About MassMATCH
MassMATCH is the statewide Assistive Technology (AT) Act Program funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. MassMATCH provides individuals with disabilities, family members, seniors, and professionals with resources to explore and obtain AT devices and services. MassMATCH serves individuals of all ages, in every environment, across the entire spectrum of disabilities. The program is administered by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and is funded by the AT Act of 1998, as amended.
What is AT?
Assistive Technology (AT) includes any item, piece of equipment, or system that improves, maintains, or increases the functional abilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology devices enable individuals with disabilities to perform tasks more effectively and for longer periods. AT covers a broad range—from simple items like pencil grips to specialized equipment such as power wheelchairs. It also includes specialized software and consumer electronics equipped with built-in accessibility features.
AT Regional Centers
MassMATCH partners with Easter Seals of Massachusetts and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Berkshire County to operate AT Regional Centers (ATRCs) in Eastern and Western Massachusetts. These Centers invite the public to visit and experience the latest AT devices firsthand without any obligation to choose a particular product. Services provided by the ATRCs, such as information and assistance, training sessions, device demonstrations, and short-term device loans, are entirely free. The Centers are located in Boston and Pittsfield. You can search or browse the available device loan inventory online at https://massmatch.org/find_at/borrow.php.
Learning About AT
AT Demonstration and Short-Term Loans
Device demonstration is the opportunity for an individual or group to see AT in action. Individuals with disabilities, family members, teachers, therapists and others come to the centers to learn about new AT products. Short-term Device Loans allow individuals to try devices for up to four weeks at a time in their intended environments. Both services allow users to make informed decisions or help fulfill short-term equipment needs.
ATRC Demo/Loan Activity in 2016
1,169 Devices Loaned
618 Device Loan Participants
155 Demonstrations
237 Demonstration Participants
Demonstration and Loan Participants
29% Family Members
25% Individuals with Disabilities
15% Reps of Technology
13% Reps of Education
10% Reps of Health, Allied Health, Rehab.
4% Reps of Community Living
1% Reps of Employment
Types of AT Loaned and Demonstrated
30% Computer and related
18% Daily Living
14% Speech Communication
11% Vision Devices
7% Hearing
7% Learning, Cognition and Development
6% Environmental Adaptation
2% Mobility and Seating
Information & Assistance, Training and Public Awareness
Information and assistance (I&A) is provided regarding AT devices and services, funding sources for AT, and other disability-related topics. Training sessions address various issues and are tailored to specific audiences.
During 2016:
3,271 individuals received I&A. Of these, 30% were individuals with disabilities, 26% represented health, allied health, and rehabilitation professions, and 20% represented education.
705 individuals attended AT training sessions statewide. Half of the attendees were individuals with disabilities; 31% were from health, allied health, and rehabilitation fields.
Public awareness efforts, including presentations, expos, conferences, internet outreach, emails, newsletters, and PSAs, reached an estimated 593,490 individuals.
Acquiring AT
The Massachusetts AT Loan Program
MassMATCH collaborates with Easter Seals MA and Santander Bank to help people with disabilities purchase AT devices and related services (such as device training). The Massachusetts AT Loan Program (MATLP) provides financial loans accessible to individuals who might typically be denied by traditional lenders.
In 2016, MATLP provided loans totaling $755,698 to 47 borrowers. Of the applicants, 51% had household incomes of $30,000 or less annually. The applicant approval rate was 48%, with a default rate of 4.5%.
The Long-Term Device Loan Program
Managed by Easter Seals MA, the Long-Term Device Loan Program provides equipment valued under $500 to individuals demonstrating financial need. Borrowers can keep the devices for as long as necessary.
In 2016, this program saved 117 borrowers a combined total of $31,052. The equipment provided included hearing, vision, and mobility aids, along with computers and devices supporting learning, cognition, and development.
Get AT Stuff.org—The AT Exchange in New England and New York
GetATStuff.org serves as the website for the Assistive Technology Exchange in New England and New York. Users can buy, sell, give away, or request equipment on the site.
In 2016, there were 30 successful exchanges, saving consumers an estimated $119,056 compared to retail prices. Additionally, 247 new users registered on the website.
REquipment DME Reuse Program
REquipment refurbishes donated items like wheelchairs, ramps, shower chairs, rollators, adapted strollers, and other gently-used durable medical equipment (DME). This program prevents valuable equipment from entering landfills and instead distributes it to individuals with disabilities.
During 2016:
REquipment expanded across Massachusetts, opening reuse centers in Canton, Boston, Amherst, Worcester, and Pittsfield.
Device recipients saved a total of $1,173,361.
669 devices were reassigned to individuals in need.
Program partners now include REquipment, Inc., the Department of Developmental Services, The Boston Home, Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, Stavros Center for Independent Living, and United Cerebral Palsy-Berkshire.
Additional Reuse Initiatives
MassMATCH also supports the additional DME reuse activities of Stavros CIL in Amherst and UCP in Pittsfield.
During 2016, these programs refurbished and reassigned 269 devices and saved recipients an estimated $218,824 over retail.
Summary of 2016 Reuse Activities:
30 Devices Exchanged
924 Devices Reassigned
117 Long-term Device Loans
In total, 1,071 devices were reutilized.
Success Highlights
Short-Term Device Loan Program
Andrew was only two years old when Boston Children’s Hospital recommended a Touch Chat device to help him communicate following a pediatric stroke. The hospital initially loaned him the speech-generating device but required its return after four weeks, just as Andrew was beginning to understand the difference between the Touch Chat and a regular iPad. However, insurance demanded proof that Andrew could effectively use the Touch Chat to make requests before approving a purchase. Thankfully, Andrew’s aunt learned about the device loan program at UCP-Berkshire, one of the MassMATCH AT Regional Centers. Without a waiting list, the ATRC loaned the family a Touch Chat device, enabling Andrew to work with it for eight months. This extended period allowed him to demonstrate his capabilities to the insurance company and continue developing his communication skills until his device was delivered. According to his mom, “If it wasn’t for UCP, Andrew wouldn’t be where he is now with language.”
Device Demonstration Program
For several years, many local colleges and universities in the Boston area with programs in assistive technology, education, occupational, and physical therapy have incorporated visits to and borrowing from ATRC-Boston into their mandatory curriculum. Feedback received in 2016 included this note:
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to have our entire class of Occupational Therapy students visit the ATRC today. This experience provides them with an invaluable learning opportunity. Being able to touch and try out various devices and software programs offers a far more meaningful learning experience than simply reading about them, attending lectures, or looking at slides.”
Long-Term Device Loan Program (LTDLP)
Katie had experienced homelessness for several years before finally receiving public assistance for housing and food. Despite this, she could not afford the recommended devices to manage her Asperger’s Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic, and sleep disorders. Through the LTDLP, Katie acquired a weighted blanket for nighttime use and a weighted shoulder wrap for daytime. She described the results as life-changing, significantly improving her sleep and overall daily functioning. Katie refers to the LTDLP as her true “security blanket.”
REquipment DME Reuse Program
Olivia, an active woman who uses a power-assist wheelchair and strongly advocates for herself, faced a dilemma when her DME company informed her they did not provide loaner equipment during repairs. Anticipating future needs, Olivia proactively reached out to the REquipment DME reuse program, which supplied her with a backup power wheelchair. A month later, the front caster on her primary wheelchair broke while crossing trolley tracks. The DME company took days to evaluate her chair and then required insurance approval to order a $21 replacement part. Thanks to her planning and REquipment’s assistance, Olivia avoided weeks confined to bed. (Olivia bypassed insurance delays by purchasing and installing the part herself and sending the bill to the transportation authority.)
Massachusetts AT Loan Program
In 2016, MATLP supported Alan, a U.S. veteran living with PTSD and other disabilities, in maintaining his independence. When Alan needed a vehicle, MATLP assisted him in securing a loan despite his limited income. Later, when the vehicle required significant repairs shortly after its warranty expired, MATLP modified his loan to cover these additional expenses, enabling Alan to remain mobile.
Coordination and Collaboration
No Wrong Door
MassMATCH has been advising on curriculum development for two series of training sessions provided to staff throughout the No Wrong Door system (managed by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and other state human service agencies). These trainings will equip Transition Coordinators, Options Counselors, Case Managers, Skills Trainers, and other personnel with the necessary skills and tools to assist seniors and people with disabilities in identifying AT that supports their independence at home.
Mobility and Adaptive Seating Clinics
During 2016, MassMATCH, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and the Stavros Center for Independent Living collaborated to offer three adaptive seating clinics for individuals with disabilities living in the Pioneer Valley. Utilizing their specialized knowledge in design, modification, and fabrication, DDS professionals resolved seating and positioning issues that existing community services had not adequately addressed. In FY16, 18 individuals benefited from these services, resolving issues that compromised their health and safety or restricted their independence.
Abilities Expo and EdCamp Access
In 2016, MassMATCH sponsored the Abilities Expo for the fourth consecutive year and was a Gold Sponsor for the fourth annual EdCamp Access Boston. The Abilities Expo is an energetic event held at the Boston Convention Center, offering attendees opportunities to explore the latest AT devices, adapted vehicles, and durable medical equipment. EdCamp Access, hosted at Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington, brings together special and general education teachers, therapists, students, parents, and others passionate about supporting struggling K-12 learners, often through the use of technology.
AT Advisory Council
MassMATCH receives guidance from an advisory council comprising community members and professionals who understand the critical role of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. The AT Act mandates that a majority of council members (at least 51%) must be individuals with disabilities who utilize assistive technology or family members or guardians of AT users. During FY16, the council consisted of 7 AT-user representatives, 6 family representatives, and 8 agency representatives focused on improving access for those benefiting from AT.
This document was prepared with the assistance of Kobena Bonney, MassMATCH Program Coordinator, MRC; Ann Shor, Director of Independent Living & Assistive Technology, MRC; Leo Tonevski, Director of Assistive Technology Services, Easter Seals-MA; Cash McConnell, ATRC Coordinator, UCP-Berkshire; Catherine Bly, ATRC Coordinator, Easter Seals-MA; and Eliza Anderson, MassMATCH Technical Writer.
MassMATCH is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and managed by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).
This publication does not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of ACL/HHS, and no official endorsement of the material should be inferred.