1. A New Resource! Higher Education and Assistive Technology (HEAT)
Presenters:
Amanda Reinsfelder, Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
Phone:
Bill Welsh, Director, the Office for Disability Services at Penn State University
Phone:

2. Pennsylvania’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service

3. VISION A society where all people are valued and respected, and where all people have the knowledge, opportunity and power to improve their lives and the lives of others.
MISSION The Institute on Disabilities leads by example, creating connections and promoting networks within and among communities so that people
with disabilities are recognized as integral to
the fabric of community life.

4. What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
“any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capacities of individuals with disabilities.”
From the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) of 1998, as amended. Also from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

5. What is HEAT?
HEAT or the Higher Education Assistive Technology Lending Program is an enhancement to PIAT or the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Lending Library.
HEAT enables students with disabilities enrolled in PA postsecondary programs to borrow equipment for up to one semester.

6. Who is eligible for HEAT?
Applicants must:
Be a part-time or full-time student attending a postsecondary education program in PA.
Meet eligibility criteria for receiving services with the office that serves students with disabilities at the postsecondary education program.
Have a disability that requires the specified AT.
If a student does not meet these requirements, they may still be eligible to borrow equipment through PA’s AT Lending Library.

7. Disability Services in Postsecondary Education
Every postsecondary education institution (college, university, vocational training etc.) must have a designated person or office that provides disability services for students with disabilities.
At most postsecondary institutions, students requesting disability services are required to:
self-disclose their need for academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and/or services to the designated person or office.
demonstrate through documentation that the disorder/impairment meets the definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 1973.
comply with the published policies and procedures for seeking academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and services.

8. Where can I get AT?
Postsecondary Institution’s Department of Disability Services
Statewide Assistive Technology Lending Library
Temporary Loans for 2-6 weeks

9. But I Need the Device for a Class…
Higher Education Assistive Technology Lending Library (HEAT)
Browse available devices
Apply for a loaned device for one semester

10. Website looks like:

13. Device Pages

14. Online Application Option

16. Two options for loan requests

17. Online Option

18. Loan Request Form - Hard Copy

25. Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, 610 USB, 1601 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
PIAT Web Address:
Address:
Phone: (voice) (TTY)
HEAT Web Address:
Statewide Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRC) Web Address:
Contact PIAT for any questions you may have.

26. Good Things to Know… Software is sent with a laptop
Applications are sent to the Assistive Technology Resource Center
Equipment is delivered to the noted address on the request form

27. Tips for Students and Disability Service Providers Applying to HEAT
Students requesting equipment through HEAT should make an appointment with their disability service provider.
The student should send the Web address for HEAT to their disability service provider prior to the scheduled appointment. This will provide the disability service provider time to become familiar with HEAT.
The disability service provider should read the HEAT Web site, the application, and the equipment loan process carefully to make sure it meets the student’s and the institution’s needs.
The student and the disability service provider should fill out the application together and determine that the equipment loan will work for both parties.

28. Tips for Students Transitioning to Postsecondary Education Requesting Assistive Technology (AT)
Ask for an assistive technology evaluation while in high school.
Experiment with various AT while in high school.
Apply to the Office for Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). OVR may be able to provide an AT evaluation for eligible individuals.
Visit the various colleges that you have applied and inquire about their knowledge of AT. What AT are students at the college currently using? Is the college familiar with the AT you are utilizing? How do students with disabilities access AT at the college?
Make sure that documentation presented to the postsecondary institution supports the necessity for AT requested in college.
Contact the disability services office early and begin the eligibility process while still in high school.

29. Tips for Students Transitioning to Postsecondary Education Requesting Assistive Technology (AT)
Postsecondary institutions are not responsible for acquiring AT or adaptive equipment that is utilized for personal use such as software installed on personal computers.
Postsecondary institutions are required to provide equal access. If computer equipment is provided for all students (e.g., in a computer lab) then AT must be provided that allows access to the hardware or software in those labs for individual with disabilities.
Requests for AT should be made as soon as possible to allow the postsecondary institution enough time to acquire AT if not already available. Don’t assume the institution already has AT or adaptive equipment.
HEAT is a means of obtaining AT by the student to utilize while the AT equipment is being purchased by the postsecondary institution.