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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, 2009, and ending September, 2010, IPAT increased assistive technology (AT) acquisition and access by:
• Providing 196 device demonstrations at IPATs' Technology Access Centers, reaching 238 people;
• Making 198 device loans through the IPAT Equipment Loan Library;
• Helping 12 state residents locate used AT devices through the used equipment online AT Swap ‘ Shop, for a cost savings of $15,900;
• Helping 25 state residents locate re-cycled equipment for a cost savings of $4,151;
• Helping 170 state residents obtain AT through reassignment activities for a cost savings of $58,697;
• Responding to 1,275 individual requests for AT information;
• Delivering training on AT to 302 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 252,358 individuals through newsletters, the Internet, public service announcements, print materials, presentations, and expos
• Publishing a bi-monthly newsletter with a readership of over 3,000
• Collaborating to sponsor the 7th Annual AT Expo, highlighting 58 vendors and reaching an audience of over 500 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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