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About Us
What Is IPAT
The Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) increases access to assistive technology in North Dakota by engaging in activities that raise awareness, disseminate information, provide training and assessments, work with policy makers, loan equipment for trial-use, and demonstrate assistive technology (AT) devices to individuals of all ages with disabilities and those experiencing the effects of aging throughout the state. IPAT increases AT acquisition by making available a used equipment bulletin board and an alternative financial loan program specific to the purchase of AT devices and services.
During the program year beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2009, IPAT increased assistive technology (AT) access and acquisition by:
• providing 173 device demonstrations at IPAT's Technology Access Centers, reaching 224 people;
• making 188 device loans through the IPAT Equipment Loan Library;
• helping 29 state residents locate used AT devices through the used equipment on-line Swap 'n Shop, for a cost savings of $71,877,;
• granting loans to 10 individuals through the Alternative Financial Loan Program with the average loan of $16,767 for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services;
• responding to 1,275 individual requests for AT information;
• delivering training on AT to 499 people in North Dakota and the surrounding region, most of whom were representatives of community living, followed by those in the fields of education and health;
• engaging in a variety of public awareness activities to promote the use and understanding of AT; reaching 283,432 individuals through newsletters, the internet, public service announcements, print materials, presentations and expos;
• publishing a bi-monthly newsletter with a readership of just over3,000
• collaborating to sponsor the 6th Annual AT Expo, highlighting 60 AT vendors and reaching an audience of 530 people; and
• coordinating with various agencies, non-profits, and the private sector to assure the consideration of AT in education, rehabilitation, work, community, and home environments.
In addition to these activities, IPAT also engaged in AT assessments, and administered the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Service and the Assistive Safety Device Distribution Service for the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division.
IPAT is the AT leader in the state, insuring that the rapid advances in technology are not leaving hundreds of North Dakotan's with disabilities behind at work, school, home, and in their community.
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