TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. It’s a great selling point for all kinds of products and services. But when it comes to Assistive Technology (AT) equipment and devices… the opportunity to trial tools and technology can be a game changer. Fortunately, that’s the concept behind the two distinct lending libraries that operate out of UCP’s Assistive Technology Services in Camp Hill.

The Centralized AT Lending Library has over 400 different types of technology and devices to support the independence of Pennsylvanians in their day-to-day lives and routines. This library offers everything from low-tech items such as adaptive gardening tools to the latest high-tech offerings in speech generating devices for nonverbal individuals.  Most items in the inventory have a loan period of 35 days—iPads and Chromebooks a little longer—providing plenty of time to determine the best solution for a given need.

ATRC Onsite Lending Library: Pennsylvania has 9 Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs), of which UCP is one, each with their own lending library to support the needs of people in their region. UCP’s onsite lending library serves individuals with disabilities in a 12-county area and is managed internally by UCP Assistive Technology staff. Our most popular items on loan include the Squiggles Stander, Pony Gait Trainer, and 2-in-1 Rollator Transport Chair. All the equipment may be loaned for a 5-week period, with the option to extend or renew the trial.

No matter which lending library you use, once you find a device that meets your needs, UCP’s AT staff will help guide you in finding appropriate funding resources available.

To learn more about how you can take advantage of these LENDING LIBRARY opportunities—contact: UCP Central PA’s AT services at 717-737-3477, or email ATUCP@ucpcentralpa.org

NOTE: TechOwl—Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Act program—provides funding that supports staffing of both lending libraries and continuous updating of equipment and technology available in the Centralized Assistive Technology Lending Library.