Other Sources for Assistive Technology

The Access Utah Network at 800-333-UTAH (8824) or Accessut.org maintains a used equipment sales bank. Access Utah Network is a great resource for AT devices. There are several AT equipment loan and demonstration centers throughout Utah. They can provide AT on a short term basis so you can experiment with different types of AT to find what works best for the individual and/or while you get funding for the technology you need. A list of these loan and demonstration programs is located at www.uatpat.org or you may call toll free 800-524-5152.
Sometimes, local service organizations such as Kiwanis Clubs, Lions Clubs, Shriners Hospital, and Rotary Clubs provide assistive technology to families who need it. Also, check with your local Center for Independent Living, which may offer a wide variety of assistive technology devices to individuals with disabilities that meet income criteria, as long as funding is available.

Assistive Technology from Schools and Government Agencies

It is the responsibility of the school district to provide for the equipment, services, and programs that are identified in the student's IFSP/IEP. A school district may pay for the equipment, services and/or programs itself; use other resources to provide or pay for the devices or services; or use private insurance funds, Medicaid, or other sources of funds, as long as the devices or services identified in the IEP are provided. Private insurance or Medicaid may be used only if the parent agrees.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires a free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities. IDEA requires schools to use the aids and services that assure that students with disabilities participate in and benefit from public education. AT is specifically mentioned in IDEA as a service which school districts may have to provide in order for a student with disabilities to benefit from special education. Agencies like early intervention programs and school districts are mandated to provide AT if the need for technology is included in the child's written plan.

When advocating for your child in special education, don't forget the following about AT and the IEP:

• AT needs must be considered along with a student's other educational needs
• Needs for AT must be identified on an individual basis
• Identification of AT needs must involve parents and a multidisciplinary team
• Parents or other IEP team members can ask for an independent evaluation to determine AT needs
• Lack of availability of equipment or cost alone cannot be used as an excuse for denying AT services
• If included in the IEP, AT services and devices must be provided at no cost to the family
• If included in the IEP, AT devices can be taken home at night and over the summer break
• Parents always have the right to appeal if AT services are denied

Resources

For additional information about assistive technology, please contact the following agencies.
Access Utah Network
Address: 155 South 300 West #100
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
800-333-8824 (UTAH)
801-533-4636
accessut.org
Services: Information and referral, and used AT equipment for sale

Utah Center for Assistive Technology
Address: 1595 West 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
888-866-5550
usor.utah.gov/ucat
Services: Information, funding assistance, equipment loan and demonstration

Disability Law Center
Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT Program)
Address: 205 North 400 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
801-363-1347
800-662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org
Services: Advocacy and information

Utah Parent Center
Address: 2290 East 4500 South, Suite 110
Salt Lake City, UT 84117
801-272-1051
800-468-1160
Utahparentcenter.org
Services: Information

Utah Assistive Technology Program
Address: 6855 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
435-797-3824
800-524-5152
uatf.org
Services: Information, equipment loan and demonstration, low interest loans

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