Short Term Equipment Loan Programs
Operated and/or Supported by
Equipment loan programs provide a service within the state through which individuals with disabilities and/or their family representatives, service providers, and employers can borrow equipment on a short term basis. Equipment loans can aid in the process of device selection, without costly investment in equipment purchase that may prove unsuitable for the consumer. Equipment loan programs also serve to provide replacement devices to a consumer whose own personal device is on order or being repaired.
Thirty-seven states have equipment loan programs operated or supported by state assistive technology projects funded under Title I of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Many states support more than one equipment loan program (several states support six or more) under their AT Act project. Many states that operate more than one equipment loan program will target a particular population such as the elderly, individuals with ALS, or infants and toddlers while others will target all disabilities and all ages.
Generally, all persons with disabilities living within the geographical area the loan program serves are eligible for equipment loans. Many of the programs serve the entire state while others may serve as regional sites or serve only specific counties. Individuals with disabilities of all ages are eligible to borrow a device except in the case of those AT Projects that are working directly with school districts or some other specified entity in the state. In these cases, the equipment loans are made directly to the schools or other entities and used with the students or other individuals for evaluation or assessment purposes.
Centers offer short term loans to persons with disabilities who wish to try-out different types of devices. These loans range from a period of two weeks to six months. These loans can be extended on a case-by-case basis, depending on the borrower’s situation and the demand for the same equipment by other potential borrowers.
Many programs provide equipment to the borrower free of charge. Some programs may charge a nominal fee to cover maintenance of the equipment and overhead costs. These charges vary from center to center. Some programs will waive the charges in cases of financial hardship and if the individual is not eligible for assistance from another source.
Distribution of the loaned equipment varies from center for center. The equipment typically is picked up personally by the borrower from the loan center. If equipment must be shipped out to the borrower, generally the loan center pays for its delivery and the borrower is responsible for its return, though some centers do cover both costs.
The equipment available through different programs varies with resources and the demands of consumers in the area they serve. Types of equipment made available through programs include:
· Augmentative/alternative communication devices (AAC)
· Computer access devices/software
· Wheeled mobility equipment
· Positioning/seating, mounting and other accessories
· Switches
· Environmental control devices
· Adapted toys/games/recreation devices
· Adapted equipment for the workplace
· Devices for individuals with vision impairments
· Devices for individuals with hearing impairments
· Durable medical equipment
· Personal care aids
· Educational materials for classroom or home use
· Equipment or software for individuals with cognitive disabilities
Most centers purchase much of their equipment new. Other sources of equipment include donations from manufacturers, distributors, businesses or individuals, loans from manufacturers, and recycled equipment from prior users or vendors. On average, over 400 pieces of equipment are loaned on a monthly basis.
Budgets for equipment loan programs vary widely. Funding sources include state appropriated funds, state agency funds, Title I AT Act funds, grants, fee for service, and donations. The funds are used to support the operation of the program, shipping costs, and purchase of new equipment.
In conjunction with the actual loaning of equipment, many equipment loan centers offer other services. Loan centers often serve as demonstration centers in which individuals with disabilities, and/or family representatives, service providers and employers can see, touch, and learn about assistive technology devices. Some centers provide assessment of an individual’s needs in determining what assistive technology device is most appropriate. This service is usually provided by staff at the center, but may also be done by an outside professional or individual who may accompany the consumer to the center. Limited training of the device is provided by staff members or sometimes by subcontractors associated with the program. Most loan centers also provide information and referral in the areas of both assistive technology devices and services. A number of centers act as advocates for persons with disabilities associated with their center. Centers often help borrowers locate and coordinate funding for the eventual purchase of assistive technology devices.