Coalition for Assistive Technology in Oregon (CATO) Grant Program

Coalition for Assistive Technology in Oregon (CATO) Grant Program is sponsored by Coalition for Assistive Technology in Oregon (CATO). CATO awards grants of assistive technology to children with disabilities in Oregon, ages two to twenty. Equipment is loaned on a long-term basis for use at home and potentially at school.

Assistive Technology – Northwest Access Fund Assistive Technology Loans Foundational Community Supports Augmentative Communication These lists are provided for informational purposes only. We do not endorse any particular service provider, device, vendor, or manufacturer. Please let us know if you have any updates to what we have listed, or if you know of anything not represented here, by filling out this form .

Assistive Technology Funding Resources Assistive Technology Assessment Providers Washington Assessment Providers Oregon Assessment Providers Assistive Technology Selection Checklist Assistive Technology Funding Resources U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs – SHA and SAH Grants Individuals with qualifying service-related disabilities who own or will own their home may be eligible for a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) or Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant through the VA.

Call 800-827-1000 to apply over the phone, or 877-827-3702 to speak with an SAH staff member. For U.S. veterans and first responders with service-related injuries, illnesses, and/or age-related limitations, the Gary Sinise Foundation may also be an option for financial assistance with home modifications, adapted vehicles, and mobility devices. To learn more, visit this link or request more information about assistance here .

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation may help locate, partially fund, or provide full funding for a wide range of devices as needed for personal independence. To apply, visit this link . Northwest Lions Foundation The Northwest Lions Foundation provides hearing aids to individuals with little or no income.

They also provide assistance for sight-related costs including braille readers. To learn more, contact Marsha Rastatter at 1-800-847-5786 or by email at [email protected] . iCanConnect is another name for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), a federal program to provide free communication technology for people with combined hearing and vision loss.

To be eligible, your income must be within 400% of the federal poverty line. The Washington State program is run through WATAP at the University of Washington. Idaho Assistive Technology Project The Idaho Assistive Technology Project provides support for individuals with disabilities and older persons in their personal selection of assistive technology as they live, work, and play in their communities.

Services include information, referrals, funding options, training and technical assistance, Resource Centers throughout the state offer hands-on demonstrations and device loans. Blanche Fischer Foundation The Blanche Fischer Foundation provides grants to improve the personal independence of Oregon residents with physical disabilities and demonstrated financial need. Grants range up to $1200.

Coalition for Assistive Technology in Oregon (CATO) CATO provides long-term assistive technology loaner items to Oregon families of children with disabilities aged two to twenty. Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation provides eyeglasses and hearing aids to state residents who do not have insurance and whose income falls at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

The Sidney and Lillian Zetosch Fund for Educational Equipment of the Oregon Community Foundation The Sidney & Lillian Zetosch Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation has expanded its funding for educational equipment. Three organizations administer these funds: OHSU , United Cerebral Palsy , and the AT Lab at Community Vision .

To compare these three different application processes and qualifications, please visit Community Vision’s AT Funding webpage that has a downloadable chart with live links.

Assistive Technology Assessment Providers Washington Assistive Technology Act Program Toll-Free Hotline: 800-214-8731 Toll-Free TTY: 866-866-0162 Good Samaritan Community Healthcare — Occupational Therapy Department Multicare – Mary Bridge Good Samaritan Children’s Therapy Unit – Assistive Technology Program Sherwood Community Services St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute Providence St.

Mary Medical Center – Outpatient Rehabilitation Department 200 W. Mercer St. , Ste.

210E Good Samaritan Community Healthcare – Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic Providence Regional Medical Center – Outpatient Rehabilitation Services 916 Pacific Ave, Second Floor Special Education Technology Center 400 East University Way, Black Hall 125 Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic at UW Medical Center – Montlake 1959 NE Pacific St.

, 8 th Floor, SS 812 Doernbecher Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Assistive Technology OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital – Portland 700 S. W.

Campus Drive, 7th floor Child Development and Rehabilitation Center – Eugene Clinical Services Building – University of Oregon Northwest Regional Education School District – Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology Program (AAC/AT) Locations in Clastop County, Columbia County, Tilamook County, and Washington County Ana Lia Olivia, Coordinator for AAC/AT Services: 503-614-1470 General Phone: 503-614-1428 Oregon Health & Science University – Neurologic Rehabilitation Center for Health & Healing Building 1, first floor Center for Women’s Health Kohler Pavilion, seventh floor Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation 15700 S.

W. Greystone Court Legacy Physical Therapy – Good Samaritan Medical Center – Wheelchair Seating Clinic/Spinal Cord Injury Legacy Good Samaritan Campus, Building 3 Salem Health Rehabilitation Center – Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Evaluations 755 Mission St.

SE, Building M PeaceHealth Outpatient Rehabilitation Services 1200 Hilyard Street, Suite 300A Community Vision – Assistive Technology Lab 2475 SE Ladd Avenue, Suite 120 Bellevue Healthcare – Complex Rehabilitation & Custom Mobility Locations throughout Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho Identify what the user wants to do and options for accomplishing these tasks, from no-tech and low-tech to high-tech.

Start with the task, not the technology. If an individual with vision loss wants to read, the solution might be a CCTV magnifier or it might be a scanner and a computer with software such as Zoomtext or Jaws for Windows. It could also be Books on Tape and a friend or family member willing to share an afternoon helping with correspondence and bills.

The “best” solution depends upon the person and their environment. Research assistive technology options: Your goal is not to become an “expert” but to learn about options. Start with catalogues, websites and the and the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP, 1-800-214-8731).

They can provide the names of knowledgeable vendors and service providers. User-centered selection – questions to ask: Think first and foremost about what will work for the user. No device is right for everyone.

Here are some questions to ask: What are the user’s preferences and desires? Is he/she comfortable with technology? Would a light tech or no tech solution work better?

Will the individual actually use the device? Does the person have more than one functional limitation? And if so, how will these be accommodated?

Is the individual stable or can you anticipate changes in functional capabilities? In what environments will the device be used and what supports will the person have in those environments? Will the device need to be moved from location to location?

Portability is often an important consideration. Focus on the details, details, details! If the goal, for example, is selection of a wheelchair accessible vehicle – don’t stop there.

You need to know if the wheelchair user will be the driver or the passenger or both? Will the individual be traveling with someone or will they need to be able to get in and out of the vehicle without assistance. Is the chair user done growing or or do you need to account for room to grow when selecting a particular vehicle.

These are just a few of the questions that will impact the choice of modifications. The goal is to identify the best AT options taking into account the individual’s preferences and the environment in which the AT will be used. Assessments should be done by an individual with specialized training and expertise such as a physical, speech or occupational therapist, or a rehabilitation engineer.

The best assessments offer an opportunity to try out the equipment by borrowing or renting it and also consider non-AT solutions. Users should plan an active role in the assessment. Be clear about what works and what doesn’t down to the tiniest detail!

Otherwise, you may not be happy with the results. If possible—try before you buy: If you’re in Washington State, contact WATAP for device demos and/or loans, or check out their Device Lending Library and WA State AT Classifieds online . They loan out devices for an average of five weeks for a small lending fee, which varies by product.

Call toll free at 1-800-214-8731. If you’re in Oregon, contact Assistive Technologies, Inc. at their Salem center at 503-361-1201 to learn more about device demonstrations, or browse their Device Loan Library through the Oregon Statewide Assistive Technology Program here . Consider the top four criteria identified by the National Council on Disability are: effectiveness, affordability, operability, and dependability.

Here are a few questions to think about: How easy is the device to learn to use and to use? Will you need to invest additional dollars in training or other services? How effective and reliable is the device?

How long is the warranty and is an extended warranty available? Are upgrades covered (sometimes called “software maintenance agreements”)? Is information available on the costs and expected frequency of repairs?

Where will you have to send the device if it needs repair? Will the vendor provide a replacement for your device while yours is being repaired? Does the vendor sell more than one brand?

Which device do you like the best? Do you enjoy using the device? Is it fun?

Is there anything about the AT that bugs? you? Talk to the vendor about this and/or keep looking!

Do you expect your capabilities to change in the future? Can the AT accommodate those changes? How much do the different options cost?

Are the price differences worth it? Remember that high-tech is not always best. High-tech devices typically cost more and require more skill and training than low-tech.

Start with easier-to-use, low-tech devices; then make the transition to more complex devices, as needed and appropriate. Identify necessary services: Training can be especially important. Ask how much time the vendor is willing to commit to set-up and training.

Where can you go for additional training? Find out what the vendor will do if there is a problem with the AT device. The vendor should be willing to repair or replace the device within a reasonable period of time or give you your money back.

Don’t forget about warranties. Whenever possible, get extended warranties that cover the time you expect to use AT. Find out how much-extended warranties cost and whether they include upgrades.

Insurance! Make sure the AT is covered for theft or damage by your renters, home or car insurance. Research funding options: Traditional funding sources have particular guidelines and criteria that must be met.

Obtain a written copy & address each criterion in your request. Follow all agency procedures including required pre-authorization. Be patient and be prepared to appeal!

Consider alternative funding options, such as leasing, assistive technology (AT) loan funds, PASS plans, IDA programs, and used and donated equipment. Take the plunge – make the purchase: If possible, try to negotiate with the vendor for a 30- or 60-day trial period – allowing return of the item without penalty during this time period! After you buy, use immediately: Once you have purchased the AT, make an effort to use it immediately.

If you have problems, contact the vendor. They may be able to help you figure out how to use your AT and/or refer you to other resources or users for advice!