C. Rucker
(most of this content came from the new NEAT Marketplace brochure)
The Connecticut Institute for the Blind/Oak Hill is sponsoring a MiniExpo, Friday September, 24th in Hartford, CT. The expo entitled "A Sampling of Assistive Technology: Amazing Products and Hands On Demonstrations" is open to all and will introduce the New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Marketplace.
The NEAT Marketplace will consist of two components: an Assistive Technology (AT) Demonstration Center with both high and low tech devices, and an AT Equipment Restoration Center. The AT Demonstration Center will have: Exhibits with an array of state-of-the-art AT equipment; Demonstrations and training by professionals and vendors; An information and referral system; Opportunities for consumers to be assessed for appropriate use and fit of AT; Assistance with identifying funding sources for consumers.
The AT Equipment Restoration Center will restore donated equipment and sell it for the cost of the parts and repair, plus a small mark-up, to vendors who carry that line of equipment. The vendors will sell it to their customers at a small mark-up, enabling people with disabilities to purchase needed equipment at a fraction of its cost when new. This is essential for people who have no insurance, high deductibles, or co-insurance.
Since AT first became available, Connecticut has needed a center where people with disabilities could shop to try out a variety of equipment that is vital to their independence. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Rebecca Earl, of CIB/Oak Hill and others, the NEAT Marketplace will soon become a reality. The NEAT Marketplace will be located temporarily in the Auditorium building on the Oak Hill Campus; a new building is soon to be in the works with an opening date projected for September, 2001. The NEAT Marketplace will be directed by a Lee Learson, who has substantial experience running such a center. I'm sure individuals with disabilities, parents, and professionals will be delighted by this development. Everyone here at the A. J. Pappanikou Center is extremely pleased and enthusiastic about supporting the NEAT Marketplace however we can.
Spread the word about the MiniExpo:
A Sampling of Assistive Technology: Amazing Products and Hands
On Demonstrations September, 24th, from 10:00 AM to 6 PM
120 Holcomb Street
Hartford, CT 06112
860-242-2274
FAX: 860-242-3103
NEAT@ciboakhill.org
http://www.ciboakhill.org