VATS Links


Virginia Assistive Technology System
The purpose of the system is to increase the availability of technology to Virginians of all ages. VATS is a statewide systems change project committed to improving the quality of life for all Virginians by increasing awareness and accessibility of assistive technology. Administered by the Department of Rehabilitative Services and guided by the Virginia Council on Assistive Technology, a variety of consumer driven activities and programs, information, and technical assistance are provided on devices, services and funding resources. In partnership with consumers, employers, educators, public and private agencies, VATS strives to bring about change in practice, policies, and laws to improve access to assistive technology.

Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority
The ATLFA makes loans to Virginians with disabilities, and their family members, which feature easier loan approval criteria, flexible terms and low  interest rates.    The ATLFA makes loans and loan guarantees to families on fixed incomes, or who have credit problems related to their disability. Loans may be used to purchase special technology, home and vehicle modifications.

Consumer Service Fund (CSF)
The Consumer Service Fund (CSF) is a "fund of last resort" which enables individuals with a physical or sensory disability to access a service or device that cannot be funded through existing programs. Residents of Virginia who do not qualify for an ATLFA loan may be eligible for assistance through the Consumer Service Fund, which has repayment terms based on the individual's ability to repay.

WWRC Assistive Technology Services
The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is the first state-owned and operated comprehensive rehabilitation center in the country. Staff at WWRC provide training and therapy to people with disabilities to enable them to re-enter the work force and live more independently. Visit the direct link http://wwrc.virginia.gov/assistivetech.htm to seek information about assistive technology.

Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
The Department of Rehabilitative Services provides services to help Virginians with disabilities become more independent and self-sufficient. It works in partnership with people with disabilities, their families, and public and private service providers to ensure high quality, timely and efficient service delivery.

Abledata.com
ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, it can help you locate the companies that do.

CAST
Universal Computer Design Center for Applied Special Technology

Disability Resource Links
This list of links is maintained by VATS are made available to you to locate service providers, vendors and assistive technology-related sites.

Disabled Dealer Magazine
Online version of a valuable magazine with information about used accessible vans, scooters, wheelchairs, and other items which are for sale by individuals and businesses.

EASI
Equal Access to Software and Information

Family Center on Technology and Disability
A resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. We offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive technologies.

New Mobility
A lifestyle magazine for wheelchair users, covers health, employment issues, relationships, recreation, travel, legal issues, products and more.  

RESNA
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology

Trace Center
Information resources and software

The Wheelchair Site
An unbiased resource about wheelchairs. It is not affiliated with any wheelchair manufacturers or wheelchair distributors and does not sell products directly. However, it features a list of helpful shopping links at the top of each page to put you in contact with the relevant suppliers who can answer product related questions.

9th Annual Accessing Higher Ground Conference: Assistive Technology and Accessible Media in Higher Education
Disability Services at the University of Colorado at Boulder presents the "Accessing Higher Ground Conference.  It focuses on the implementation and benefits of Assistive Technology in the university and college setting for sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Other topics include legal and policy issues, including ADA and 508 compliance, and making campus media and information resources - including Web pages and library resources - accessible.
November 7 - 10, 2006

Assistive Technology

Alliance for Technology Access
Closing the Gap
Cornucopia of Disability Information:AT
Computer Access: Macintosh
Computer Access: Windows
Microsoft Accessibility
Web Accessibility
Abledata
AAC Intervention
Assistive and Adaptive Computing Technology In Special Education

Accessibility to Distance Learning

The Accessibility in Distance Education Website was created by University of Maryland’s University College, which specializes in adult distance learning. The site offers simple, straightforward information, resources, and best practices. 

People With Disabilities Foundation offers employers information, products, and training on how to best accommodate people with disabilities, including psychiatric ones.