Short-Term Device Loans
When individuals with disabilities, their families and qualified professionals are able to borrow AT devices and assess them in the individual's normal environments, they are then better able to determine if the devices meet their needs or the needs of individuals with disabilities they are serving. They are then able to make informed choices about what device to purchase or whether to purchase a device at all.
The Texas Technology Access Program is designed to meet the needs of persons not served by existing agency loan programs. Texas residents may borrow assistive technology devices for a period of six weeks. The device loans are free and we even pay for the shipping!
For a current inventory, please see our website at http://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu/loan.
Device loans:
- are free
- are for 6 weeks and may be renewed if the device has not been requested by another borrower
- available to anyone in Texas
- shipping both ways is free
Loans are available to people with disabilities, family members, educators, service providers, employers. As a borrower you must be responsible and agree to treat the device with care, return the device on time, and pay for repair or replacement of the device if damaged due to abuse or neglect.
While some assistive technology devices are easy to understand and use, many require special training, set-up and support. Those devices that require special support are indicated in the Current Inventory List. If you request one of these items you will need to have a support person available in order to borrow the equipment. Section 2 in the Loan Request Form asks for information about your support person. Support persons are often teachers, occupational, physical or speech therapists, or early childhood intervention specialists.
For more information, go to http://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu/loan, call 800-828-7839, or e-mail techaccess@teachnet.edb.utexas.edu
Demonstration Centers:
The Texas Technology Access Program has developed a statewide assistive technology demonstration network, including general assistive technology, computer access and portable computer access demonstration centers. Demonstrations will be available to consumers and their family members, as well as advocates, employers and educators. Demonstrations will include an explanation of the function of the device and instruction in its use. There will be an opportunity at each demonstration for participants to try a number of devices so that each individual will be better able to determine the most appropriate device to meet his/her specific needs. Upon the completion of the demonstrations, participants will be given information about further assessment, if required, funding, and assistive technology vendors so they can make an informed decision regarding accessing or acquiring assistive technology devices.
Statewide Demonstration Centers:
Full Demonstration Centers
Easter Seals, Fort Worth, 817-759-7907 (V); El Paso Rehabilitation Center, 915-544-8484 (V); United Cerebral Palsy, Dallas, 214-351-2500 (V); United Cerebral Palsy, Houston, 713-838-9050 (V); Warmsprings Rehabilitation Hospital, San Antonio,210-592-5421 (V)
Computer Access Demonstration Centers
RISE Center for Independent Living, Beaumont, 409-832-2599 (V); East Texas Center for Independent Living, Tyler, 903-581-7542 (V/TTY), 903-581-8289; Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center, Bryan, 979-776-2872 (V); Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, Austin, 512-637-7520 (V); Brazoria County Center for Independent Living, Angleton, 979-849-7060 V/TTY, 979-849-8465; Palestine Center for Independent Living,903-729-7505 V/TTY, 903-729-7505
Portable Computer Demonstration Centers
REACH Center for Independent Living, Dallas, 214-630-4796 V, 214-630-5995 TTY; Houston Center for Independent Living, 713-974-4621 V/TTY, 713-974-6927; Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center, Belton,254-770-2350 V, 800-326-4921 Toll Free
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