Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC)

UCP of Northeastern Pennsylvania serves as one of ten Assistive Technology Resource Centers for PIAT, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology. The ATRC at UCP of NEPA serves the following counties:

PIAT is a statewide program created to assure access to Assistive Technology to all Pennsylvanians with disabilities as well as to older Pennsylvanians. P IAT serves individuals with disabilities regardless of their age, disability, location or type of residence.

PIAT and the ATRC at UCP of NEPA provide:

ACCESS

• Device Demonstrations- "hands on" opportunities for people with disabilities and their family members to explore specific AT devices and decide what may best meet their needs. Device demonstrations are available upon request, and can be conducted at a mutually convenient time and location.
• Lending Library- Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library a free, statewide program through which individuals can borrow different types of devices to find what works best for them. UCP facilities in Scranton and Honesdale respectively host the Lackawanna and Wayne county branches of the Library.

ACQUISITION

• Funding & Acquisition Assistance- The ATRC at UCP can help individuals apply for Pennsylvania's Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP) which provides specialized equipment free of charge to eligible Pennsylvanians with disabilities that impede independent access to telephone services.

The TDDP and other sources including health insurances, public programs, and non-governmental programs may help individuals acquire the AT they need.
Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Foundation, provides low-interest and 0% interest loans for individuals of all ages, income levels and disabilities to purchase AT devices and services.
• Reutilized and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP)- PIAT supports programs that may be a source for "previously-owned" devices, usually available at a lower cost than buying new.
  The partners are:
  The REEP Classifieds, a free statewide service for people with disabilities, their families, friends, service providers, and other interested individuals who want to find, buy, sell, or donate previously owned assistive technology. Equipment in the REEP Classifieds includes stair glides, adapted vehicles, wheelchairs, vision aids, communication devices and more.
  The Reep Classifieds is now an interactive online service, providing up-to-date listings that are searchable by several criteria including distance. From the site, sellers can post their own listings, including photos. Buyers can peruse the listings and, after registering, obtain contact information about the sellers.
  ATMatch.com is an online auction site for the sale of new or used AT devices, as well as a place to learn about Pennsylvania vendors of new AT.
  Into New Hands accepts and refurbishes equipment for reuse and is also maintained by the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living. For details on donating or obtaining equipment, contact 800-633-4588, ext. 166 or email.
  Liberty Wheels refurbishes and loans mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers. It is administered by Liberty Resources, Philadelphia's Center for Independent Living. For more information contact 215-634-2000 or email.

In addition to the above statewide services, the ATRC at UCP of NEPA has its own recycling program, "Pass AT On," an inventory of previously-owned equipment that is given to consumers who need it.

AND

• Public Awareness - Information and referral to help educate consumers about their choices of AT devices and service providers. The ATRC conducts and participates in events to help everyone understand the benefits and potential of assistive technology devices and services. For upcoming events, see our Calendar. Contact the ATRC at 877-UCP-TECH to arrange for a program at your organization, group meeting or conference.
• Training & Technical Assistance - For service providers to increase their AT-related knowledge and skills to better support people with disabilities. For public and private agencies to develop and improve policies related to access to AT devices and services.

PIAT is the Commonwealth's Assistive Technology Act Program at the Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, funded through a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, US Department of Education.

For more information about Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC), please contact UCP at (570) 347-3357 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucpnepa.com
Updated: 12/15/2008