borrow a device from the Assistive Technology Lending Library, who have no other way to obtain those supports.

Who is eligible?

1. You are an individual with disabilities (or a family member, on behalf of the individual).
2. You are a Pennsylvania resident.
3. You wish to borrow a complex device from Pennsylvania's AT Lending Library in order to make a decision about whether the device will help you.
4. You have completed a Device Loan Request Form to borrow a device that requires "support."
5. You have no insurance or other resources to pay for required support.
6. You have completed the application for the Griswold AT Service Fund.

How do I apply?

1. Download a printable copy of the application (Word, 42KB)

2. Complete and sign the application, and send it to:

AT Service Fund/PA's AT Lending Library
Institute on Disabilities
University Services Building Suite 610
Temple University
1601 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

For Questions or Assistance

If you have any questions about the Griswold Assistive Technology Service Fund or if you need assistance in completing the application, please contact us at:
800-204-7428 voice
866-268-0579 TTY
Email: fundAT@temple.edu

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