What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

Assistive technology is any tool, equipment or service designed to help develop, maintain or improve your ability to function in all aspects of your life. Assistive technology helps people of all ages who may have a broad range of disabilities or limitations.

AT can be anything from a simple (low-tech) device such as a magnifying glass, to a complex (high-tech) device, such as a computerized communication system. It can be big - an automated van lift for a wheelchair, or small - a grip attached to a pen or fork by Velcro. AT can also be a substitute - such as an augmentative communication device that provides vocal output for a child who cannot communicate with her voice.

For a listing of other items that may be considered AT, please check the AT Devices List.

How Can Iowa COMPASS help with AT?

Iowa COMPASS, along with the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT), has many services designed to assist people to obtain needed AT equipment. Descriptions of each service are below:

Product Search Service Information

If you are looking for a product that may help in your life, but aren't quite sure what it is, or you are sure but don't know where to get it from, Iowa COMPASS provides free product information on commercially available adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. People with disabilities or someone on their behalf may contact us and request information about the availability of assistive devices. We gather the information from a computer database on assistive technology and manufacturers, internet searches, an in-house collection of catalogs and product literature, and resource articles. Using these resources, an information specialist compiles and mails/emails a packet of information including the names, addresses, and phone numbers of companies that manufacture devices appropriate to the needs of the caller. Call us or email us.

Funding for Assistive Technology

Click this link for more information: Funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

Assistive Technology Legal Project

The AT Legal Project helps resolve funding questions and provides legal advocacy services for problems acquiring assistive devices. This project is limited to specific questions about barriers to getting devices. You may contact COMPASS by phone or email to discuss the possibility of a referral to the Assistive Technology Legal Project.

Used Equipment Referral Service

The Used Equipment Referral Service (UERS) is a free, computerized service that matches people who have assistive technology for sale with people who wish to buy such equipment. UERS does not list any medical equipment that requires a doctor's supervision, such as ventilators, nebulizers, oxygen equipment, etc. Item information on UERS is current for 60 days.

Many recent changes have been made to make UERS web site live! As soon as a new ad arrives, or an item expires or is sold, the web site reflects that information. Of course, not all people use the internet, so we offer print lists of the current equipment as well. However, print lists are only as current as the day they were mailed. To receive an updated list, a person can contact Iowa COMPASS at any time.

Access the UERS website by clicking the "Used Equipment (UERS)" link on the quick links menu at the top of the page. Anyone interested in contacting Iowa COMPASS about UERS can call 800-779-2001 or email compass-UERS@uiowa.edu.

Loan Closets

Iowa COMPASS maintains a list of programs called loan closets. These are programs that provide used assistive technology devices free or at a low cost. Each agency will have its own policies that determine what area they serve, who can use their service, and if there is a cost. To find a loan closet near you - either to donate equipment you no longer need or to find free or low cost equipment - contact Iowa COMPASS or do your own search using People to Programs (P2) keyword search. Type in "loan" and check the term "Assistive Technology Loan."

Practical Guide to Universal Home Design

Universal Design is the idea of making things comfortable and convenient for as many different people at as many stages of life as possible. Iowa COMPASS offers a booklet that can help you consider your options and increase the ease and flexibility of your home, room by room. This was originally produced by South East Metro Seniors Agenda for Independent Living, St. Paul, Minnesota. With their permission, we offer a reprint of this booklet free to Iowans. You can download a text version of the booklet at http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech/universalhomedesigntext.htm; or you can download a printable, PDF version of the booklet at www.uiowa.edu/infotech/universalhomedesign.pdf.

Iowa Contractors Network

Are you thinking about building an accessible home or modifying the one you live in right now? Iowa COMPASS has a list of contractors who understand accessibility issues. We hired a company called Facility Management Resources (now known as Midwest Accessibility Initiative) to train contractors around the state of Iowa. They learned about building accessible homes, universal design, and home modification. Then we created the Iowa Contractors Network (ICN) to list all the contractors who got the training. Call Iowa COMPASS today to find a trained contractor near you or do your own search using People to Programs (P2) keyword search. Type in "barrier" and check the term "Home Barrier Evaluation/Removal" for modification of an existing home or check "Accessible Home Construction" for the construction of a new home.

Or if you are a contractor or remodeler who would like training about accessibility, contact Kelly Dinges at 515-274-6981.

Transportation Dealers

Iowa COMPASS maintains a list of transportation dealers that provide Assistive Technology equipment including: platform lifts, van lifts, driving aides, and so on. The dealers may also provide a degree of installation and service work on products they represent and modifications based on consumer needs. Call Iowa COMPASS today to find a transportation dealer near you, or do your own search using People to Programs (P2) keyword search. Type in "auto" and check the term "Automobile/Van Adaptations".

For more information about assistive technology

The Iowa Program for Assistive Technology web site has additional web links, publications, and informational materials.