Information and Referral
VATS North has an Information and Referral service which links consumers to information on national and community services, AT publications, AT equipment exchange, finding and funding AT devices and services, issues related to AT and disabilities, and AT vendor information. Requests for information or referral can be made by phone at (703) 993-3670 (local voice and text) or (800) 333-7958 (toll-free voice and text), by email at vatsn@gmu.edu, or online on the VATS North Request Form web page.
Some website resources and web links that provide helpful information on assistive technology devices and services are listed below, in alphabetical order. This list is not comprehensive. Many of these websites provide additional web links to related websites. If you know of an organization that should be included on this resource list, please let us know.
ABLEDATA is a federally funded project that is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. They provide information on AT and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. The ABLEDATA website at http://www.abledata.com provides information on AT products, product reviews, publications, research, conferences, job opportunities, and classified listings of equipment for sale. Their database contains information on more than 29,000 AT products with detailed descriptions, prices, and vendor information.
The Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority, in partnership with SunTrust bank, provides low-interest loans to Virginians with disabilities and their families for AT equipment and technology that increases independence, quality of life, and employment opportunities. Loans are available for AT devices and equipment such as communication devices, wheelchairs, hearing aids, computers with alternate input devices, closed circuit televisions, medically necessary devices, and other adapted equipment. Loans may be obtained for home modifications including ramps, stair climbers, environmental controls, bathroom or kitchen modifications, and so on. ATLFA loans are also available for automobile and van purchases for vehicles that include disability related modifications such as ramps, wheelchair lifts, or hand controls. The ATLFA website at http://www.atlfa.org provides specific details on types of loans available, eligibility requirements, and applications.
Closing The Gap, Inc. is an organization that focuses on computer technology in special education and rehabilitation through its bi-monthly newspaper, annual resource directory, annual conference, and website. The newspaper and resource directory provide information about AT devices, with articles and descriptions on how this technology is being used in education, rehabilitation, and vocational settings. The Closing the Gap website at http://www.closingthegap.com includes an online resource directory of AT devices, services and organizations, newspaper articles, online discussion forums, classified listings of AT devices to buy or sell, and employment opportunities.
The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services offers assistance to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence, and full inclusion into society. The Virginia DRS website at http://www.vadrs.org provides information on community based services, employment and vocational rehabilitation services, disability determination services, medical insurance services, and special programs.
The Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities (KIHd), part of the Graduate School of Education at George Mason University, combines resources from local, state, and national affiliations to develop products, services, and programs for all people with disabilities. The KIHd Resources web page at http://kihd.gmu.edu/ has resources and links for organizations serving people with disabilities, definitions and characteristics of various types of disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Assistive Technology Initiative, employment issues and accommodations, assistive technology and software resources, CompuWrite and CompuPlay camps, and educational programs, workshops, and conferences.
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability. Their purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology. They promote research, development, education, advocacy, and provide technology and support to people engaged in these activities. The RESNA website at http://www.resna.org provides information on many areas related to AT, including professional development, employment, government affairs, financial assistance, technical assistance projects, and publications.