Assistive Technology Resource Center

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TRIPIL is the local outreach partner of the statewide program known as Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology, (PIAT). As a partner, TRIPIL's ATRC serves Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Somerset and Washington counties. Other PA county residents, check PIAT's List of all resource centers. PIAT is the Commonwealth's Assistive Technology Act Program and is funded through a grant from Rehabilitation Services Administration, US Department of Education.

Assistive Technology (AT) is any device that allow persons with disabilities to live, work, and play more independently and effectively. PIAT seeks to increase the availability and utilization of assistive technology devices and services for all Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Most services are provided at no cost to people with disabilities, their family members and advocates. Our AT services include:

TRIPIL can provide information and assistance relating to AT. We can help you find service providers, select devices that may help, and acquire Assistive Technology of your own. We can come to your organization to explain more about Assistive Technology programs and resources, and participates in conferences and expos to increase awareness of Assistive Technology.

Device demonstrations provide hands-on opportunities for you to explore Assistive Technology devices in order to help you decide if certain devices are right for you.

TRIPIL offers training on AT to service providers in other fields so they can in turn better assist people with disabilities. TRIPIL also provides technical assistance to public and private agencies to develop and improve policies related to access to AT devices. Examples include assisting schools working with students about transition from school to work or human service organizations planing for someone's discharge from a nursing home to community.

The Lending Library allows you try a device for free for a limited time (typically 2-8 weeks) to find out if that device can help you before you buy it! If needed, you can try out many different devices. You can also use the Lending Library to get a "loaner" device while your own is being repaired.

Funding Assistance

Don't let "red tape" stop you from getting the AT you need. TRIPIL can
help you get through the process. We also know some resources that may
help!

• Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation PATF is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the devices they need.

• Pennsylvania’s Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP) provides FREE ADAPTED telephone equipment to eligible people with disabilities or older adults who are have difficulty or can’t use a phone independently. TDDP

• Recycled and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP) The Recycled and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP) is a classified listing of used devices to be sold or donated. The listing is updated quarterly, and is available at: REEP

Donations
    
We accept donations of assistive technology in good condition to redistribute in our community. Always seeking the following items:

• Hospital beds
• Hoyer lifts
• Wheelchairs (power and manual)
• Walkers
• Shower chairs
• Transfer chairs
• Portable ramps
• Door openers
• Video magnifiers
• Augmentative Communication devices

You can reach the Headquarters of PIAT, as follows:
Telephone
Voice: 800-204-PIAT (7428), in state
TTY: 866-268-0579, in state
Voice/TTY: 215-204-1356

Email

Mailing Address
Institute on Disabilities
1755 N. 13th Street
Student Center, Room 411S
Philadelphia, PA 19122