Vermont Assistive Technology Project (VATP)

Assistive Technology is defined in the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 as “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

Simply put, it’s a term for creative tools and strategies that help people accomplish tasks at home, school, work, and in the community. The Vermont Assistive Technology Program helps put assistive technology in hands of Vermonters who can benefit from its use. The Center on Disability and Community Inclusion supports three assistive technology tryout centers across the state so consumers can demo and borrow equipment before deciding to purchase.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Vermont Assistive Technology Program is to support full access and integration for Vermonters with disabilities and aging-related needs, in education, work, and their communities.

Our vision is that everyone’s potential will be supported holistically and that each Vermonter will be provided with opportunities for independence and self-determination. Assistive Technology will be incorporated across all systems to create access to every environment in our state.

Assistive Technology Activities

Try out AT

There are a number of ways that you can try AT. One way is through an equipment demonstration at a local AT Tryout Center. To read more about equipment demos, visit Vermont’s ATP Try It.

Borrow AT

In order to ensure that a piece of equipment will work for you, our loan program allows you to borrow equipment from our inventory for 30-days, free of charge.

If you are interested in borrowing a piece of equipment, visit Vermont’s ATP Borrow It to learn more.

Get AT

PURCHASE

So you’ve seen an equipment demo, borrowed the equipment for 30 days and found that you really like it, now what? To find information about equipment funding, or the used equipment marketplace, visit Vermont’s Get AT webpage.

CONSIDER BUYING USED EQUIPMENT ON THE AT EXCHANGE

Buying new Assistive Technology isn’t always the only option. Our AT program has a used equipment marketplace called the AT Exchange. This marketplace is a similar platform to Craigslist, where users post pre-owned durable medical equipment for free or for sale. Users can also post items that they are looking for. Sign up and use of the website is free!

On this website, you can find items such as: adapted vans, walkers, shower benches, hospital beds and more! It is strongly encouraged that you work with a medical professional when obtaining used durable medical equipment to ensure its safety, sanitation, and proper fit for your needs.

If you have any questions, call us toll-free at 1-800-750-6355 or email us at dail.atinfo@vermont.gov.

AT for Organizations

Our services are available for organizations too. Visit Vermont’s ATP Services for Organizations to learn more.

Assistive Technology Tryout Centers Around Vermont

Our AT Tryout Centers provide information on AT tools, strategies, and related resources; demonstrations; short-term equipment loans; group trainings and technical assistance around the latest assistive technology. Our services are available to all Vermonters, including individuals with disabilities, caregivers, educators and service providers. Please call or email to schedule an appointment or to receive further information about our services.

TOLL FREE: 1-800-750-6355 | EMAIL: dail.atinfo@vermont.gov

Our AT Tryout Centers provide information on AT tools, strategies, and related resources; demonstrations; short-term equipment loans; group trainings and technical assistance around the latest assistive technology. Our services are available to all Vermonters, including individuals with disabilities, caregivers, educators and service providers.

To schedule an appointment at any of our locations or to receive further information, please call or email:

TOLL FREE: 1-800-750-6355 | EMAIL: dail.atinfo@vermont.gov

Northwestern Tryout Center

Serves Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle countiesBurlington Tryout Center
110 Cherry Street, Suite 2-1
Burlington, Vermont 05401-3818

Staffed by AT Access Specialist, Quinby McLellan

Central VT & Northeast Kingdom Tryout Center

Serves Washington, Orange, Orleans, Lamoille, Caledonia, and Essex countiesWaterbury Tryout Center
280 State Drive, NOB 1 North
Waterbury, VT 05671-1090

Staffed by AT Access Specialist, Tracy Roux

Southern Vermont Tryout Center

Serves Windsor, Rutland, Bennington, and Windham counties.88 Merchants Row
190 Asa Bloomer Bldg.
Rutland, VT 05701

Staffed by AT Access Specialist, Ben Wimett

Castleton University Tryout Center

Stafford Academic Center
Room 138
251 South Street
Castleton, VT 05735

Staffed by AT Access Specialist, Ben Wimett.

Funding for Assistive Technology

If you have borrowed a piece of equipment from the Vermont Assistive Technology Program and found that it works well for you, we can provide you with vendor information. Please note, we do not sell equipment or provide financial loans.

Vermont Assistive Technology Program has compiled a Funding Guide (PDF) that you can use to locate alternative funding options to help you purchase your assistive technology. You can find out more on the Vermont Assistive Technology Program’s Funding website.

Additional External Resources