Nevada Assistive Technology Collaborative (NATC)

The Nevada Assistive Technology Collaborative (NATC) and Aging and Disability Services Division provide for a variety of Assistive Technology (AT) services to support people to live more independently and within their communities.  Supported through the Administration for Community Living (ACL) grants under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended (AT Act).  Current grants 2101NVATSG (2021) & 2201NVATSG (2022). The AT Act funds through the Nevada’s Aging and Disability Services Division as the lead agency.

The typical flow of services begins with a conversation, or Information and Assistance:  Have a conversation about your needs and explore the options available.  The next step depends on you and the need.  If it's the exploration of Assistive Technology (AT) that could lead to Device Demonstration and possibly borrowing an AT device to try it out through a Device Loan.  If you are a program, agency, or organization that works for people with disabilities then perhaps you could benefit from Training and/or Technical Assistance.  Rather it is introducing AT to people with disabilities or to people serving people with disabilities we likely have something that can help.  The NATC and partners promote and support informed consumer decision making and working to ensure the consumer is empowered to be a decision maker.   Reach out and find out what your next step is.

The Assistive Technology Act Purpose is also NATC Mission: 

To improve the provision of Assistive Technology (AT) to individuals with disabilities through a comprehensive statewide continuum of integrated activities, for individuals with disabilities of all ages, that are designed to:

  • increase the availability of, funding for, access to, provision of, and training about AT devices and AT services;
  • increase the ability of individuals with disabilities of all ages to secure and maintain possession of AT devices as such individuals make the transition between services offered by educational or human service agencies or between settings of daily living (for example, between home and work);
  • increase the capacity of public agencies and private entities to provide and pay for AT devices and AT services on a statewide basis for individuals with disabilities of all ages;
  • increase the involvement of individuals with disabilities and, if appropriate, their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives, in decisions related to the provision of AT devices and AT services;
  • increase and promote coordination among State agencies, between State and local agencies, among local agencies, and between State and local agencies and private entities;
  • increase the awareness and facilitate the change of laws, regulations, policies, practices, procedures, and organizational structures, that facilitate the availability or provision of AT devices and AT services; and
  • increase awareness and knowledge of the benefits of AT devices and AT services among individuals with disabilities and their families, older individuals and their families, and the general population; and

Under the AT Act the NATC is required to provide both State Level Activities and State Leadership Activities to fulfill the above-described purpose.  The NATC strives to support all the Activities under the AT Act.  It is our intent that by contacting the NATC and community partners you will be able be able to make more informed decisions on the AT that you need as well as the resources and options available to you to obtain the AT.  The Act also created the Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) provided through the Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC).    

State Level Activities and State Leadership Activities defined within the Act

State Level Activities:

  • State finance systems
    • Financial lending
    • Last resort, state funded AT purchasing.
  • Device reutilization
  • Device demonstration programs
  • Device loan programs

State Leadership Activities:

  • Information and Assistance
  • Training
  • Technical assistance
  • Training and Technical Assistance specific to Transition.
  • Public awareness

Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT):

Provision of protection and advocacy systems in each State for the purpose of enabling such systems to assist in the acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities.

The Nevada Assistive Technology Collaborative consists of community partners that provide and support the required services in Nevada. Explore more about these services and where to find them as follows:

Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Centers – University of Nevada Reno’s Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED)

  • Information and Assistance
  • Assistive Technology Device Demonstrations
  • Assistive Technology Device Loans
  • Training and Technical Assistance
  • Public Awareness

CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada

  • Assistive Technology Reuse
  • State Financing Activities
  • Financial lending - CARE Loan Fund
  • Last resort – Assistive Technology for Independent Living Program (AT/IL)
  • Public Awareness

Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) through the Nevada Disability and Advocacy Law Center

Assistive Technology Device Demonstrations

Device demonstrations compare the features and benefits of a particular AT device or category of devices for an individual or small group of individuals.  The purpose of a device demonstration is to enable an individual to make an informed choice.   Whenever possible, the participant should be shown a variety of devices.  Device demonstrations should not be confused with training activities at which devices are demonstrated.  Training activities are instructional events designed to increase knowledge, skills, and competencies, generally for larger audiences.  Device demonstrations also should not be confused with public awareness activities at which devices are demonstrated.  The key difference is that device demonstrations are intended to enable an individual to make an informed choice rather than merely making him or her aware of a variety of AT.

NATC’s community partner is the Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center (NATRC).  The NATRC is based at the University of Nevada Reno’s Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED).  The NATRC provides statewide services as part of the NATC.  Device demonstrations provider the opportunity for individuals or groups to compare the features and benefits of AT device(s), hands-on, with knowledgeable AT specialists. Individuals with disabilities, family members and service providers can visit the site or plan for off-site demonstrations. People that participated in the AT/IL program (under state financing activities) are engaged with demonstrations whenever it is possible to do so. 

Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center
Program Contact:  775-682-9070
Toll Free (in Nevada only):  800-216-7988
natrc@unr.edu
https://www.unr.edu/nced/projects/nced_natrc

Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities 
University of Nevada Reno
1664 N. Virginia Street, Mail Stop 285
Reno, Nevada 89557
Scott Youngs, Project Manager
775-682-9056
syoungs@unr.edu

Assistive Technology Device Loans

The purpose of a device loan may be to assist in decision making, to serve as a loaner while the consumer is waiting for device repair or funding, to provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event, or for training self-education or other personnel development activities.  The AT is loaned at no charge and the length of short-term device loans is 2 weeks although multiple loans can be made if the device is not needed for another person that is waiting. 

NATC’s community partner is the Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center (NATRC).  The NATRC is based at the University of Nevada Reno’s Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED).  The NATRC provides statewide services as part of the NATC.  The NATC offers short-term device loans statewide.  The NATC has a wide variety of AT available from low tech to high tech.   

Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center
Program Contact:  775-682-9070
Toll Free (in Nevada only):  800-216-7988
natrc@unr.edu
https://www.unr.edu/nced/projects/nced_natrc  

Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities
University of Nevada Reno
1664 N. Virginia Street, Mail Stop 285
Reno, Nevada 89557
Scott Youngs, Project Manager
775-682-9056
syoungs@unr.edu

State Leadership Activities

State Leadership Activities

Information and assistance (I&A) activities are those in which the AT program responds to requests for information and/or puts individuals in contact with other agencies, organizations, or companies that can provide them with needed information on AT products, devices, services, and/or funding sources, or providing intensive assistance to individuals about AT products, devices, services, and/or funding sources. This information may be provided in person, over the telephone, via email, or by some other means.

Training activities are instructional events, usually planned in advance for a specific purpose or audience, designed to increase participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies regarding AT. Such events can be delivered to large or small groups, in-person, or via telecommunications or other distance education mechanisms. Examples of training include classes, workshops, and presentations that have a goal of increasing skills, knowledge, and competency, as opposed to training intended only to increase general awareness of AT.

Technical Assistance (TA) is defined as direct problem-solving service provided by Statewide AT Program staff to assist programs and agencies in improving their services, management, policies and/or outcomes.  TA may be provided in person, by electronic media such as telephone, video or e-mail and by other means.  The following are examples of technical assistance:  needs assessment, program planning or development, curriculum or materials development, administrative or management consultation, program evaluation and site reviews of external organizations, and policy development.

Public awareness activities are designed to reach large numbers of people, including activities such as public service announcements, radio talk shows and news reports, newspaper stories and columns, newsletters, brochures, public forums and social media.

NATC’s community partner is the Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center (NATRC).  The NATRC is based at the University of Nevada Reno’s Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED).  The NATRC is primary provider of State Leadership Activities statewide.  Although all NATC community partners provide information and assistance and public awareness for the services available.  NATC services are coordinated to increase individual awareness of and access to Assistive Technology in the State of Nevada. It is our intent that by contacting the NATC and community partners you will be able be able to make more informed decisions on the AT that you need as well as the resources and options available to you to obtain the AT.

Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center
Program Contact:  775-682-9070
Toll Free (in Nevada only):   800-216-7988
natrc@unr.edu
https://www.unr.edu/nced/projects/nced_natrc  

Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities
University of Nevada Reno
1664 N. Virginia Street, Mail Stop 285
Reno, Nevada 89557
Scott Youngs, Project Manager
775-682-9056
syoungs@unr.edu

Reutilization: Refurbish, Repair and Reuse of Assistive Technology

Device refurbish/repair and reassignment and/or open-ended device loan activities are those in which devices are accepted (usually by donation) into an inventory are sanitized and refurbished as needed, and then reassigned to a new owner (by sale or give away) or placed with a new user via open-ended loan.  Repair activities are those in which devices are repaired for an individual (without the ownership of the device changing hands) which prevent the owner from needing to purchase a device. 

NATC’s community partner CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada has maintained a robust equipment-reuse program for nearly 30 years.  Gently used devices are inspected, perhaps minor repairs, and sanitized before being offered for reuse. The reuse programs provide access to wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, canes and much more.  Equipment is sanitized using the best of equipment and care.  What is available is only dependent on what has been donated and is capable of being used by someone else.  CARE Chest also provides many other services in northern Nevada.   There isn’t a current NATC partner in southern Nevada to support reuse services for all people with disabilities.  The Foundation Assisting Seniors in southern Nevada loans equipment to seniors such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches/chairs, and electrical mobility devices if they have them available.  To reach them call 725-244-4200 or go to http://foundationassistingseniors.org/.

CARE Chest Medical Equipment Program

http://www.carechest.org/programs 

7910 N Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89506
Phone: (775) 829-2273
Fax: (775) 829-8745
https://www.facebook.com/carechest

State Financing Activities

Nevada has two programs that fall under State Financing Activities.  First, Nevada offers a statewide financial loan program through the CARE Loan Fund Program which is the states alternative finance program.  CARE Loan exists as a resource for people with disabilities to purchase AT. The loan program is coordination between CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada and one banking institution. The loans are offered at lower interest rates and often for more years than a typical bank loan, thus making the loans more affordable. CARE Chest is also capable of making micro loans directly for lower cost AT.  Second, the Assistive Technology for Independent Living program (AT/IL).  The program provides supports for development of Independent Living goals and with state funding resources the program can provide AT to support a person’s choice to live in a community setting. AT/IL assists with defining your goals and identifying the AT options and resources.  Where resources do not exist resources can be used to obtain the appropriate durable medical equipment, home, and vehicle modifications needed in support of community living and where services are not available through other funding sources such as personal resources, Medicaid/Medicare, insurance, Vocational Rehabilitation or school districts.

CARE Loan Fund Program (Statewide)
Eunice Hylin
CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada:
7910 N Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89506
Phone: (775) 829-2273
Fax: (775) 829-8745

Email:  ehylin@carechest.com 

Assistive Technology for Independent Living Programs (Statewide):

CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada
7910 N. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89506

Northern Nevada; CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada:
Main Office: (775) 829-2273 Ext 108
Toll Free: (866) 206-5242
Email:  bdonnellY@carechest.com

Southern Nevada; CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada:
Main Office: (702) 335-4241
Toll Free: (866) 206-5242
Email:  ilprogram@carechest.com

Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT)

The Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC) is the PAAT lead agency.  The PAAT’s were created for the protection and advocacy systems in each State for the purpose of enabling such systems to assist in the acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities.  This program is for individuals with disabilities seeking Assistive Technology (devices or systems used to improve or maintain the capabilities of persons with disabilities). Designed to promote the provision of assistive technology and services through systemic reform, PAAT has the authority to negotiate compliance with federal law. Administered by Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

  • Conducting consumer-responsive activities, including activities that will lead to increased access, for individuals with disabilities, to funding for assistive technology devices and assistive technology services;
  • Engaging in informal advocacy to assist in securing assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities;
  • Engaging in formal representation for individuals with disabilities to secure systems change, and in advocacy activities to secure assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities;
  • Developing and implementing strategies to enhance the long-term abilities of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to advocate the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to which the individuals with disabilities are entitled under law other than this Act;
  • Coordinating activities with protection and advocacy services funded through sources other than this Act, and coordinating activities with the capacity building and advocacy activities carried out by the lead agency; and
  • To improve the awareness of individuals with disabilities about the accessibility of assistive technology and assist such individuals in the acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services.

Elko:
Main Office: (775) 777-1590
Toll Free: (800) 992-5715
Nevada Relay:  711
Email: elko@ndalc.org

Las Vegas:
Main Office: (702) 257-8150
Toll Free: (800) 992-5715
Nevada Relay:  711
Email: lasvegas@ndalc.org

Reno:
Main Office: (775) 333-7878
Toll Free: (800) 992-5715
Nevada Relay:  711
Email: reno@ndalc.org