Accomplishment Series - 1999

The Tech Act requires projects to examine barriers to accessing and obtaining assistive technology in their states and then to work to eliminate these barriers permanently. In addition, each State and Territory project has established a collaborative relationship through a grant or contract with a Protection and Advocacy agency (P&A) to provide individual and systems legal representation and advocacy.

Over the 9 years that the Tech Act program has been in operation, projects have focused on overcoming barriers in three areas:

• Access to Assistive Technology
• Availability of Assistive Technology
• Funding for Assistive Technology

According to the Tech Act, the term assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The term -assistive technology service+ means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Activities to Improve Access, Provision, and Funding

Individual state Tech Act projects focus their activities on needs and barriers identified by the citizens with disabilities in their respective states. The activities described here are just a few of the many activities in which the Tech Act projects are engaged. While only one or two states may be used as an example, many other states may also be conducting similar activities. Contact the RESNA Technical Assistance Project or the individual state project directly for more information. A list of funded projects is included at the end of this document.

Regional Centers
Thirty-five state Tech Act projects have established 147 regional centers to provide statewide information and referral help as well as assistance in acquiring assistive technology devices and services.

The Delaware Tech Act Project (DATI) has provided assistance to more than 12,000 individuals through its network of assistive technology resource centers that provide hands-on access to assistive technology through demonstrations, short-term equipment loans, and workshops.
The Wisconsin Tech Act Project (WisTech) has established regional centers within all of the state's independent living centers, building the capacity of those centers so that they can provide assistive technology information and assistance.
The Michigan Tech Act Project (Tech 2000) has worked through 22 local council offices to effectively reach citizens with disabilities. Some of the council offices are located in the state's traditionally underserved upper peninsula region.

* Equipment Loan Programs
Forty-four state Tech Act projects have established equipment loan programs and lending libraries. These programs provide short-term and long-term loans to children and adults with disabilities, as well as to service providers for evaluations. These programs ensure that devices are available in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The Kentucky Tech Act Project (KATS) has established five regional assistive technology resource centers that provided 1,608 equipment loans as well as information and other resources to 10,906 individuals in 1996.
The Montana Tech Act Project (MonTECH) has encouraged the collaboration of several existing equipment loan programs to form one statewide short-term equipment loan program that has affected approximately 11,500 people in the state who have disabilities.

* Equipment Recycling Programs
State Tech Act projects have established programs to refurbish and recycle used assistive technology devices to meet consumer needs in a cost-effective manner. In 1996, 39 projects operated some type of linking program to match owners of used equipment with prospective purchasers of used equipment.

The New Hampshire Tech Act Project has developed a comprehensive equipment recycling program that has delivered over 1,000 used devices to individuals with a resulting cost savings of over $500,000 to consumers in the state in 1996.
The New Jersey Tech Act Project's (TARPs) Back-in-Action Equipment Recycling Program connects donors and consumers of used equipment through an ad-based system. In 1996, 400 devices were recycled, of which 100 were computers.

* Demonstration Centers
State Tech Act projects have established centers that house a wide range of assistive technology devices. Forty-eight states have equipment demonstration centers so that consumers can try out assistive technology devices, including simple low-tech devices prior to purchase.

The Oregon Tech Act Project (TALN), in coordination with its state Senior and Disabled Services office, has established a new demonstration center to reach a three-county area. Already it is drawing over 100 patrons a month who are able to obtain information on assistive technology.
The Northern Marianas Tech Act Project (STRAID) has designed an Assistive Technology Center that will function as a one-stop shop for individuals to learn about assistive technology options and to access additional support services that might be needed.

* Evaluation Centers
State Tech Act projects have helped establish comprehensive evaluation centers for assistive technology, usually in collaboration with other state agencies, so that the needs of people with disabilities are properly assessed and so that they receive the appropriate technology to meet those needs.

The Mississippi Tech Act Project (START) has collaborated with the Mississippi State University Comprehensive Assistive Technology Center to provide assistive technology evaluations for underserved populations. The program also provides training for consumers and service providers on effective means of outreach to these underserved populations.

The Illinois Tech Act Project (IATP) has influenced its state legislature to pass a law creating assistive technology evaluation and training centers to be located throughout the state. These centers will offer comprehensive evaluations for assistive technology and training to consumers and family members and professionals who provide assistive technology services.

* Information and Referral Efforts
State Tech Act projects have worked to integrate information on assistive technology into existing toll free referral lines, state information databases, and enhanced centralized information services. As a result, more people with disabilities are getting the information they need about assistive technology. In 1996, state projects handled over 91,000 requests for information about assistive technology.

Conferences/Expos
Many state Tech Act projects host assistive technology conferences and expos to provide information about assistive technology devices, funding sources, and other issues. Vendors and manufacturers are invited to come and exhibit their devices and equipment as an added attraction to the conference.

Publications
Most state Tech Act projects publish documents and have comprehensive technology funding guides that have helped hundreds of people with disabilities as well as professionals working with them identify and pursue public and private funding sources in states.
The Oklahoma Tech Act Project (ABLE Tech) has compiled a postsecondary resource guidebook to assist students with disabilities to identify assistive technology devices and services that are available on their college campus. This guide also helps high school students and counselors as they plan for the future.

Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
Tech Act projects have developed PSAs targeted to special audiences, such as African-Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics to provide awareness of the benefits of assistive technology.
-- Web Pages.
Fifty state Tech Act projects have World Wide Web pages to disseminate information and communicate to wider audiences.

* Financial Loan Programs
Thirty-three state Tech Act projects have worked with banks and other lending institutions to establish low-interest loan programs. Almost $2 million were borrowed through low-interest loan programs to purchase assistive technology in 1996.

The Kansas Tech Act Project has established a low-interest loan program for assistive technology devices with a local bank under the Community Reinvestment Act.
The Alabama Tech Act Project (STAR) launched its financial loan program in January 1997 with more than $1 million available in low-interest, extended-term loan funds. The fund is open to individuals or to a family member of an individual with a disability needing funding to purchase assistive technology. In the first 4 months of operation, 15 applications were received.
The North Carolina Tech Act Project has assisted a state independent living program in obtaining and establishing a statewide financial loan program with NationsBank.

Providing Training

* Workshops and Training Events
In 1996, state Tech Act projects conducted or funded the training of over 105,000 professionals, customers, and family members on assistive technology topics.

The Idaho Tech Act Project increased the number and expertise of service providers and persons with disabilities in its state through a wide range of assistive technology classes. Over 1,400 people enhanced their skills and competencies in 1996 through this training.

The Iowa Tech Act Project (IPAT) has increased the awareness of over 4,000 underserved and underrepresented people with disabilities in the state through workshops and other training events for elderly persons, parents of infants and toddlers as well as through outreach efforts to African-American and Hispanic communities.

* Professional Development
State Tech Act projects have developed assistive technology curricula and infused them into the preservice and continuing education curricula of teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other service providers. Increased professional awareness and expertise will increase the number of people being prepared as assistive technology professionals.

State Tech Act projects have nurtured the development of university courses that incorporate assistive technology. These courses increase the expertise of service providers to meet the technology needs of people with disabilities.

The Nevada Tech Act Project has influenced the inclusion of assistive technology and disability education in 95 courses in 8 different colleges at the state university. As a result, 8,000 more students will graduate better equipped to work with people with disabilities.

The Virgin Islands Tech Act Project (TRAID) has encouraged its leading university to develop a master's degree program with a concentration in assistive technology to overcome a dire shortage of trained professionals on the islands.
The Guam Tech Act Project (GSAT) has arranged for collaboration with mainland medical centers and other NIDRR-funded projects to use distance telecommunication technology to provide masters-level classes at the university. These classes focus on assistive technology and rehabilitation practices.

Working with State Governments

* Section 508
As one of the conditions for receiving funding under the Tech Act, states must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This section ensures the accessibility of electronic and information technologies by all state agency employees and by individuals who use public facilities. State Tech Act projects have worked to ensure compliance with this statute within their state agencies.

The New Mexico Tech Act Project has encouraged the state to approve a policy to adopt Section 508 as a state standard. This policy made official the long-held practice by the state to accommodate any state employee with a disability by providing the assistive technology they need.

The Maryland Tech Act Project (TAP) has worked with its various government agencies to make the state's information kiosks, web page, and public access facilities models of accessibility so that people with disabilities in the state have access to the information they need.

The Washington Tech Act Project has assisted the state library system place accessible workstations in 22 rural libraries for Internet hookups. Over 348,000 citizens are affected by this initiative and will be able to access the Internet at their local libraries.

Reaching Underrepresented Populations

* Outreach Efforts
Bringing assistive technology to the user, state Tech Act projects are using various methods to reach people with disabilities throughout their states, particularly minority and rural populations. In 1996, state Tech Act projects engaged in targeted outreach to rural, elderly, urban, Hispanic, African-American, and Native American populations.

The Alabama Tech Act Project (STAR) has collaborated with its Commission on Aging to provide training on low-tech, low-cost independent living devices for over 6,000 senior citizens.
This past year, the Indiana Tech Act Project (ATTAIN) provided training and technical assistance to more than 1,300 farmers and rural residents by evaluating equipment, machinery, and work sites and providing information on how to make their living and working areas more accessible.

The Idaho Tech Act Project disseminates information on assistive technology in Spanish through the state's Migrant Council regional offices. The project also airs Spanish public service announcements that are broadcast on numerous radio and television stations throughout the state.

To reach African-American individuals with disabilities, the New Jersey Tech Act Project (TARP), has created a network of community contacts in each county to increase awareness of assistive technology and to promote leadership among this population.

The Ohio Tech Act Project (TRAIN) has increased awareness of assistive technology for Appalachian residents in the southeast part of the state by getting involved with local community groups and area hospitals. An area community college donated free space for an assistive technology demonstration center and lending library to allow for greater access to assistive technology.

* Mobile Vans
State Tech Act projects operate mobile vans and trailers to showcase assistive devices. These vans can reach remote rural areas of the state where consumers are more likely to see and to try out devices not available in their communities.

Over 80,000 individuals in Minnesota have been reached through mobile van outreach activities of the Minnesota Tech Act Project (STAR), which provides assessment, evaluation, fitting, customization, repair, and maintenance of assistive technologies, including wheelchairs, communication devices, workday accommodations, computers, and environmental controls.

The Ohio Tech Act Project (TRAIN) operates a mobile van from one of its regional centers to reach the very rural areas of the southeast corner of the state. The regional center and the van are the only nearby sources of assistive technology devices that residents with disabilities can try out before they make a purchase.

The Wyoming Tech Act Project (WYNOT) and the Nebraska Tech Act Project have pooled their resources to establish a mobile demonstration unit designed to serve rural border communities and eliminate state-line barriers. In less than a year of operation, nearly 800 individuals have been provided with assistive technology information, training, or evaluations.

Involving People with Disabilities

Tech Act projects were established to be responsive to consumer needs-to identify barriers to assistive technology access in the states and work to remove those barriers. People with disabilities play key roles in the Tech Act projects by providing input, direction, and expertise.

* Key Advisors and Staff
Individuals with disabilities hold key advisory board and staff positions on state Tech Act projects. In 1996, more than 626 people with disabilities served on project advisory boards, more than 175 worked on project staffs, and over 685 worked in other advisory capacities. In these positions, they were actively involved in evaluating state programs and services and planning the statewide assistive technology agenda.

The Virginia Council on Assistive Technology (VCAT), an advisory group to Virginia's Tech Act Project, has a voting membership of 18 people, 15 of whom must be users or family members of users of assistive technology. Each year the VCAT develops a collaborative legislative agenda with other disability groups in the state, which resulted in the establishment of a financial loan program in 1996 and of a lemon law in 1997.

* Members of Boards of Directors
State Tech Act projects have influenced the modification of requirements for the board of directors of various state advisory groups, so that these boards now include persons with disabilities who are able to provide much-needed knowledge, input, and consumer monitoring.

The Rhode Island Tech Act Project (ATAP) was instrumental in having a person with a hearing loss, who uses hearing aids, included as the consumer representative on the Licensing Board for Hearing Aid Dealers.

The Arkansas Tech Act Project (ICAN) encouraged its Developmental Disabilities Services to modify its policies to require that persons with disabilities and their family members be included on boards of directors of service provider agencies. These boards influence the services provided to 2,522 individuals.

* Peer Support Networks
Tech Act projects have formed peer support networks that offer a mechanism for people with disabilities who use assistive technology to communicate with one another.

The Nebraska Tech Act Project has developed a peer support network linking community volunteers with people with disabilities who use assistive technology to provide one-to-one support and community awareness.

Advocating for Assistive Technology

Congress recognized the importance for individual advocacy in addition to the systems change efforts of the Tech Act Projects. Each Tech Act project has an agreement with its state protection and advocacy (P&A) agency as mandated in the Tech Act Amendments of 1994. The purpose of the agreements is to provide legal advocacy for individuals with disabilities to obtain assistive technology devices and/or services.

* Expansion of AAC Funding
P&A agencies have worked with Tech Act projects to obtain funding for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices for children and adults under Medicaid. Fifteen states participated in the development of a model policy for funding AAC devices. Each Tech Act project and P&A will work with the service providers to tailor the model policy to their state and develop strategies to have the model, or components of it, adopted.

* Medicaid Coverage for Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Many state P&As have worked to expand coverage for durable medical equipment, to include motorized wheelchairs, environmental control systems, van lifts, and other equipment and devices.

For example, in Pennsylvania and Texas, P&As were able to reach agreements to allow motorized wheelchairs in nursing homes where such devices had previously not been allowed.

In Rhode Island, the P&A obtained funding for an environmental control system under Medicaid's Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program for a 17-year-old. this action expanded the scope of services under EPSDT.

* Advocacy Training
In addition to protection and advocacy services, all Tech Act projects are providing some level of assistive technology advocacy services to individuals, parents, and service providers. Training sessions are being provided by the Tech Act projects and their partners to empower individuals with disabilities, their family representatives, and others to become self-advocates and leaders on assistive technology issues. Information about public and private assistive technology funding sources is made available as is information about the various laws under which funding for assistive technology may be obtained.

Tech Act Projects Activities to Improve Access

Alabama
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Alaska
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

American Samoa:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Arizona:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Arkansas:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

California:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Colorado:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Connecticut:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Delaware:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

District of Columbia:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Florida:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Georgia:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Guam:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Hawaii:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Idaho:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Illinois:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Indiana:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Iowa:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Kansas:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Kentucky:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Louisiana:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Maine:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Maryland:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Massachusetts:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: no
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Michigan:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Minnesota:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Mississippi:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Missouri:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Montana:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Nebraska:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Nevada:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

New Hampshire:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

New Jersey:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

New Mexico:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

New York:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

North Carolina:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

North Dakota:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Northern Marianas:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Ohio:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Oklahoma:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Oregon:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Pennsylvania:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Puerto Rico:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Rhode Island:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

South Carolina:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

South Dakota:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Tennessee:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Texas:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Utah:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Vermont:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Virgin Islands:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Virginia:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Washington:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: no
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

West Virginia:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: no
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: yes
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Wisconsin:
Regional Center: yes
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: no
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

Wyoming:
Regional Center: no
Equipment Loan Program: yes
Equipment Exchange/Recycling Program: yes
Equipment Demonstration Center: yes
Information and Referral Services: yes
Web Site: yes
Financial Loan Program: no
Outreach Activities: yes
Training: yes
Consumer Involvement: yes

April 1998
Produced by the RESNA Technical Assistance Project, 1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209-1903. 703/524-6686 (Voice); 703/524-6639 (TTY; 703/524-6630 (Fax).

This publication is available upon request in alternative formats. The RESNA Technical Assistance Project, Grant #H224A50006, is an activity funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education, under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, as amended. The information contained herein does not necessarily reflect the position of NIDRR/ED or the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), and no official endorsement of the materials should be inferred. RESNA is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability. RESNA is the grantee funded under the Tech Act to provide technical assistance and information to the Tech Act projects.

For more information about these and other activities, contact the RESNA Technical Assistance Project or the individual Tech Act project.