Programs and Services
How can we help you?
Most of us use Assistive technology (AT) in our daily lives, everything from glasses or screen readers to highly sophisticated computers that make it possible to activate most of the functions in your home by voice command. The Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) can help you learn about the range of available technology, select the most appropriate device, receive training on how to use the selected device, and find resources to pay for the device.
The mission of the Virginia Assistive Technology System is to ensure that those who need assistive technology get the appropriate and affordable piece of equipment or device. We value inclusion and believe that the correct equipment is important to that end. Whether you want to be more successful at school, live more independently in your community, or wish to work, assistive technology can be the solution.
What services or programs are available?
VATS Central Office and Regional Sites
The Virginia Assistive Technology System operates a central office and three regional sites across the Commonwealth. The mission of the VATS is to ensure that Virginians of all ages and abilities can acquire the appropriate, affordable assistive and information technologies and services they need to participate in society as active citizens. At the community level, these sites provide information and referral on devices, services, funding options and other activities specific to each region's needs. For additional information, please visit the website of each of these offices.
- The VATS Central Office is located within the Department of Rehabilitative Services in Richmond, Virginia.
- The VATS North Regional Site is located at the are located in northern Virginia at The Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities (KIHD) at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
- The VATS Southeast Regional Site is located at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
- The VATS Southwest Regional Site is located at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Information and Referral
Through our Information and Referral (I & R) system you have access to a considerable amount of information on assistive technology products, funding options, and resources that range from therapists to service providers to assistive technology vendors. You can access this system by phone at 1-800-435-8490 or by selecting the appropriate subject areas on this web site, e.g. the vendor database provides a listing of vendors of AT products and services, and Types of AT which pictures a variety of devices and describes what they do. Go to the Information and Referral Page for more information.
Advocacy
VATS has a collaborative relationship with the Virginia Office of Protection and Advocacy (VOPA), whose charge is to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination and to serve as their advocate to resolve such issues. If you want to know what your rights are concerning assistive technology we can help you advocate for what you need. If you feel your rights are being denied, we can offer advice and direction with a simple phone call either to the VATS central office, the VATS regional site closest to you, or directly to VATS. VOPA's web site is http://www.vopa.state.va.us/. Their phone number is 1-8700-552-3962.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations of AT devices and equipment are offered at all of VATS regional sites, giving you the opportunity to try before you buy. Each site keeps a range of devices that might meet your expressed need. Staff will demonstrate how devices work and assist you in your decision making process.
Recycling of Assistive Technology
VATS priority is to build a statewide network of Assistive Technology (AT) Recycling programs. These programs will be a resource for those who are uninsured and cannot afford to purchase the equipment they need. Gently used AT devices or equipment are donated by the public to recycling programs where the equipment is then sanitized, repaired, and redistributed at no cost to the consumer. VATS is partnering with the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (FREE), Goodwill of Central Virginia, and the Equipment Connection to establish recycling programs statewide. Currently, 11 programs are in operation and 4 are under development. Click on the “Equipment Recycling” button for additional information, including a contact list for the recycling programs. If you are interested in participating in or volunteering with one of these groups, you can call VATS at 1-800-552-5019 or 804-726-1904.
Equipment Exchange
The web-based Equipment Exchange provides a means for anyone to post items they wish to donate or sell to other consumers at a reduced price. Another feature enables those looking for a device to post what they are looking for. Those who want to use the exchange must complete the online form that provides the essential information needed to make the exchange. There is also a form for those who want to post needed item. The exchange is intended to provide statewide access to and acquisition of AT.
Public Awareness, Training and Technical Assistance Activities
Public Awareness, Training and Technical Assistance activities are offered to community, public and private entities to increase knowledge of assistive technology and how it can benefit people of all ages and abilities.
Transition services
Whether you are making a move between levels of education, going from school to work, or changing jobs VATS Transition servicescan help make those changes smoother. VATS Regional Sites each sponsor specific events designed to assist students in their transition from high school to college. These include:
- The SW VATS Site, in collaboration with New River Community College and Radford University, sponsors a 2-day summer orientation, called College Bound, to help students address their concerns about life at college. The program is designed to increase knowledge of the accommodation process, assistive technologies, leadership skills, and other exciting aspects of college life. This seminar is usually held the third week in June.
- Real World Day, also sponsored by the SW VATS Regional Site, provides transitional, assistive, living, and learning information for high school students and consumers with disabilities. Real World Day provides strategic information on independent living, post secondary education, and careers. Others, such as family members, educators, counselors, service practitioners and other professionals are welcome.
- Say YES (Your Education Solution) to College, a collaborative event hosted by the SE VATS Regional Site, that exposes high school students with disabilities and their parents to experiences, strategies and activities that promote a successful transition. Students and parents come to Old Dominion University for 2 days and 1 night to participate in a variety of activities including a trip to Tidewater Community College, Norfolk Campus.
- Each March, VATS - SE at Old Dominion University hosts "Your Power, Your Choice" Conference. This is a conference on disability related issues to help people make informed choices for an independent and productive life. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the community resources available to help with disabilities is invited.
How can I pay for Assistive Technology?
There are many resources available to pay for Assistive Technology. If you are a client of one of the State Disability Agencies and need AT to function independently at work, at home or in your community, that agency may pay for what you need. If you have private health insurance that will cover the cost of medical equipment, you can submit a claim to them. If you are on Medicaid and you need AT for medical conditions, Medicaid will purchase the device(s) you need.
If you do not qualify for any of these resources, you can apply for a loan from the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA). The ATLFA provides loans to purchase assistive technology, including vehicles and home modifications, with longer repayment terms, low monthly payments, and low interest rates. They also manage the Consumer Services Funds which is a fund of last resort for persons with minimal income. See www.atlfa.org for more details.
