STAR Program
The MSUM Regional Assistive Technology Center (RATC) has recently partnered with the Minnesota STAR Program, which works with established assistive technology (AT) loan programs to provide loans and demonstrations of AT devices to Minnesota’s older adults and those with disabilities. The STAR Program strives to increase consumer understanding of AT devices through demonstrations and short- and long-term loans.
The STAR Program allows for short term loans of 30 days or fewer to determine if a requested device will meet your needs. Open-ended loans that allow you to keep previously used devices as long as needed are also available.
For more information, contact the Speech, Language & Hearing Clinic.
AT Device Demonstrations
Assistive technology demonstrations will be provided so you will be able to:
- Compare features among devices
- Learn about and explore the devices
- Receive education from professionals
- Help determine the fit of a device
Short-Term AT Device Loans
Short-term AT device loans are available in order to:
- Assist in decision making
- Serve as a loaner during repairs
- Provide short-term accommodations
- Allow you to conduct training or other professional activities
Open-Ended AT Device Loans
Open-ended AT device loans are available to allow you to keep the device as long as needed. Once a device is no longer necessary, it must be returned.
Demonstrations and loans are available in the following areas:
- Speech communication (e.g. AAC)
- Hearing (e.g. assistive listening devices)
- Vision (e.g. portable video magnifier)
- Environmental controls (e.g. switches)
- Learning, cognition, development (e.g. text-to-speech)
- Recreation, sports and leisure (e.g. bowling ball pusher)
- Computers and related peripherals (e.g. foot mouse)
- Daily living (e.g. adapted utensils)
- Mobility (e.g. cane)
These AT devices are commonly used in community living, education and employment environments.