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.
NEW: Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library Annual Report (MS Word, 244KB). The 10th year of this program saw record utilization by Pennsylvanians with disbilities, 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, 2006 and June 30, 2007, almost 6,000 devices were sent to borrowers from ALL 67 counties who made more than 4,390 separate requests for devices.
What Assistive Technology is available and how do I borrow it?
For a complete list of devices, see the Equipment Catalog. 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?
What if we don't have the item you need?
If you don't see the item you want, 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?
There are local
branches in many counties in Pennsylvania that can give you general
information about the program and help you fill out application forms.
For more technical information and support, you can contact your regional Assistive
Technology Resource Center (ATRC). Or call 877-722-8536 (voice),
866-268-0579 (TTY), or email to atlend@temple.edu.
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 the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.
For more information about the AT Lending Library, contact us. For more information about Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) and other programs of the Institute on Disabilities call:
Toll free: 877-722-8536 (voice),
Voice: 800-204-PIAT (in-state only)
TTY: 866-268-0579 (in-state only)
FAX: 215-204-9371
or Email: atlend@temple.edu.
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