NEAT AT Lending Library

The New England Assistive Technology Marketplace Introduces

The NEAT Assistive Technology Lending Library

The New England Assistive Technology Marketplace is proud to announce a new addition - The NEAT Assistive Technology Lending Library. This new library enables Professional Members of NEAT to borrow assistive technology devices for the purpose of demonstration, evaluation, training, assessment and trial use. The NEAT AT Lending Library addresses the needs of the NEAT Professional Members and, as a result, individuals with disabilities by allowing for the trial of equipment to determine appropriateness prior to the purchase of devices. The Lending Library was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Roosa Family Foundation.

This addition to the NEAT Marketplace will increase access to, and awareness of assistive technology devices for many people in the New England region. The ability for professionals to have access to equipment for trial purposes is limited or nonexistent. Often assistive technology devices are purchased without a trail period or purchased through catalogs sight unseen. Approximately 40% of all purchased AT equipment is abandoned, some of it due to inappropriate choice of equipment, resulting in millions of State, Federal and private funds wasted. The NEAT AT Lending Library provides an inexpensive way to access equipment for trial purposes that could potentially save dollars. The NEAT Marketplace is uniquely designed to create access to the wide range of assistive technology devices currently available. The AT Lending Library will allow professionals to have access to a selection of assistive technology devices that are not easily available for their use in schools, home and the workplace.

The AT Lending Library currently includes the following equipment…

ABC, Big Keys, Intellikeys and Mini Keyboards

Big Red, Grasp, Jelly Bean, Lever, Pillow and Specs Switches

Ergo, Mini, Roller Plus and BIGtrack trackballs

Arm Supports and Mounts

Expert Pro, Mini TrackBall, Palm and Switch Adapted Mouses

PC Control and Roller Plus Joysticks

Step by Step Communicators

Writer Learning System by Advanced Keyboard Technologies

More equipment will be added as funding allows. For a complete list of AT devices available please visit our website at www.neatmarketplace.org.

The NEAT AT Lending Library inventory, policy & procedure and loan forms are available on line or in hard copy. Professionals may download the lending paperwork or request that the form is mailed to them. AT Lending Library users may borrow equipment for 2,4,or 6 weeks and longer time spans by arrangement. Borrowed equipment can be picked up or shipped at the expense of the borrower.

At this time, the NEAT AT Lending Library is available to paid Professional Members in good standing. To find out more about becoming a NEAT Member call 860-243-2869 or email to bakerj@neatmarketplace.org; or visit our website www.neatmarketplace.org.