Our Programs
Assistive Technology Act
The AT Act allows ATLA to serve as a free resource center for Alaskans to learn about, access, acquire, and train with assistive technology (AT). Through this law, ATLA provides a variety of free services, including:
Information and Assistance
Demonstrations
Short-Term Equipment Loans
Agency Equipment Loans
Equipment Reutilization
These services are available to all Alaskans, regardless of age, disability, injury, income, or location within the state. You can learn more about these programs on our services page.
Funding limits:
AT Act funding does not allow us to provide equipment directly to individuals. It also cannot cover the cost of AT assessments, individualized trainings, or professional development trainings.
Get Started:
Complete a contact form to access any service.
Alaska Relay
The Alaska Relay Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP) provides free distance communication equipment and services to Alaskans who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Speech Disabled.
Qualifications
To take advantage of the TEDP, the individual must meet the following requirements (updated as of July 2022):
Applicant is an Alaskan Resident and over the age of 5
Purpose of the device is for distance communication and for personal use only
Signed application, proof of residence, and a signed professional certification form provided
If an applicant applies for an iPad with symbol-based AAC, an evaluation must be completed by a speech therapist
The certification form must be completed by a physician, audiologist or hearing-aid specialist, speech-language pathologist, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or a Special Education Teacher indicating:
Significant Hearing Loss,
Speech Disability,
Or a communication disorder which severely interferes with communicating effectively over the telephone.
Interview
Once we receive a completed application and proof of residency, a representative will contact the individual to conduct an interview to better understand their distance communication needs.
Solution Examples
Specialized Land-line Phones
Tablets
Apps to increase communication access
Mounting systems for communication devices
Signalers to alert of incoming notification
& More!
Services
Alaska Relay services are free and enable people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind or those with a speech disability to place and receive phone calls.
Relay calls can be made to anyone, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Communications Assistants are specially trained to facilitate the calls. All calls are completely confidential.
Learn more about these services at www.alaskarelay.com
The Alaska Telecommunications Relay Service is funded by a surcharge established by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
TechAbility
Qualified Alaskans will receive a guided consultation to determine assistive technology equipment that would best meet their needs. Additionally, the applicant will receive the equipment through a lifetime loan,* resources, training, and follow-up to ensure the proper use and the best outcome.
All Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries qualify for TechAbility. Unsure if you are a beneficiary? We can help determine if you qualify! Contact us today.
Solution Examples
Vision Aids (hand held magnifiers, digital magnifiers, high contrast notes, talking clock, etc.)
Hearing Assistance (assisted listening devices, amplifiers, flashing or vibrating alerting systems, etc.)
Daily Living Aids (adapted utensil holder, adaptive tableware, simplified clocks, tracking devices, cooking aids, etc.)
Smart Home Tech (voice-activated smart home tech, smart plugs, etc.)
Communication Aids (low-tech communication boards, pre-recorded communication aids, speech amplifiers, etc.)
& More!
Get Started:
Complete a contact form to find out if you qualify.
*Lifetime loan – devices are loaned for the lifetime of the equipment or the applicant’s lifetime. Should the devices no longer be useful but are still in good working order, ATLA requests that it is returned to be reutilized and given to another Alaskan in need.
Note: TechAbility is not an entitlement program and is based on need.
TechAbility grant funding was supported by the Alaska Mental Health Trust and provided by the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services (Grant No. C12-038-20001).
Partner Programs
AgrAbility
AgrAbility helps Alaskans who have a barrier to independently performing agriculture related goals
These farms include growing crops and horticulture, raising livestock, and even harvesting seafood. This program is to enhance the quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and their families impacted by disability or impairment.
AgrAbility offers the following services at no cost to customers:
Conducting on-site assessments to identify barriers to completing tasks both in the agricultural workplace and the home.
Recommending appropriate assistive technologies (equipment/tools/devices), modified work practices, and/or other possible solutions to overcoming disability-related limitations.
Providing access to informational materials on a variety of topics related to disability and agriculture.
Providing education/training opportunities through workshops, conferences, seminars, and on-line programs.
Referring customers to other service providers for potential assistance (e.g., financial, rehabilitative, educational) specific to the clients’ needs.
Arranging for peer support opportunities that connect customers with others who have successfully accommodated their disabilities.
Assisting military veterans seeking employment in agriculture-related occupations.
AgrAbility does not provide direct funding for equipment. However, ATLA can help Alaskans navigate available resources if funding is needed.
The Toolbox Assistive Technology Database Online provides information on more than 1,000 assistive products to a worldwide audience.
ATLA and the UAF Cooperative Extension Office have partnered on this USDA-funded program. For questions or more information contact ATLA at atla@atlaak.org.
HomeMAP
The Home Modifications for Aging in Place (HomeMAP) program helps Alaskans
navigate funding and options for making their homes safe and accessible.
Step 1 - Apply
If you are interested in applying for the HomeMAP program, please email Tracy Golly at tracy@atlaak.org for more information and assistance.
Step 2 - Home Survey
Staff will come to your home to meet with you to gain a better understanding of your accessible home options and a customized report for your home will be created.
Step 3 - Modifications
Funding for services and modifications is provided by one of the following grantees: NeighborWorks of Alaska, Alaska Community Development Corp, or RurAL CAP. The maximum grant available for owner-occupied homes is $15,000, $12,000 for rentals. One grant is provided per household. Time of completion for modifications depends on scope of work and grantee log.
Get Started
Having trouble accessing our contact form? Use this link to contact us: https://form.jotform.com/212436156679160