Short Term Loan Program Policy

The KATS Network is partnered with the following Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) to provide short term loans of Assistive Technology (AT) equipment to AT users, their families, caregivers, guardians, employers, service providers, educators and other professionals throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center
5659 Main Street
Thelma, KY 41260
Local – (606) 788-7080
/ Redwood Assistive TechnologyCenter
71 Orphanage Road
Ft. Mitchell, KY41017
Toll Free – (800) 728-9807
Local – (859) 331-0880
Fax – (859) 331-6177

Enabling Technologies of Kentuckiana
SpaldingUniversity
812 S. 2nd St.
Louisville, KY40203
Toll Free - (800) 896-8941, ext. 2648
Local - (502) 992-2448
Fax - (502) 585-7104
/ Western Kentucky Assistive Technology Center
Wendell Foster Campus
815 Triplett Street
Owensboro, KY42302
Toll Free - (800) 209-6202
Local - (270) 689-1738 Local
Fax - (270) 852-1491

Introduction

The KATS Network Short Term Equipment Loan Program provides a service within the state through which individuals with disabilities and/or their family members, service providers, employers, educators and other professionals can borrow equipment on a short term basis. When individuals with disabilities have an opportunity to borrow AT devices, they may learn more about which devices meet their needs. This often helps consumers decide what device to purchase or whether to purchase a device at all. The equipment loan program can also be helpful for providing temporary replacement devices to a consumer whose own personal device is on order or being repaired.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to allow individuals access to needed assistive technology and to meet the on-going need for exploration and trial use for the purposes of education, employment, community living, Information Technology (IT), AT funding justification, and for individuals whose own devices are in for repair or not working.

Eligibility

Individuals with disabilities of all ages and/or those family members and professionals who work with and support them are eligible to borrow or be provided with a demonstration of a device, regardless of their type of disability, age, income level or location of residence within the state and/or appropriate targeted individuals and entities statewide.

Policy

The ATRCs offer a wide range of devices for short term loan, demonstration, evaluation or training, including: communication, telecommunications, computer access, learning/developmental equipment, vision, health, safety and daily living, hearing, switches, seating, positioning, personal mobility, and recreation. All loan requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a nominal fee charged for each piece of equipment borrowed to cover general maintenance of the equipment. These charges vary from center to center, and may be waived at the discretion of the ATRCs in cases of financial hardship or if the individual is not eligible for assistance from another source. Late fees may also apply on loans not returned by the due date.

General Guidelines

  • The borrower agree to:
  • comply with any limitation that may be part of the loan (i.e.; no copying software),
  • pay for any damage/loss due to negligence,
  • pick up and/or return items borrowed or pay for any associated shipping costs (shipping, handling and insurance),
  • replace any items not returned, billed at the listed value for the replacement item,
  • assume responsibility for theft of equipment borrowed, and agree to provide the ATRC with a copy of the Police report for their records,
  • complete orientation/training on the item(s) being borrowed as determined by the ATRC,
  • sign a loan agreement that will include demographic and contact information as part of the ATRCs required data collection,
  • provide feedback on services received upon the completion of each loan.

The length of time a piece of equipment can be loaned will vary from center to center, but will typically be 30 days. Loans will be extended on a case-by-case basis, depending on the borrower’s situation and the demand for the same equipment. Renewals can be requested in person, by phone or by e-mail. If there is a waiting list for the item, it must be returned by the due date or additional late charges may be assessed. Certain equipment, subject to availability, may be signed out for longer term loans. The number of items that can be checked out at one time may be limited, and will vary from center to center.

Loan Procedure

To initiate a loan

  • Visit the KY AT Locator online at:
  • Log in to your existing account or complete the registration form to establish a new account,
  • basic demographic information and specific needs, will be requested.
  • Locate the item(s) you would like to request, or contact the nearest ATRC for assistance in locating an item(s) to borrow.
  • Item(s) can be requested directly through the AT Locator website or by contacting the ATRC where the item(s) is located.
  • Obtain the equipment from the ATRC,
  • borrowers are encouraged to pick up and return equipment in person. Shipping charges apply if item(s) need to be shipped.
  • Complete orientation/training on the equipment, if required by the ATRC.

Every effort will be made to provide the equipment to the borrower upon request. If the requested equipment is not available, individuals may be referred to other resources. The borrower also has the option to be placed on a waiting list. The borrower will be contacted when the equipment becomes available.

Loan Library Equipment Categories

The following list is a basic grouping of equipment, along with a few examples to help you find what you may be looking to borrow.

Vision- / Screen reader software, CCTV
Hearing- / Personal Listening Devices, Amplified telephone
Speech Communication- / Communication boards, speech generating devices
Learning, Cognition and Developmental- / Educational software, cause and effect, etc
Mobility, Seating and Positioning- / Foot supports, slant boards, floor sitter
Daily Living- / Playing card holder, feeding arm, adapted utensils
Environmental Adaptations- / Switch kits, mounting arms and plates
Vehicle Modifications and Transportation- / Key extender
Computers and related- / Adaptive keyboards, switch interface, software
Recreation, Sports and Leisure- / Adaptive toys, cameras, etc

Contact Information

For more information on the KATS Network Short Term Loan Program, please contact:
James A. Brown
Assistive Technology Coordinator
KATS Network
(800) 327-5284

or contact the nearest ATRC:
Enabling Technologies (enTECH) - Louisville - Toll Free: (800) 896-8941
Western Kentucky Assistive Technology Center (WKATC) - Owensboro - Toll Free: (800) 209-6202
Redwood Rehabilitation Center (REDWOOD) - Ft. Mitchell - Toll Free: (800) 728-9807
Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center – Thelma – Local (606) 788-7080

KATS Network Short Term Loan-1-

Purpose, Policy and Procedures

Revised 1/07; 2/11; 10/14; 11/15; 12/16