Funded through Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) we provided Assistive Technology Services as an Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) such as:

  • Public Awareness
  • Training and Technical Assistance
  • Acquisition of Assistive Technology Services
  • Equipment Reutilization (REEP & A New Start)
  • Device Demonstrations
  • Provide Funding Resources

PIAT Assistive Technology Lending Library  is a free, state-supported program that loans AT devices to Pennsylvanians of all ages. This program allows you to try a device for a limited time (typically 2-8 weeks) to be sure it meets your needs at home, on the job, at school or in your community – before you buy it. If you find that the device isn’t right for you, you can borrow another.

  • Offer a wide selection of devices to borrow that can help with communication, daily living, hearing, reading, visual impairments and many other activities of everyday life.
  • Offer device manuals and instructions in alternative format to increase device accessibility.
  • Ship the device(s) to the consumer and them up when loan period is over.
  • Provide and/or arrange for support services for consumers who are borrowing devices and who are in need of such services.

Survey each consumer receiving support, providing each consumer with a “Borrower Support Satisfaction” form to complete and return

PIAT Pennsylvania’s Telecommunication Device Distribution Program  provides specialized equipment, without charge, to eligible Pennsylvanians with disabilities that impede independent access to telephone services. Created through PA ACT 34-1995, the TDDP is implemented by Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, in conjunction with the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the PA Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

  • Provide exhibits, displays, presentations and other opportunities for potential customers to learn about the program.
  • Provide or arrange for assistance for TDDP recipients who are having difficulty applying for and or using their equipment.
  • Assist PIAT in providing follow up to ensure consumers received equipment.

Serves: Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga & Union

Let A New Start help get you on your way.

A New Start provides gently used medical equipment and assistive technology devices to individuals who are unable to obtain what they need through ordinary channels.  Our goal is to reutilize home medical equipment and other devices that are sitting around unused, and get the equipment to someone in need.   A New Start reutilization program is offered as a service of Roads To Freedom.

How it works: Roads To Freedom (RTF) works with other agencies and organizations to provide assistance to individuals who might benefit from reutilized equipment. There is no fee for equipment and all requests are on a first come- first served basis.  We prefer that individuals or family/friend pick up equipment at Roads To Freedom.  If this is not possible, RTF will work with the individual to identify someone who can assist with pick up/delivery of equipment. Once an individual receives a piece of equipment, it belongs

to them until they no longer need it. If the equipment is still in good condition they may choose to donate it back to A New Start to be reused again.

Eligibility:  Any resident of Pennsylvania who needs equipment but has no other means of obtaining it may receive items from A New Start equipment exchange and reutilization program.

Our main service region covers nine counties in North Central PA but donations will be accepted and distributed to anyone throughout the state, provided arrangements can be made for delivery and/or pick up.

Donations:  We accept donations from agencies, businesses and private individuals. All donations are tax deductible.

Types of equipment: walkers, Hoyer lifts, bath chairs, toilet chairs, transfer benches, transfer boards, manual/power wheelchairs, scooters, daily living aids, assistive listening devices, computers, and communication devices.