Assistive Technology: Loan Program

2014

The Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program at the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) provides AT equipment on a short-term basis for individuals across the lifespan. Currently, there are five components to the loan program. They include the following: TECHNOLOGY LOAN PROGRAM FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS - This was WIHD's initial loan program started over fifteen years ago. This program serves children in Westchester (birth-5), Rockland (birth-3), and Putnam (birth-3) counties. Various agencies collaborate in this program. WIHD has primary responsibility for creating and housing the program, for managing all loan program activities, and for collecting data on program implementation. The Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities Assistive Technology/TRAID Project along with the NYS Department of Health (DOH) Early Intervention Program provide partial funding for equipment loan libraries for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The Westchester County DOH provides funding for two full days of staffing for the loan program and provides funds annually to purchase additional equipment/devices for the program. The Rockland and Putnam Counties' DOH participate in information dissemination and referral of children birth-3. SCHOOL-AGED ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN PROGRAM- In 2006, the Assistive Technology Program received grant money from the Westchester Community Foundation and the Carvel Foundation to develop a school-aged AT loan program. The funds were used to develop an operational and business plan for WIHD to collaborate with the Mid-Westchester Consortium, consisting of the following school districts; Briarcliff, Mt. Pleasant, Valhalla, Pocantico Hills, Irvington, Tarrytown and Elmsford to create a School Age Assistive Technology (SAAT) loan program for school-aged students. The result of this initiative was the development of the Schools of Westchester Assistive Technology Teams (SWAT Teams). This model provided school districts with options for AT training to assist in developing district level capacity in AT evaluation and intervention; access to consultation services, as needed; and access to an AT Library modeled after the Loan Program for Infants and Toddlers. In this model, school districts buy into a library service giving them access to technology for evaluation and extended trials. Staff from participating school districts are trained in the use of loan program devices, in data collection procedures for determining the effectiveness of devices, and in integrating the use of devices in appropriate instructional activities. Data can be collected on program implementation, student outcomes, school district outcomes, and cost effectiveness. LOAN PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES - In 2007, the AT Program received funding from the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation ($14,698.00) to develop an AT loan program to serve adults with acquired disabilities. This program makes technology available for individuals to use while they are completing the evaluation process or when waiting for insurance approval for their own device.

Assistive Technology Loan Program , Early Intervention,

Developing & Disseminating Information, Other Direct/Model Services

Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Specific Groups

Mulit-County

N/A